Sony Alpha 7S III + Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN II (A) Sony-E

Sony Alpha 7S III (ILCE-7SM3)

Almost five years after the Alpha 7S II, Sony is launching its successor: the Alpha 7S III has an improved 12-megapixel sensor, records 4K at 120p and is said to achieve exceptional results in low-light photography thanks to its large pixels

Like the Alpha 7S II, the sensor of the Alpha 7S III has a resolution of 12 megapixels, but is now back-illuminated

The heart of the new Alpha is a 12-megapixel full-frame sensor, which has been improved compared to the Alpha 7S II. {It now uses a rear-side exposure (BSI) design, which allows more light to be captured and enables better results in low-light photography. The maximum sensitivity is still ISO 409,600 (expandable downwards to ISO 40). The sensor is supported by the new BIONZ-XR processor, which is said to have eight times the computing power of the previous image processor

116} is also breaking new ground in terms of operation: for the first time in the Alpha 7 series, a fully movable monitor (3.0 inch, 1.44 million dots) has been installed, which now also allows touch operation of the menus. The structure of the menus has also been completely revised; among other things, only the relevant entries are available in photo and video mode for a better overview. The OLED viewfinder achieves a record resolution of 9.44 million dots and a magnification of 0.9x. The size of the image can also be reduced so that people who wear glasses can also see the entire image.

4K with 120p

Video recording is one of the camera's key

Unlike Canon on the EOS R5, Sony does not rely on 8K for video, but continues to use 4K, which is said to achieve the best results to date on an Alpha camera.

12 MP resolution of the sensor enables a full-pixel readout without pixel binning and without cropping up to 4K/60p

The recording limit in this setting is said to be one hour without overheating - the EOS R5 only manages 30 minutes at a time at 4K/60p. Video recording on the Alpha 7S III is limited to this length in 4K/120p mode - incidentally, a slight crop (1.1x) is also applied here.

The monitor can be tilted, and the grip and controls have been enlarged - as with other cameras of the third Alpha generation

The Alpha 7S III even records at up to 240p in Full HD. Lower frame rates of up to 1p can also be selected in S&Q mode for time-lapse recordings. Recordings are made internally with a color subsampling of 4:2:2 and a color depth of 10 bits. New codecs are available: XAVC-S-I records single images (All-I) with a data rate of up to 500 Mbits/s, XAVC-HS reduces the data volume during image group compression to 200 Mbits/s thanks to H.265 compression. The camera can even output 4K/60p as 16-bit raw files (ProRes Raw) to an Atomos recorder via HDMI 2.1

Of course, a logarithmic gamma profile is also available (S-Log 2/3), which is intended to enable a dynamic range of over 15 f-stops; the sensitivity here starts at ISO 640 (extended: ISO 160). According to Sony, the rolling shutter effect has been significantly minimized.

The Alpha 7S III is equipped with a 5-axis image stabilizer in the housing, which achieves an effectiveness of 5.5 f-stops measured according to the CIPA standard; in video mode, digital stabilization (Active Mode) is also used, which also uses a gyro sensor. The information from this gyro sensor can also be stored in the video metadata so that it can be used for digital stabilization in post-production.

Fast autofocus and 10 fps

The hybrid autofocus covers 92% of the image sensor and uses 759 points with phase detection and 425 with contrast AF. In addition to human eyes, the AF algorithms now also recognize animal eyes - according to Sony even at greater distances than before.

The AF sensitivity goes down to -6 EV. The camera shoots series at up to 10 fps. The mechanical shutter is designed for 1/8000 s. {For the first time, the Alpha 7S III uses two memory card drives that can use both SD cards (UHS-II) and the new CFexpress type A cards. These are smaller than type B cards and faster than SD cards. SD cards of video classes V60 and V90 are sufficient for most video modes; CFexpress is only required in S&Q mode with 4:2:2 color subsampling and 10-bit color depth. The series mode also benefits from the faster cards; 1000 uncompressed raw shots in a row should be possible here

A Z battery is used for the power supply, which can be charged via USB-C and provides power for 600 photos or 95 minutes of video. A continuous power supply via USB is also possible.

