Getting to Know Sony’s Newest Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera: Alpha a7S III

Posted by: on Sep 04, 2020

Getting to Know Sony’s Newest Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera: Alpha a7S III

The camera world has been eagerly anticipating the Sony Alpha a7S III, which is the third iteration in the most video-focused of the company’s a7S series of full-frame cameras.  Optimized video, optimized sensitivity, optimized speed, the Sony Alpha a7S III raises the bar for what a full-frame mirrorless camera is capable of. Let’s go over some of these impressive new features this camera offers. 

Photo Credit: Sony

Specifications 

Designed for outstanding video performance as well as low light shooting, the new Sony a7S III aims to the high-end full-frame hybrid stills and video camera for high-end enthusiasts and professionals looking for the next best thing in high-quality full-frame 4k video camera in a compact form.  

Some of the other stand-out features of this newest camera includes: 

  • 12MP BSI CMOS sensor 
  • Bionz XR processor 
  • On-sensor phase detection 
  • ISO 80-102,400 (expandable to 40-409,600) 
  • 9.44M dot EVF with 0.91x magnification 
  • 4K video at up to 120p, 60p for ‘at least an hour’ 
  • 16-bit Raw video output at up to 60p 
  • 10-bit 4:2:2 internal capture (in codecs including H.265 and All-I H.264) 
  • Fully articulating LCD 
  • 5-axis in-body stabilization with Steady shot active mode 
  • Twin card slots that each accept either SD or CFexpress Type A 

In addition, the a7S III follows the same overall design, size, build and control layout as the other Sony full-frame Alpha cameras. This camera features the same, sleek chiseled design as the a7R IV and a7 III models, including the deep, contoured handgrip.

Photo Credit: Sony

Video and Power Capabilities 

If you’re interested in the Sony a7S III, video is probably your top priority. Like its predecessors, the a7S III is comes packed with impressive video features and capabilities.  

One of the big topics these days is overheating and recording time limits. While specifics of the camera’s thermal design have yet to be released, Sony says the a7S III utilizes a new internal heat-dissipating structure — yet remains weather-sealed to the same level as the a7R IV. Sony has also stated that this camera is rated for sustained 4k 60p recording that lasts up to an hour. The camera supports USB-C Power Delivery for uninterrupted power supply for those wishing to record even longer. 

Streaming Wirelessly as a Webcam with Air Direct  

Since the new a7S III brings you the ultimate in high-quality video, this brings good news to photographers who wish to utilize their camera as a webcam. Recently, Sony released its own proprietary webcam software, Imaging Edge , an application that lets you use your camera as a high-quality webcam.  

During these unprecedented times, it is now becoming more and more frequent that some photographers are using certain DSLR or Mirrorless cameras wirelessly as a webcam using their camera’s webcam software or a third-party software with our wireless tethering system, the Air Direct. Why not use the new a7S III if it’s capable of streaming as a webcam? Take a look at how some photographers are taking advantage of this feature with the Air Direct.

Photo Credit: Tech Radar; Future

USB-C Output for Cabled Tethering 

Tethering the new a7S III to your computer will be quick, simple and easy with our TetherPro Cables. The a7S III has a USB-C data port, which means tethering can made possible with either a TetherPro USB-C to USB-C cable if you’re connecting to a computer with a USB-C port (such as a new MacBook Pro) or the TetherPro USB 3.0 to USB-C  cable if you’re connecting to a computer with a traditional USB port. 

Wireless Tethering Capabilities 

With the release of the Air Direct Wireless Tethering System, the ability to tether to the capture software of your choice has never been easier. The Air Direct does not restrict to any kind of proprietary tethering software, allowing you to use programs such as Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, Darkroom, Phocus, and AstroDSLR. In addition, the Air Direct is compatible to all DSLR, Mirrorless and Medium Format cameras, allowing you to bring workflow and efficiency to your tethered shooting. If you’re worried about losing battery power on the Sony Alpha a7S III if you are tethering, the Air Direct does have its own battery, leaving the power source from your camera untouched. Learn more about the Air Direct here.

To learn more about the Sony Alpha a7s III, visit www.sony.com