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Calculated Shard: 109 (from laksa180)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa109.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sony-a7-iii\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sony-a7-iii\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-a7-iii","crawl_time":1773619591,"first_indexed_time":1579329372,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,pcmag!www,\/reviews\/sony-a7-iii s443","src_root_hash":"15303950204440063509","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Sony a7 III Review | PCMag","meta_descriptions":["The Sony a7 III is an entry-level full-frame camera that goes well beyond the basics in features, with excellent image quality, 10fps subject tracking, and 4K video capture."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"EDITORS' NOTE\nNote: This review has been updated to reflect changes in the a7 III added by its\nFirmware 3.0\nrelease.\nIt didn't take long for Sony to reuse the body design it introduced with last year's high-resolution, pro-grade\na7R III\nin an entry-level model. But despite a friendly (for\nfull-frame\n) price, the a7 III ($1,999.99, body only) is anything but entry-level when it comes to its feature set. Its BSI CMOS sensor excels in all types of light, and offers incredible dynamic range. It can shoot at 10fps, with an autofocus system that covers almost the entirety of the image sensor. And it has serious video chops too, recording smooth, sharp footage at 4K, and slow-motion at 1080p. It run circles around competing models in this price range, and is our Editors' Choice for entry-level full-frame shoppers.\nThe a7 III feels a lot like the\na7 II\nand a7R III in the hand. It measures 3.9 by 5.0 by 2.5 inches (HWD) without a lens, and weighs about 1.4 pounds. Its grip and body design are the same as you get with the a7R III. I find it quite comfortable to hold, even with a larger zoom like the\nFE 100-400mm\n. The body is protected against dust and splashes, as are all Sony FE lenses.\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\nIn addition to the body-only option, Sony is offering the a7 III in a $2,199.99 kit bundled with the\nFE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6\nlens. The 28-70mm is one of oldest lenses in the series. I would have liked to see another bundle with the newer, more useful\nFE 24-105mm F4\n. The 24-105mm is a $1,300 lens, however, so I imagine the pricing of a kit would be prohibitive for many buyers.\nSony a7 III Review\nHandling isn't that much different from the a7 II. You still get the EV dial on top, along with programmable C1 and C2 buttons, and a Mode dial—it's not a locking dial like the one on the a7R III. The shutter release is on top of the handgrip, slightly lower than the rest of the top plate, and set at an angle. The On\/Off switch surrounds it. The grip has a command dial, accessible using your right index finger. Its rear counterpart is slightly offset from the EV dial and is easily turned with your right thumb.\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\nRear controls match the a7R III and\na9\n. The programmable C3 button and Menu button are above the rear LCD, just to the left of the EVF eyecup. To the right, still running along the top, you find Record, AF-ON, and AEL. Below them, nestled between the rear thumb rest and LCD are the focus point selector joystick and Fn button.\nThe flat rear command dial is next down in the column; it has a button at its center and directional presses to adjust Display, ISO, and the Drive mode—there's no dedicated Drive dial like you get on the a9, that's something Sony has decided to leave out of the a7 series. The dial itself has deep ridges so you can turn it comfortably, and the turning motion feels much better than the similar dial on the a7 II—there's more resistance, and the dial is physically larger so the button presses offer better tactile feedback.\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\nRounding out the rear controls are the Play and Delete buttons. The latter doubles as the programmable C4 button when in shooting mode. By default it toggles the touch sensitivity of the rear display. The touch functions are a bit limited. You can't navigate through menus via touch. But you can tap on the screen to set a focus point. Even if the camera is set to a wide area, tapping on a spot will override and change to a flexible spot, which can be moved via touch or the joystick; returning to wide area is done using the button at the center of the rear command dial. This method of adjusting the focus point works in both still and video capture.\nThe camera also supports focus adjustment using the LCD when framing shots with the EVF. Just slide your finger on the display and the focus area will move. You can override the wide area setting with this method just as you can when shooting using the rear LCD to frame shots.\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\nSpeaking of menus, Sony has long been criticized for its rather lengthy, complex menu system. The a7 III includes some tools to help reduce the stress of trying to find the setting you want to adjust when flipping through dozens of pages of options. My Menu is fully customizable, so a setting you often adjust can be added to it for quick access. It's a step in the right direction, though I wish Sony would go further and better organize and categorize menu options.\nThe menu breaks up camera capture settings into two tabs, each with multiple pages, but mixes things up a bit. There are settings for both movies and still capture bookending a few dedicated pages for video capture squeezed in the middle. Some cleaner organization could help make finding the right setting easier.\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\nUpgrading owners of the a7 and a7 II will notice that the apps section is gone. The a7 III doesn't support PlayMemories Mobile camera apps. That in and of itself is not a great loss—downloading apps to extend the camera's capabilities was a flawed concept, especially without support for third-party developers. But some functions that were available in PlayMemories, like the ability to fire the shutter using the EVF eye sensor, haven't been integrated into the a7 III's firmware. Time-lapse was added with Firmware 3.0 and, while the a7 III can't output a finished video, it will automatically fire images at set intervals so you can combine them into a video later. The camera delivers enough resolution for 6K time-lapse.\nThe rear display is a 3-inch LCD with touch input support. It's a step back from the one used on the a7 II, which is a 1,228k-dot design with \"white pixels\" to cut through sun glare on bright days. This one is a more pedestrian 921k-dot design. Even so, I shot with it under the harsh sun in the Nevada desert and had no problems seeing the screen.\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\nThe screen tilts up and down, but it doesn't swing out from the body to face forward like a true vari-angle display. It's a shame, as it limits the ability of vloggers to set up shots and record video while keeping an eye on framing, and the a7 III otherwise has such solid video chops. There are also some touch controls when reviewing images; notably you can swipe around a magnified shot with your finger when playing photos back.\nThe EVF is the same 0.78x magnification OLED with 2,359k dots as you get with the a7 II. The higher end models in the series, the a7R III and a9, match the a7 III in magnification, but pack more pixels into the frame, 3,686k dots. I didn't notice the drop in resolution when picking up the a7 III for the first time—the EVF looks great and I'm able to tell if a subject is in focus when shooting. But if you use the pricier models on a regular basis, you may appreciate the difference.\nThe a7 III uses the Z battery, introduced in the a9 and also used by the a7R III. It's good for 710 shots per CIPA ratings with the a7 III, as its power requirements are less than the a9 or a7R III, both rated for 650 images per charge. The bigger battery is a boon to enthusiasts who don't want to buy a ton of spares, and pros alike. A grip is available; it allows the camera to use two batteries, effectively doubling its life. You won't have to worry about running out of power when shooting a wedding, for example.\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\nSony doesn't include an external charger with the a7 III. If you want to charge the battery outside the camera, you'll need to buy one. But you can recharge via USB and an included USB-to-AC adapter in-camera. I recommend a wall charger for travelers and pros, especially those who have multiple Z batteries to recharge at the end of a long day of shooting.\nThe camera has two USB ports (one USB-C and one micro USB), as well as micro HDMI, a 3.5mm microphone input, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It doesn't include the PC Sync flash socket you get with the a7R III and a9. There is a standard hot shoe, with the extra electrical contacts for accessories like Sony's XLR audio adapter.\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\nAnd there are two memory card slots. Slot 1, toward the bottom of the camera, supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory at UHS-II speeds. Slot 2, above it, works with all SD formats at slower UHS-I speeds, but also supports Sony Memory Stick media. I knocked the decision to only support UHS-II in one slot when I reviewed the a9 and a7R III, and do the same here—both slots should support the latest, fastest memory format. I'd be surprised if anyone outside of Sony cares about Memory Stick at this point.\nIn addition to wired connectivity, the a7 III includes Bluetooth, NFC, and Wi-Fi. This allows the camera to connect to an Android or iOS device running the free Sony PlayMemories Mobile app to transfer images and video to your phone for social sharing. You can also use your phone as a wireless remote control.\nThe a7 III starts, focuses, and fires in about 2.2 seconds. That's one area where it's slower than competing SLRs, like the\nCanon EOS 6D Mark II\n(0.4-second) and\nNikon D750\n(0.4-second). Its autofocus system is quite speedy, locking on in 0.05-second in bright light and an average of 0.4-second in very dim conditions.\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\nI tested the burst speed using a Lexar 300MBps memory card in the UHS-II slot. The camera manages 10fps in its fastest burst mode. The amount of shots you can take before the camera stalls varies based on the file format you use. I tested Uncompressed Raw and Extra Fine JPG (34 shots), Compressed Raw and Extra Fine JPG (78 shots), Uncompressed Raw (37 shots), Compressed Raw (103 shots), and Extra Fine JPG (164 shots). Recovery time, the duration it takes for the buffer to fully clear to the memory card, varies based on file format. If you're shooting Raw+JPG (either format) expect to wait about 24 seconds, but only about 14 seconds for Raw alone. Because you can capture so many more JPG images at a time, the write time to clear them to the card is about 54 seconds.\nGet Our Best Stories!\nAll the Latest Tech, Tested by Our Experts\nThanks for signing up!\nYour subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!\nContinuous autofocus is also available at 10fps. Our standard focus test, in which I shoot a target that moves directly toward or away from the lens, netted almost all shots in focus at 10fps. There were a few slight misses here and there, but nothing worth getting worked up about.\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\nThe autofocus system is similar to that in the high-end a9, but it's not quite as uncannily intelligent. The a9's sensor design allows for instant readout (and 20fps capture), so even though the a7 III has the same number of focus points and area of focus coverage, it doesn't deliver the same level of performance.\nBut it's not that far off. A total of 693 phase detection points cover 93 percent of the sensor, all but its extreme edges, and are joined by 425 contrast points, more densely located in the central area of the frame. The two focus point types work together to recognize and track subjects.\nThe focus system not only supports face detection, but goes further with Sony's Eye AF system. It can lock on to a human eye, prioritizing the one closest to the active focus point. It's a great tool for portraits, and it works when focusing continuously, so your model can feel free to adjust a pose and you won't have to worry about losing crisp focus on their eyes.\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\nThe Firmware 3.0 updated improved the operability of Eye AF, allowing it to work at all times—previously it had to be engaged manually. It also adds support for\nanimals\n, specifically cats and dogs. We tested the new focus system using an a7R III, which works the exact same way, and you can see it at work in the video clip above.\nIn field testing the autofocus system performed superbly. Shot after shot was sharp and crisp, even when tracking moving targets at 10fps. Of course there were occasional misses, but even the best autofocus systems miss from time to time. For example, when shooting a scene with heavy, simulated rain in the studio, with continuous lighting rather than strobes, using the wide focus area resulted in some shots that were wildly misfocused. Changing the focus area to a flexible spot, or engaging EyeAF using the rear center button righted the ship.\nFew other full-frame cameras at this price point can hit 10fps, let alone with such a wide coverage of autofocus. The closest SLR competitors in terms of price, the Nikon D750 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II, top out at 6.5fps and have focus systems that cover a much smaller area of the frame.\nThe a7 III uses a new sensor, one that is similar in design to the 24MP sensor used by the a9, but not identical. The a9's sensor is a stacked design, which puts memory right on the chip in order to deliver instant readout and its 20fps capture capability. The a7 III doesn't do that. It is a BSI—Back Side Illumination—design, like the a9 and high-resolution a7R III. This type of sensor cuts the distance between its surface and light-sensitive area. The practical effect is that you get superior high ISO quality compared with sensors that put put circuitry in front of the light-gathering area rather than behind it.\nOur lab tests show that the a7 III's image sensor performs very similarly to the a9. When shooting in JPG format\nImatest\ntells us that noise is less than 1.5 percent through ISO 25600, a stop better than the a9 and\nNikon D5\n. There's certainly some in-camera noise reduction going on to get there, resulting in some smudging of fine details at ISO 25600. Images are stronger at ISO 12800, but there's still some muddiness. At ISO 6400 photos are clean and rife with detail. Results at ISO 3200 are just as crisp as those shot at ISO 100.\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\nMoving to the extreme ranges of the ISO range—the camera can shoot as high as ISO 204800—is a bit much for JPG shooters. You can get useable, albeit soft, results at ISO 51200. There's quite a bit of blur at ISO 102400, though I can still make out some detail in our test images. The ISO 204800 setting delivers blurry results, but that's to be expected when shooting at such an extreme.\nIf you opt to shoot Raw you can squeeze more detail out of high ISO images. Our test images, converted using\nAdobe Lightroom Classic CC\nwith default develop settings applied, look just as good at ISO 6400 as they do at ISO 100—just with a bit more grain. There's a little more noise at ISO 12800 and 25600, but it's not overwhelming. At ISO 51200 I'd call grain heavy, but there's much more detail visible than its JPG counterpart. I'd not hesitate to use ISO 102400 for shots where a grainy look is desired—or for conversion to black-and-white—but rough noise overwhelms your images at ISO 204800. Crops, from both JPG and Raw files, are included in the slideshow that accompanies this review so you can judge for yourself.\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\nIt's not all about high ISO photography. At lower ISOs the a7 III delivers the image quality you expect from a 24MP, full-frame image sensor. You have extreme control over depth of field when working with a fast lens, and while you don't get as much resolution or detail as you do from the a7R III (which uses a 42MP sensor without an optical low-pass filter), you won't have any complaints when making prints or viewing photos at a pixel level. Sony promises that Raw images will deliver 15 stops of dynamic range at lower ISO settings, so you can reign in highlights and shadows to get an image looking just like you want it to. And it does it without adding unwanted color noise, like we saw when pulling up shadow detail from Raw images shot with the Canon EOS 6D Mark II.\nThere is an issue that some reviewers have noted in regards to flare. Under certain conditions, odd banding can show in subjects that are strongly backlit. It's typically only visible when shooting at f\/2 or wider, with a very strong light source entering the lens directly, and only appears toward the edge of the frame. The banding shows up as single pixel straight lines, matching the position of the on-sensor phase detection pixels. It's not an issue that is exclusive to the a7 III—photographers have observed the effect in other cameras with on-sensor phase detection.\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\nI shot several dozen images with strong backlight and flare using the a7 III, like the one above, and didn't see the lines in any of them. But I was using the 24-105mm lens, which has a maximum f\/4 aperture, and I wasn't deliberately trying to induce the effect.\nI've shot with a number of cameras with on-sensor phase detection points over the years and have not found this to be an issue in my images, but I tend to stop a lens down a bit when incorporating the sun or other bright source in the background in order to get a starburst flare effect. If you're more of a wide-open shooter and love the backlit portrait look, you may encounter it from time to time. But most photographers will shoot thousands of images without ever seeing the effect.\nCanon SLRs with Dual Pixel AF have caught up to mirrorless in terms of focus speed, but there are still big advantages to using a mirrorless system with on-sensor autofocus to capture video. The entire Sony a7 series has solid video chops—particularly the specialized\na7S II\n. Despite entry-level positioning, the a7 III doesn't skimp on features.\nIt supports 4K capture at 60 or 100Mbps using the XAVC S 4K codec at your choice of 24 or 30fps. The 24fps video uses the full width of the frame (with the sensor cropped to the 16:9 ratio), but there is a modest crop applied when shooting at 30fps. Dropping down to 1080p gives you 50 or 100Mbs options at 24, 30, or 60p, and there is an in-camera slow-motion option at 60 or 100Mbps and 120fps.\nI shot our 4K test video at 24fps and 100Mbps using the Standard video profile. It was cut together in Premiere Pro, but no grading was done. I did remove audio from some clips, as copyrighted music was playing at our location, but clips with audio use the in-camera microphone.\nIf you do want to grade footage, there are other profiles available, including several cinema looks, S-Log2, and S-Log3. Like the a7R III, the camera also supports HDR capture using Sony's HybridLogGamma profile.\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\nAll of my video was shot handheld as well, so you can see how the in-body stabilization works. I used the FE 24-105mm exclusively. As we've seen with other a7 models, the combination of body and lens stabilization removes jitter from footage. There's some shake visible in shots captured from a helicopter, but it's a lot less bumpy than what I experienced in real life.\nThere's certainly some wind noise in our outdoor shots. Thankfully you can use an external microphone with the a7 III. It has a standard 3.5mm input, as well as an output if you want to monitor audio using headphones. Sony sells an add-on accessory with balanced XLR input for projects that require true pro-grade sound.\nWe've also included a slow-motion sample using the S&Q 120fps setting. You're limited to 1080p, but it's a nice effect for those times when you want to slow down reality. The video is silent, as the a7 III doesn't record audio when its Mode dial is set to the S&Q position.\nFinal Thoughts\n(Credit: PCMag)\nSony a7 III\nEditors' Choice\n5.0\nExemplary\n \n5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking\n4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors\n4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls\n3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors\n3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack\n2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution\n2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution\n1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product\n1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product\nRead Our\nEditorial Mission Statement\nand\nTesting Methodologies\n.\nThe Sony a7 III looks a lot like the a7 II, but the upgrades inside are palpable. Its sensor offers the same resolution, but the BSI design improves high ISO performance. The autofocus system is vastly improved, with much wider coverage and 10fps capture. And a high-capacity battery keeps the camera shooting for much longer than previous a7 models. All while making few changes to the compact, sturdy body.\nI have a few small complaints. I'm not sure why Sony doesn't use dual UHS-II memory slots—if you want to record images to two cards simultaneously, the slower UHS-I slot can slow write times when shooting. The camera menu has a lot of options, but the camera does a lot of stuff. It could be better organized; you'll want to spend some time customizing the My Menu page before doing any serious work with the a7 III.\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\nBut any picayune gripes are overshadowed by the a7 III's all-around performance. It goes well beyond what similarly priced SLRs from Canon and Nikon offer. You don't get in-body stabilization with either competing system, nor do they support 4K video capture, and their autofocus systems don't shoot nearly as fast or cover such a large area of the frame.\nThe a7 III is a lot more camera than we're used to seeing at this price point. Instead of cutting out features to push buyers to a higher-end model, the a7 III inherits a lot of tech from the a9 and a7R III. We're used to seeing features from high-end options trickle down to more affordable camera over a period of years, but the a9 has only been on the market for about a year and the a7R III for about half that duration.\nWe're making the a7 III our Editors' Choice for full-frame mirrorless cameras, and do not hesitate in recommending it over its closest competition in the SLR world. The Nikon D750 is aging, and while it still delivers strong image quality, its video features are dated. The Canon EOS 6D Mark II was a bit underwhelming upon its release, and seems even more so now that the a7 III is available.\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\nIt compares well against pro models, too. The\nCanon EOS 5D Mark IV\nhas a bit more resolution (30MP), but only shoots 4K video with a crop factor and doesn't match the a7 III's autofocus system. The\nNikon D850\n, the best SLR on the market today, is in a different class as terms of resolution—its 45MP image sensor is a marvel—but does suffer from slower autofocus when shooting video. Both sell for more than $3,000.\nOn the Sony front, you can still buy the a7 II, and at it remains a solid bargain for budget shoppers. The original\na7\nis also still on sale. It doesn't offer in-body stabilization, but it's the least expensive point of entry into any full-frame system. Moving to higher-end options, the 42MP\na7R II\ndelivers a lot more resolution, but isn't a great choice for tracking fast action. The a7R III gives you both resolution and speed, but is a lot more expensive. On the highest end there's the a9, a 24MP model, but one that can shoot and track action at 20fps, without any sort of blackout.\nAnd there are some very capable cameras out there with smaller image sensors. We just looked at the best APS-C mirrorless camera we've seen, the\nFujifilm X-H1\n, and the\nNikon D500\nis our favorite high-end APS-C SLR. There are reasons to opt for a smaller sensor, especially if you like to use long telephoto lenses to snap shots of sports and wildlife, but for many photographers there is no substitute for a sensor that matches 35mm in size. In this price range, the a7 III is the best one you can get.\nGET IT NOW\nAbout Our Expert\nJim Fisher\nPrincipal Writer, Cameras\nExperience\nImages, and the devices that capture them, are my focus. I've covered cameras at PCMag for the past 14 years, which has given me a front row seat for the changeover from DSLRs to mirrorless cameras, the smartphone camera revolution, and the emergence of drones for aerial imaging. I have extensive experience with every major mirrorless and SLR system, and am also comfortable using point-and-shoot and action cameras. As a Part 107 Certified drone pilot, I’m licensed to fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for commercial and editorial purposes, and am knowledgeable about federal rules and regulations regarding drones.\nLatest By Jim Fisher\nRead Full Bio","attrs_markdown":"![](https:\/\/zdbb.net\/l\/z0WVjCBSEeGLoxIxOQVEwQ\/)\n\n[Skip to Main Content](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-a7-iii#main \"Skip to Main Content\")\n\nMenu\n\n- ![Maggie AI Logo](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/icons\/maggie-logo.svg)\n  \n  ![Maggie AI White Logo](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/icons\/maggie-logo-white.svg)\n  \n  Maggie: AI Product Finder\n- [\\#BestTechBrands](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/articles\/the-best-tech-brands-for-2026)\n- Best Products\n  - [The Best Laptops for 2025](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-laptops)\n  - [The Best PCs (Desktop Computers) for 2025](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-desktop-computers)\n  - [The Best Tablets for 2025](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-tablets)\n  - 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If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our [testing](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/about\/how-we-test-everything-we-review).