User manual
Sony Alpha a7 III Mirrorless Digital

User Manual for Sony Alpha a7 III Mirrorless Digital Camera with 28-70mm Lens HDR Filmmaker Kit

• Product category: Mirrorless System Cameras Sony
• Brand: Sony
• Description and content of package
• Technical information and basic settings
• Frequently asked questions – FAQ
• Troubleshooting (does not switch on, does not respond, error message, what do I do if...)
• Authorized service for Sony Mirrorless System Cameras

Product description

• Sony Alpha a7 III Mirrorless Digital Camera with 28-70mm Lens
  • First Look: Sony A7 III
  • Hands-On Review | Sony Alpha a7 III
  • Sony | a | a7 III - Product Feature
  • Sony | a | a7 III - Unveil
  • Sony | a | a7 III - Full frame 4K HDR (HLG) sample movie
  Distinguished by its updated sensor design, the Alpha a7 III Mirrorless Digital Camera from Sony is a well-rounded camera suitable for both photo and video applications in a variety of working situations. Refined for improved speed and low-light performance, the full-frame 24.2MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor pair to realize an impressive 10 fps continuous shooting rate and improved autofocus performance for faster, more reliable subject tracking along with wide frame coverage. This updated Fast Hybrid AF System employs a combination of 693 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection areas for quicker acquirement of focus in a variety of lighting conditions, and also maintains focus on subjects more effectively. In addition to speed and AF, the processing improvements also help to realize greater image clarity and reduced noise throughout the sensitivity range from ISO 100-51200, which can further be expanded to ISO 50-204800. Video recording capabilities have also been extended for enhanced quality when recording UHD 4K video with the full width of the full-frame sensor to minimize moiré and aliasing. Additionally, benefitting both stills and video operation, the a7 III utilizes a 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE sensor-shift image stabilization, which is now effective to minimize the appearance of camera shake by up to 5 stops.
  
  Beyond just updates to the imaging system, the a7 III's body design has also been revised to include a rear 3.0" 922k-dot touchscreen LCD, which has a tilting design to better support working from high and low angles. A 2.36m-dot Tru-Finder OLED EVF is also featured for bright and clear eye-level monitoring. For greater shooting flexibility, dual SD memory card slots are now featured, and a larger NP-FZ100 battery is also employed to achieve up to approximately 710 shots per charge. Suiting the camera's use in trying conditions, the magnesium-alloy chassis and weather-sealing also render the a7 III dust- and moisture-resistant.
  24.2MP Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor and BIONZ X Image Processor
  • Featuring a back-illuminated design, the full-frame 24.2-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor works with the BIONZ X image processor to offer high-resolution stills and video while minimizing noise and improving speed. This sensor structure works with a gapless on-chip lens design and an anti-reflection coating to improve light collection and enhance detail. Also, the copper wiring layer dramatically improves data transmission speed for creating 14-bit, high-resolution stills with a native sensitivity range from ISO 100-51200, which can be further expanded to ISO 50-204800. Also, it enables internal UHD 4K video recording with a wide dynamic range using the full width of the full-frame sensor. The BIONZ X processor also works in conjunction with a high-speed front-end LSI to realize faster processing times along with the ability to capture an impressive 15-stop dynamic range at low sensitivity values.
    
    The sensor and processor combination also avails fast continuous shooting at up to 10 fps at full resolution, for up to 177 consecutive frames, and with full-time AF/AE when working with either a mechanical shutter or an electronic shutter. If shooting in live view mode, a continuous shooting rate of up to 8 fps is also possible.
  Fast Hybrid AF System
  • An evolved 4D FOCUS system now employs a combination of 693 phase-detection points, which cover approximately 93% of the frame, along with 425 contrast-detection areas for reliable and quick autofocus and subject tracking performance. This Fast Hybrid AF System now achieves twice the focusing speed and more reliable tracking compared to previous a7 models, as well as improved low-light focusing. The use of phase-detection points also enables the use of A-mount lenses via the optional LA-EA3 or LA-EA1 lens mount adapters with full continuous AF/AE tracking compatibility.
    
