Sony Alpha ILCE-7 III (ILCE7M3) + Sony SEL FE 24mm f1.4 GM

Sony Alpha ILCE-7 III (ILCE7M3)

The mirrorless digital camera Sony ILCE-7 III features an updated sensor design and is a camera suitable for both photo and video applications with a wide range of working situations.

The newly developed 24.2MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor are optimized for improved speed and low-light performance, enabling an impressive 10fps continuous shooting rate and improved autofocus performance for faster and more reliable subject tracking.

The updated Fast Hybrid AF system uses a combination of 693 phase detection points and 425 contrast detection areas for very faster focus acquisition in nearly all lighting conditions and maintains focus on the subject more effectively. In addition to speed and autofocus, the processing improvements also provide more clear images with highly redacted noise throughout the sensitivity range of ISO 100-51200, which can even be extended to ISO 50-204800.

Video recording capabilities have been enhanced for improved quality when shooting UHD 4K video using the full width of the full-frame sensor to minimize moiré and aliasing. Additionally, the a7 III utilizes 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE sensor-shift image stabilization to minimize the occurrence of camera shake by up to 5 stops.

Aside from the imaging system updates, the body design of the Sony a7 III has also been revised to include a rear-facing 3.0" 922k-dot touchscreen LCD, which features a tilting design to better support high and low angle work. A Tru-Finder OLED EVF viewfinder with 2.36 million pixels is responsible for bright and clear subject recognition.

Two SD memory card slots are now available for more shooting flexibility, and a larger NP-FZ100 battery can now also be used to deliver up to approximately 710 shots per charge. For use of the camera in harsh conditions, the body is made of a rugged magnesium alloy, this and the a7 III's weather sealing also make the body dust and moisture resistant.

24.2MP Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor and BIONZ X Image Processor

The 24.2-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor works with the BIONZ X image processor to deliver high-resolution still images and video while minimizing noise and improving speed. This sensor design works with an on-chip lens design and anti-reflective coating, as well as the elimination of the optical low-pass filter, to improve shooting quality and increase detail.

In addition, a copper wire layer improves data transfer speed for creating high-resolution 14-bit stills with a native sensitivity of ISO 100-51200, which can be extended to ISO 50-204800. In addition, internal UHD enables 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 while capturing an impressive 15 stops of dynamic range at low sensitivities. The sensor and processor combination also enables fast continuous shooting at up to 10 frames per second at full resolution, for up to 177 consecutive frames and with full-time AF/AE, and whether using the mechanical shutter or electronic shutter. When shooting in Live View mode, a continuous shooting rate of up to 8 frames per second is still possible.

Fast hybrid AF system

An enhanced 4D FOCUS system now uses a combination of 693 phase detection points covering approximately 93% of the frame, along with 425 contrast detection areas to ensure reliable and fast autofocus and subject tracking. This fast hybrid AF system now achieves twice the focusing speed and more reliable tracking compared to previous a7 models, as well as significantly improved focusing in low light.

The use of phase detection points now enables the use of A-mount lenses via the optional LA-EA3 or LA-EA1 lens adapters with full continuous AF/AE tracking compatibility.

The Sony a7 III offers extensive, customizable color and gamma controls, allowing users to adjust gamma, black level, knee, color level and more. In addition, users can use the same S-Log2 gamma curve found on high-end cameras from Sony Cinema, which adds up to 1300% more dynamic range to the video signal than the traditional REC709, increasing flexibility in post-production.

HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) support is available for recording within a wide color space in addition to BT.2020 color space. In addition to S-Log2, S-Log3 is also available for creating an effective 14-stop dynamic range with improved grading control in the shadow to midtone region of the image.

Body Design and Integrated Wi-Fi/Bluetooth

The XGA OLED Tru-Finder EVF is responsible for a bright, clear and detailed display with a resolution of 2.36 million pixels and a magnification of 0.78x. This viewfinder design also enables the use of autofocus in focus magnifier mode, as well as enhanced focusing to support manual focusing. In addition to the EVF, a 3.0" 922k-dot LCD is also mounted on the back of the camera, featuring a touch panel design for intuitive operation and focusing. The screen also tilts 107° up and 41° down to facilitate working at high and low angles.