\n\n1. [Home](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/)\n2. [Reviews](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews)\n3. [Cameras](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/categories\/cameras)\n# Sony a7 III Review\n\n[![Jim Fisher](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/authors\/04FaIMb8SfROqZVLxv18Fh4.fit_lim.size_100x100.v1723837985.png)](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/authors\/jim-fisher)\n\nJim Fisher\n\nJim Fisher\n\nPrincipal Writer, Cameras\n\nExperience\n\nImages, and the devices that capture them, are my focus. I've covered cameras at PCMag for the past 14 years, which has given me a front row seat for the changeover from DSLRs to mirrorless cameras, the smartphone camera revolution, and the emergence of drones for aerial imaging. I have extensive experience with every major mirrorless and SLR system, and am also comfortable using point-and-shoot and action cameras. As a Part 107 Certified drone pilot, I’m licensed to fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for commercial and editorial purposes, and am knowledgeable about federal rules and regulations regarding drones.\n\nAreas of Expertise\n\n- [Cameras](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/categories\/cameras)\n- [Lenses](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/categories\/lenses)\n- [Drones](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/categories\/drones)\n- [Video Cameras](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/categories\/video-cameras)\n- [Camera Accessories](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/categories\/camera-accessories)\n- [Video Camera Accessories](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/categories\/video-camera-accessories)\n\n[Read Full Bio](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/authors\/jim-fisher)\n\nPrincipal Writer, Cameras\n\nOUR EXPERT\n\nAfter 14 years covering photo gear, Jim knows his f-stops. You'll often find him out in the woods or in a graveyard with a camera or two in hand.\n\nLOOK INSIDE PC LABS [HOW WE TEST](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/about\/how-we-test-digital-cameras)\n\n65 EXPERTS\n\n44 YEARS\n\n43,000+ REVIEWS\n\nUpdated  May 2, 2019\n\nSocial Share\n\n[Threads](https:\/\/threads.net\/intent\/post?text=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii \"Threads (Opens in a new tab)\")\n\n[Bluesky](https:\/\/bsky.app\/intent\/compose?text=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii \"Bluesky (Opens in a new tab)\")\n\n[Reddit](http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&title=Sony%20a7%20III \"Reddit (Opens in a new tab)\")\n\n[Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii \"Facebook (Opens in a new tab)\")\n\n[LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&title=Sony%20a7%20III&source=PCMag \"LinkedIn (Opens in a new tab)\")\n\n[Pinterest](http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&description=Sony%20a7%20III \"Pinterest (Opens in a new tab)\")\n\n[Flipboard](https:\/\/share.flipboard.com\/bookmarklet\/popout?v=2&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&title=Sony%20a7%20III \"Flipboard (Opens in a new tab)\")\n\n[Twitter](https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&text=Sony%20a7%20III&hashtags=PCMag \"X (Opens in a new tab)\")\n\nCopied\n\nError\\!\n\n[Copy Link]()\n\nhttps:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-a7-iii\n\n[Email](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/cdn-cgi\/l\/email-protection#cff0bcbaada5aaacbbf29ca0a1b6eafdffaef8eafdff868686e9aea2bff4ada0abb6f2a7bbbbbfbceafc8eeafd89eafd89b8b8b8e1bfaca2aea8e1aca0a2eafd89bdaab9a6aab8bceafd89bca0a1b6e2aef8e2a6a6a6eaff8beaff8eeaff8beaff8e82a0bdaaefa9bda0a2ef9f8c82aea8f5efa7bbbbbfbcf5e0e0b8b8b8e1bfaca2aea8e1aca0a2 \"Email (Opens in a new tab)\")\n\n[Comments](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-a7-iii#comments)\n\n[Add as a preferred source on Google](https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=pcmag.com)\n\n![Sony a7 III](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-39.fit_scale.size_400x225.v1569480996.jpg)\n\n(Credit: PCMag)\n\n![Sony a7 III](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-39.fit_scale.size_400x225.v1569480996.jpg)\n\n(Credit: PCMag)\n\nEditors' Choice\n\n5\\.0\n\nExemplary\n\nWhat Our Ratings Mean\n***\n- 5\\.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking\n- 4\\.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors\n- 4\\.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls\n- 3\\.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors\n- 3\\.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack\n- 2\\.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution\n- 2\\.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution\n- 1\\.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product\n- 1\\.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product\n\nRead Our [Editorial Mission Statement](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/about\/pcmagcom-mission-statement) and [Testing Methodologies](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/about\/how-we-test-everything-we-review).\n\n### The Bottom Line\nThe Sony a7 III is an entry-level full-frame camera that goes well beyond the basics in features, with excellent image quality, 10fps subject tracking, and 4K video capture.\n\nMSRP \\$1,999.99\n\n\\$1,498.00\n\n[\\$1,498 at Amazon](https:\/\/cc.pcmag.com\/v1\/otc\/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSony-Full-Frame-Mirrorless-Interchangeable-Lens-ILCE7M3%2Fdp%2FB07B43WPVK&template=review-page&module=score-card-persistent&element=buy-button&item=offer&position=1&element_label=%241%2C498+at+Amazon&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=04Muy4dAgleFScPYI6cCGLl \"(Opens in a new tab)\")\n***\n\\$1,899.99 Save \\$400.00\n\n[\\$1,499 at Best Buy](https:\/\/cc.pcmag.com\/v1\/otc\/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=07ceq7iAfFfRlRYt8DCvPYM&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fsony-alpha-a7-iii-mirrorless-4k-video-camera-body-only%2F6213101.p%3FskuId%3D6213101&template=review-page&module=score-card-persistent&element=buy-button&item=offer&position=2&element_label=%241%2C499+at+Best+Buy&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=04Muy4dAgleFScPYI6cCGLl \"(Opens in a new tab)\")\n***\n\\$1,999.99 Save \\$301.99\n\n[\\$1,698 at Walmart](https:\/\/cc.pcmag.com\/v1\/otc\/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=02zLDwCqTbhlnKCTPdI0yqf&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FSony-a7-III-ILCE-7M3-Digital-camera-mirrorless-24-2-MP-Full-Frame-4K-30-fps-body-only-Wi-Fi-NFC-Bluetooth%2F563854807&template=review-page&module=score-card-persistent&element=buy-button&item=offer&position=3&element_label=%241%2C698+at+Walmart&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=04Muy4dAgleFScPYI6cCGLl \"(Opens in a new tab)\")\n\n## Pros & Cons\n- 24MP full-frame BSI sensor.\n- 10fps with tracking.\n- 5-axis stabilization.\n- 4K HDR video.\n- Silent shooting available.\n- Tilting touch LCD.\n- Dual SD slots.\n- Vastly improved battery.\n- Focus joystick.\n- Flat profiles available.\n\n- Screen not true vari-angle.\n- Only one card slot is UHS-II.\n- No in-body flash.\n- Shooting buffer must clear to start video.\n- Dense menu system.\n- Omits PC sync socket.\n\n## Sony a7 III Specs\n| Name | Value |\n|---|---|\n| Dimensions | 3\\.9 by 5.0 by 2.5 inches |\n| Weight | 1\\.4 lb |\n| Type | Mirrorless |\n| Sensor Resolution | 24 MP |\n| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS |\n| Sensor Size | Full-Frame (24 x 36mm) |\n| Lens Mount | Sony E |\n| Memory Card Slots | 2 |\n| Memory Card Format | SDXC (UHS-II), SDXC (UHS-I)\/Memory Stick Duo |\n| Battery Type | Sony NP-FZ100 |\n| Minimum ISO | 50 |\n| Maximum ISO | 204800 |\n| Stabilization | 5-Axis IBIS |\n| Display Size | 3\\.0 inches |\n| Display Resolution | 921600 dots |\n| Touch Screen |   |\n\nMore Specs\n\n## EDITORS' NOTE\nNote: This review has been updated to reflect changes in the a7 III added by its [Firmware 3.0](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20241203032438\/https:\/\/www.sony.com\/electronics\/support\/e-mount-body-ilce-7-series\/ilce-7m3#downloads \"(Opens in a new tab)\") release.\n\nIt didn't take long for Sony to reuse the body design it introduced with last year's high-resolution, pro-grade [a7R III](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-a7r-iii) in an entry-level model. But despite a friendly (for [full-frame](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-full-frame-cameras)) price, the a7 III (\\$1,999.99, body only) is anything but entry-level when it comes to its feature set. Its BSI CMOS sensor excels in all types of light, and offers incredible dynamic range. It can shoot at 10fps, with an autofocus system that covers almost the entirety of the image sensor. And it has serious video chops too, recording smooth, sharp footage at 4K, and slow-motion at 1080p. It run circles around competing models in this price range, and is our Editors' Choice for entry-level full-frame shoppers.\n\n## Design\nThe a7 III feels a lot like the [a7 II](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-alpha-7-ii) and a7R III in the hand. It measures 3.9 by 5.0 by 2.5 inches (HWD) without a lens, and weighs about 1.4 pounds. Its grip and body design are the same as you get with the a7R III. I find it quite comfortable to hold, even with a larger zoom like the [FE 100-400mm](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-fe-100-400mm-f45-56-gm-oss). The body is protected against dust and splashes, as are all Sony FE lenses.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-2.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nIn addition to the body-only option, Sony is offering the a7 III in a \\$2,199.99 kit bundled with the [FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-fe-28-70mm-f35-56-oss) lens. The 28-70mm is one of oldest lenses in the series. I would have liked to see another bundle with the newer, more useful [FE 24-105mm F4](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-fe-24-105mm-f4-g-oss). The 24-105mm is a \\$1,300 lens, however, so I imagine the pricing of a kit would be prohibitive for many buyers.\n\n![Sony a7 III Review](https:\/\/cdn.ex.co\/transformations\/production\/17992684-8e05-440c-9e71-82e392a3addf\/thumbnail-480.webp)\n\n![PCMag Logo](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/images\/pcmag.svg)\n\nSony a7 III Review\n\nHandling isn't that much different from the a7 II. You still get the EV dial on top, along with programmable C1 and C2 buttons, and a Mode dial—it's not a locking dial like the one on the a7R III. The shutter release is on top of the handgrip, slightly lower than the rest of the top plate, and set at an angle. The On\/Off switch surrounds it. The grip has a command dial, accessible using your right index finger. Its rear counterpart is slightly offset from the EV dial and is easily turned with your right thumb.\n\n### Similar Products\n[Our Current Picks for The Best Full-Frame Cameras for 2026](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-full-frame-cameras)\n\n![Canon EOS R6 Mark III](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/01a5NfcpkkfEEgD8eXRO8zs-6-hero-image-gallery.fit_lpad.size_238x139.v1763751883.jpg)\n\n### Canon EOS R6 Mark III\n4\\.5\n\nOutstanding\n\n\\$2,799.00  at Amazon\n\n[\\$2,799 at Amazon](https:\/\/cc.pcmag.com\/v1\/otc\/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FCanon-EOS-Mark-III-Body%2Fdp%2FB0FZVVLR9D&template=review-page&module=similar-products-carousel&element=product-tile&item=buy-button&position=1&element_label=%242%2C799+at+Amazon&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=01SNsFGlL6ZNvdwEVFpqkVn \"(Opens in a new tab)\")  [Read Our Review](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/canon-eos-r6-mark-iii)\n\n![Nikon Z5II](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/00jtbqwNr7tnuftCsU9avpG-8.fit_lpad.size_238x139.v1752697233.jpg)\n\n### Nikon Z5II\n4\\.5\n\nOutstanding\n\n\\$1,596.95  at Amazon\n\n\\$1,849.95 Save \\$253.00\n\n[\\$1,596 at Amazon](https:\/\/cc.pcmag.com\/v1\/otc\/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0F3HJD64Y%3Fth%3D1&template=review-page&module=similar-products-carousel&element=product-tile&item=buy-button&position=2&element_label=%241%2C596+at+Amazon&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=03qDny609Y2ShIzTVVcUSun \"(Opens in a new tab)\")  [Read Our Review](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/nikon-z5ii)\n\n![Nikon Z 6 III, front angle](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/03KhS6dOnYXPZ3pu9RZSzjJ-1.fit_lpad.size_238x139.v1725912191.jpg)\n\n### Nikon Z6III\n4\\.5\n\nOutstanding\n\n\\$2,096.95  at Amazon\n\n[\\$2,096 at Amazon](https:\/\/cc.pcmag.com\/v1\/otc\/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0D77SL8CY&template=review-page&module=similar-products-carousel&element=product-tile&item=buy-button&position=3&element_label=%242%2C096+at+Amazon&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=01UUQDLcw7EVSs3W8OtOdaD \"(Opens in a new tab)\")  [Read Our Review](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/nikon-z-6-iii)\n\n![Nikon Z 8, front](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/00hKjfzytu0HwwiS3q4TqJv-1.fit_lpad.size_238x139.v1701794304.jpg)\n\n### Nikon Z 8\n4\\.5\n\nOutstanding\n\n\\$3,496.95  at Amazon\n\n[\\$3,496 at Amazon](https:\/\/cc.pcmag.com\/v1\/otc\/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FNikon-Professional-full-frame-mirrorless-stills%2Fdp%2FB0C4Q71JBY%3Fth%3D1&template=review-page&module=similar-products-carousel&element=product-tile&item=buy-button&position=4&element_label=%243%2C496+at+Amazon&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=06rRx3KHWXeQWCjFi91DEhZ \"(Opens in a new tab)\")  [Read Our Review](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/nikon-z-8)\n\n![Sony a7 V](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20238%20139'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n### Sony a7 V\n4\\.5\n\nOutstanding\n\n\\$2,899.99  at Best Buy\n\n[\\$2,899 at Best Buy](https:\/\/cc.pcmag.com\/v1\/otc\/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=07ceq7iAfFfRlRYt8DCvPYM&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2F6666085.p%3FskuId%3D6666085&template=review-page&module=similar-products-carousel&element=product-tile&item=buy-button&position=5&element_label=%242%2C899+at+Best+Buy&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=02s6U1KmEjia56IQrD2abpn \"(Opens in a new tab)\")  [Read Our Review](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-a7-v)\n\n![Sony ZV-E1 Image](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20238%20139'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n### Sony ZV-E1\n4\\.5\n\nOutstanding\n\n\\$2,498.00  at Amazon\n\n[\\$2,498 at Amazon](https:\/\/cc.pcmag.com\/v1\/otc\/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSony-Full-Frame-Interchangeable-Mirrorless-Camera%2Fdp%2FB0BZWNWCZ9&template=review-page&module=similar-products-carousel&element=product-tile&item=buy-button&position=6&element_label=%242%2C498+at+Amazon&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=06639YX83KYrDKq11tzNFIl \"(Opens in a new tab)\")  [Read Our Review](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-zv-e1)\n\n![Leica M11 Monochrom Image](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20238%20139'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n### Leica M11 Monochrom\n4\\.0\n\nExcellent\n\n\\$10,160.00  at Amazon\n\n[\\$10,160 at Amazon](https:\/\/cc.pcmag.com\/v1\/otc\/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FLeica-M11-Monochrom-Digital-Rangefinder%2Fdp%2FB0C7ZDDQBV&template=review-page&module=similar-products-carousel&element=product-tile&item=buy-button&position=7&element_label=%2410%2C160+at+Amazon&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=03zzbfzKtlrMn589fbKC3oW \"(Opens in a new tab)\")  [Read Our Review](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/leica-m11-monochrom)\n\n![Nikon Z 9 Image](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20238%20139'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n### Nikon Z 9\n4\\.5\n\nOutstanding\n\n\\$5,196.95  at Amazon\n\n[\\$5,196 at Amazon](https:\/\/cc.pcmag.com\/v1\/otc\/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FNikon-FX-Format-Mirrorless-Camera-Body%2Fdp%2FB09KHC4XCT&template=review-page&module=similar-products-carousel&element=product-tile&item=buy-button&position=8&element_label=%245%2C196+at+Amazon&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=05MYePMMttBZPoG2FCDhOid \"(Opens in a new tab)\")  [Read Our Review](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/nikon-z-9)\n\n![Front](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20238%20139'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n### Canon EOS RP\n4\\.0\n\nExcellent\n\n\\$949.00  at Amazon\n\n[\\$949 at Amazon](https:\/\/cc.pcmag.com\/v1\/otc\/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FCanon-EOS-Mirrorless-Camera-Body%2Fdp%2FB07N9KDCGV&template=review-page&module=similar-products-carousel&element=product-tile&item=buy-button&position=9&element_label=%24949+at+Amazon&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=07GoZtNdcn64M4qTiq0PvZR \"(Opens in a new tab)\")  [Read Our Review](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/canon-eos-rp)\n\n![Sony a7C II front view](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20238%20139'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n### Sony a7C II\n4\\.0\n\nExcellent\n\n\\$2,298.00  at Amazon\n\n\\$2,499.99 Save \\$201.99\n\n[\\$2,298 at Amazon](https:\/\/cc.pcmag.com\/v1\/otc\/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSony-Alpha-Full-Frame-Interchangeable-Camera%2Fdp%2FB0CGTWZGWB%3Fth%3D1&template=review-page&module=similar-products-carousel&element=product-tile&item=buy-button&position=10&element_label=%242%2C298+at+Amazon&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=04qajOGK0VPv1atId8K9IAG \"(Opens in a new tab)\")  [Read Our Review](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-a7c-ii)\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-3.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nRear controls match the a7R III and [a9](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-a9). The programmable C3 button and Menu button are above the rear LCD, just to the left of the EVF eyecup. To the right, still running along the top, you find Record, AF-ON, and AEL. Below them, nestled between the rear thumb rest and LCD are the focus point selector joystick and Fn button.\n\nThe flat rear command dial is next down in the column; it has a button at its center and directional presses to adjust Display, ISO, and the Drive mode—there's no dedicated Drive dial like you get on the a9, that's something Sony has decided to leave out of the a7 series. The dial itself has deep ridges so you can turn it comfortably, and the turning motion feels much better than the similar dial on the a7 II—there's more resistance, and the dial is physically larger so the button presses offer better tactile feedback.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-4.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nRounding out the rear controls are the Play and Delete buttons. The latter doubles as the programmable C4 button when in shooting mode. By default it toggles the touch sensitivity of the rear display. The touch functions are a bit limited. You can't navigate through menus via touch. But you can tap on the screen to set a focus point. Even if the camera is set to a wide area, tapping on a spot will override and change to a flexible spot, which can be moved via touch or the joystick; returning to wide area is done using the button at the center of the rear command dial. This method of adjusting the focus point works in both still and video capture.\n\nThe camera also supports focus adjustment using the LCD when framing shots with the EVF. Just slide your finger on the display and the focus area will move. You can override the wide area setting with this method just as you can when shooting using the rear LCD to frame shots.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-5.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nSpeaking of menus, Sony has long been criticized for its rather lengthy, complex menu system. The a7 III includes some tools to help reduce the stress of trying to find the setting you want to adjust when flipping through dozens of pages of options. My Menu is fully customizable, so a setting you often adjust can be added to it for quick access. It's a step in the right direction, though I wish Sony would go further and better organize and categorize menu options.\n\nThe menu breaks up camera capture settings into two tabs, each with multiple pages, but mixes things up a bit. There are settings for both movies and still capture bookending a few dedicated pages for video capture squeezed in the middle. Some cleaner organization could help make finding the right setting easier.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-6.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nUpgrading owners of the a7 and a7 II will notice that the apps section is gone. The a7 III doesn't support PlayMemories Mobile camera apps. That in and of itself is not a great loss—downloading apps to extend the camera's capabilities was a flawed concept, especially without support for third-party developers. But some functions that were available in PlayMemories, like the ability to fire the shutter using the EVF eye sensor, haven't been integrated into the a7 III's firmware. Time-lapse was added with Firmware 3.0 and, while the a7 III can't output a finished video, it will automatically fire images at set intervals so you can combine them into a video later. The camera delivers enough resolution for 6K time-lapse.\n\nThe rear display is a 3-inch LCD with touch input support. It's a step back from the one used on the a7 II, which is a 1,228k-dot design with \"white pixels\" to cut through sun glare on bright days. This one is a more pedestrian 921k-dot design. Even so, I shot with it under the harsh sun in the Nevada desert and had no problems seeing the screen.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-7.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nThe screen tilts up and down, but it doesn't swing out from the body to face forward like a true vari-angle display. It's a shame, as it limits the ability of vloggers to set up shots and record video while keeping an eye on framing, and the a7 III otherwise has such solid video chops. There are also some touch controls when reviewing images; notably you can swipe around a magnified shot with your finger when playing photos back.\n\nThe EVF is the same 0.78x magnification OLED with 2,359k dots as you get with the a7 II. The higher end models in the series, the a7R III and a9, match the a7 III in magnification, but pack more pixels into the frame, 3,686k dots. I didn't notice the drop in resolution when picking up the a7 III for the first time—the EVF looks great and I'm able to tell if a subject is in focus when shooting. But if you use the pricier models on a regular basis, you may appreciate the difference.\n\n## Power and Connectivity\nThe a7 III uses the Z battery, introduced in the a9 and also used by the a7R III. It's good for 710 shots per CIPA ratings with the a7 III, as its power requirements are less than the a9 or a7R III, both rated for 650 images per charge. The bigger battery is a boon to enthusiasts who don't want to buy a ton of spares, and pros alike. A grip is available; it allows the camera to use two batteries, effectively doubling its life. You won't have to worry about running out of power when shooting a wedding, for example.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-8.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nSony doesn't include an external charger with the a7 III. If you want to charge the battery outside the camera, you'll need to buy one. But you can recharge via USB and an included USB-to-AC adapter in-camera. I recommend a wall charger for travelers and pros, especially those who have multiple Z batteries to recharge at the end of a long day of shooting.\n\nThe camera has two USB ports (one USB-C and one micro USB), as well as micro HDMI, a 3.5mm microphone input, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It doesn't include the PC Sync flash socket you get with the a7R III and a9. There is a standard hot shoe, with the extra electrical contacts for accessories like Sony's XLR audio adapter.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-9.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nAnd there are two memory card slots. Slot 1, toward the bottom of the camera, supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory at UHS-II speeds. Slot 2, above it, works with all SD formats at slower UHS-I speeds, but also supports Sony Memory Stick media. I knocked the decision to only support UHS-II in one slot when I reviewed the a9 and a7R III, and do the same here—both slots should support the latest, fastest memory format. I'd be surprised if anyone outside of Sony cares about Memory Stick at this point.\n\nIn addition to wired connectivity, the a7 III includes Bluetooth, NFC, and Wi-Fi. This allows the camera to connect to an Android or iOS device running the free Sony PlayMemories Mobile app to transfer images and video to your phone for social sharing. You can also use your phone as a wireless remote control.