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
When I first picked up the preloved Sony A7 III I was surprised by how lightweight and small it is. I usually shoot with a Nikon D810 which is quite a heavy camera.
The first point I have to make about this camera is that the video is AMAZING. I can’t believe how steady the shot is even when shooting hand held video. It’s pretty unbelievable and the auto focus on the camera allows for such easy shooting. Then the fact that I can shoot and send straight to my mobile device for editing before uploading to social media is very handy. The quality is incredible and the Imaging Edge App is really easy to use.
To actually shoot a fashion shoot with flash lighting in studio however wasn’t as smooth as my Nikon. I believe this is because firstly I wasn’t used to shooting with it and secondly the tint in which the camera defaults to in the live preview is slightly orange (although if you tether to your computer the tint is better colour represented). This was slightly off putting. Other than that the results of the images were excellent and definitely close to the quality of my Nikon camera.
The Sony was a great to use for the 3 months, there would definitely be so much more that I could explore. I wouldn’t switch from my Nikon D810 but I would love to have this one as a back-up, a quick camera to pull out and use if I didn’t want to take my heavier camera.