Sony Alpha ILCE-7 III +Tamron 17-28mm f2.8 Di III RXD Sony E-mount

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 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 results in still images.

Tamron 17-28mm f2.8 Di III RXD Sony E-mount

The new 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD Zoom lens is based on the same development concept as the 28-75mm F/2.8 Di II RXD (model A036) introduced in May 2018. The special features of both lenses include their exceptionally high imaging quality and compact, handy design. With a length of just 99 mm and a weight of only 420 g, the Tamron 17 28mm F/2.8 is unrivaled in its class for compactness and lightness. The barrel does not change size when Zooming and focusing, contributing to the excellent hand-holding of this ultra-wide-angle zoom lens and making this Zoom the ideal choice for users who travel a lot. Together, the 17-28mm and 28-75mm weigh less than a pound.

Excellent imaging performance

The optical construction of the 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD features 13 elements in 11 groups, including three aspherical lenses and two LD (low dispersion) elements, as well as an XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) element that has characteristics similar to a fluorite lens. The combination of these lenses effectively suppresses chromatic aberrations and other optical aberrations. The lens surfaces are coated with Tamron's BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) coating, which effectively suppresses reflections inside the lens when shooting backlight. Combined with the camera functions*, very high imaging performance is achieved across the entire focal length range, fully exploiting the potential of high-resolution sensors.

*Lens correction function must be activated.

Short focusing distance for expressive perspectives

The 17-28mm F/2.8 makes it possible to shoot even at close range. Because the closest focusing distance is shorter at wide-angle than at telephoto, photographers can open up new creative possibilities for images with dynamic perspective and expressive depth (close objects appear larger, distant objects appear smaller). At 17 mm, the extremely short closest focusing distance of 19 cm (as with the 28-75mm F/2.8) enables fascinating close-up shots at a reproduction scale of 1:5.2; at 28 mm, the shortest focusing distance is 26 cm (reproduction scale 1:6).

Quiet autofocus with RXD technology

The autofocus system features a sensor that detects the current focus setting of the lens and an RXD stepping motor (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive). These ensure particularly high speed and precision during focusing, enabling the user to keep even dynamic objects continuously in focus. At the same time, the autofocus works so quietly that virtually no disturbing focusing noise is recorded during video recording. The compact RXD technology also contributes significantly to the unmatched handiness of the 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD.

Weather-sealed construction and fluorine coating

The bayonet ring and other critical areas of the 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD are sealed against moisture and splashing water. This makes it possible to shoot outdoors with the lens even in adverse weather conditions. The front lens is coated with a water- and grease-repellent fluorine coating, which ensures that the lens surface is very easy to clean and less susceptible to contamination, such as fingerprints or dirt splashes.

Sophisticated design and high-quality workmanship

Like the 28-75mm (model A036), the new 17-28mm (model A046) is designed with the Zoom ring at the front and the focus ring at the rear. This makes the operation of both lenses the same for the user. The design of the new lens is based on the characteristic concept of the high-quality Tamron lenses, which are characterized by a special sense of detail, meticulous workmanship and optimal shaping. The salient brand characteristics of the high-quality Tamron lenses include the bright gold ring and the intuitive operating concept.

Compatible with essential camera functions

The Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Zoom lens is compatible with many advanced features of mirrorless system cameras. These include:

• fast hybrid autofocus
• Eye detection AF
• Direct Manual Focus (DMF)
• integrated lens correction (vignetting, color fringing, distortion)
• Lens firmware update via the camera