\n\n## Performance and Autofocus\nThe a7 III starts, focuses, and fires in about 2.2 seconds. That's one area where it's slower than competing SLRs, like the [Canon EOS 6D Mark II](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/canon-eos-6d-mark-ii) (0.4-second) and [Nikon D750](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/nikon-d750) (0.4-second). Its autofocus system is quite speedy, locking on in 0.05-second in bright light and an average of 0.4-second in very dim conditions.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-11.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nI tested the burst speed using a Lexar 300MBps memory card in the UHS-II slot. The camera manages 10fps in its fastest burst mode. The amount of shots you can take before the camera stalls varies based on the file format you use. I tested Uncompressed Raw and Extra Fine JPG (34 shots), Compressed Raw and Extra Fine JPG (78 shots), Uncompressed Raw (37 shots), Compressed Raw (103 shots), and Extra Fine JPG (164 shots). Recovery time, the duration it takes for the buffer to fully clear to the memory card, varies based on file format. If you're shooting Raw+JPG (either format) expect to wait about 24 seconds, but only about 14 seconds for Raw alone. Because you can capture so many more JPG images at a time, the write time to clear them to the card is about 54 seconds.\n\n![Newsletter Icon](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/images\/newsletter-envelope.svg)\n\n![Newsletter Icon](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/images\/newsletter-envelope.svg)\n\nGet Our Best Stories\\!\n\n### All the Latest Tech, Tested by Our Experts\n![Lab Report Newsletter Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/newsletters\/17709142-contextual.fit_lpad.size_250x140.v1752614027.png)\n\nSign up for the **Lab Report** to receive PCMag's latest product reviews, buying advice, and insights.\n\nSign up for the **Lab Report** to receive PCMag's latest product reviews, buying advice, and insights.\n\nBy clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our [Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/terms) and [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/privacy).\n\nThanks for signing up\\!\n\nYour subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox\\!\n\nContinuous autofocus is also available at 10fps. Our standard focus test, in which I shoot a target that moves directly toward or away from the lens, netted almost all shots in focus at 10fps. There were a few slight misses here and there, but nothing worth getting worked up about.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-31.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nThe autofocus system is similar to that in the high-end a9, but it's not quite as uncannily intelligent. The a9's sensor design allows for instant readout (and 20fps capture), so even though the a7 III has the same number of focus points and area of focus coverage, it doesn't deliver the same level of performance.\n\nBut it's not that far off. A total of 693 phase detection points cover 93 percent of the sensor, all but its extreme edges, and are joined by 425 contrast points, more densely located in the central area of the frame. The two focus point types work together to recognize and track subjects.  \nThe focus system not only supports face detection, but goes further with Sony's Eye AF system. It can lock on to a human eye, prioritizing the one closest to the active focus point. It's a great tool for portraits, and it works when focusing continuously, so your model can feel free to adjust a pose and you won't have to worry about losing crisp focus on their eyes.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-14.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nThe Firmware 3.0 updated improved the operability of Eye AF, allowing it to work at all times—previously it had to be engaged manually. It also adds support for [animals](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/news\/sony-cameras-can-now-focus-on-your-pets-eyes), specifically cats and dogs. We tested the new focus system using an a7R III, which works the exact same way, and you can see it at work in the video clip above.\n\nIn field testing the autofocus system performed superbly. Shot after shot was sharp and crisp, even when tracking moving targets at 10fps. Of course there were occasional misses, but even the best autofocus systems miss from time to time. For example, when shooting a scene with heavy, simulated rain in the studio, with continuous lighting rather than strobes, using the wide focus area resulted in some shots that were wildly misfocused. Changing the focus area to a flexible spot, or engaging EyeAF using the rear center button righted the ship.\n\nFew other full-frame cameras at this price point can hit 10fps, let alone with such a wide coverage of autofocus. The closest SLR competitors in terms of price, the Nikon D750 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II, top out at 6.5fps and have focus systems that cover a much smaller area of the frame.\n\n## Image Quality\nThe a7 III uses a new sensor, one that is similar in design to the 24MP sensor used by the a9, but not identical. The a9's sensor is a stacked design, which puts memory right on the chip in order to deliver instant readout and its 20fps capture capability. The a7 III doesn't do that. It is a BSI—Back Side Illumination—design, like the a9 and high-resolution a7R III. This type of sensor cuts the distance between its surface and light-sensitive area. The practical effect is that you get superior high ISO quality compared with sensors that put put circuitry in front of the light-gathering area rather than behind it.\n\nOur lab tests show that the a7 III's image sensor performs very similarly to the a9. When shooting in JPG format [Imatest](https:\/\/www.imatest.com\/ \"(Opens in a new tab)\") tells us that noise is less than 1.5 percent through ISO 25600, a stop better than the a9 and [Nikon D5](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/nikon-d5). There's certainly some in-camera noise reduction going on to get there, resulting in some smudging of fine details at ISO 25600. Images are stronger at ISO 12800, but there's still some muddiness. At ISO 6400 photos are clean and rife with detail. Results at ISO 3200 are just as crisp as those shot at ISO 100.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-15.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nMoving to the extreme ranges of the ISO range—the camera can shoot as high as ISO 204800—is a bit much for JPG shooters. You can get useable, albeit soft, results at ISO 51200. There's quite a bit of blur at ISO 102400, though I can still make out some detail in our test images. The ISO 204800 setting delivers blurry results, but that's to be expected when shooting at such an extreme.\n\nIf you opt to shoot Raw you can squeeze more detail out of high ISO images. Our test images, converted using [Adobe Lightroom Classic CC](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/adobe-lightroom-classic) with default develop settings applied, look just as good at ISO 6400 as they do at ISO 100—just with a bit more grain. There's a little more noise at ISO 12800 and 25600, but it's not overwhelming. At ISO 51200 I'd call grain heavy, but there's much more detail visible than its JPG counterpart. I'd not hesitate to use ISO 102400 for shots where a grainy look is desired—or for conversion to black-and-white—but rough noise overwhelms your images at ISO 204800. Crops, from both JPG and Raw files, are included in the slideshow that accompanies this review so you can judge for yourself.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-16.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nIt's not all about high ISO photography. At lower ISOs the a7 III delivers the image quality you expect from a 24MP, full-frame image sensor. You have extreme control over depth of field when working with a fast lens, and while you don't get as much resolution or detail as you do from the a7R III (which uses a 42MP sensor without an optical low-pass filter), you won't have any complaints when making prints or viewing photos at a pixel level. Sony promises that Raw images will deliver 15 stops of dynamic range at lower ISO settings, so you can reign in highlights and shadows to get an image looking just like you want it to. And it does it without adding unwanted color noise, like we saw when pulling up shadow detail from Raw images shot with the Canon EOS 6D Mark II.\n\nThere is an issue that some reviewers have noted in regards to flare. Under certain conditions, odd banding can show in subjects that are strongly backlit. It's typically only visible when shooting at f\/2 or wider, with a very strong light source entering the lens directly, and only appears toward the edge of the frame. The banding shows up as single pixel straight lines, matching the position of the on-sensor phase detection pixels. It's not an issue that is exclusive to the a7 III—photographers have observed the effect in other cameras with on-sensor phase detection.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-17.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nI shot several dozen images with strong backlight and flare using the a7 III, like the one above, and didn't see the lines in any of them. But I was using the 24-105mm lens, which has a maximum f\/4 aperture, and I wasn't deliberately trying to induce the effect.\n\nI've shot with a number of cameras with on-sensor phase detection points over the years and have not found this to be an issue in my images, but I tend to stop a lens down a bit when incorporating the sun or other bright source in the background in order to get a starburst flare effect. If you're more of a wide-open shooter and love the backlit portrait look, you may encounter it from time to time. But most photographers will shoot thousands of images without ever seeing the effect.\n\n## Video\nCanon SLRs with Dual Pixel AF have caught up to mirrorless in terms of focus speed, but there are still big advantages to using a mirrorless system with on-sensor autofocus to capture video. The entire Sony a7 series has solid video chops—particularly the specialized [a7S II](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20241203032438\/https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-alpha-7s-ii \"(Opens in a new tab)\"). Despite entry-level positioning, the a7 III doesn't skimp on features.\n\nIt supports 4K capture at 60 or 100Mbps using the XAVC S 4K codec at your choice of 24 or 30fps. The 24fps video uses the full width of the frame (with the sensor cropped to the 16:9 ratio), but there is a modest crop applied when shooting at 30fps. Dropping down to 1080p gives you 50 or 100Mbs options at 24, 30, or 60p, and there is an in-camera slow-motion option at 60 or 100Mbps and 120fps.\n\nI shot our 4K test video at 24fps and 100Mbps using the Standard video profile. It was cut together in Premiere Pro, but no grading was done. I did remove audio from some clips, as copyrighted music was playing at our location, but clips with audio use the in-camera microphone.\n\nIf you do want to grade footage, there are other profiles available, including several cinema looks, S-Log2, and S-Log3. Like the a7R III, the camera also supports HDR capture using Sony's HybridLogGamma profile.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-18.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nAll of my video was shot handheld as well, so you can see how the in-body stabilization works. I used the FE 24-105mm exclusively. As we've seen with other a7 models, the combination of body and lens stabilization removes jitter from footage. There's some shake visible in shots captured from a helicopter, but it's a lot less bumpy than what I experienced in real life.\n\nThere's certainly some wind noise in our outdoor shots. Thankfully you can use an external microphone with the a7 III. It has a standard 3.5mm input, as well as an output if you want to monitor audio using headphones. Sony sells an add-on accessory with balanced XLR input for projects that require true pro-grade sound.\n\nWe've also included a slow-motion sample using the S\\&Q 120fps setting. You're limited to 1080p, but it's a nice effect for those times when you want to slow down reality. The video is silent, as the a7 III doesn't record audio when its Mode dial is set to the S\\&Q position.\n\n## Final Thoughts\n![https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-39..v1569480996.jpg](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-39..v1569480996.jpg)\n\n(Credit: PCMag)\n\n### Sony a7 III\nEditors' Choice\n\n5\\.0\n\nExemplary\n\nWhat Our Ratings Mean\n***\n- 5\\.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking\n- 4\\.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors\n- 4\\.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls\n- 3\\.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors\n- 3\\.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack\n- 2\\.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution\n- 2\\.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution\n- 1\\.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product\n- 1\\.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product\n\nRead Our [Editorial Mission Statement](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/about\/pcmagcom-mission-statement) and [Testing Methodologies](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/about\/how-we-test-everything-we-review).\n\nThe Sony a7 III looks a lot like the a7 II, but the upgrades inside are palpable. Its sensor offers the same resolution, but the BSI design improves high ISO performance. The autofocus system is vastly improved, with much wider coverage and 10fps capture. And a high-capacity battery keeps the camera shooting for much longer than previous a7 models. All while making few changes to the compact, sturdy body.\n\nI have a few small complaints. I'm not sure why Sony doesn't use dual UHS-II memory slots—if you want to record images to two cards simultaneously, the slower UHS-I slot can slow write times when shooting. The camera menu has a lot of options, but the camera does a lot of stuff. It could be better organized; you'll want to spend some time customizing the My Menu page before doing any serious work with the a7 III.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-19.fit_lim.size_686x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nBut any picayune gripes are overshadowed by the a7 III's all-around performance. It goes well beyond what similarly priced SLRs from Canon and Nikon offer. You don't get in-body stabilization with either competing system, nor do they support 4K video capture, and their autofocus systems don't shoot nearly as fast or cover such a large area of the frame.\n\nThe a7 III is a lot more camera than we're used to seeing at this price point. Instead of cutting out features to push buyers to a higher-end model, the a7 III inherits a lot of tech from the a9 and a7R III. We're used to seeing features from high-end options trickle down to more affordable camera over a period of years, but the a9 has only been on the market for about a year and the a7R III for about half that duration.\n\nWe're making the a7 III our Editors' Choice for full-frame mirrorless cameras, and do not hesitate in recommending it over its closest competition in the SLR world. The Nikon D750 is aging, and while it still delivers strong image quality, its video features are dated. The Canon EOS 6D Mark II was a bit underwhelming upon its release, and seems even more so now that the a7 III is available.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-38.fit_lim.size_686x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nIt compares well against pro models, too. The [Canon EOS 5D Mark IV](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/canon-eos-5d-mark-iv) has a bit more resolution (30MP), but only shoots 4K video with a crop factor and doesn't match the a7 III's autofocus system. The [Nikon D850](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/nikon-d850), the best SLR on the market today, is in a different class as terms of resolution—its 45MP image sensor is a marvel—but does suffer from slower autofocus when shooting video. Both sell for more than \\$3,000.\n\nOn the Sony front, you can still buy the a7 II, and at it remains a solid bargain for budget shoppers. The original [a7](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-alpha-7) is also still on sale. It doesn't offer in-body stabilization, but it's the least expensive point of entry into any full-frame system. Moving to higher-end options, the 42MP [a7R II](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-alpha-7r-ii) delivers a lot more resolution, but isn't a great choice for tracking fast action. The a7R III gives you both resolution and speed, but is a lot more expensive. On the highest end there's the a9, a 24MP model, but one that can shoot and track action at 20fps, without any sort of blackout.\n\nAnd there are some very capable cameras out there with smaller image sensors. We just looked at the best APS-C mirrorless camera we've seen, the [Fujifilm X-H1](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/fujifilm-x-h1), and the [Nikon D500](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/nikon-d500) is our favorite high-end APS-C SLR. There are reasons to opt for a smaller sensor, especially if you like to use long telephoto lenses to snap shots of sports and wildlife, but for many photographers there is no substitute for a sensor that matches 35mm in size. In this price range, the a7 III is the best one you can get.\n\nGET IT NOW\n\n[\\$1,498 at Amazon](https:\/\/cc.pcmag.com\/v1\/otc\/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSony-Full-Frame-Mirrorless-Interchangeable-Lens-ILCE7M3%2Fdp%2FB07B43WPVK&template=review-page&module=Final_Thoughts_Box&element=buy-button&item=offer&position=1&element_label=%241%2C498+at+Amazon&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=04Muy4dAgleFScPYI6cCGLl \"(Opens in a new tab)\")   [\\$1,499 at Best Buy](https:\/\/cc.pcmag.com\/v1\/otc\/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=07ceq7iAfFfRlRYt8DCvPYM&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fsony-alpha-a7-iii-mirrorless-4k-video-camera-body-only%2F6213101.p%3FskuId%3D6213101&template=review-page&module=Final_Thoughts_Box&element=buy-button&item=offer&position=2&element_label=%241%2C499+at+Best+Buy&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=04Muy4dAgleFScPYI6cCGLl \"(Opens in a new tab)\")   [\\$1,698 at Walmart](https:\/\/cc.pcmag.com\/v1\/otc\/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=02zLDwCqTbhlnKCTPdI0yqf&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FSony-a7-III-ILCE-7M3-Digital-camera-mirrorless-24-2-MP-Full-Frame-4K-30-fps-body-only-Wi-Fi-NFC-Bluetooth%2F563854807&template=review-page&module=Final_Thoughts_Box&element=buy-button&item=offer&position=3&element_label=%241%2C698+at+Walmart&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=04Muy4dAgleFScPYI6cCGLl \"(Opens in a new tab)\")\n\n## About Our Expert\n![Jim Fisher](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/authors\/04FaIMb8SfROqZVLxv18Fh4.fit_lim.size_100x100.v1723837985.png)\n\nJim Fisher\n\nPrincipal Writer, Cameras\n***\nExperience\n\nImages, and the devices that capture them, are my focus. I've covered cameras at PCMag for the past 14 years, which has given me a front row seat for the changeover from DSLRs to mirrorless cameras, the smartphone camera revolution, and the emergence of drones for aerial imaging. I have extensive experience with every major mirrorless and SLR system, and am also comfortable using point-and-shoot and action cameras. As a Part 107 Certified drone pilot, I’m licensed to fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for commercial and editorial purposes, and am knowledgeable about federal rules and regulations regarding drones.\n\nAreas of Expertise\n\n- [Cameras](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/categories\/cameras)\n- [Lenses](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/categories\/lenses)\n- [Drones](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/categories\/drones)\n- [Video Cameras](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/categories\/video-cameras)\n- [Camera Accessories](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/categories\/camera-accessories)\n- [Video Camera Accessories](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/categories\/video-camera-accessories)\n\nLatest By Jim Fisher\n\n- [I Finally Bought a Monochrome Camera, and My Photos Will Never Be the Same](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/opinions\/i-finally-bought-a-monochrome-camera-and-my-photos-will-never-be-the-same)\n- [Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z Review: A Reliable Workhorse Telezoom for Pros](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/canon-rf-70-200mm-f28-l-is-usm-z)\n- [The Best Action Cameras for 2026](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-action-cameras)\n- [Y2K Legends Reloaded: 8 Old-School Digital Cameras Worth Buying Used in 2026](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/8-vintage-cameras-still-worth-buying-used-2026)\n- [The Best Instant Cameras for 2026](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-instant-cameras)\n- [More from Jim Fisher](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/authors\/jim-fisher)\n\n[Read Full Bio](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/authors\/jim-fisher)\n\nAdvertisement\n\n### Apple\n[![I Tried the \\$599 MacBook Neo. Apple Just Flipped the Budget-Laptop Script](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/articles\/0051domFG6NP66kxRovZbOb-1.fit_lpad.size_300x169.v1772890017.jpg)](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/news\/i-tried-the-599-macbook-neo-apple-just-flipped-the-budget-laptop-script)\n\n[I Tried the \\$599 MacBook Neo. Apple Just Flipped the Budget-Laptop Script](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/news\/i-tried-the-599-macbook-neo-apple-just-flipped-the-budget-laptop-script)\n\nBy [Joe Osborne](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/authors\/joe-osborne)\n\n[![Apple iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 17e: Read This Before Spending the Extra \\$200](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/comparisons\/296.fit_lpad.size_300x169.v1772482923.jpg)](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/comparisons\/apple-iphone-17e-vs-iphone-17-read-this-before-spending-extra-200-dollars)\n\n[Apple iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 17e: Read This Before Spending the Extra \\$200](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/comparisons\/apple-iphone-17e-vs-iphone-17-read-this-before-spending-extra-200-dollars)\n\nBy [Will Greenwald](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/authors\/will-greenwald)\n\n[![I Saw Firsthand How Apple's M4-Powered iPad Air Supercharges Workflows](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/articles\/04lBLyOo8MoReuHAfx5J45d-1.fit_lpad.size_300x169.v1772641943.jpg)](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/news\/hands-on-with-apple-m4-ipad-air)\n\n[I Saw Firsthand How Apple's M4-Powered iPad Air Supercharges Workflows](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/news\/hands-on-with-apple-m4-ipad-air)\n\nBy [Eric Zeman](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/authors\/eric-zeman)\n\n[![How To Pre-Order Apple's New iPad Air M4, iPhone 17e, and MacBook Neo and Air M5](<data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' viewBox='0 0 400 225'%3E%3Crect fill='%23f7f7f7' \/%3E%3C\/svg%3E>)](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/deals\/how-to-pre-order-apples-new-ipad-air-m4-m5-iphone-17e-macbook-neo)\n\n[How To Pre-Order Apple's New iPad Air M4, iPhone 17e, and MacBook Neo and Air M5](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/deals\/how-to-pre-order-apples-new-ipad-air-m4-m5-iphone-17e-macbook-neo)\n\nBy [K. Thor Jensen](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/authors\/k-thor-jensen)\n\n[![I Went Hands On With the M5 MacBook Air. The Real Changes Are Hiding Inside](<data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' viewBox='0 0 400 225'%3E%3Crect fill='%23f7f7f7' \/%3E%3C\/svg%3E>)](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/news\/i-went-hands-on-with-the-m5-macbook-air-the-real-changes-are-hiding-inside)\n\n[I Went Hands On With the M5 MacBook Air. The Real Changes Are Hiding Inside](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/news\/i-went-hands-on-with-the-m5-macbook-air-the-real-changes-are-hiding-inside)\n\nBy [Joe Osborne](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/authors\/joe-osborne)\n\n[![Well, That Didn't Last: With M5, the MacBook Air Is Back to \\$1,099. Why?](<data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' viewBox='0 0 400 225'%3E%3Crect fill='%23f7f7f7' \/%3E%3C\/svg%3E>)](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/opinions\/that-didnt-last-why-m5-apple-macbook-air-is-back-to-1099-dollars)\n\n[Well, That Didn't Last: With M5, the MacBook Air Is Back to \\$1,099. Why?](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/opinions\/that-didnt-last-why-m5-apple-macbook-air-is-back-to-1099-dollars)\n\nBy [Matthew Buzzi](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/authors\/matthew-buzzi)\n\n[![Apple Studio Display XDR vs. Apple Studio Display (2026): What's the Difference?](<data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' viewBox='0 0 400 225'%3E%3Crect fill='%23f7f7f7' \/%3E%3C\/svg%3E>)](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/comparisons\/apple-studio-display-xdr-vs-apple-studio-display-2026-whats-the-difference)\n\n[Apple Studio Display XDR vs. Apple Studio Display (2026): What's the Difference?](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/comparisons\/apple-studio-display-xdr-vs-apple-studio-display-2026-whats-the-difference)\n\nBy [Tony Hoffman](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/authors\/tony-hoffman)\n\n[![Do You Need AppleCare+? Here's What Apple's Extended Warranty Really Covers](<data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' viewBox='0 0 400 225'%3E%3Crect fill='%23f7f7f7' \/%3E%3C\/svg%3E>)](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/explainers\/do-you-need-applecare-plus-what-extended-warranty-covers-costs)\n\n[Do You Need AppleCare+? Here's What Apple's Extended Warranty Really Covers](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/explainers\/do-you-need-applecare-plus-what-extended-warranty-covers-costs)\n\nBy [Jason Cohen](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/authors\/jason-cohen)\n\n[All Apple Stories](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/series\/apple)\n\nTable of Contents\n\nSony a7 III\n\n[\\$1,498 at Amazon](https:\/\/cc.pcmag.com\/v1\/otc\/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSony-Full-Frame-Mirrorless-Interchangeable-Lens-ILCE7M3%2Fdp%2FB07B43WPVK&template=review-page&module=toc-commerce&element=toc-commerce-link&item=toc-commerce-list&position=1&element_label=%241%2C498+at+Amazon&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=04Muy4dAgleFScPYI6cCGLl \"(Opens in a new tab)\")\n\n### Sony a7 III\n![Sony a7 III](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-39.fit_lpad.size_238x139.v1569480996.jpg)\n\n[\\$1,498 at Amazon](https:\/\/cc.pcmag.com\/v1\/otc\/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSony-Full-Frame-Mirrorless-Interchangeable-Lens-ILCE7M3%2Fdp%2FB07B43WPVK&template=review-page&module=toc-commerce&element=toc-commerce-link&item=toc-commerce-list&position=&element_label=%241%2C498+at+Amazon&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=04Muy4dAgleFScPYI6cCGLl \"(Opens in a new tab)\")\n\nKeep scrolling for next article\n\n[PCMag Newsletters](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/newsletter_manage)\n\nPCMag Newsletters\n\nOur Best Stories in Your\n\nInbox\n\nFollow PCMag\n\n## Honest, Objective, Lab-Tested Reviews\nPCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering lab-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.