Sigma 24-70 f2.8 DG DN II Sony-E

Exclusively for mirrorless cameras｜Compatible with full-frame cameras

The 24-70mm F2.8 Art has been further developed on all levels:

The SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II Art has been significantly enhanced compared to its predecessor. The most advanced technologies available to SIGMA in design and production

Compared to the previous SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art model, the SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II Art has an improved resolving power over the entire Zoom range. It also benefits from functional improvements, such as the newly added aperture ring and the high-speed autofocus with newly developed HLA drive (High-Response Linear Actuator)

In addition, the lens is approx. 7% smaller and 10% lighter than its predecessor. The new 24-70mm F2.8 II Art is therefore a versatile and powerful tool with which photographers and filmmakers can unleash their creative potential

Top performance that lives up to the reputation of a top model

The new SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II Art is the successor to the SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art, which is known for its high optical performance, and has a further improved resolution over the entire Zoom range. It delivers the highest image quality even at open aperture and the high speed of F2.8 ensures a soft and harmonious bokeh. The lens therefore offers maximum performance in almost all shooting situations. The short closest focusing distance further expands the creative possibilities. Flares and ghosting are excellently corrected and focus breathing is largely minimized. This means that the outstanding creative possibilities of this lens can be used to the full in both photo and video

High optical performance across the entire image and Zoom range

optical design of the lens comprises 6 FLD and 2 SLD glass elements. In addition, 5 aspherical lens elements are used. Aberrations are thus reliably suppressed over the entire Zoom range. Sagittal coma flares in particular are well controlled in order to achieve a consistently high resolution right up to the periphery of the image. By effectively correcting lateral chromatic aberration, high-resolution images free of color fringing can be achieved

Equipped with 5 aspherical lenses

The use of 5 high-precision aspherical lenses enables both high optical performance with minimal aberration correction and a compact optical design. SIGMA's production facility in Aizu, Japan, has the high-precision aspherical molding technology that allows it to produce the thin, highly polarized aspherical lenses required for this purpose. This has led to a higher degree of freedom in optical design.

Excellent close-up capability

The lens offers an outstanding close-up focusing distance of just 17cm at wide-angle and a maximum magnification of 1:2.7. These factors create potential for creative close-ups

Note: When taking close-ups in the wide-angle range, the lens hood should be removed to avoid touching the subject.

Low susceptibility to flares and ghosting

Flares and ghosting, which impair image quality, have been optimized for all lighting conditions using the latest simulation technology. In addition, a Nano-Porous and Super Multi-Layer coating has been applied to the front lens to prevent flares and ghosting as far as possible. This enables brilliant, high-contrast images to be taken even in unfavourable lighting conditions.

Minimized focus breathing

optical design effectively suppresses focus breathing. The changes in the image angle when focusing are reduced to a minimum, resulting in natural-looking video recordings.

Better portability and extended features

The SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II Art is approx. 7 % smaller and 10 % lighter than the predecessor model. The user-friendliness has been improved with an additional aperture ring and two AFL buttons. Despite its greater compactness and improved features, the lens offers SIGMA's renowned high build quality. With an uncompromisingly precise and robust construction, as you would expect from a professional photographic tool

Better handling

While the number of lens elements used has remained the same compared to the previous model, the overall length has been shortened thanks to the modern optical design. In addition, the more efficient mechanical design has resulted in a portable lens with a maximum diameter of 87.8mm, a length of 120.2mm and a weight of 745g*

*L-mount version.

Outstanding build quality

The robust internal structure and the use of high-precision metal parts ensure high stability and durability in professional use. At the same time, the size and weight of the lens have been reduced. The design has been consistently geared towards the durability and reliability of the lens

Aperture ring with "de-click function"

Many demanding users appreciate the ability to set the aperture directly on the aperture ring of the lens. The SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II Art therefore once again offers an aperture ring. Thanks to its "de-click function", this feature is also interesting for filmmakers, as the aperture can be adjusted smoothly and silently in this position. Those who prefer to set the aperture on the camera body can use the aperture ring's lock function and are protected against accidental adjustment.

Equipped with two AFL buttons

its predecessor, the lens now offers two AFL buttons, the accessibility of which has been optimized for shooting in portrait and landscape format. These buttons can be assigned individual functions with compatible cameras.

Professional functions, including high-speed autofocus

To offer maximum performance in every shooting situation, the SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II Art has a high-speed AF with HLA drive. Other features, such as dust and splash protection, the water and oil-repellent coating of the front lens and the Zoom lock switch complete the professional features of the lens.

With HLA

The lens is equipped with an HLA (High-Response Linear Actuator) linear motor for the AF drive

the powerful HLA, the maximum drive speed is more than three times faster than the previous model*, ensuring responsive AF shooting

*compared to the maximum drive speed of the SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art, the actual AF focusing time may vary

Protected from external influences

addition to the dust and splash-proof housing*, the front element of the lens has a water and oil-repellent coating

The lens is protected against dust and splash water, but is not waterproof.

Equipped with a Zoom lock switch

The lens is equipped with a Zoom lock switch, which locks the lens in the wide-angle range and prevents the barrel from extending unintentionally due to its own weight. The lock can be released not only via the switch, but also by turning the Zoom ring, which allows flexible handling even for spontaneous shots.

Includes lens hood and case

The specially adapted lens hood LH778-05 is included with the SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II Art and is securely locked with a quick twist. The lens is supplied in a matching case for storage and safe transportation