    The apt focus system also lends itself to a variety of focusing functions for refined accuracy, including Lock-on AF, which maintains focus on moving subjects throughout the use of a configurable frame that is set over the desired moving subject, and Expand Flexible Spot, which employs neighboring focus points to retain focus on moving subjects even if the originally selected point loses focus. Additionally, Eye AF can be used to base focus on recognized subjects' eyes for portraits and is available in both AF-S and AF-C modes. Autofocus can also be used in conjunction with the Focus Magnifier function for critical focus when homing in on minute subject details. The rear touchscreen can also be used for Touch Focus control, and a Touchpad Focus Control mode lets you use the rear screen intuitively while keeping your eye to the viewfinder.
  5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Image Stabilization
  • Packed into the robust a7 III is a 5-stop effective 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization system that compensates for five different types of camera shake encountered during handheld shooting of stills and video. This allows users to confidently use any lens, even adapted lenses, for critical imaging without encountering blur from camera shake.
    
    For long focal lengths, the system will correct for pitch and yaw adjustments. Macro and high-magnification imagery, on the other hand, will benefit from the inclusion of horizontal and vertical shift compensation. All shooting styles will get usage out of the roll compensation. All 5 axes of stabilization will function at all times, even when used with third-party lenses and adapters or lenses with built-in optical stabilization.
  UHD 4K Video Recording in XAVC S Format
  • Internal recording of UHD 4K movies is possible in multiple frame rates up to 30 fps and using 2.4x oversampling renders greater detail and full pixel readout is possible, that is void of pixel binning, for higher quality imagery with reduced moiré and aliasing. Full-frame 4K recording has also been dramatically improved for improved quality when working at mid to high sensitivities to permit full use of the entire sensor width. Full HD 1080p recording is also supported in frame rates up to 120 fps, and both resolutions utilize the 100 Mb/s XAVC S format contained within an MP4 wrapper with 4:2:0 sampling. The high-speed, 120 fps recording also enables 4x and 5x slow-motion movie recording with the frame rate set to either 30p or 24p. In addition to high-resolution internal recording, uncompressed HDMI output also enables the use of an optional external recorder for clean 4K recording with 4:2:2 sampling.
    