\n\n[How We Test](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/about\/how-we-test-everything-we-review)   [Editorial Principles](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/about\/pcmagcom-mission-statement)\n\n### Best Products\n***\n\n[Best Products](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks)\n\n- [3D Printers](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-3d-printers)\n- [Android Phones](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-android-phones)\n- [Android Tablets](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-tablets)\n- [Antivirus Apps](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-antivirus-protection)\n- [Apple iPads](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/whats-the-best-ipad-to-buy)\n- [Apple iPhones](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/whats-the-best-iphone-to-buy)\n- [Apple Watches](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-apple-watch)\n- [Bluetooth Speakers](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-wireless-and-bluetooth-speakers)\n\n- [Car Phone Mounts](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-car-phone-mounts)\n- [CPUs For Gaming](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-cpus-for-gaming)\n- [Ereaders](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-ereaders)\n- [Fastest VPNs](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-fastest-vpns)\n- [Fitness Trackers](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-fitness-trackers)\n- [Gaming Keyboards](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-gaming-keyboards)\n- [Gaming Laptops](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-gaming-laptops)\n- [Gaming Monitors](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-gaming-monitors)\n\n- [Graphics Cards](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-graphics-cards)\n- [Headphones](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-headphones)\n- [Keyboards](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-keyboards)\n- [Laptops](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-laptops)\n- [Laptops For College 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Google Password Manager Safe?](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/how-to\/how-to-master-google-password-manager)\n- [What Is a Proxy Server?](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/explainers\/what-is-a-proxy-server-and-do-you-need-one)\n\n- [What Is Agentic AI?](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/explainers\/what-is-agentic-ai-white-collar-robots-are-here-for-better-or-worse)\n- [What Is an AI PC?](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/explainers\/what-is-an-ai-pc)\n- [What Is an eSim Card?](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/explainers\/what-is-an-esim-card)\n- [What Is Discord?](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/explainers\/what-is-discord-and-how-do-you-use-it)\n\n- [What Is Microsoft Copilot?](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/explainers\/what-is-microsoft-copilot)\n- [What Is the Best Browser?](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/chrome-edge-firefox-opera-or-safari-which-browser-is-best)\n- [What Is USB-C?](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/how-to\/what-is-usb-c-an-explainer)\n- [What Is Wi-Fi 6E?](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/news\/what-is-wi-fi-6e)\n\n- [What Is Wi-Fi 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of questions you can ask:**\n\n- What's the best graphics card for 4K gaming?\n- Should I get the iPhone 17 or the iPhone 17 Pro?\n- Show me some good VPNs under \\$10 a month.\n\nI'm in Beta. [Help me get better](https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSdL9ayCDMigj08oQXjAgDJVX77ti49d9ILHwE--ZFlRtEHOSw\/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=117991066449526760970).\n\nKeep scrolling for next article","attrs_readable_markdown":"## EDITORS' NOTE\nNote: This review has been updated to reflect changes in the a7 III added by its [Firmware 3.0](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20241203032438\/https:\/\/www.sony.com\/electronics\/support\/e-mount-body-ilce-7-series\/ilce-7m3#downloads \"(Opens in a new tab)\") release.\n\nIt didn't take long for Sony to reuse the body design it introduced with last year's high-resolution, pro-grade [a7R III](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-a7r-iii) in an entry-level model. But despite a friendly (for [full-frame](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-full-frame-cameras)) price, the a7 III (\\$1,999.99, body only) is anything but entry-level when it comes to its feature set. Its BSI CMOS sensor excels in all types of light, and offers incredible dynamic range. It can shoot at 10fps, with an autofocus system that covers almost the entirety of the image sensor. And it has serious video chops too, recording smooth, sharp footage at 4K, and slow-motion at 1080p. It run circles around competing models in this price range, and is our Editors' Choice for entry-level full-frame shoppers.\n\nThe a7 III feels a lot like the [a7 II](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-alpha-7-ii) and a7R III in the hand. It measures 3.9 by 5.0 by 2.5 inches (HWD) without a lens, and weighs about 1.4 pounds. Its grip and body design are the same as you get with the a7R III. I find it quite comfortable to hold, even with a larger zoom like the [FE 100-400mm](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-fe-100-400mm-f45-56-gm-oss). The body is protected against dust and splashes, as are all Sony FE lenses.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-2.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nIn addition to the body-only option, Sony is offering the a7 III in a \\$2,199.99 kit bundled with the [FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-fe-28-70mm-f35-56-oss) lens. The 28-70mm is one of oldest lenses in the series. I would have liked to see another bundle with the newer, more useful [FE 24-105mm F4](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-fe-24-105mm-f4-g-oss). The 24-105mm is a \\$1,300 lens, however, so I imagine the pricing of a kit would be prohibitive for many buyers.\n\n![Sony a7 III Review](https:\/\/cdn.ex.co\/transformations\/production\/17992684-8e05-440c-9e71-82e392a3addf\/thumbnail-480.webp)\n\n![PCMag Logo](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/images\/pcmag.svg)\n\nSony a7 III Review\n\nHandling isn't that much different from the a7 II. You still get the EV dial on top, along with programmable C1 and C2 buttons, and a Mode dial—it's not a locking dial like the one on the a7R III. The shutter release is on top of the handgrip, slightly lower than the rest of the top plate, and set at an angle. The On\/Off switch surrounds it. The grip has a command dial, accessible using your right index finger. Its rear counterpart is slightly offset from the EV dial and is easily turned with your right thumb.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-3.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nRear controls match the a7R III and [a9](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-a9). The programmable C3 button and Menu button are above the rear LCD, just to the left of the EVF eyecup. To the right, still running along the top, you find Record, AF-ON, and AEL. Below them, nestled between the rear thumb rest and LCD are the focus point selector joystick and Fn button.\n\nThe flat rear command dial is next down in the column; it has a button at its center and directional presses to adjust Display, ISO, and the Drive mode—there's no dedicated Drive dial like you get on the a9, that's something Sony has decided to leave out of the a7 series. The dial itself has deep ridges so you can turn it comfortably, and the turning motion feels much better than the similar dial on the a7 II—there's more resistance, and the dial is physically larger so the button presses offer better tactile feedback.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-4.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nRounding out the rear controls are the Play and Delete buttons. The latter doubles as the programmable C4 button when in shooting mode. By default it toggles the touch sensitivity of the rear display. The touch functions are a bit limited. You can't navigate through menus via touch. But you can tap on the screen to set a focus point. Even if the camera is set to a wide area, tapping on a spot will override and change to a flexible spot, which can be moved via touch or the joystick; returning to wide area is done using the button at the center of the rear command dial. This method of adjusting the focus point works in both still and video capture.\n\nThe camera also supports focus adjustment using the LCD when framing shots with the EVF. Just slide your finger on the display and the focus area will move. You can override the wide area setting with this method just as you can when shooting using the rear LCD to frame shots.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-5.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nSpeaking of menus, Sony has long been criticized for its rather lengthy, complex menu system. The a7 III includes some tools to help reduce the stress of trying to find the setting you want to adjust when flipping through dozens of pages of options. My Menu is fully customizable, so a setting you often adjust can be added to it for quick access. It's a step in the right direction, though I wish Sony would go further and better organize and categorize menu options.\n\nThe menu breaks up camera capture settings into two tabs, each with multiple pages, but mixes things up a bit. There are settings for both movies and still capture bookending a few dedicated pages for video capture squeezed in the middle. Some cleaner organization could help make finding the right setting easier.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-6.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nUpgrading owners of the a7 and a7 II will notice that the apps section is gone. The a7 III doesn't support PlayMemories Mobile camera apps. That in and of itself is not a great loss—downloading apps to extend the camera's capabilities was a flawed concept, especially without support for third-party developers. But some functions that were available in PlayMemories, like the ability to fire the shutter using the EVF eye sensor, haven't been integrated into the a7 III's firmware. Time-lapse was added with Firmware 3.0 and, while the a7 III can't output a finished video, it will automatically fire images at set intervals so you can combine them into a video later. The camera delivers enough resolution for 6K time-lapse.\n\nThe rear display is a 3-inch LCD with touch input support. It's a step back from the one used on the a7 II, which is a 1,228k-dot design with \"white pixels\" to cut through sun glare on bright days. This one is a more pedestrian 921k-dot design. Even so, I shot with it under the harsh sun in the Nevada desert and had no problems seeing the screen.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-7.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nThe screen tilts up and down, but it doesn't swing out from the body to face forward like a true vari-angle display. It's a shame, as it limits the ability of vloggers to set up shots and record video while keeping an eye on framing, and the a7 III otherwise has such solid video chops. There are also some touch controls when reviewing images; notably you can swipe around a magnified shot with your finger when playing photos back.\n\nThe EVF is the same 0.78x magnification OLED with 2,359k dots as you get with the a7 II. The higher end models in the series, the a7R III and a9, match the a7 III in magnification, but pack more pixels into the frame, 3,686k dots. I didn't notice the drop in resolution when picking up the a7 III for the first time—the EVF looks great and I'm able to tell if a subject is in focus when shooting. But if you use the pricier models on a regular basis, you may appreciate the difference.\n\nThe a7 III uses the Z battery, introduced in the a9 and also used by the a7R III. It's good for 710 shots per CIPA ratings with the a7 III, as its power requirements are less than the a9 or a7R III, both rated for 650 images per charge. The bigger battery is a boon to enthusiasts who don't want to buy a ton of spares, and pros alike. A grip is available; it allows the camera to use two batteries, effectively doubling its life. You won't have to worry about running out of power when shooting a wedding, for example.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-8.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nSony doesn't include an external charger with the a7 III. If you want to charge the battery outside the camera, you'll need to buy one. But you can recharge via USB and an included USB-to-AC adapter in-camera. I recommend a wall charger for travelers and pros, especially those who have multiple Z batteries to recharge at the end of a long day of shooting.\n\nThe camera has two USB ports (one USB-C and one micro USB), as well as micro HDMI, a 3.5mm microphone input, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It doesn't include the PC Sync flash socket you get with the a7R III and a9. There is a standard hot shoe, with the extra electrical contacts for accessories like Sony's XLR audio adapter.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-9.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nAnd there are two memory card slots. Slot 1, toward the bottom of the camera, supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory at UHS-II speeds. Slot 2, above it, works with all SD formats at slower UHS-I speeds, but also supports Sony Memory Stick media. I knocked the decision to only support UHS-II in one slot when I reviewed the a9 and a7R III, and do the same here—both slots should support the latest, fastest memory format. I'd be surprised if anyone outside of Sony cares about Memory Stick at this point.\n\nIn addition to wired connectivity, the a7 III includes Bluetooth, NFC, and Wi-Fi. This allows the camera to connect to an Android or iOS device running the free Sony PlayMemories Mobile app to transfer images and video to your phone for social sharing. You can also use your phone as a wireless remote control.\n\nThe a7 III starts, focuses, and fires in about 2.2 seconds. That's one area where it's slower than competing SLRs, like the [Canon EOS 6D Mark II](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/canon-eos-6d-mark-ii) (0.4-second) and [Nikon D750](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/nikon-d750) (0.4-second). Its autofocus system is quite speedy, locking on in 0.05-second in bright light and an average of 0.4-second in very dim conditions.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-11.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nI tested the burst speed using a Lexar 300MBps memory card in the UHS-II slot. The camera manages 10fps in its fastest burst mode. The amount of shots you can take before the camera stalls varies based on the file format you use. I tested Uncompressed Raw and Extra Fine JPG (34 shots), Compressed Raw and Extra Fine JPG (78 shots), Uncompressed Raw (37 shots), Compressed Raw (103 shots), and Extra Fine JPG (164 shots). Recovery time, the duration it takes for the buffer to fully clear to the memory card, varies based on file format. If you're shooting Raw+JPG (either format) expect to wait about 24 seconds, but only about 14 seconds for Raw alone. Because you can capture so many more JPG images at a time, the write time to clear them to the card is about 54 seconds.\n\n![Newsletter Icon](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/images\/newsletter-envelope.svg)\n\n![Newsletter Icon](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/images\/newsletter-envelope.svg)\n\nGet Our Best Stories\\!\n\n### All the Latest Tech, Tested by Our Experts\n![Lab Report Newsletter Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/newsletters\/17709142-contextual.fit_lpad.size_250x140.v1752614027.png)\n\nThanks for signing up\\!\n\nYour subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox\\!\n\nContinuous autofocus is also available at 10fps. Our standard focus test, in which I shoot a target that moves directly toward or away from the lens, netted almost all shots in focus at 10fps. There were a few slight misses here and there, but nothing worth getting worked up about.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-31.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nThe autofocus system is similar to that in the high-end a9, but it's not quite as uncannily intelligent. The a9's sensor design allows for instant readout (and 20fps capture), so even though the a7 III has the same number of focus points and area of focus coverage, it doesn't deliver the same level of performance.\n\nBut it's not that far off. A total of 693 phase detection points cover 93 percent of the sensor, all but its extreme edges, and are joined by 425 contrast points, more densely located in the central area of the frame. The two focus point types work together to recognize and track subjects.  \nThe focus system not only supports face detection, but goes further with Sony's Eye AF system. It can lock on to a human eye, prioritizing the one closest to the active focus point. It's a great tool for portraits, and it works when focusing continuously, so your model can feel free to adjust a pose and you won't have to worry about losing crisp focus on their eyes.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-14.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nThe Firmware 3.0 updated improved the operability of Eye AF, allowing it to work at all times—previously it had to be engaged manually. It also adds support for [animals](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/news\/sony-cameras-can-now-focus-on-your-pets-eyes), specifically cats and dogs. We tested the new focus system using an a7R III, which works the exact same way, and you can see it at work in the video clip above.\n\nIn field testing the autofocus system performed superbly. Shot after shot was sharp and crisp, even when tracking moving targets at 10fps. Of course there were occasional misses, but even the best autofocus systems miss from time to time. For example, when shooting a scene with heavy, simulated rain in the studio, with continuous lighting rather than strobes, using the wide focus area resulted in some shots that were wildly misfocused. Changing the focus area to a flexible spot, or engaging EyeAF using the rear center button righted the ship.\n\nFew other full-frame cameras at this price point can hit 10fps, let alone with such a wide coverage of autofocus. The closest SLR competitors in terms of price, the Nikon D750 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II, top out at 6.5fps and have focus systems that cover a much smaller area of the frame.\n\nThe a7 III uses a new sensor, one that is similar in design to the 24MP sensor used by the a9, but not identical. The a9's sensor is a stacked design, which puts memory right on the chip in order to deliver instant readout and its 20fps capture capability. The a7 III doesn't do that. It is a BSI—Back Side Illumination—design, like the a9 and high-resolution a7R III. This type of sensor cuts the distance between its surface and light-sensitive area. The practical effect is that you get superior high ISO quality compared with sensors that put put circuitry in front of the light-gathering area rather than behind it.\n\nOur lab tests show that the a7 III's image sensor performs very similarly to the a9. When shooting in JPG format [Imatest](https:\/\/www.imatest.com\/ \"(Opens in a new tab)\") tells us that noise is less than 1.5 percent through ISO 25600, a stop better than the a9 and [Nikon D5](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/nikon-d5). There's certainly some in-camera noise reduction going on to get there, resulting in some smudging of fine details at ISO 25600. Images are stronger at ISO 12800, but there's still some muddiness. At ISO 6400 photos are clean and rife with detail. Results at ISO 3200 are just as crisp as those shot at ISO 100.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-15.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nMoving to the extreme ranges of the ISO range—the camera can shoot as high as ISO 204800—is a bit much for JPG shooters. You can get useable, albeit soft, results at ISO 51200. There's quite a bit of blur at ISO 102400, though I can still make out some detail in our test images. The ISO 204800 setting delivers blurry results, but that's to be expected when shooting at such an extreme.\n\nIf you opt to shoot Raw you can squeeze more detail out of high ISO images. Our test images, converted using [Adobe Lightroom Classic CC](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/adobe-lightroom-classic) with default develop settings applied, look just as good at ISO 6400 as they do at ISO 100—just with a bit more grain. There's a little more noise at ISO 12800 and 25600, but it's not overwhelming. At ISO 51200 I'd call grain heavy, but there's much more detail visible than its JPG counterpart. I'd not hesitate to use ISO 102400 for shots where a grainy look is desired—or for conversion to black-and-white—but rough noise overwhelms your images at ISO 204800. Crops, from both JPG and Raw files, are included in the slideshow that accompanies this review so you can judge for yourself.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-16.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nIt's not all about high ISO photography. At lower ISOs the a7 III delivers the image quality you expect from a 24MP, full-frame image sensor. You have extreme control over depth of field when working with a fast lens, and while you don't get as much resolution or detail as you do from the a7R III (which uses a 42MP sensor without an optical low-pass filter), you won't have any complaints when making prints or viewing photos at a pixel level. Sony promises that Raw images will deliver 15 stops of dynamic range at lower ISO settings, so you can reign in highlights and shadows to get an image looking just like you want it to. And it does it without adding unwanted color noise, like we saw when pulling up shadow detail from Raw images shot with the Canon EOS 6D Mark II.\n\nThere is an issue that some reviewers have noted in regards to flare. Under certain conditions, odd banding can show in subjects that are strongly backlit. It's typically only visible when shooting at f\/2 or wider, with a very strong light source entering the lens directly, and only appears toward the edge of the frame. The banding shows up as single pixel straight lines, matching the position of the on-sensor phase detection pixels. It's not an issue that is exclusive to the a7 III—photographers have observed the effect in other cameras with on-sensor phase detection.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-17.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nI shot several dozen images with strong backlight and flare using the a7 III, like the one above, and didn't see the lines in any of them. But I was using the 24-105mm lens, which has a maximum f\/4 aperture, and I wasn't deliberately trying to induce the effect.\n\nI've shot with a number of cameras with on-sensor phase detection points over the years and have not found this to be an issue in my images, but I tend to stop a lens down a bit when incorporating the sun or other bright source in the background in order to get a starburst flare effect. If you're more of a wide-open shooter and love the backlit portrait look, you may encounter it from time to time. But most photographers will shoot thousands of images without ever seeing the effect.\n\nCanon SLRs with Dual Pixel AF have caught up to mirrorless in terms of focus speed, but there are still big advantages to using a mirrorless system with on-sensor autofocus to capture video. The entire Sony a7 series has solid video chops—particularly the specialized [a7S II](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20241203032438\/https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-alpha-7s-ii \"(Opens in a new tab)\"). Despite entry-level positioning, the a7 III doesn't skimp on features.