The magnesium alloy chassis ensures rigidity, durability and stability while keeping weight to a minimum. The lens mount has also been improved to better support heavy lenses, and the grip stiffness has been improved to allow more comfortable holding with one hand.

The weather sealing is designed to resist dust and moisture and ensure reliable operation in harsh weather conditions.

With 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 flexible file storage and editing, and can be configured to partition raw and JPEG files or be used for overflow recording. One of the card slots is designed to support UHS-II memory cards. In addition to a micro USB port, a USB 3.0 Type-C port has been added for faster and more reliable tethering support. The USB Type-C port allows the camera to charge from the host power source while plugged in.

Built-in Wi-Fi allows the Sony a7 III to instantly share images to mobile devices for direct online sharing to social networks, email and cloud. NFC (Near Field Communication) is also supported, enabling a one-touch connection between the camera and compatible mobile devices; no complex setup is required. Once connected, the connected mobile device can also display a live image on its screen and remotely control the camera shutter. Bluetooth connectivity enables location data collection.

Other camera features

The Ratings feature lets you assign values of 1-5 stars to images in the camera for faster editing and sorting during post-processing at home.

An advanced 1200-zone evaluative exposure metering sensor delivers consistent and accurate results with multi-field metering, center-weighted metering, or spot metering. Highlight and Average metering modes help prevent blow-out highlights and provide stable automatic exposure.

Anti-flicker shooting automatically detects and times the shutter release to minimize the flicker effect for more consistent still image results.

Body design and integrated Wi-Fi/Bluetooth

• The XGA OLED Tru-Finder EVF features 2.36m resolution and 0.78x magnification for bright, clear, detailed viewing.
• This viewfinder design also enables the use of autofocus in focus magnifier mode, as well as improved focus tracking for the benefit of manual focus operation.
• In addition to the EVF, a 3.0" 922k-dot LCD display is available on the rear, featuring a touch panel design for intuitive operation and focus control.
• The screen also tilts 107° up and 41° down, making it easier to work from high and low angles.
• The magnesium alloy body provides rigidity, durability, and stability with low weight.
• The lens mount has also been improved to better support heavy lenses, and grip rigidity has been enhanced for a more comfortable hand position.
• A weather seal protects the camera from 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.
• Two SD memory card slots allow for flexible file storage and handling. They can be configured to partition raw and JPEG files or be used for overflow shooting.
• One of the card slots is designed to support UHS-II memory cards.
• A USB 3.0 Type-C port has been added in addition to a micro USB port to provide faster and more reliable tethering support. The USB Type-C port allows the camera to be charged from the host power source while plugged in.
• With built-in Wi-Fi, the a7 III can instantly transfer images to mobile devices for direct online sharing on social networks, email, or cloud storage.
• NFC (Near Field Communication) is also supported, enabling a one-touch connection between the camera and compatible mobile devices; no complex setup is required. Once connected, the linked mobile device can also display a live image on its screen and remotely control the camera's shutter release.
• The Bluetooth connection enables location data to be collected.

Other functions

• The rating function lets you assign stars from 1 to 5 to images in the camera for faster editing and sorting in post-processing at home.
• The advanced 1200-zone evaluative metering sensor delivers consistent and accurate results when using multi-field, center-weighted, or spot metering.
• Highlight and average modes help prevent overexposed highlights and provide stable automatic exposure, respectively.
• The anti-flicker function automatically detects and times the shutter release to minimize the flicker effect for more consistent photo results.
• 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, Bright, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night Scene, Autumn Foliage, Black & White, Sepia, Style Box (1-6), (Contrast (-3 to +3 stops), Saturation (-3 to +3 stops), Sharpness (-3 to +3 stops).