    Affording extensive customizable color and gamma controls, the a7 III allows users to adjust the gamma, black level, knee, color level, and more. Also, users can use the same S-Log2 Gamma Curve that is found on high end Sony Cinema cameras that squeezes up to 1300% more dynamic range into the video signal then traditional REC709, for increased post-production flexibility. HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) support is also available, along with the BT.2020 color space, for recording within a wide color gamut and, in addition to S-Log2, S-Log3 is also available for producing an effective 14-stop dynamic range with increased grading control in the shadow to mid-tone regions of the image.
  Body Design and Built-In Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
  • • An XGA OLED Tru-Finder EVF is featured, and has a 2.36m-dot resolution and 0.78x magnification for bright, clear viewing in high detail. This viewfinder design also affords the use of autofocus in the Focus Magnifier mode as well as improved focusing peaking to benefit manual focus operation.
    • In addition to the EVF, a 3.0" 922k-dot rear LCD is also available, which has a touch panel design for intuitive operation and focusing control. The screen also tilts upward 107° and downward 41° to benefit working from high and low angles.
    • Magnesium-alloy chassis assures rigidity, durability, and stability while remaining lightweight. The lens mount has also been improved to better support heavy lenses and the grip rigidity has been improved for more comfortable hand-holding.
    • Weather-sealing has been employed to resist dust and moisture for reliable operation in harsh weather conditions.
    • Using the NP-FZ100 battery, the a7 III has improved battery life and is now rated for approximately 710 shots per charge.
    • Dual SD memory card slots allow for flexible file saving and handling, and can be configured to partition raw and JPEG files or can be used for overflow recording. One of the card slots is rated to support UHS-II memory cards.
    • A USB 3.0 Type-C port has been added, in addition to a micro-USB port, for faster, more reliable tethering support. The USB Type-C connection allows the camera to be charged from the host power source while connected.
    • Built-in Wi-Fi enables the a7 III to instantly share imagery to mobile devices for direct sharing online to social networking, via email, and to cloud storage sites. NFC (Near Field Communication) is also supported, which allows for one-touch connection between the camera and compatible mobile devices; no complex set-up is required. Once connected, the linked mobile device can also display a live view image on its screen and remotely control the camera's shutter.
    • Bluetooth connectivity allows for location data acquisition.
  FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens
  • Included with the camera is the versatile wide-angle to portrait-length FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens. This lens features one extra-low dispersion element and three aspherical elements to control both chromatic and spherical aberrations throughout the zoom range. A linear autofocus motor, coupled with an internal focusing design, offers quick and quiet focusing performance to suit both stills and video shooting. Additionally, Optical SteadyShot image stabilization minimizes the appearance of camera shake and a weather-sealed design permits working in inclement conditions.
  Other Camera Features
  • • A Ratings function lets you assign star values, from 1-5, to images in-camera for faster editing and sorting at home during post-production.
    • An advanced 1200-zone evaluative exposure metering sensor delivers consistent and accurate results using multi-segment, center-weighted, or spot metering modes.
    • Highlight and Average metering modes helps avoid blown-out highlights and provide stable auto-exposure, respectively.
    • Anti-flicker shooting automatically recognizes and times the shutter action to minimize the flicker effect for more consistent results on still images.
    • Picture Effect modes: Posterization (Color), Posterization (B/W), Pop Color, Retro Photo, Partial Color (R/G/B/Y), High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera (Normal/Cool/Warm/Green/Magenta), and Soft High-Key.
    • Creative Style modes: Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night Scene, Autumn leaves, Black & White, Sepia, Style Box (1-6), (Contrast (-3 to +3 steps), Saturation (-3 to +3 steps), Sharpness (-3 to +3 steps).
  UPC: 027242910775
• Atomos Ninja V 5" 4K HDMI Recording Monitor
  • First Look: Sony A7 III
  • Hands-On Review | Sony Alpha a7 III
  • Sony | a | a7 III - Product Feature
  • Sony | a | a7 III - Unveil
  • Sony | a | a7 III - Full frame 4K HDR (HLG) sample movie
  The Atomos Ninja V 5" 4K HDMI Recording Monitor is a 5" on-camera monitor/recorder that records and plays back DCI 4K, UHD 4K, and HD video from purpose-built mini-SSDs. It features a 10-bit FRC IPS screen with a brightness of 1000 cd/m², which makes it suitable for use in both exterior and interior conditions. The AtomHDR display technology allows you to accurately monitor your log gamma footage without having to view flat, washed-out looking images or use a LUT to compress the dynamic range and color space. The monitor supports popular log formats from Sony, Canon, Panasonic, ARRI, RED, and JVC cameras. The settings only affect viewing, with recorded video remaining unaltered.
  
  Built to withstand the rigors of production, the Ninja V features an aluminum chassis and powers from a single L-series battery. Additional features include a variety of onscreen exposure analysis, framing, and focus assist tools, as well as anamorphic de-squeeze. A power supply and SSD Caddy are included with the unit. Designed with an interface that differs somewhat from prior units, the Ninja V's HDR functions are accessed through the MON buttons and its ProRes options are chosen via the arrows on the unit's upper left corner. The Ninja V can record to both AtomX SSDmini or standard 2.5" SSD drives, fitting up to 150 minutes of 4K video on an 1TB drive. Separately available AtomX Ethernet/NDI and SYNC Expansion Modules enable you to output live video over IP or add wireless timecode for multicamera shoots respectively.