\n\nIt supports 4K capture at 60 or 100Mbps using the XAVC S 4K codec at your choice of 24 or 30fps. The 24fps video uses the full width of the frame (with the sensor cropped to the 16:9 ratio), but there is a modest crop applied when shooting at 30fps. Dropping down to 1080p gives you 50 or 100Mbs options at 24, 30, or 60p, and there is an in-camera slow-motion option at 60 or 100Mbps and 120fps.\n\nI shot our 4K test video at 24fps and 100Mbps using the Standard video profile. It was cut together in Premiere Pro, but no grading was done. I did remove audio from some clips, as copyrighted music was playing at our location, but clips with audio use the in-camera microphone.\n\nIf you do want to grade footage, there are other profiles available, including several cinema looks, S-Log2, and S-Log3. Like the a7R III, the camera also supports HDR capture using Sony's HybridLogGamma profile.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-18.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nAll of my video was shot handheld as well, so you can see how the in-body stabilization works. I used the FE 24-105mm exclusively. As we've seen with other a7 models, the combination of body and lens stabilization removes jitter from footage. There's some shake visible in shots captured from a helicopter, but it's a lot less bumpy than what I experienced in real life.\n\nThere's certainly some wind noise in our outdoor shots. Thankfully you can use an external microphone with the a7 III. It has a standard 3.5mm input, as well as an output if you want to monitor audio using headphones. Sony sells an add-on accessory with balanced XLR input for projects that require true pro-grade sound.\n\nWe've also included a slow-motion sample using the S\\&Q 120fps setting. You're limited to 1080p, but it's a nice effect for those times when you want to slow down reality. The video is silent, as the a7 III doesn't record audio when its Mode dial is set to the S\\&Q position.\n\n## Final Thoughts\n![https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-39..v1569480996.jpg](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-39..v1569480996.jpg) (Credit: PCMag)\n\n### Sony a7 III\nEditors' Choice\n\n5\\.0\n\nExemplary\n\n***\n- 5\\.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking\n- 4\\.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors\n- 4\\.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls\n- 3\\.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors\n- 3\\.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack\n- 2\\.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution\n- 2\\.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution\n- 1\\.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product\n- 1\\.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product\n\nRead Our [Editorial Mission Statement](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/about\/pcmagcom-mission-statement) and [Testing Methodologies](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/about\/how-we-test-everything-we-review).\n\nThe Sony a7 III looks a lot like the a7 II, but the upgrades inside are palpable. Its sensor offers the same resolution, but the BSI design improves high ISO performance. The autofocus system is vastly improved, with much wider coverage and 10fps capture. And a high-capacity battery keeps the camera shooting for much longer than previous a7 models. All while making few changes to the compact, sturdy body.\n\nI have a few small complaints. I'm not sure why Sony doesn't use dual UHS-II memory slots—if you want to record images to two cards simultaneously, the slower UHS-I slot can slow write times when shooting. The camera menu has a lot of options, but the camera does a lot of stuff. It could be better organized; you'll want to spend some time customizing the My Menu page before doing any serious work with the a7 III.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-19.fit_lim.size_686x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nBut any picayune gripes are overshadowed by the a7 III's all-around performance. It goes well beyond what similarly priced SLRs from Canon and Nikon offer. You don't get in-body stabilization with either competing system, nor do they support 4K video capture, and their autofocus systems don't shoot nearly as fast or cover such a large area of the frame.\n\nThe a7 III is a lot more camera than we're used to seeing at this price point. Instead of cutting out features to push buyers to a higher-end model, the a7 III inherits a lot of tech from the a9 and a7R III. We're used to seeing features from high-end options trickle down to more affordable camera over a period of years, but the a9 has only been on the market for about a year and the a7R III for about half that duration.\n\nWe're making the a7 III our Editors' Choice for full-frame mirrorless cameras, and do not hesitate in recommending it over its closest competition in the SLR world. The Nikon D750 is aging, and while it still delivers strong image quality, its video features are dated. The Canon EOS 6D Mark II was a bit underwhelming upon its release, and seems even more so now that the a7 III is available.\n\n![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-38.fit_lim.size_686x.jpg)\n\n(Credit: Jim Fisher)\n\nIt compares well against pro models, too. The [Canon EOS 5D Mark IV](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/canon-eos-5d-mark-iv) has a bit more resolution (30MP), but only shoots 4K video with a crop factor and doesn't match the a7 III's autofocus system. The [Nikon D850](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/nikon-d850), the best SLR on the market today, is in a different class as terms of resolution—its 45MP image sensor is a marvel—but does suffer from slower autofocus when shooting video. Both sell for more than \\$3,000.\n\nOn the Sony front, you can still buy the a7 II, and at it remains a solid bargain for budget shoppers. The original [a7](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-alpha-7) is also still on sale. It doesn't offer in-body stabilization, but it's the least expensive point of entry into any full-frame system. Moving to higher-end options, the 42MP [a7R II](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-alpha-7r-ii) delivers a lot more resolution, but isn't a great choice for tracking fast action. The a7R III gives you both resolution and speed, but is a lot more expensive. On the highest end there's the a9, a 24MP model, but one that can shoot and track action at 20fps, without any sort of blackout.\n\nAnd there are some very capable cameras out there with smaller image sensors. We just looked at the best APS-C mirrorless camera we've seen, the [Fujifilm X-H1](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/fujifilm-x-h1), and the [Nikon D500](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/nikon-d500) is our favorite high-end APS-C SLR. There are reasons to opt for a smaller sensor, especially if you like to use long telephoto lenses to snap shots of sports and wildlife, but for many photographers there is no substitute for a sensor that matches 35mm in size. In this price range, the a7 III is the best one you can get.\n\nGET IT NOW\n\n## About Our Expert\n![Jim Fisher](https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/authors\/04FaIMb8SfROqZVLxv18Fh4.fit_lim.size_100x100.v1723837985.png)\n\nJim Fisher\n\nPrincipal Writer, Cameras\n***\nExperience\n\nImages, and the devices that capture them, are my focus. I've covered cameras at PCMag for the past 14 years, which has given me a front row seat for the changeover from DSLRs to mirrorless cameras, the smartphone camera revolution, and the emergence of drones for aerial imaging. I have extensive experience with every major mirrorless and SLR system, and am also comfortable using point-and-shoot and action cameras. As a Part 107 Certified drone pilot, I’m licensed to fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for commercial and editorial purposes, and am knowledgeable about federal rules and regulations regarding drones.\n\nLatest By Jim Fisher\n\n[Read Full Bio](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/authors\/jim-fisher)","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	EDITORS' NOTE Note: This review has been updated to reflect changes in the a7 III added by its Firmware 3.0 release. It didn't take long for Sony to reuse the body design it introduced with last year's high-resolution, pro-grade a7R III in an entry-level model. But despite a friendly (for full-frame ) price, the a7 III ($1,999.99, body only) is anything but entry-level when it comes to its feature set. Its BSI CMOS sensor excels in all types of light, and offers incredible dynamic range. It can shoot at 10fps, with an autofocus system that covers almost the entirety of the image sensor. And it has serious video chops too, recording smooth, sharp footage at 4K, and slow-motion at 1080p. It run circles around competing models in this price range, and is our Editors' Choice for entry-level full-frame shoppers. The a7 III feels a lot like the a7 II and a7R III in the hand. It measures 3.9 by 5.0 by 2.5 inches (HWD) without a lens, and weighs about 1.4 pounds. Its grip and body design are the same as you get with the a7R III. I find it quite comfortable to hold, even with a larger zoom like the FE 100-400mm . The body is protected against dust and splashes, as are all Sony FE lenses. (Credit: Jim Fisher) In addition to the body-only option, Sony is offering the a7 III in a $2,199.99 kit bundled with the FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 lens. The 28-70mm is one of oldest lenses in the series. I would have liked to see another bundle with the newer, more useful FE 24-105mm F4 . The 24-105mm is a $1,300 lens, however, so I imagine the pricing of a kit would be prohibitive for many buyers. Sony a7 III Review Handling isn't that much different from the a7 II. You still get the EV dial on top, along with programmable C1 and C2 buttons, and a Mode dial—it's not a locking dial like the one on the a7R III. The shutter release is on top of the handgrip, slightly lower than the rest of the top plate, and set at an angle. The On/Off switch surrounds it. The grip has a command dial, accessible using your right index finger. Its rear counterpart is slightly offset from the EV dial and is easily turned with your right thumb. (Credit: Jim Fisher) Rear controls match the a7R III and a9 . The programmable C3 button and Menu button are above the rear LCD, just to the left of the EVF eyecup. To the right, still running along the top, you find Record, AF-ON, and AEL. Below them, nestled between the rear thumb rest and LCD are the focus point selector joystick and Fn button. The flat rear command dial is next down in the column; it has a button at its center and directional presses to adjust Display, ISO, and the Drive mode—there's no dedicated Drive dial like you get on the a9, that's something Sony has decided to leave out of the a7 series. The dial itself has deep ridges so you can turn it comfortably, and the turning motion feels much better than the similar dial on the a7 II—there's more resistance, and the dial is physically larger so the button presses offer better tactile feedback. (Credit: Jim Fisher) Rounding out the rear controls are the Play and Delete buttons. The latter doubles as the programmable C4 button when in shooting mode. By default it toggles the touch sensitivity of the rear display. The touch functions are a bit limited. You can't navigate through menus via touch. But you can tap on the screen to set a focus point. Even if the camera is set to a wide area, tapping on a spot will override and change to a flexible spot, which can be moved via touch or the joystick; returning to wide area is done using the button at the center of the rear command dial. This method of adjusting the focus point works in both still and video capture. The camera also supports focus adjustment using the LCD when framing shots with the EVF. Just slide your finger on the display and the focus area will move. You can override the wide area setting with this method just as you can when shooting using the rear LCD to frame shots. (Credit: Jim Fisher) Speaking of menus, Sony has long been criticized for its rather lengthy, complex menu system. The a7 III includes some tools to help reduce the stress of trying to find the setting you want to adjust when flipping through dozens of pages of options. My Menu is fully customizable, so a setting you often adjust can be added to it for quick access. It's a step in the right direction, though I wish Sony would go further and better organize and categorize menu options. The menu breaks up camera capture settings into two tabs, each with multiple pages, but mixes things up a bit. There are settings for both movies and still capture bookending a few dedicated pages for video capture squeezed in the middle. Some cleaner organization could help make finding the right setting easier. (Credit: Jim Fisher) Upgrading owners of the a7 and a7 II will notice that the apps section is gone. The a7 III doesn't support PlayMemories Mobile camera apps. That in and of itself is not a great loss—downloading apps to extend the camera's capabilities was a flawed concept, especially without support for third-party developers. But some functions that were available in PlayMemories, like the ability to fire the shutter using the EVF eye sensor, haven't been integrated into the a7 III's firmware. Time-lapse was added with Firmware 3.0 and, while the a7 III can't output a finished video, it will automatically fire images at set intervals so you can combine them into a video later. The camera delivers enough resolution for 6K time-lapse. The rear display is a 3-inch LCD with touch input support. It's a step back from the one used on the a7 II, which is a 1,228k-dot design with "white pixels" to cut through sun glare on bright days. This one is a more pedestrian 921k-dot design. Even so, I shot with it under the harsh sun in the Nevada desert and had no problems seeing the screen. (Credit: Jim Fisher) The screen tilts up and down, but it doesn't swing out from the body to face forward like a true vari-angle display. It's a shame, as it limits the ability of vloggers to set up shots and record video while keeping an eye on framing, and the a7 III otherwise has such solid video chops. There are also some touch controls when reviewing images; notably you can swipe around a magnified shot with your finger when playing photos back. The EVF is the same 0.78x magnification OLED with 2,359k dots as you get with the a7 II. The higher end models in the series, the a7R III and a9, match the a7 III in magnification, but pack more pixels into the frame, 3,686k dots. I didn't notice the drop in resolution when picking up the a7 III for the first time—the EVF looks great and I'm able to tell if a subject is in focus when shooting. But if you use the pricier models on a regular basis, you may appreciate the difference. The a7 III uses the Z battery, introduced in the a9 and also used by the a7R III. It's good for 710 shots per CIPA ratings with the a7 III, as its power requirements are less than the a9 or a7R III, both rated for 650 images per charge. The bigger battery is a boon to enthusiasts who don't want to buy a ton of spares, and pros alike. A grip is available; it allows the camera to use two batteries, effectively doubling its life. You won't have to worry about running out of power when shooting a wedding, for example. (Credit: Jim Fisher) Sony doesn't include an external charger with the a7 III. If you want to charge the battery outside the camera, you'll need to buy one. But you can recharge via USB and an included USB-to-AC adapter in-camera. I recommend a wall charger for travelers and pros, especially those who have multiple Z batteries to recharge at the end of a long day of shooting. The camera has two USB ports (one USB-C and one micro USB), as well as micro HDMI, a 3.5mm microphone input, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It doesn't include the PC Sync flash socket you get with the a7R III and a9. There is a standard hot shoe, with the extra electrical contacts for accessories like Sony's XLR audio adapter. (Credit: Jim Fisher) And there are two memory card slots. Slot 1, toward the bottom of the camera, supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory at UHS-II speeds. Slot 2, above it, works with all SD formats at slower UHS-I speeds, but also supports Sony Memory Stick media. I knocked the decision to only support UHS-II in one slot when I reviewed the a9 and a7R III, and do the same here—both slots should support the latest, fastest memory format. I'd be surprised if anyone outside of Sony cares about Memory Stick at this point. In addition to wired connectivity, the a7 III includes Bluetooth, NFC, and Wi-Fi. This allows the camera to connect to an Android or iOS device running the free Sony PlayMemories Mobile app to transfer images and video to your phone for social sharing. You can also use your phone as a wireless remote control. The a7 III starts, focuses, and fires in about 2.2 seconds. That's one area where it's slower than competing SLRs, like the Canon EOS 6D Mark II (0.4-second) and Nikon D750 (0.4-second). Its autofocus system is quite speedy, locking on in 0.05-second in bright light and an average of 0.4-second in very dim conditions. (Credit: Jim Fisher) I tested the burst speed using a Lexar 300MBps memory card in the UHS-II slot. The camera manages 10fps in its fastest burst mode. The amount of shots you can take before the camera stalls varies based on the file format you use. I tested Uncompressed Raw and Extra Fine JPG (34 shots), Compressed Raw and Extra Fine JPG (78 shots), Uncompressed Raw (37 shots), Compressed Raw (103 shots), and Extra Fine JPG (164 shots). Recovery time, the duration it takes for the buffer to fully clear to the memory card, varies based on file format. If you're shooting Raw+JPG (either format) expect to wait about 24 seconds, but only about 14 seconds for Raw alone. Because you can capture so many more JPG images at a time, the write time to clear them to the card is about 54 seconds. Get Our Best Stories! All the Latest Tech, Tested by Our Experts Thanks for signing up! Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox! Continuous autofocus is also available at 10fps. Our standard focus test, in which I shoot a target that moves directly toward or away from the lens, netted almost all shots in focus at 10fps. There were a few slight misses here and there, but nothing worth getting worked up about. (Credit: Jim Fisher) The autofocus system is similar to that in the high-end a9, but it's not quite as uncannily intelligent. The a9's sensor design allows for instant readout (and 20fps capture), so even though the a7 III has the same number of focus points and area of focus coverage, it doesn't deliver the same level of performance. But it's not that far off. A total of 693 phase detection points cover 93 percent of the sensor, all but its extreme edges, and are joined by 425 contrast points, more densely located in the central area of the frame. The two focus point types work together to recognize and track subjects. The focus system not only supports face detection, but goes further with Sony's Eye AF system. It can lock on to a human eye, prioritizing the one closest to the active focus point. It's a great tool for portraits, and it works when focusing continuously, so your model can feel free to adjust a pose and you won't have to worry about losing crisp focus on their eyes. (Credit: Jim Fisher) The Firmware 3.0 updated improved the operability of Eye AF, allowing it to work at all times—previously it had to be engaged manually. It also adds support for animals , specifically cats and dogs. We tested the new focus system using an a7R III, which works the exact same way, and you can see it at work in the video clip above. In field testing the autofocus system performed superbly. Shot after shot was sharp and crisp, even when tracking moving targets at 10fps. Of course there were occasional misses, but even the best autofocus systems miss from time to time. For example, when shooting a scene with heavy, simulated rain in the studio, with continuous lighting rather than strobes, using the wide focus area resulted in some shots that were wildly misfocused. Changing the focus area to a flexible spot, or engaging EyeAF using the rear center button righted the ship. Few other full-frame cameras at this price point can hit 10fps, let alone with such a wide coverage of autofocus. The closest SLR competitors in terms of price, the Nikon D750 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II, top out at 6.5fps and have focus systems that cover a much smaller area of the frame. The a7 III uses a new sensor, one that is similar in design to the 24MP sensor used by the a9, but not identical. The a9's sensor is a stacked design, which puts memory right on the chip in order to deliver instant readout and its 20fps capture capability. The a7 III doesn't do that. It is a BSI—Back Side Illumination—design, like the a9 and high-resolution a7R III. This type of sensor cuts the distance between its surface and light-sensitive area. The practical effect is that you get superior high ISO quality compared with sensors that put put circuitry in front of the light-gathering area rather than behind it. Our lab tests show that the a7 III's image sensor performs very similarly to the a9. When shooting in JPG format Imatest tells us that noise is less than 1.5 percent through ISO 25600, a stop better than the a9 and Nikon D5 . There's certainly some in-camera noise reduction going on to get there, resulting in some smudging of fine details at ISO 25600. Images are stronger at ISO 12800, but there's still some muddiness. At ISO 6400 photos are clean and rife with detail. Results at ISO 3200 are just as crisp as those shot at ISO 100. (Credit: Jim Fisher) Moving to the extreme ranges of the ISO range—the camera can shoot as high as ISO 204800—is a bit much for JPG shooters. You can get useable, albeit soft, results at ISO 51200. There's quite a bit of blur at ISO 102400, though I can still make out some detail in our test images. The ISO 204800 setting delivers blurry results, but that's to be expected when shooting at such an extreme. If you opt to shoot Raw you can squeeze more detail out of high ISO images. Our test images, converted using Adobe Lightroom Classic CC with default develop settings applied, look just as good at ISO 6400 as they do at ISO 100—just with a bit more grain. There's a little more noise at ISO 12800 and 25600, but it's not overwhelming. At ISO 51200 I'd call grain heavy, but there's much more detail visible than its JPG counterpart. I'd not hesitate to use ISO 102400 for shots where a grainy look is desired—or for conversion to black-and-white—but rough noise overwhelms your images at ISO 204800. Crops, from both JPG and Raw files, are included in the slideshow that accompanies this review so you can judge for yourself. (Credit: Jim Fisher) It's not all about high ISO photography. At lower ISOs the a7 III delivers the image quality you expect from a 24MP, full-frame image sensor. You have extreme control over depth of field when working with a fast lens, and while you don't get as much resolution or detail as you do from the a7R III (which uses a 42MP sensor without an optical low-pass filter), you won't have any complaints when making prints or viewing photos at a pixel level. Sony promises that Raw images will deliver 15 stops of dynamic range at lower ISO settings, so you can reign in highlights and shadows to get an image looking just like you want it to. And it does it without adding unwanted color noise, like we saw when pulling up shadow detail from Raw images shot with the Canon EOS 6D Mark II. There is an issue that some reviewers have noted in regards to flare. Under certain conditions, odd banding can show in subjects that are strongly backlit. It's typically only visible when shooting at f/2 or wider, with a very strong light source entering the lens directly, and only appears toward the edge of the frame. The banding shows up as single pixel straight lines, matching the position of the on-sensor phase detection pixels. It's not an issue that is exclusive to the a7 III—photographers have observed the effect in other cameras with on-sensor phase detection. (Credit: Jim Fisher) I shot several dozen images with strong backlight and flare using the a7 III, like the one above, and didn't see the lines in any of them. But I was using the 24-105mm lens, which has a maximum f/4 aperture, and I wasn't deliberately trying to induce the effect. I've shot with a number of cameras with on-sensor phase detection points over the years and have not found this to be an issue in my images, but I tend to stop a lens down a bit when incorporating the sun or other bright source in the background in order to get a starburst flare effect. If you're more of a wide-open shooter and love the backlit portrait look, you may encounter it from time to time. But most photographers will shoot thousands of images without ever seeing the effect. Canon SLRs with Dual Pixel AF have caught up to mirrorless in terms of focus speed, but there are still big advantages to using a mirrorless system with on-sensor autofocus to capture video. The entire Sony a7 series has solid video chops—particularly the specialized a7S II . Despite entry-level positioning, the a7 III doesn't skimp on features. It supports 4K capture at 60 or 100Mbps using the XAVC S 4K codec at your choice of 24 or 30fps. The 24fps video uses the full width of the frame (with the sensor cropped to the 16:9 ratio), but there is a modest crop applied when shooting at 30fps. Dropping down to 1080p gives you 50 or 100Mbs options at 24, 30, or 60p, and there is an in-camera slow-motion option at 60 or 100Mbps and 120fps. I shot our 4K test video at 24fps and 100Mbps using the Standard video profile. It was cut together in Premiere Pro, but no grading was done. I did remove audio from some clips, as copyrighted music was playing at our location, but clips with audio use the in-camera microphone. If you do want to grade footage, there are other profiles available, including several cinema looks, S-Log2, and S-Log3. Like the a7R III, the camera also supports HDR capture using Sony's HybridLogGamma profile. (Credit: Jim Fisher) All of my video was shot handheld as well, so you can see how the in-body stabilization works. I used the FE 24-105mm exclusively. As we've seen with other a7 models, the combination of body and lens stabilization removes jitter from footage. There's some shake visible in shots captured from a helicopter, but it's a lot less bumpy than what I experienced in real life. There's certainly some wind noise in our outdoor shots. Thankfully you can use an external microphone with the a7 III. It has a standard 3.5mm input, as well as an output if you want to monitor audio using headphones. Sony sells an add-on accessory with balanced XLR input for projects that require true pro-grade sound. We've also included a slow-motion sample using the S&Q 120fps setting. You're limited to 1080p, but it's a nice effect for those times when you want to slow down reality. The video is silent, as the a7 III doesn't record audio when its Mode dial is set to the S&Q position. Final Thoughts (Credit: PCMag) Sony a7 III Editors' Choice 5.0 Exemplary 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies . The Sony a7 III looks a lot like the a7 II, but the upgrades inside are palpable. Its sensor offers the same resolution, but the BSI design improves high ISO performance. The autofocus system is vastly improved, with much wider coverage and 10fps capture. And a high-capacity battery keeps the camera shooting for much longer than previous a7 models. All while making few changes to the compact, sturdy body. I have a few small complaints. I'm not sure why Sony doesn't use dual UHS-II memory slots—if you want to record images to two cards simultaneously, the slower UHS-I slot can slow write times when shooting. The camera menu has a lot of options, but the camera does a lot of stuff. It could be better organized; you'll want to spend some time customizing the My Menu page before doing any serious work with the a7 III. (Credit: Jim Fisher) But any picayune gripes are overshadowed by the a7 III's all-around performance. It goes well beyond what similarly priced SLRs from Canon and Nikon offer. You don't get in-body stabilization with either competing system, nor do they support 4K video capture, and their autofocus systems don't shoot nearly as fast or cover such a large area of the frame. The a7 III is a lot more camera than we're used to seeing at this price point. Instead of cutting out features to push buyers to a higher-end model, the a7 III inherits a lot of tech from the a9 and a7R III. We're used to seeing features from high-end options trickle down to more affordable camera over a period of years, but the a9 has only been on the market for about a year and the a7R III for about half that duration. We're making the a7 III our Editors' Choice for full-frame mirrorless cameras, and do not hesitate in recommending it over its closest competition in the SLR world. The Nikon D750 is aging, and while it still delivers strong image quality, its video features are dated. The Canon EOS 6D Mark II was a bit underwhelming upon its release, and seems even more so now that the a7 III is available. (Credit: Jim Fisher) It compares well against pro models, too. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a bit more resolution (30MP), but only shoots 4K video with a crop factor and doesn't match the a7 III's autofocus system. The Nikon D850 , the best SLR on the market today, is in a different class as terms of resolution—its 45MP image sensor is a marvel—but does suffer from slower autofocus when shooting video. Both sell for more than $3,000. On the Sony front, you can still buy the a7 II, and at it remains a solid bargain for budget shoppers. The original a7 is also still on sale. It doesn't offer in-body stabilization, but it's the least expensive point of entry into any full-frame system. Moving to higher-end options, the 42MP a7R II delivers a lot more resolution, but isn't a great choice for tracking fast action. The a7R III gives you both resolution and speed, but is a lot more expensive. On the highest end there's the a9, a 24MP model, but one that can shoot and track action at 20fps, without any sort of blackout. And there are some very capable cameras out there with smaller image sensors. We just looked at the best APS-C mirrorless camera we've seen, the Fujifilm X-H1 , and the Nikon D500 is our favorite high-end APS-C SLR. There are reasons to opt for a smaller sensor, especially if you like to use long telephoto lenses to snap shots of sports and wildlife, but for many photographers there is no substitute for a sensor that matches 35mm in size. In this price range, the a7 III is the best one you can get. GET IT NOW About Our Expert Jim Fisher Principal Writer, Cameras Experience Images, and the devices that capture them, are my focus. I've covered cameras at PCMag for the past 14 years, which has given me a front row seat for the changeover from DSLRs to mirrorless cameras, the smartphone camera revolution, and the emergence of drones for aerial imaging. I have extensive experience with every major mirrorless and SLR system, and am also comfortable using point-and-shoot and action cameras. As a Part 107 Certified drone pilot, I’m licensed to fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for commercial and editorial purposes, and am knowledgeable about federal rules and regulations regarding drones. Latest By Jim Fisher Read Full Bio
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PCMag editors select and review products [independently](https://www.pcmag.com/about/pcmagcom-mission-statement). If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our [testing](https://www.pcmag.com/about/how-we-test-everything-we-review). 1. [Home](https://www.pcmag.com/) 2. [Reviews](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews) 3. [Cameras](https://www.pcmag.com/categories/cameras) # Sony a7 III Review [![Jim Fisher](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/authors/04FaIMb8SfROqZVLxv18Fh4.fit_lim.size_100x100.v1723837985.png)](https://www.pcmag.com/authors/jim-fisher) Jim Fisher Jim Fisher Principal Writer, Cameras Experience Images, and the devices that capture them, are my focus. I've covered cameras at PCMag for the past 14 years, which has given me a front row seat for the changeover from DSLRs to mirrorless cameras, the smartphone camera revolution, and the emergence of drones for aerial imaging. I have extensive experience with every major mirrorless and SLR system, and am also comfortable using point-and-shoot and action cameras. As a Part 107 Certified drone pilot, I’m licensed to fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for commercial and editorial purposes, and am knowledgeable about federal rules and regulations regarding drones. Areas of Expertise - [Cameras](https://www.pcmag.com/categories/cameras) - [Lenses](https://www.pcmag.com/categories/lenses) - [Drones](https://www.pcmag.com/categories/drones) - [Video Cameras](https://www.pcmag.com/categories/video-cameras) - [Camera Accessories](https://www.pcmag.com/categories/camera-accessories) - [Video Camera Accessories](https://www.pcmag.com/categories/video-camera-accessories) [Read Full Bio](https://www.pcmag.com/authors/jim-fisher) Principal Writer, Cameras OUR EXPERT After 14 years covering photo gear, Jim knows his f-stops. You'll often find him out in the woods or in a graveyard with a camera or two in hand. LOOK INSIDE PC LABS [HOW WE TEST](https://www.pcmag.com/about/how-we-test-digital-cameras) 65 EXPERTS 44 YEARS 43,000+ REVIEWS Updated May 2, 2019 Social Share [Threads](https://threads.net/intent/post?text=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii "Threads (Opens in a new tab)") [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii "Bluesky (Opens in a new tab)") [Reddit](http://www.reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&title=Sony%20a7%20III "Reddit (Opens in a new tab)") [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii "Facebook (Opens in a new tab)") [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&title=Sony%20a7%20III&source=PCMag "LinkedIn (Opens in a new tab)") [Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&description=Sony%20a7%20III "Pinterest (Opens in a new tab)") [Flipboard](https://share.flipboard.com/bookmarklet/popout?v=2&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&title=Sony%20a7%20III "Flipboard (Opens in a new tab)") [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&text=Sony%20a7%20III&hashtags=PCMag "X (Opens in a new tab)") Copied Error\! [Copy Link]() https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sony-a7-iii [Email](https://www.pcmag.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#cff0bcbaada5aaacbbf29ca0a1b6eafdffaef8eafdff868686e9aea2bff4ada0abb6f2a7bbbbbfbceafc8eeafd89eafd89b8b8b8e1bfaca2aea8e1aca0a2eafd89bdaab9a6aab8bceafd89bca0a1b6e2aef8e2a6a6a6eaff8beaff8eeaff8beaff8e82a0bdaaefa9bda0a2ef9f8c82aea8f5efa7bbbbbfbcf5e0e0b8b8b8e1bfaca2aea8e1aca0a2 "Email (Opens in a new tab)") [Comments](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sony-a7-iii#comments) [Add as a preferred source on Google](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=pcmag.com) ![Sony a7 III](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-39.fit_scale.size_400x225.v1569480996.jpg) (Credit: PCMag) ![Sony a7 III](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-39.fit_scale.size_400x225.v1569480996.jpg) (Credit: PCMag) Editors' Choice 5\.0 Exemplary What Our Ratings Mean * - 5\.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking - 4\.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors - 4\.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls - 3\.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors - 3\.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack - 2\.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution - 2\.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution - 1\.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product - 1\.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product Read Our [Editorial Mission Statement](https://www.pcmag.com/about/pcmagcom-mission-statement) and [Testing Methodologies](https://www.pcmag.com/about/how-we-test-everything-we-review). ### The Bottom Line The Sony a7 III is an entry-level full-frame camera that goes well beyond the basics in features, with excellent image quality, 10fps subject tracking, and 4K video capture. MSRP \$1,999.99 \$1,498.00 [\$1,498 at Amazon](https://cc.pcmag.com/v1/otc/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSony-Full-Frame-Mirrorless-Interchangeable-Lens-ILCE7M3%2Fdp%2FB07B43WPVK&template=review-page&module=score-card-persistent&element=buy-button&item=offer&position=1&element_label=%241%2C498+at+Amazon&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=04Muy4dAgleFScPYI6cCGLl "(Opens in a new tab)") * \$1,899.99 Save \$400.00 [\$1,499 at Best Buy](https://cc.pcmag.com/v1/otc/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=07ceq7iAfFfRlRYt8DCvPYM&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fsony-alpha-a7-iii-mirrorless-4k-video-camera-body-only%2F6213101.p%3FskuId%3D6213101&template=review-page&module=score-card-persistent&element=buy-button&item=offer&position=2&element_label=%241%2C499+at+Best+Buy&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=04Muy4dAgleFScPYI6cCGLl "(Opens in a new tab)") * \$1,999.99 Save \$301.99 [\$1,698 at Walmart](https://cc.pcmag.com/v1/otc/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=02zLDwCqTbhlnKCTPdI0yqf&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FSony-a7-III-ILCE-7M3-Digital-camera-mirrorless-24-2-MP-Full-Frame-4K-30-fps-body-only-Wi-Fi-NFC-Bluetooth%2F563854807&template=review-page&module=score-card-persistent&element=buy-button&item=offer&position=3&element_label=%241%2C698+at+Walmart&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=04Muy4dAgleFScPYI6cCGLl "(Opens in a new tab)") ## Pros & Cons - 24MP full-frame BSI sensor. - 10fps with tracking. - 5-axis stabilization. - 4K HDR video. - Silent shooting available. - Tilting touch LCD. - Dual SD slots. - Vastly improved battery. - Focus joystick. - Flat profiles available. - Screen not true vari-angle. - Only one card slot is UHS-II. - No in-body flash. - Shooting buffer must clear to start video. - Dense menu system. - Omits PC sync socket. ## Sony a7 III Specs \| Name \| Value \| \|---\|---\| \| Dimensions \| 3\.9 by 5.0 by 2.5 inches \| \| Weight \| 1\.4 lb \| \| Type \| Mirrorless \| \| Sensor Resolution \| 24 MP \| \| Sensor Type \| BSI CMOS \| \| Sensor Size \| Full-Frame (24 x 36mm) \| \| Lens Mount \| Sony E \| \| Memory Card Slots \| 2 \| \| Memory Card Format \| SDXC (UHS-II), SDXC (UHS-I)/Memory Stick Duo \| \| Battery Type \| Sony NP-FZ100 \| \| Minimum ISO \| 50 \| \| Maximum ISO \| 204800 \| \| Stabilization \| 5-Axis IBIS \| \| Display Size \| 3\.0 inches \| \| Display Resolution \| 921600 dots \| \| Touch Screen \| \| More Specs ## EDITORS' NOTE Note: This review has been updated to reflect changes in the a7 III added by its [Firmware 3.0](https://web.archive.org/web/20241203032438/https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/e-mount-body-ilce-7-series/ilce-7m3#downloads "(Opens in a new tab)") release. It didn't take long for Sony to reuse the body design it introduced with last year's high-resolution, pro-grade [a7R III](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sony-a7r-iii) in an entry-level model. But despite a friendly (for [full-frame](https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-full-frame-cameras)) price, the a7 III (\$1,999.99, body only) is anything but entry-level when it comes to its feature set. Its BSI CMOS sensor excels in all types of light, and offers incredible dynamic range. It can shoot at 10fps, with an autofocus system that covers almost the entirety of the image sensor. And it has serious video chops too, recording smooth, sharp footage at 4K, and slow-motion at 1080p. It run circles around competing models in this price range, and is our Editors' Choice for entry-level full-frame shoppers. ## Design The a7 III feels a lot like the [a7 II](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sony-alpha-7-ii) and a7R III in the hand. It measures 3.9 by 5.0 by 2.5 inches (HWD) without a lens, and weighs about 1.4 pounds. Its grip and body design are the same as you get with the a7R III. I find it quite comfortable to hold, even with a larger zoom like the [FE 100-400mm](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sony-fe-100-400mm-f45-56-gm-oss). The body is protected against dust and splashes, as are all Sony FE lenses. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-2.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) In addition to the body-only option, Sony is offering the a7 III in a \$2,199.99 kit bundled with the [FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sony-fe-28-70mm-f35-56-oss) lens. The 28-70mm is one of oldest lenses in the series. I would have liked to see another bundle with the newer, more useful [FE 24-105mm F4](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sony-fe-24-105mm-f4-g-oss). The 24-105mm is a \$1,300 lens, however, so I imagine the pricing of a kit would be prohibitive for many buyers. ![Sony a7 III Review](https://cdn.ex.co/transformations/production/17992684-8e05-440c-9e71-82e392a3addf/thumbnail-480.webp) ![PCMag Logo](https://www.pcmag.com/images/pcmag.svg) Sony a7 III Review Handling isn't that much different from the a7 II. You still get the EV dial on top, along with programmable C1 and C2 buttons, and a Mode dial—it's not a locking dial like the one on the a7R III. The shutter release is on top of the handgrip, slightly lower than the rest of the top plate, and set at an angle. The On/Off switch surrounds it. The grip has a command dial, accessible using your right index finger. Its rear counterpart is slightly offset from the EV dial and is easily turned with your right thumb. ### Similar Products [Our Current Picks for The Best Full-Frame Cameras for 2026](https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-full-frame-cameras) ![Canon EOS R6 Mark III](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/01a5NfcpkkfEEgD8eXRO8zs-6-hero-image-gallery.fit_lpad.size_238x139.v1763751883.jpg) ### Canon EOS R6 Mark III 4\.5 Outstanding \$2,799.00 at Amazon [\$2,799 at Amazon](https://cc.pcmag.com/v1/otc/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FCanon-EOS-Mark-III-Body%2Fdp%2FB0FZVVLR9D&template=review-page&module=similar-products-carousel&element=product-tile&item=buy-button&position=1&element_label=%242%2C799+at+Amazon&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=01SNsFGlL6ZNvdwEVFpqkVn "(Opens in a new tab)") [Read Our 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Amazon](https://cc.pcmag.com/v1/otc/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0D77SL8CY&template=review-page&module=similar-products-carousel&element=product-tile&item=buy-button&position=3&element_label=%242%2C096+at+Amazon&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=01UUQDLcw7EVSs3W8OtOdaD "(Opens in a new tab)") [Read Our Review](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/nikon-z-6-iii) ![Nikon Z 8, front](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/00hKjfzytu0HwwiS3q4TqJv-1.fit_lpad.size_238x139.v1701794304.jpg) ### Nikon Z 8 4\.5 Outstanding \$3,496.95 at Amazon [\$3,496 at Amazon](https://cc.pcmag.com/v1/otc/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FNikon-Professional-full-frame-mirrorless-stills%2Fdp%2FB0C4Q71JBY%3Fth%3D1&template=review-page&module=similar-products-carousel&element=product-tile&item=buy-button&position=4&element_label=%243%2C496+at+Amazon&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=06rRx3KHWXeQWCjFi91DEhZ "(Opens in a new tab)") [Read Our Review](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/nikon-z-8) ![Sony a7 V](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20238%20139'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E) ### Sony a7 V 4\.5 Outstanding \$2,899.99 at Best Buy [\$2,899 at Best Buy](https://cc.pcmag.com/v1/otc/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=07ceq7iAfFfRlRYt8DCvPYM&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2F6666085.p%3FskuId%3D6666085&template=review-page&module=similar-products-carousel&element=product-tile&item=buy-button&position=5&element_label=%242%2C899+at+Best+Buy&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=02s6U1KmEjia56IQrD2abpn "(Opens in a new tab)") [Read Our Review](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sony-a7-v) ![Sony ZV-E1 Image](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20238%20139'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E) ### Sony ZV-E1 4\.5 Outstanding \$2,498.00 at Amazon [\$2,498 at Amazon](https://cc.pcmag.com/v1/otc/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSony-Full-Frame-Interchangeable-Mirrorless-Camera%2Fdp%2FB0BZWNWCZ9&template=review-page&module=similar-products-carousel&element=product-tile&item=buy-button&position=6&element_label=%242%2C498+at+Amazon&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=06639YX83KYrDKq11tzNFIl "(Opens in a new tab)") [Read Our Review](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sony-zv-e1) ![Leica M11 Monochrom Image](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20238%20139'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E) ### Leica M11 Monochrom 4\.0 Excellent \$10,160.00 at Amazon [\$10,160 at Amazon](https://cc.pcmag.com/v1/otc/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FLeica-M11-Monochrom-Digital-Rangefinder%2Fdp%2FB0C7ZDDQBV&template=review-page&module=similar-products-carousel&element=product-tile&item=buy-button&position=7&element_label=%2410%2C160+at+Amazon&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=03zzbfzKtlrMn589fbKC3oW "(Opens in a new tab)") [Read Our Review](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/leica-m11-monochrom) ![Nikon Z 9 Image](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20238%20139'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E) ### Nikon Z 9 4\.5 Outstanding \$5,196.95 at Amazon [\$5,196 at Amazon](https://cc.pcmag.com/v1/otc/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FNikon-FX-Format-Mirrorless-Camera-Body%2Fdp%2FB09KHC4XCT&template=review-page&module=similar-products-carousel&element=product-tile&item=buy-button&position=8&element_label=%245%2C196+at+Amazon&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=05MYePMMttBZPoG2FCDhOid "(Opens in a new tab)") [Read Our Review](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/nikon-z-9) ![Front](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20238%20139'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E) ### Canon EOS RP 4\.0 Excellent \$949.00 at Amazon [\$949 at Amazon](https://cc.pcmag.com/v1/otc/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FCanon-EOS-Mirrorless-Camera-Body%2Fdp%2FB07N9KDCGV&template=review-page&module=similar-products-carousel&element=product-tile&item=buy-button&position=9&element_label=%24949+at+Amazon&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=07GoZtNdcn64M4qTiq0PvZR "(Opens in a new tab)") [Read Our Review](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/canon-eos-rp) ![Sony a7C II front view](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20238%20139'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E) ### Sony a7C II 4\.0 Excellent \$2,298.00 at Amazon \$2,499.99 Save \$201.99 [\$2,298 at Amazon](https://cc.pcmag.com/v1/otc/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSony-Alpha-Full-Frame-Interchangeable-Camera%2Fdp%2FB0CGTWZGWB%3Fth%3D1&template=review-page&module=similar-products-carousel&element=product-tile&item=buy-button&position=10&element_label=%242%2C298+at+Amazon&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=04qajOGK0VPv1atId8K9IAG "(Opens in a new tab)") [Read Our Review](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sony-a7c-ii) ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-3.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) Rear controls match the a7R III and [a9](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sony-a9). The programmable C3 button and Menu button are above the rear LCD, just to the left of the EVF eyecup. To the right, still running along the top, you find Record, AF-ON, and AEL. Below them, nestled between the rear thumb rest and LCD are the focus point selector joystick and Fn button. The flat rear command dial is next down in the column; it has a button at its center and directional presses to adjust Display, ISO, and the Drive mode—there's no dedicated Drive dial like you get on the a9, that's something Sony has decided to leave out of the a7 series. The dial itself has deep ridges so you can turn it comfortably, and the turning motion feels much better than the similar dial on the a7 II—there's more resistance, and the dial is physically larger so the button presses offer better tactile feedback. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-4.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) Rounding out the rear controls are the Play and Delete buttons. The latter doubles as the programmable C4 button when in shooting mode. By default it toggles the touch sensitivity of the rear display. The touch functions are a bit limited. You can't navigate through menus via touch. But you can tap on the screen to set a focus point. Even if the camera is set to a wide area, tapping on a spot will override and change to a flexible spot, which can be moved via touch or the joystick; returning to wide area is done using the button at the center of the rear command dial. This method of adjusting the focus point works in both still and video capture. The camera also supports focus adjustment using the LCD when framing shots with the EVF. Just slide your finger on the display and the focus area will move. You can override the wide area setting with this method just as you can when shooting using the rear LCD to frame shots. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-5.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) Speaking of menus, Sony has long been criticized for its rather lengthy, complex menu system. The a7 III includes some tools to help reduce the stress of trying to find the setting you want to adjust when flipping through dozens of pages of options. My Menu is fully customizable, so a setting you often adjust can be added to it for quick access. It's a step in the right direction, though I wish Sony would go further and better organize and categorize menu options. The menu breaks up camera capture settings into two tabs, each with multiple pages, but mixes things up a bit. There are settings for both movies and still capture bookending a few dedicated pages for video capture squeezed in the middle. Some cleaner organization could help make finding the right setting easier. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-6.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) Upgrading owners of the a7 and a7 II will notice that the apps section is gone. The a7 III doesn't support PlayMemories Mobile camera apps. That in and of itself is not a great loss—downloading apps to extend the camera's capabilities was a flawed concept, especially without support for third-party developers. But some functions that were available in PlayMemories, like the ability to fire the shutter using the EVF eye sensor, haven't been integrated into the a7 III's firmware. Time-lapse was added with Firmware 3.0 and, while the a7 III can't output a finished video, it will automatically fire images at set intervals so you can combine them into a video later. The camera delivers enough resolution for 6K time-lapse. The rear display is a 3-inch LCD with touch input support. It's a step back from the one used on the a7 II, which is a 1,228k-dot design with "white pixels" to cut through sun glare on bright days. This one is a more pedestrian 921k-dot design. Even so, I shot with it under the harsh sun in the Nevada desert and had no problems seeing the screen. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-7.