Sony SEL FE 24mm f1.4 GM

Outstanding f1.4 resolution in a fixed focal length mobile lens

Using a variety of leading technologies, the G Master delivers consistently high resolution and smooth, natural bokeh - even at the widest F1.4 aperture. This compact lens is the lightest in its class, offering maximum E-mount portability. It also offers fast, precise AF drive and great control and reliability, making it a perfect choice for professionals.

Excellent resolution from the center of the frame to the edges.

Two XA (extreme aspherical) elements, one for the front element, successfully compensate for coma, field curvature, and astigmatism, which are a more common problem in wide-angle lenses with a large aperture. This ensures excellent resolution from the center of the image to the edges, even at the widest F1.4 aperture.

Aspherical glass elements to suppress color aberration

Three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements have been integrated into the lens optical path to reduce axial and lateral chromatic aberrations and ensure optimum sharpness throughout the image.

Compact, lightweight design

The new optical design uses two XA elements (one for the front lens) to reduce the overall diameter of the lens and, in combination with the newly developed Direct Drive SSM focus drive system (DDSSM), makes the very light weight of only 445 grams possible. This size- and weight-reduced lens is thus perfectly suited for compact E-mount bodies.

Nano AR coating for fewer reflections

Sony's Nano AR original coating technology effectively eliminates internal reflections and ghosting effects to achieve optimal contrast and clarity in the widest possible range of shooting conditions. (1. Nano coating/ 2. Glass/ 3. Light quantity).

State-of-the-art optical design for faithful reproduction of point sources

State-of-the-art optical design with two XA precision elements removes sagittal reflections, a common aberration in large aperture lenses. Sagittal reflections result in an unnatural distribution of point sources, reminiscent of a bird spreading its wings, and intensify at the edge of the image. Natural reproduction of point sources is important in night shots with stars or city lights, for example. (1. star shot with the FE 24mm F1.4 GM free of sagittal reflections. 2. strong sagittal reflections in a star shot with a conventional 24mm F1.4 lens).

Newly designed DDSSM system optimized for the lens.

The newly designed, high-performance Direct Drive SSM focus drive system (DDSSM) reduces size and weight while providing approximately three times the thrust of the previous system. The higher performance of the new DDSSM system provides faster, more accurate and quieter autofocus drive - for outstanding performance in both still and movie shooting.

Eleven blades for wonderful bokeh

The lens' aperture mechanism consists of 11 blades, common to α lenses, and is ring-shaped in design to achieve a virtually perfect circular aperture - even when stopped down by 1 or 2 stops. This makes it easy to achieve an aesthetically pleasing, round bokeh. Such uniformly soft background bokeh vividly highlights the subject.

Easy release for video recording

The aperture ring provides the immediacy and responsiveness that professionals need for both still and movie shooting. The ON/OFF click switch engages or disengages the click stops on the aperture ring as needed. The engagement of the detent steps is a tactile confirmation that makes it easier to gauge by feel how much the ring has been changed, making it well suited for photo shoots. With the steps not engaged, the aperture ring rotates smoothly and quietly for seamless, silent control when filming.

High reliability in the toughest conditions

The rubber-coated focus ring is easy to control even in low temperatures. A locking button for the lens hood prevents it from accidentally coming loose during transport. Dust- and moisture-proof construction increases reliability for outdoor use.

Smooth, versatile operation

The focus hold button can be configured via the housing menu. This allows the user to directly access a second function assigned to the focus hold button, such as split lines to check image composition when shooting landscapes, or white balance to adjust it to the prevailing lighting conditions or to create a specific mood.

Versatile focus control at the touch of a button

The focus adjustment switch lets you quickly switch between autofocus and manual focus depending on shooting conditions.

Fluorine coating on the front element

Fluorine coating on the front element resists fingerprints, dust, water, oil and mud. If contamination does occur, the lens surface is easy to clean.

Excellent response and differentiated linear focus control

The focus ring provides MF with linear response for precise, responsive focus control. Focus changes linearly according to the rotation of the focus ring, providing the immediate control needed for fast and precise manual focusing.