  AtomHDR

  • With AtomHDR you can monitor up to ten stops of dynamic range of your camera's LOG image. Most conventional monitors can only display six or seven stops, which is fine for standard footage; but a Log image will look overly flat. It is also superior to monitoring with a loaded LUT, which can clip the highlights and mask shadows.

  Supported Log Formats

  • • ARRI Log C
    • Canon CLog / CLog 2
    • Fuji F-Log
    • JVC JLog
    • Sony SLog2 / SLog3
    • Panasonic Vlog
    • RED LogFilm

  HDR Recording

  • • ARRI Log CEI160 / LogCEI200 / LogCEI250 / LogCEI320/ LogCEI400 / LogCEI500 / LogCEI640 / LogCEI800 / LogCEI1000 / LogCEI1280 / LogCEI1600
    • Canon CLog / CLog2 / Clog3
    • Fuji F-Log
    • JVC JLog1
    • Panasonic Vlog
    • PQ10k, HLG
    • RED LogFilm / Log3G10 / Log3G12
    • Sony SLog / SLog2 / SLog3

  HDR Monitoring

  • • ARRI ALEXA Wide Gamut
    • Canon Cinema / DCI P3 / DCI P3+ / BT2020
    • Fuji F-Log
    • JVC LS300
    • Panasonic V Gamut
    • Rec. 2100
    • Rec. 709
    • RED DragonColor / DragonColor2 / RedColor2 / RedColor3 / RedColor4 / RedWideGamut
    • Sony SGamut / SGamut3 / SGamut3.cine / BT2020
    • Wide Color Gamut (SGamut / SGamut3 / SGamut3.cine / Canon Cinema / BT2020 / DCI P3 / DCI P3+ / Panasonic V Gamut / ARRI ALEXA Wide Gamut) mapping to Rec. 709 on screen
    • Wide Color Gamut (SGamut / SGamut3 / SGamut3.cine / Canon Cinema / BT2020 / DCI P3 / DCI P3+ / Panasonic V Gamut / ARRI ALEXA Wide Gamut) mapping to Rec. 709 / BT2020 / DCI P3 on loop out

  4K 60p Capabilities

  • Record high-resolution 4K footage in DCI or UHD formats up to 60 fps, including 24 and 25 fps for a more film-like aesthetic. All recordings are stored as high-quality Apple ProRes or Avid DNxHR files with 10-bit 4:2:2 chroma subsampling. A variety of bit rates are available to fit your project and storage needs.

  SSD Recording

  • Record to standard 2.5" SSD drives or to compact AtomX SSDmini drives, capturing up to 150 minutes of 4K video on a 1TB drive.

  Audio I/O

  • Input/output audio via HDMI or add external audio via the 3.5mm Line In/Mic In port; output audio using the 3.5mm headphone port for convenient audio monitoring.

  5" Daylight Viewable Screen

  • The Ninja V features a 5" IPS LCD screen that is illuminated by a bright 1000 cd/m² LED backlight, making it possible to view in daylight without requiring a hood. Plus, the screen is also color calibrated from the factory to ensure accurate image representation.

  HDR Signal Management

  • Log and HDR signals can be difficult to monitor with conventional equipment. Though, with the Ninja V's built-in HDR signal management functions, the log signal can be converted to the PQ standard for compatibility with existing consumer and professional HDR equipment.

  Anamorphic De-Squeeze

  • The Ninja V supports Anamorphic de-squeeze, allowing you to comfortably view anamorphic footage with a squeeze of 2x, 1.5x, 1.33, and Panasonic's 8:3.

  Edit-Ready Recording

  • Incoming video signals can be recorded in a wide range of Apple ProRes and Avid DNx codecs which maintain high quality while not requiring the storage space of uncompressed video. Both ProRes and DNx are edit-friendly, requiring no conversion in post-production to ensure smooth playback and compatibility with most common video editing software.