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) The screen tilts up and down, but it doesn't swing out from the body to face forward like a true vari-angle display. It's a shame, as it limits the ability of vloggers to set up shots and record video while keeping an eye on framing, and the a7 III otherwise has such solid video chops. There are also some touch controls when reviewing images; notably you can swipe around a magnified shot with your finger when playing photos back. The EVF is the same 0.78x magnification OLED with 2,359k dots as you get with the a7 II. The higher end models in the series, the a7R III and a9, match the a7 III in magnification, but pack more pixels into the frame, 3,686k dots. I didn't notice the drop in resolution when picking up the a7 III for the first time—the EVF looks great and I'm able to tell if a subject is in focus when shooting. But if you use the pricier models on a regular basis, you may appreciate the difference. ## Power and Connectivity The a7 III uses the Z battery, introduced in the a9 and also used by the a7R III. It's good for 710 shots per CIPA ratings with the a7 III, as its power requirements are less than the a9 or a7R III, both rated for 650 images per charge. The bigger battery is a boon to enthusiasts who don't want to buy a ton of spares, and pros alike. A grip is available; it allows the camera to use two batteries, effectively doubling its life. You won't have to worry about running out of power when shooting a wedding, for example. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-8.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) Sony doesn't include an external charger with the a7 III. If you want to charge the battery outside the camera, you'll need to buy one. But you can recharge via USB and an included USB-to-AC adapter in-camera. I recommend a wall charger for travelers and pros, especially those who have multiple Z batteries to recharge at the end of a long day of shooting. The camera has two USB ports (one USB-C and one micro USB), as well as micro HDMI, a 3.5mm microphone input, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It doesn't include the PC Sync flash socket you get with the a7R III and a9. There is a standard hot shoe, with the extra electrical contacts for accessories like Sony's XLR audio adapter. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-9.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) And there are two memory card slots. Slot 1, toward the bottom of the camera, supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory at UHS-II speeds. Slot 2, above it, works with all SD formats at slower UHS-I speeds, but also supports Sony Memory Stick media. I knocked the decision to only support UHS-II in one slot when I reviewed the a9 and a7R III, and do the same here—both slots should support the latest, fastest memory format. I'd be surprised if anyone outside of Sony cares about Memory Stick at this point. In addition to wired connectivity, the a7 III includes Bluetooth, NFC, and Wi-Fi. This allows the camera to connect to an Android or iOS device running the free Sony PlayMemories Mobile app to transfer images and video to your phone for social sharing. You can also use your phone as a wireless remote control. ## Performance and Autofocus The a7 III starts, focuses, and fires in about 2.2 seconds. That's one area where it's slower than competing SLRs, like the [Canon EOS 6D Mark II](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/canon-eos-6d-mark-ii) (0.4-second) and [Nikon D750](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/nikon-d750) (0.4-second). Its autofocus system is quite speedy, locking on in 0.05-second in bright light and an average of 0.4-second in very dim conditions. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-11.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) I tested the burst speed using a Lexar 300MBps memory card in the UHS-II slot. The camera manages 10fps in its fastest burst mode. The amount of shots you can take before the camera stalls varies based on the file format you use. I tested Uncompressed Raw and Extra Fine JPG (34 shots), Compressed Raw and Extra Fine JPG (78 shots), Uncompressed Raw (37 shots), Compressed Raw (103 shots), and Extra Fine JPG (164 shots). Recovery time, the duration it takes for the buffer to fully clear to the memory card, varies based on file format. If you're shooting Raw+JPG (either format) expect to wait about 24 seconds, but only about 14 seconds for Raw alone. Because you can capture so many more JPG images at a time, the write time to clear them to the card is about 54 seconds. ![Newsletter Icon](https://www.pcmag.com/images/newsletter-envelope.svg) ![Newsletter Icon](https://www.pcmag.com/images/newsletter-envelope.svg) Get Our Best Stories\! ### All the Latest Tech, Tested by Our Experts ![Lab Report Newsletter Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/newsletters/17709142-contextual.fit_lpad.size_250x140.v1752614027.png) Sign up for the Lab Report to receive PCMag's latest product reviews, buying advice, and insights. Sign up for the Lab Report to receive PCMag's latest product reviews, buying advice, and insights. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our [Terms of Use](https://www.pcmag.com/terms) and [Privacy Policy](https://www.pcmag.com/privacy). Thanks for signing up\! Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox\! Continuous autofocus is also available at 10fps. Our standard focus test, in which I shoot a target that moves directly toward or away from the lens, netted almost all shots in focus at 10fps. There were a few slight misses here and there, but nothing worth getting worked up about. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-31.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) The autofocus system is similar to that in the high-end a9, but it's not quite as uncannily intelligent. The a9's sensor design allows for instant readout (and 20fps capture), so even though the a7 III has the same number of focus points and area of focus coverage, it doesn't deliver the same level of performance. But it's not that far off. A total of 693 phase detection points cover 93 percent of the sensor, all but its extreme edges, and are joined by 425 contrast points, more densely located in the central area of the frame. The two focus point types work together to recognize and track subjects. The focus system not only supports face detection, but goes further with Sony's Eye AF system. It can lock on to a human eye, prioritizing the one closest to the active focus point. It's a great tool for portraits, and it works when focusing continuously, so your model can feel free to adjust a pose and you won't have to worry about losing crisp focus on their eyes. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-14.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) The Firmware 3.0 updated improved the operability of Eye AF, allowing it to work at all times—previously it had to be engaged manually. It also adds support for [animals](https://www.pcmag.com/news/sony-cameras-can-now-focus-on-your-pets-eyes), specifically cats and dogs. We tested the new focus system using an a7R III, which works the exact same way, and you can see it at work in the video clip above. In field testing the autofocus system performed superbly. Shot after shot was sharp and crisp, even when tracking moving targets at 10fps. Of course there were occasional misses, but even the best autofocus systems miss from time to time. For example, when shooting a scene with heavy, simulated rain in the studio, with continuous lighting rather than strobes, using the wide focus area resulted in some shots that were wildly misfocused. Changing the focus area to a flexible spot, or engaging EyeAF using the rear center button righted the ship. Few other full-frame cameras at this price point can hit 10fps, let alone with such a wide coverage of autofocus. The closest SLR competitors in terms of price, the Nikon D750 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II, top out at 6.5fps and have focus systems that cover a much smaller area of the frame. ## Image Quality The a7 III uses a new sensor, one that is similar in design to the 24MP sensor used by the a9, but not identical. The a9's sensor is a stacked design, which puts memory right on the chip in order to deliver instant readout and its 20fps capture capability. The a7 III doesn't do that. It is a BSI—Back Side Illumination—design, like the a9 and high-resolution a7R III. This type of sensor cuts the distance between its surface and light-sensitive area. The practical effect is that you get superior high ISO quality compared with sensors that put put circuitry in front of the light-gathering area rather than behind it. Our lab tests show that the a7 III's image sensor performs very similarly to the a9. When shooting in JPG format [Imatest](https://www.imatest.com/ "(Opens in a new tab)") tells us that noise is less than 1.5 percent through ISO 25600, a stop better than the a9 and [Nikon D5](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/nikon-d5). There's certainly some in-camera noise reduction going on to get there, resulting in some smudging of fine details at ISO 25600. Images are stronger at ISO 12800, but there's still some muddiness. At ISO 6400 photos are clean and rife with detail. Results at ISO 3200 are just as crisp as those shot at ISO 100. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-15.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) Moving to the extreme ranges of the ISO range—the camera can shoot as high as ISO 204800—is a bit much for JPG shooters. You can get useable, albeit soft, results at ISO 51200. There's quite a bit of blur at ISO 102400, though I can still make out some detail in our test images. The ISO 204800 setting delivers blurry results, but that's to be expected when shooting at such an extreme. If you opt to shoot Raw you can squeeze more detail out of high ISO images. Our test images, converted using [Adobe Lightroom Classic CC](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/adobe-lightroom-classic) with default develop settings applied, look just as good at ISO 6400 as they do at ISO 100—just with a bit more grain. There's a little more noise at ISO 12800 and 25600, but it's not overwhelming. At ISO 51200 I'd call grain heavy, but there's much more detail visible than its JPG counterpart. I'd not hesitate to use ISO 102400 for shots where a grainy look is desired—or for conversion to black-and-white—but rough noise overwhelms your images at ISO 204800. Crops, from both JPG and Raw files, are included in the slideshow that accompanies this review so you can judge for yourself. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-16.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) It's not all about high ISO photography. At lower ISOs the a7 III delivers the image quality you expect from a 24MP, full-frame image sensor. You have extreme control over depth of field when working with a fast lens, and while you don't get as much resolution or detail as you do from the a7R III (which uses a 42MP sensor without an optical low-pass filter), you won't have any complaints when making prints or viewing photos at a pixel level. Sony promises that Raw images will deliver 15 stops of dynamic range at lower ISO settings, so you can reign in highlights and shadows to get an image looking just like you want it to. And it does it without adding unwanted color noise, like we saw when pulling up shadow detail from Raw images shot with the Canon EOS 6D Mark II. There is an issue that some reviewers have noted in regards to flare. Under certain conditions, odd banding can show in subjects that are strongly backlit. It's typically only visible when shooting at f/2 or wider, with a very strong light source entering the lens directly, and only appears toward the edge of the frame. The banding shows up as single pixel straight lines, matching the position of the on-sensor phase detection pixels. It's not an issue that is exclusive to the a7 III—photographers have observed the effect in other cameras with on-sensor phase detection. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-17.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) I shot several dozen images with strong backlight and flare using the a7 III, like the one above, and didn't see the lines in any of them. But I was using the 24-105mm lens, which has a maximum f/4 aperture, and I wasn't deliberately trying to induce the effect. I've shot with a number of cameras with on-sensor phase detection points over the years and have not found this to be an issue in my images, but I tend to stop a lens down a bit when incorporating the sun or other bright source in the background in order to get a starburst flare effect. If you're more of a wide-open shooter and love the backlit portrait look, you may encounter it from time to time. But most photographers will shoot thousands of images without ever seeing the effect. ## Video Canon SLRs with Dual Pixel AF have caught up to mirrorless in terms of focus speed, but there are still big advantages to using a mirrorless system with on-sensor autofocus to capture video. The entire Sony a7 series has solid video chops—particularly the specialized [a7S II](https://web.archive.org/web/20241203032438/https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sony-alpha-7s-ii "(Opens in a new tab)"). Despite entry-level positioning, the a7 III doesn't skimp on features. It supports 4K capture at 60 or 100Mbps using the XAVC S 4K codec at your choice of 24 or 30fps. The 24fps video uses the full width of the frame (with the sensor cropped to the 16:9 ratio), but there is a modest crop applied when shooting at 30fps. Dropping down to 1080p gives you 50 or 100Mbs options at 24, 30, or 60p, and there is an in-camera slow-motion option at 60 or 100Mbps and 120fps. I shot our 4K test video at 24fps and 100Mbps using the Standard video profile. It was cut together in Premiere Pro, but no grading was done. I did remove audio from some clips, as copyrighted music was playing at our location, but clips with audio use the in-camera microphone. If you do want to grade footage, there are other profiles available, including several cinema looks, S-Log2, and S-Log3. Like the a7R III, the camera also supports HDR capture using Sony's HybridLogGamma profile. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-18.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) All of my video was shot handheld as well, so you can see how the in-body stabilization works. I used the FE 24-105mm exclusively. As we've seen with other a7 models, the combination of body and lens stabilization removes jitter from footage. There's some shake visible in shots captured from a helicopter, but it's a lot less bumpy than what I experienced in real life. There's certainly some wind noise in our outdoor shots. Thankfully you can use an external microphone with the a7 III. It has a standard 3.5mm input, as well as an output if you want to monitor audio using headphones. Sony sells an add-on accessory with balanced XLR input for projects that require true pro-grade sound. We've also included a slow-motion sample using the S\&Q 120fps setting. You're limited to 1080p, but it's a nice effect for those times when you want to slow down reality. The video is silent, as the a7 III doesn't record audio when its Mode dial is set to the S\&Q position. ## Final Thoughts ![https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-39..v1569480996.jpg](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-39..v1569480996.jpg) (Credit: PCMag) ### Sony a7 III Editors' Choice 5\.0 Exemplary What Our Ratings Mean * - 5\.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking - 4\.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors - 4\.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls - 3\.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors - 3\.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack - 2\.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution - 2\.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution - 1\.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product - 1\.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product Read Our [Editorial Mission Statement](https://www.pcmag.com/about/pcmagcom-mission-statement) and [Testing Methodologies](https://www.pcmag.com/about/how-we-test-everything-we-review). The Sony a7 III looks a lot like the a7 II, but the upgrades inside are palpable. Its sensor offers the same resolution, but the BSI design improves high ISO performance. The autofocus system is vastly improved, with much wider coverage and 10fps capture. And a high-capacity battery keeps the camera shooting for much longer than previous a7 models. All while making few changes to the compact, sturdy body. I have a few small complaints. I'm not sure why Sony doesn't use dual UHS-II memory slots—if you want to record images to two cards simultaneously, the slower UHS-I slot can slow write times when shooting. The camera menu has a lot of options, but the camera does a lot of stuff. It could be better organized; you'll want to spend some time customizing the My Menu page before doing any serious work with the a7 III. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-19.fit_lim.size_686x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) But any picayune gripes are overshadowed by the a7 III's all-around performance. It goes well beyond what similarly priced SLRs from Canon and Nikon offer. You don't get in-body stabilization with either competing system, nor do they support 4K video capture, and their autofocus systems don't shoot nearly as fast or cover such a large area of the frame. The a7 III is a lot more camera than we're used to seeing at this price point. Instead of cutting out features to push buyers to a higher-end model, the a7 III inherits a lot of tech from the a9 and a7R III. We're used to seeing features from high-end options trickle down to more affordable camera over a period of years, but the a9 has only been on the market for about a year and the a7R III for about half that duration. We're making the a7 III our Editors' Choice for full-frame mirrorless cameras, and do not hesitate in recommending it over its closest competition in the SLR world. The Nikon D750 is aging, and while it still delivers strong image quality, its video features are dated. The Canon EOS 6D Mark II was a bit underwhelming upon its release, and seems even more so now that the a7 III is available. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-38.fit_lim.size_686x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) It compares well against pro models, too. The [Canon EOS 5D Mark IV](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/canon-eos-5d-mark-iv) has a bit more resolution (30MP), but only shoots 4K video with a crop factor and doesn't match the a7 III's autofocus system. The [Nikon D850](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/nikon-d850), the best SLR on the market today, is in a different class as terms of resolution—its 45MP image sensor is a marvel—but does suffer from slower autofocus when shooting video. Both sell for more than \$3,000. On the Sony front, you can still buy the a7 II, and at it remains a solid bargain for budget shoppers. The original [a7](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sony-alpha-7) is also still on sale. It doesn't offer in-body stabilization, but it's the least expensive point of entry into any full-frame system. Moving to higher-end options, the 42MP [a7R II](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sony-alpha-7r-ii) delivers a lot more resolution, but isn't a great choice for tracking fast action. The a7R III gives you both resolution and speed, but is a lot more expensive. On the highest end there's the a9, a 24MP model, but one that can shoot and track action at 20fps, without any sort of blackout. And there are some very capable cameras out there with smaller image sensors. We just looked at the best APS-C mirrorless camera we've seen, the [Fujifilm X-H1](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/fujifilm-x-h1), and the [Nikon D500](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/nikon-d500) is our favorite high-end APS-C SLR. There are reasons to opt for a smaller sensor, especially if you like to use long telephoto lenses to snap shots of sports and wildlife, but for many photographers there is no substitute for a sensor that matches 35mm in size. In this price range, the a7 III is the best one you can get. GET IT NOW [\$1,498 at Amazon](https://cc.pcmag.com/v1/otc/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSony-Full-Frame-Mirrorless-Interchangeable-Lens-ILCE7M3%2Fdp%2FB07B43WPVK&template=review-page&module=Final_Thoughts_Box&element=buy-button&item=offer&position=1&element_label=%241%2C498+at+Amazon&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=04Muy4dAgleFScPYI6cCGLl "(Opens in a new tab)") [\$1,499 at Best Buy](https://cc.pcmag.com/v1/otc/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=07ceq7iAfFfRlRYt8DCvPYM&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fsony-alpha-a7-iii-mirrorless-4k-video-camera-body-only%2F6213101.p%3FskuId%3D6213101&template=review-page&module=Final_Thoughts_Box&element=buy-button&item=offer&position=2&element_label=%241%2C499+at+Best+Buy&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=04Muy4dAgleFScPYI6cCGLl "(Opens in a new tab)") [\$1,698 at Walmart](https://cc.pcmag.com/v1/otc/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=02zLDwCqTbhlnKCTPdI0yqf&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FSony-a7-III-ILCE-7M3-Digital-camera-mirrorless-24-2-MP-Full-Frame-4K-30-fps-body-only-Wi-Fi-NFC-Bluetooth%2F563854807&template=review-page&module=Final_Thoughts_Box&element=buy-button&item=offer&position=3&element_label=%241%2C698+at+Walmart&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Freviews%2Fsony-a7-iii&object_type=review&object_uuid=04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9&product_uuid=04Muy4dAgleFScPYI6cCGLl "(Opens in a new tab)") ## About Our Expert ![Jim Fisher](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/authors/04FaIMb8SfROqZVLxv18Fh4.fit_lim.size_100x100.v1723837985.png) Jim Fisher Principal Writer, Cameras * Experience Images, and the devices that capture them, are my focus. I've covered cameras at PCMag for the past 14 years, which has given me a front row seat for the changeover from DSLRs to mirrorless cameras, the smartphone camera revolution, and the emergence of drones for aerial imaging. I have extensive experience with every major mirrorless and SLR system, and am also comfortable using point-and-shoot and action cameras. As a Part 107 Certified drone pilot, I’m licensed to fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for commercial and editorial purposes, and am knowledgeable about federal rules and regulations regarding drones. Areas of Expertise - [Cameras](https://www.pcmag.com/categories/cameras) - [Lenses](https://www.pcmag.com/categories/lenses) - [Drones](https://www.pcmag.com/categories/drones) - [Video Cameras](https://www.pcmag.com/categories/video-cameras) - [Camera Accessories](https://www.pcmag.com/categories/camera-accessories) - [Video Camera Accessories](https://www.pcmag.com/categories/video-camera-accessories) Latest By Jim Fisher - [I Finally Bought a Monochrome Camera, and My Photos Will Never Be the Same](https://www.pcmag.com/opinions/i-finally-bought-a-monochrome-camera-and-my-photos-will-never-be-the-same) - [Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z Review: A Reliable Workhorse Telezoom for Pros](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/canon-rf-70-200mm-f28-l-is-usm-z) - [The Best Action Cameras for 2026](https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-action-cameras) - [Y2K Legends Reloaded: 8 Old-School Digital Cameras Worth Buying Used in 2026](https://www.pcmag.com/picks/8-vintage-cameras-still-worth-buying-used-2026) - [The Best Instant Cameras for 2026](https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-instant-cameras) - [More from Jim Fisher](https://www.pcmag.com/authors/jim-fisher) [Read Full Bio](https://www.pcmag.com/authors/jim-fisher) Advertisement ### Apple [![I Tried the \$599 MacBook Neo. 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Readable Markdown	## EDITORS' NOTE Note: This review has been updated to reflect changes in the a7 III added by its [Firmware 3.0](https://web.archive.org/web/20241203032438/https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/e-mount-body-ilce-7-series/ilce-7m3#downloads "(Opens in a new tab)") release. It didn't take long for Sony to reuse the body design it introduced with last year's high-resolution, pro-grade [a7R III](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sony-a7r-iii) in an entry-level model. But despite a friendly (for [full-frame](https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-full-frame-cameras)) price, the a7 III (\$1,999.99, body only) is anything but entry-level when it comes to its feature set. Its BSI CMOS sensor excels in all types of light, and offers incredible dynamic range. It can shoot at 10fps, with an autofocus system that covers almost the entirety of the image sensor. And it has serious video chops too, recording smooth, sharp footage at 4K, and slow-motion at 1080p. It run circles around competing models in this price range, and is our Editors' Choice for entry-level full-frame shoppers. The a7 III feels a lot like the [a7 II](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sony-alpha-7-ii) and a7R III in the hand. It measures 3.9 by 5.0 by 2.5 inches (HWD) without a lens, and weighs about 1.4 pounds. Its grip and body design are the same as you get with the a7R III. I find it quite comfortable to hold, even with a larger zoom like the [FE 100-400mm](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sony-fe-100-400mm-f45-56-gm-oss). The body is protected against dust and splashes, as are all Sony FE lenses. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-2.