Sony Alpha ILCE-7 III (ILCE7M3B) + Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 DG DN (C) Sony-E

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, along with the a7 III's weather sealing, also makes the body resistant to dust and moisture.

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 area 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 a bright, clear and detailed display.
• 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).

Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 DG DN © for Sony-E

The SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary redefines the standard Zoom lens for mirrorless cameras, combining outstanding optical performance and a continuous F2.8 aperture with a lightweight and compact body.

Design-wise, the 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary is based on the 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art, but with a focal length range starting at 28mm. This makes the lens body much smaller and lighter, with the same excellent optical performance.

Lightweight and compact body

The slightly smaller wide-angle range of the 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary compared to the has allowed the size of the 28-70mm body to be significantly reduced. The Contemporary product line concept balances performance and handiness.

The lens features a single, lightweight focusing element, so the AF unit can also be kept small. Together with a quiet and fast stepper motor, this provides responsive and virtually silent autofocus performance.

The 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary weighs 470g on its own and just 890g together with the for example. At less than 1kg, such an outstandingly lightweight camera system gives photographers a tremendous amount of freedom and flexibility to realize their creative visions. It is also a perfect choice for filmmakers looking for a powerful, lightweight and easy-to-handle camera system that also works well with a gimbal and other accessories.

The genes of the Art product line

The optical design of the SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary is based on the 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art, which is known for its outstanding optical performance throughout the focal length range. The 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary follows the core concept of the Contemporary product line: it has been designed to offer the right balance of performance and handiness. In a body light enough for everyday use, this fast standard Zoom lens thus delivers outstanding image quality that rivals lenses in the Art product line.

Outstanding build quality

Although it is commonly believed that plastic parts are more difficult to ensure processing accuracy than metal parts, no compromises have been made in the processing quality of the 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary. One reason for this is the use of the special polycarbonate TSC (Thermally Stable Composite), which has comparable thermal shrinkage to aluminum. This reduces the differences in thermal shrinkage between metallic and non-metallic components, ensuring consistent performance even under extreme temperature fluctuations. The use of polycarbonates in the construction of Zoom and focus rings can make them appear less premium in practice. However, when these parts are carefully machined for precision and appropriately adjusted in motion by lubricants, the rings provide precise mechanics with an exceptionally high-quality feel.

Highest optical performance

The 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary makes use of state-of-the-art technology and features a modern optical design that includes three aspherical, two FLD and two SLD elements.

Despite the overall lower number of elements than the 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art, the design still results in extensive correction of longitudinal chromatic aberration and sagital coma that cannot be corrected by camera. This allows users to create images that are consistently sharp from the center to the edge of the shot. In addition to the anti-ghosting design, the Super Multi-Layer and Nano-Porous coatings ensure well-controlled flare for high-contrast results even when backlit. The front lens of the lens has a water and oil repellent coating.

The everyday companion

The SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary offers an enhanced photographic experience for photographers with a mirrorless camera who need a fast standard Zoom lens. Its high-quality, intuitive construction makes the lens as exciting to use as the incredible images it can produce - inspiring you to realize your creative potential.

High-quality coating

An ideal lens directs incident light through all the lenses and onto the sensor. If, on the other hand, some of the light is reflected by individual lenses, not only is the light yield reduced; the reflections within the lens create ghost images and aperture spots, or they reduce the contrast. Such effects would be particularly noticeable in backlit shots.

To prevent this, the 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary uses Super Multi-Layer Coating (SML) and Nano-Porous Coating, which reduce flare and ghosting. The result is clear, sharp, high-contrast images without distracting lens flares.