  Optional Expansion Modules

  • The Ninja V features a bidirectional high-speed video port along with power and audio which enables the use of the AtomX Ethernet/NDI and SYNC modules along with future module releases.
  UPC: 814164021074
• Elvid Heavy Duty Camera Shoe Mount Adapter with Ball Head for Monitors
  • First Look: Sony A7 III
  • Hands-On Review | Sony Alpha a7 III
  • Sony | a | a7 III - Product Feature
  • Sony | a | a7 III - Unveil
  • Sony | a | a7 III - Full frame 4K HDR (HLG) sample movie
  Add a monitor to your video recording system with this aluminum Heavy Duty Camera Shoe Mount Adapter with Ball Head from Elvid. This convenient accessory mounts directly to a camera's shoe mount, and allows for the attachment of a full array of video accessories. Specifically meant to attach monitors or small lights to your camcorder or camera while shooting video, this ball head has a single locking knob for fast and safe operation, and is easily removable. Accessories attach via the 1/4"-20 screw thread on top, and the bottom features a removable shoe mount and a 3/8" thread. The shoe mount itself is removable and features its own 3/8"-16 mounting screw, in case you want to use it without the ball head. Note: Due to its compact design, this ball head should not be used to support a camera.
  • Removeable shoe mount on bottom and 1/4"-20 screw on top allows for multiple applications
  • Single locking knob for safe and fast operation
  • Head itself allows for 90º vertical articulation
  • Fits most standard shoe mounts (except for Sony flash shoe)
  UPC: 847628578029
• Atomos Right-Angle Micro to Full HDMI Coiled Cable (11.8 to 17.7")
  • First Look: Sony A7 III
  • Hands-On Review | Sony Alpha a7 III
  • Sony | a | a7 III - Product Feature
  • Sony | a | a7 III - Unveil
  • Sony | a | a7 III - Full frame 4K HDR (HLG) sample movie
  The 11.8 to 17.7" Right-Angle Micro to Full HDMI Coiled Cable from Atomos is coiled to prevent clutter, but it can extend up to 17.7". It has a right-angled micro connector for use with the Ninja Star recorder. UPC: 853815005667
• Atomos Power Kit for Shogun/Ninja Inferno & Flame
  • First Look: Sony A7 III
  • Hands-On Review | Sony Alpha a7 III
  • Sony | a | a7 III - Product Feature
  • Sony | a | a7 III - Unveil
  • Sony | a | a7 III - Full frame 4K HDR (HLG) sample movie
  The Atomos Power Kit includes two NP-F750 5200mAh batteries, a charger, and a power adapter for the Shogun/Ninja Inferno and Flame. UPC: 814164020756

• Alpha a7 III Mirrorless Digital Camera with 28-70mm Lens cyaecywaxu
• FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens
• NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery (2280mAh)
• AC Adapter
• Micro-USB Cable
• ALC-B1EM Body Cap for E-Mount Cameras
• Accessory Shoe Cap
• Eyepiece Cap
• Shoulder Strap
• Limited 1-Year Warranty

• Atomos - Ninja V 5" 4K HDMI Recording Monitor cyaecywaxu

• Elvid - Heavy Duty Camera Shoe Mount Adapter with Ball Head for Monitors

• Atomos - Right-Angle Micro to Full HDMI Coiled Cable (11.8 to 17.7")

• Atomos - Power Kit for Shogun/Ninja Inferno & Flame cyaecywaxu

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Technical parameters

• Sony Alpha a7 III Mirrorless Digital Camera with 28-70mm Lens

  Lens Mount	Sony E
  Camera Format	Full-Frame (1x Crop Factor)
  Pixels	Actual: 25.3 Megapixel Effective: 24.2 Megapixel
  Maximum Resolution	6000 x 4000
  Aspect Ratio	3:2, 16:9
  Sensor Type	CMOS
  Sensor Size	35.6 x 23.8 mm
  Image File Format	JPEG, RAW
  Bit Depth	14-Bit
  Image Stabilization	Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis

  ISO Sensitivity	Auto, 100 to 51200 (Extended: 50 to 204800)
  Shutter Speed	1/8000 to 30 Seconds Bulb Mode
  Metering Method	Center-Weighted Average, Multi-Zone, Spot, Highlight Weighted
  Exposure Modes	Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority
  Exposure Compensation	-5 to +5 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps)
  Metering Range	-3 to 20 EV
  White Balance	Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Daylight), Fluorescent (Warm White), Incandescent, Shade, Underwater
  Continuous Shooting	Up to 10 fps at 24.2 MP for up to 89 Exposures (Raw Format) Up to 10 fps at 24.2 MP for up to 177 Exposures (JPEG Format) Up to 8 fps at 24.2 MP Up to 6 fps at 24.2 MP Up to 3 fps at 24.2 MP
  Self Timer	2/5/10-Second Delay

  Recording Modes	XAVC S/H.264 UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p [60 to 100 Mb/s] Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 100p/120p [60 to 100 Mb/s] Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p [50 Mb/s] Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 50p/59.94p [25 Mb/s] Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 25p/29.97p [16 Mb/s] AVCHD/H.264 Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 50i/59.94i [24 Mb/s] Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 50i/59.94i [17 Mb/s]
  External Recording Modes	4:2:2 8-Bit UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 24.00p/25p/29.97p Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 24.00p/50i/50p/59.94i/59.94p
  Recording Limit	Up to 29 Minutes
  Video Encoding	NTSC/PAL
  Audio Recording	Built-In Microphone (Stereo) External Microphone Input
  Audio File Format	AC3, Dolby Digital 2ch, Linear PCM (Stereo)

  Focus Type	Auto and Manual Focus
  Focus Mode	Automatic (A), Continuous-Servo AF (C), Direct Manual Focus (DMF), Manual Focus (M), Single-Servo AF (S)
  Autofocus Points	Phase Detection: 693 Contrast Detection: 425
  Autofocus Sensitivity	-3 to +20 EV

  Viewfinder Type	Electronic
  Viewfinder Size	0.5"
  Viewfinder Resolution	2,359,000 Dot
  Viewfinder Eye Point	23 mm
  Viewfinder Coverage	100%
  Viewfinder Magnification	Approx. 0.78x
  Diopter Adjustment	-4 to +3 m
  Monitor Size	3"
  Monitor Resolution	921,600 Dot
  Monitor Type	Tilting Touchscreen LCD

  Built-in Flash	None
  Flash Modes	Auto, Fill Flash, Hi-Speed Sync, Off, Rear Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Wireless
  Maximum Sync Speed	1/250 Second
  Flash Compensation	-3 to +3 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps)
  Dedicated Flash System	TTL
  External Flash Connection	Hot Shoe

  Memory Card Slot	1 x SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick PRO HG-Duo/Memory Stick Pro Duo
  Connectivity	3.5mm Headphone, 3.5mm Microphone, HDMI D (Micro), USB 2.0 Micro-B, USB 3.0, USB Type-C
  Wireless	Wi-Fi Bluetooth
  GPS	None

  Operating Temperature	32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C

  Battery	1 x NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 2280 mAh
  Dimensions (W x H x D)	5.0 x 3.8 x 2.9" / 126.9 x 95.6 x 73.7 mm
  Weight	1.43 lb / 650 g

  Focal Length	28 to 70mm
  Maximum Aperture	f/3.5 to 5.6
  Minimum Aperture	f/22 to 36
  Angle of View	75 Rating 92% users recommend this product to others. And what about you? This product has already been rated by 35 owners. Add your rating and experience with the product. Discussion Ask our technicians if you have a problem with your settings, or if anything is unclear in the user manual you have downloaded. You can make use of our moderated discussion. The discussion is public and helps other users of our website who may be encountering similar problems. The discussion is empty - enter the first post Post a new topic / query / comment: Items marked with * are required. Your name *: E-mail : Subject *: Message *: Your email address will not be displayed. Do not forget to fill it in if you want to receive a reply to your enquiry/contribution. Processing of personal data in accordance with GDPR