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) In addition to the body-only option, Sony is offering the a7 III in a \$2,199.99 kit bundled with the [FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sony-fe-28-70mm-f35-56-oss) lens. The 28-70mm is one of oldest lenses in the series. I would have liked to see another bundle with the newer, more useful [FE 24-105mm F4](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sony-fe-24-105mm-f4-g-oss). The 24-105mm is a \$1,300 lens, however, so I imagine the pricing of a kit would be prohibitive for many buyers. ![Sony a7 III Review](https://cdn.ex.co/transformations/production/17992684-8e05-440c-9e71-82e392a3addf/thumbnail-480.webp) ![PCMag Logo](https://www.pcmag.com/images/pcmag.svg) Sony a7 III Review Handling isn't that much different from the a7 II. You still get the EV dial on top, along with programmable C1 and C2 buttons, and a Mode dial—it's not a locking dial like the one on the a7R III. The shutter release is on top of the handgrip, slightly lower than the rest of the top plate, and set at an angle. The On/Off switch surrounds it. The grip has a command dial, accessible using your right index finger. Its rear counterpart is slightly offset from the EV dial and is easily turned with your right thumb. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-3.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) Rear controls match the a7R III and [a9](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sony-a9). The programmable C3 button and Menu button are above the rear LCD, just to the left of the EVF eyecup. To the right, still running along the top, you find Record, AF-ON, and AEL. Below them, nestled between the rear thumb rest and LCD are the focus point selector joystick and Fn button. The flat rear command dial is next down in the column; it has a button at its center and directional presses to adjust Display, ISO, and the Drive mode—there's no dedicated Drive dial like you get on the a9, that's something Sony has decided to leave out of the a7 series. The dial itself has deep ridges so you can turn it comfortably, and the turning motion feels much better than the similar dial on the a7 II—there's more resistance, and the dial is physically larger so the button presses offer better tactile feedback. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-4.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) Rounding out the rear controls are the Play and Delete buttons. The latter doubles as the programmable C4 button when in shooting mode. By default it toggles the touch sensitivity of the rear display. The touch functions are a bit limited. You can't navigate through menus via touch. But you can tap on the screen to set a focus point. Even if the camera is set to a wide area, tapping on a spot will override and change to a flexible spot, which can be moved via touch or the joystick; returning to wide area is done using the button at the center of the rear command dial. This method of adjusting the focus point works in both still and video capture. The camera also supports focus adjustment using the LCD when framing shots with the EVF. Just slide your finger on the display and the focus area will move. You can override the wide area setting with this method just as you can when shooting using the rear LCD to frame shots. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-5.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) Speaking of menus, Sony has long been criticized for its rather lengthy, complex menu system. The a7 III includes some tools to help reduce the stress of trying to find the setting you want to adjust when flipping through dozens of pages of options. My Menu is fully customizable, so a setting you often adjust can be added to it for quick access. It's a step in the right direction, though I wish Sony would go further and better organize and categorize menu options. The menu breaks up camera capture settings into two tabs, each with multiple pages, but mixes things up a bit. There are settings for both movies and still capture bookending a few dedicated pages for video capture squeezed in the middle. Some cleaner organization could help make finding the right setting easier. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-6.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) Upgrading owners of the a7 and a7 II will notice that the apps section is gone. The a7 III doesn't support PlayMemories Mobile camera apps. That in and of itself is not a great loss—downloading apps to extend the camera's capabilities was a flawed concept, especially without support for third-party developers. But some functions that were available in PlayMemories, like the ability to fire the shutter using the EVF eye sensor, haven't been integrated into the a7 III's firmware. Time-lapse was added with Firmware 3.0 and, while the a7 III can't output a finished video, it will automatically fire images at set intervals so you can combine them into a video later. The camera delivers enough resolution for 6K time-lapse. The rear display is a 3-inch LCD with touch input support. It's a step back from the one used on the a7 II, which is a 1,228k-dot design with "white pixels" to cut through sun glare on bright days. This one is a more pedestrian 921k-dot design. Even so, I shot with it under the harsh sun in the Nevada desert and had no problems seeing the screen. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-7.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) The screen tilts up and down, but it doesn't swing out from the body to face forward like a true vari-angle display. It's a shame, as it limits the ability of vloggers to set up shots and record video while keeping an eye on framing, and the a7 III otherwise has such solid video chops. There are also some touch controls when reviewing images; notably you can swipe around a magnified shot with your finger when playing photos back. The EVF is the same 0.78x magnification OLED with 2,359k dots as you get with the a7 II. The higher end models in the series, the a7R III and a9, match the a7 III in magnification, but pack more pixels into the frame, 3,686k dots. I didn't notice the drop in resolution when picking up the a7 III for the first time—the EVF looks great and I'm able to tell if a subject is in focus when shooting. But if you use the pricier models on a regular basis, you may appreciate the difference. The a7 III uses the Z battery, introduced in the a9 and also used by the a7R III. It's good for 710 shots per CIPA ratings with the a7 III, as its power requirements are less than the a9 or a7R III, both rated for 650 images per charge. The bigger battery is a boon to enthusiasts who don't want to buy a ton of spares, and pros alike. A grip is available; it allows the camera to use two batteries, effectively doubling its life. You won't have to worry about running out of power when shooting a wedding, for example. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-8.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) Sony doesn't include an external charger with the a7 III. If you want to charge the battery outside the camera, you'll need to buy one. But you can recharge via USB and an included USB-to-AC adapter in-camera. I recommend a wall charger for travelers and pros, especially those who have multiple Z batteries to recharge at the end of a long day of shooting. The camera has two USB ports (one USB-C and one micro USB), as well as micro HDMI, a 3.5mm microphone input, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It doesn't include the PC Sync flash socket you get with the a7R III and a9. There is a standard hot shoe, with the extra electrical contacts for accessories like Sony's XLR audio adapter. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-9.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) And there are two memory card slots. Slot 1, toward the bottom of the camera, supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory at UHS-II speeds. Slot 2, above it, works with all SD formats at slower UHS-I speeds, but also supports Sony Memory Stick media. I knocked the decision to only support UHS-II in one slot when I reviewed the a9 and a7R III, and do the same here—both slots should support the latest, fastest memory format. I'd be surprised if anyone outside of Sony cares about Memory Stick at this point. In addition to wired connectivity, the a7 III includes Bluetooth, NFC, and Wi-Fi. This allows the camera to connect to an Android or iOS device running the free Sony PlayMemories Mobile app to transfer images and video to your phone for social sharing. You can also use your phone as a wireless remote control. The a7 III starts, focuses, and fires in about 2.2 seconds. That's one area where it's slower than competing SLRs, like the [Canon EOS 6D Mark II](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/canon-eos-6d-mark-ii) (0.4-second) and [Nikon D750](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/nikon-d750) (0.4-second). Its autofocus system is quite speedy, locking on in 0.05-second in bright light and an average of 0.4-second in very dim conditions. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-11.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) I tested the burst speed using a Lexar 300MBps memory card in the UHS-II slot. The camera manages 10fps in its fastest burst mode. The amount of shots you can take before the camera stalls varies based on the file format you use. I tested Uncompressed Raw and Extra Fine JPG (34 shots), Compressed Raw and Extra Fine JPG (78 shots), Uncompressed Raw (37 shots), Compressed Raw (103 shots), and Extra Fine JPG (164 shots). Recovery time, the duration it takes for the buffer to fully clear to the memory card, varies based on file format. If you're shooting Raw+JPG (either format) expect to wait about 24 seconds, but only about 14 seconds for Raw alone. Because you can capture so many more JPG images at a time, the write time to clear them to the card is about 54 seconds. ![Newsletter Icon](https://www.pcmag.com/images/newsletter-envelope.svg) ![Newsletter Icon](https://www.pcmag.com/images/newsletter-envelope.svg) Get Our Best Stories\! ### All the Latest Tech, Tested by Our Experts ![Lab Report Newsletter Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/newsletters/17709142-contextual.fit_lpad.size_250x140.v1752614027.png) Thanks for signing up\! Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox\! Continuous autofocus is also available at 10fps. Our standard focus test, in which I shoot a target that moves directly toward or away from the lens, netted almost all shots in focus at 10fps. There were a few slight misses here and there, but nothing worth getting worked up about. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-31.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) The autofocus system is similar to that in the high-end a9, but it's not quite as uncannily intelligent. The a9's sensor design allows for instant readout (and 20fps capture), so even though the a7 III has the same number of focus points and area of focus coverage, it doesn't deliver the same level of performance. But it's not that far off. A total of 693 phase detection points cover 93 percent of the sensor, all but its extreme edges, and are joined by 425 contrast points, more densely located in the central area of the frame. The two focus point types work together to recognize and track subjects. The focus system not only supports face detection, but goes further with Sony's Eye AF system. It can lock on to a human eye, prioritizing the one closest to the active focus point. It's a great tool for portraits, and it works when focusing continuously, so your model can feel free to adjust a pose and you won't have to worry about losing crisp focus on their eyes. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-14.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) The Firmware 3.0 updated improved the operability of Eye AF, allowing it to work at all times—previously it had to be engaged manually. It also adds support for [animals](https://www.pcmag.com/news/sony-cameras-can-now-focus-on-your-pets-eyes), specifically cats and dogs. We tested the new focus system using an a7R III, which works the exact same way, and you can see it at work in the video clip above. In field testing the autofocus system performed superbly. Shot after shot was sharp and crisp, even when tracking moving targets at 10fps. Of course there were occasional misses, but even the best autofocus systems miss from time to time. For example, when shooting a scene with heavy, simulated rain in the studio, with continuous lighting rather than strobes, using the wide focus area resulted in some shots that were wildly misfocused. Changing the focus area to a flexible spot, or engaging EyeAF using the rear center button righted the ship. Few other full-frame cameras at this price point can hit 10fps, let alone with such a wide coverage of autofocus. The closest SLR competitors in terms of price, the Nikon D750 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II, top out at 6.5fps and have focus systems that cover a much smaller area of the frame. The a7 III uses a new sensor, one that is similar in design to the 24MP sensor used by the a9, but not identical. The a9's sensor is a stacked design, which puts memory right on the chip in order to deliver instant readout and its 20fps capture capability. The a7 III doesn't do that. It is a BSI—Back Side Illumination—design, like the a9 and high-resolution a7R III. This type of sensor cuts the distance between its surface and light-sensitive area. The practical effect is that you get superior high ISO quality compared with sensors that put put circuitry in front of the light-gathering area rather than behind it. Our lab tests show that the a7 III's image sensor performs very similarly to the a9. When shooting in JPG format [Imatest](https://www.imatest.com/ "(Opens in a new tab)") tells us that noise is less than 1.5 percent through ISO 25600, a stop better than the a9 and [Nikon D5](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/nikon-d5). There's certainly some in-camera noise reduction going on to get there, resulting in some smudging of fine details at ISO 25600. Images are stronger at ISO 12800, but there's still some muddiness. At ISO 6400 photos are clean and rife with detail. Results at ISO 3200 are just as crisp as those shot at ISO 100. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-15.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) Moving to the extreme ranges of the ISO range—the camera can shoot as high as ISO 204800—is a bit much for JPG shooters. You can get useable, albeit soft, results at ISO 51200. There's quite a bit of blur at ISO 102400, though I can still make out some detail in our test images. The ISO 204800 setting delivers blurry results, but that's to be expected when shooting at such an extreme. If you opt to shoot Raw you can squeeze more detail out of high ISO images. Our test images, converted using [Adobe Lightroom Classic CC](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/adobe-lightroom-classic) with default develop settings applied, look just as good at ISO 6400 as they do at ISO 100—just with a bit more grain. There's a little more noise at ISO 12800 and 25600, but it's not overwhelming. At ISO 51200 I'd call grain heavy, but there's much more detail visible than its JPG counterpart. I'd not hesitate to use ISO 102400 for shots where a grainy look is desired—or for conversion to black-and-white—but rough noise overwhelms your images at ISO 204800. Crops, from both JPG and Raw files, are included in the slideshow that accompanies this review so you can judge for yourself. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-16.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) It's not all about high ISO photography. At lower ISOs the a7 III delivers the image quality you expect from a 24MP, full-frame image sensor. You have extreme control over depth of field when working with a fast lens, and while you don't get as much resolution or detail as you do from the a7R III (which uses a 42MP sensor without an optical low-pass filter), you won't have any complaints when making prints or viewing photos at a pixel level. Sony promises that Raw images will deliver 15 stops of dynamic range at lower ISO settings, so you can reign in highlights and shadows to get an image looking just like you want it to. And it does it without adding unwanted color noise, like we saw when pulling up shadow detail from Raw images shot with the Canon EOS 6D Mark II. There is an issue that some reviewers have noted in regards to flare. Under certain conditions, odd banding can show in subjects that are strongly backlit. It's typically only visible when shooting at f/2 or wider, with a very strong light source entering the lens directly, and only appears toward the edge of the frame. The banding shows up as single pixel straight lines, matching the position of the on-sensor phase detection pixels. It's not an issue that is exclusive to the a7 III—photographers have observed the effect in other cameras with on-sensor phase detection. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-17.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) I shot several dozen images with strong backlight and flare using the a7 III, like the one above, and didn't see the lines in any of them. But I was using the 24-105mm lens, which has a maximum f/4 aperture, and I wasn't deliberately trying to induce the effect. I've shot with a number of cameras with on-sensor phase detection points over the years and have not found this to be an issue in my images, but I tend to stop a lens down a bit when incorporating the sun or other bright source in the background in order to get a starburst flare effect. If you're more of a wide-open shooter and love the backlit portrait look, you may encounter it from time to time. But most photographers will shoot thousands of images without ever seeing the effect. Canon SLRs with Dual Pixel AF have caught up to mirrorless in terms of focus speed, but there are still big advantages to using a mirrorless system with on-sensor autofocus to capture video. The entire Sony a7 series has solid video chops—particularly the specialized [a7S II](https://web.archive.org/web/20241203032438/https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sony-alpha-7s-ii "(Opens in a new tab)"). Despite entry-level positioning, the a7 III doesn't skimp on features. It supports 4K capture at 60 or 100Mbps using the XAVC S 4K codec at your choice of 24 or 30fps. The 24fps video uses the full width of the frame (with the sensor cropped to the 16:9 ratio), but there is a modest crop applied when shooting at 30fps. Dropping down to 1080p gives you 50 or 100Mbs options at 24, 30, or 60p, and there is an in-camera slow-motion option at 60 or 100Mbps and 120fps. I shot our 4K test video at 24fps and 100Mbps using the Standard video profile. It was cut together in Premiere Pro, but no grading was done. I did remove audio from some clips, as copyrighted music was playing at our location, but clips with audio use the in-camera microphone. If you do want to grade footage, there are other profiles available, including several cinema looks, S-Log2, and S-Log3. Like the a7R III, the camera also supports HDR capture using Sony's HybridLogGamma profile. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-18.fit_lim.size_800x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) All of my video was shot handheld as well, so you can see how the in-body stabilization works. I used the FE 24-105mm exclusively. As we've seen with other a7 models, the combination of body and lens stabilization removes jitter from footage. There's some shake visible in shots captured from a helicopter, but it's a lot less bumpy than what I experienced in real life. There's certainly some wind noise in our outdoor shots. Thankfully you can use an external microphone with the a7 III. It has a standard 3.5mm input, as well as an output if you want to monitor audio using headphones. Sony sells an add-on accessory with balanced XLR input for projects that require true pro-grade sound. We've also included a slow-motion sample using the S\&Q 120fps setting. You're limited to 1080p, but it's a nice effect for those times when you want to slow down reality. The video is silent, as the a7 III doesn't record audio when its Mode dial is set to the S\&Q position. ## Final Thoughts ![https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-39..v1569480996.jpg](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-39..v1569480996.jpg) (Credit: PCMag) ### Sony a7 III Editors' Choice 5\.0 Exemplary * - 5\.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking - 4\.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors - 4\.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls - 3\.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors - 3\.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack - 2\.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution - 2\.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution - 1\.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product - 1\.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product Read Our [Editorial Mission Statement](https://www.pcmag.com/about/pcmagcom-mission-statement) and [Testing Methodologies](https://www.pcmag.com/about/how-we-test-everything-we-review). The Sony a7 III looks a lot like the a7 II, but the upgrades inside are palpable. Its sensor offers the same resolution, but the BSI design improves high ISO performance. The autofocus system is vastly improved, with much wider coverage and 10fps capture. And a high-capacity battery keeps the camera shooting for much longer than previous a7 models. All while making few changes to the compact, sturdy body. I have a few small complaints. I'm not sure why Sony doesn't use dual UHS-II memory slots—if you want to record images to two cards simultaneously, the slower UHS-I slot can slow write times when shooting. The camera menu has a lot of options, but the camera does a lot of stuff. It could be better organized; you'll want to spend some time customizing the My Menu page before doing any serious work with the a7 III. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-19.fit_lim.size_686x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) But any picayune gripes are overshadowed by the a7 III's all-around performance. It goes well beyond what similarly priced SLRs from Canon and Nikon offer. You don't get in-body stabilization with either competing system, nor do they support 4K video capture, and their autofocus systems don't shoot nearly as fast or cover such a large area of the frame. The a7 III is a lot more camera than we're used to seeing at this price point. Instead of cutting out features to push buyers to a higher-end model, the a7 III inherits a lot of tech from the a9 and a7R III. We're used to seeing features from high-end options trickle down to more affordable camera over a period of years, but the a9 has only been on the market for about a year and the a7R III for about half that duration. We're making the a7 III our Editors' Choice for full-frame mirrorless cameras, and do not hesitate in recommending it over its closest competition in the SLR world. The Nikon D750 is aging, and while it still delivers strong image quality, its video features are dated. The Canon EOS 6D Mark II was a bit underwhelming upon its release, and seems even more so now that the a7 III is available. ![Sony a7 III : Sample Image](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/04WZ7XCJvjrrlvI3ilFI2n9-38.fit_lim.size_686x.jpg) (Credit: Jim Fisher) It compares well against pro models, too. The [Canon EOS 5D Mark IV](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/canon-eos-5d-mark-iv) has a bit more resolution (30MP), but only shoots 4K video with a crop factor and doesn't match the a7 III's autofocus system. The [Nikon D850](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/nikon-d850), the best SLR on the market today, is in a different class as terms of resolution—its 45MP image sensor is a marvel—but does suffer from slower autofocus when shooting video. Both sell for more than \$3,000. On the Sony front, you can still buy the a7 II, and at it remains a solid bargain for budget shoppers. The original [a7](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sony-alpha-7) is also still on sale. It doesn't offer in-body stabilization, but it's the least expensive point of entry into any full-frame system. Moving to higher-end options, the 42MP [a7R II](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sony-alpha-7r-ii) delivers a lot more resolution, but isn't a great choice for tracking fast action. The a7R III gives you both resolution and speed, but is a lot more expensive. On the highest end there's the a9, a 24MP model, but one that can shoot and track action at 20fps, without any sort of blackout. And there are some very capable cameras out there with smaller image sensors. We just looked at the best APS-C mirrorless camera we've seen, the [Fujifilm X-H1](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/fujifilm-x-h1), and the [Nikon D500](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/nikon-d500) is our favorite high-end APS-C SLR. There are reasons to opt for a smaller sensor, especially if you like to use long telephoto lenses to snap shots of sports and wildlife, but for many photographers there is no substitute for a sensor that matches 35mm in size. In this price range, the a7 III is the best one you can get. GET IT NOW ## About Our Expert ![Jim Fisher](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/authors/04FaIMb8SfROqZVLxv18Fh4.fit_lim.size_100x100.v1723837985.png) Jim Fisher Principal Writer, Cameras * Experience Images, and the devices that capture them, are my focus. I've covered cameras at PCMag for the past 14 years, which has given me a front row seat for the changeover from DSLRs to mirrorless cameras, the smartphone camera revolution, and the emergence of drones for aerial imaging. I have extensive experience with every major mirrorless and SLR system, and am also comfortable using point-and-shoot and action cameras. As a Part 107 Certified drone pilot, I’m licensed to fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for commercial and editorial purposes, and am knowledgeable about federal rules and regulations regarding drones. Latest By Jim Fisher [Read Full Bio](https://www.pcmag.com/authors/jim-fisher)
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