Sony a7 III Review

Gold reward for a camera with a shutter that breaks between 20k and 50k pictures ? Its a joke !

Jun 29, 2021permalink

Vit Adamek

:-D Perhaps it did not break during review??

Jul 18, 2021permalink

Yes probably, but DPR say they perdiodically readjust final value from time to time. I am not sure at all... It should NOT stay gold with such mechanical problem.

Jul 18, 2021permalink

Vit Adamek

This is the first time I came across this claim.

Jul 18, 2021permalink

Vit Adamek

But bit of google and I see what you mean. That is shame really. It still is one of the best allrounder around. But know this flaw I might reconsider.

Jul 18, 2021permalink

I was really disappointed the way this problem is managed. When you buy a car and the manufacturer discovers then a problem they organize a return for repair. Even my Bosch washing machine had a relay problem they changed it at home... Serious brands. Sony is a mass electronic manufacturer and don't care of engineering problems. I had an engineering problem on a Sony Vaio also since then i don't buy Sony anymore. It is my choice...

Jul 19, 2021permalink

Seizon

If you want to see a good example of Cine S-Log3 made with a7 III: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxOvNbgTBg8

May 10, 2021permalink

Really ? is it an advertisement ? Anyway i really dislike the colors.

Jul 19, 2021permalink

Seizon

Advertisement? Why? It's just a camera test. And I like the colors, by the way.

Jul 31, 2021permalink

danieladougan

The a7 III is incredibly compelling years later. However, its rivals, the Canon R6, Nikon Z6 II, and Lumix S5 have surpassed it in terms of video features by offering 10-bit recording. If Sony would only fix that one thing in firmware, the a7 III would be damn near perfect.

But maybe that will be for the a7 IV.

Dec 21, 2020permalink

luka3rd

Where is the shadows banding issue here? Didn't find it, only in Nikon reviews, though Sony is worse...

Oct 28, 2020permalink

It seems to be the major reason for Z6 "II" and Z7 "II" : to remove banding for Nikon. Don't know if they did it...

Jul 18, 2021permalink

luka3rd

@passerau it wasn't there at the first place... Read more reviews.

Aug 12, 2021permalink

Banding issues where on all cameras but seems to be filtered now, at least on Z6 and Z7 now it is for sure. Probably focus pixels problem.

Aug 20, 2021permalink

DanielTetzel

I love my Sony a7 III it works very well and the most pictures on my site https://www.danieltetzel.de/ are shoot with it. Most times with the Tamron 28-75mm lens.

Oct 1, 2020permalink

Seizon

Here is my first test with A7 III and Tamron 28-75, I love it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HmTEeZbxmo&t=40s

Feb 7, 2020permalink

Jar jar binks was a star in star wars, thanks Lucas for that good hearted superhero of galaxy !

Sep 9, 2019permalink

3Percent

The F?

Oct 9, 2021permalink

According to one esteemed veteran photographer its previous younger brother a7R2 was garbage and suggenly this new avatar turns out to be GOLD ! Strong doubts !!

Sep 8, 2019permalink

Are you Jar Jar Binks from Star Wars?

Sep 8, 2019permalink

Merlin82

i've noticed on my sony a7 iii some artefacts specially during long exposure,some points are blue or red , i read is called hot pixel,someone have same problem with this camera? thanks

Jun 27, 2019permalink

Poor quality control

Sep 8, 2019permalink

BMarley1969

Thinking of shifting to Sony from Canon for some time now, would sony be coning up with an upgrade for the a7III anytime soon?

Apr 13, 2019permalink

https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a754c381a2ef3644bb3488fe2a6d2be3e5be33afb286997b47da20430fc904b9.jpg

Read article on petapixel before switching, technology on paper is different from reality .

Sep 8, 2019permalink

entoman

Sony engineers, PLEASE look at this, and learn from it:

Mar 23, 2019permalink

MILC man

I've put literally dozens of lenses on the a9, and I've never had a problem with anything that you posted there.

and neither have the vast majority of other sony owners.

funny to see how you post-whored that comment across three different sony articles, lol

Apr 2, 2019permalink

WonderfulPY

Please help me decide!

A7 III for $1650, A7R II for $1450.
I plan to mainly take photos of kids and family travels. Nothing serious, and will print large pictures occasionally (20x40?)

Thanks

Mar 20, 2019permalink

3Percent

A7 III hands down.

Oct 9, 2021permalink

theronsan

"Screen dots 921,600 "

What a joke.

Feb 14, 2019permalink

Aurico

Well I don't see difference between my 921K and 12XXK something Nikon cameras. 921K screen looks great with vivid colors. I have other cameras with more screen pixels too but don't even care or know how many.

Aug 26, 2019permalink

marc petzold

What i do want from Sony into their Mark IV Generation of the A7 Series:

1) An inverted (monochrome) Top LCD Display - just like Nikon Z-Series, EOS-R.

2) -6 EV AF, just like EOS-R, i am going sometimes for Nightwalks - can see the Scene in front of my naked eyes - but the AF won't lock on, because it's too dark.

3) A higher resolution EVF, think Leica SL, 4.4 MP, better that new 5 MP EVF, Sony does, Zeiss T* Coatings as well, like current Gen.

4) 16-bit RAW for enhanced Tonality & Rendition. C'mon, the 26 MP APS-C Sensor being used into the Fujifilm X-T3 already does 16-bit RAW, currently Fuji only records 14-bit.

5) lossless compressed RAW, 14/16-bit choose-able via Menu. Mark II Generations recorded 14bit only uncompressed - huge Filesizes, CaNikon does it better, smaller.

Good Light!

Nov 5, 2018permalink

JWeissman

How about better weather sealing? Is it better than A7II?

Nov 9, 2018permalink

Aroart

Those that are nit picking minor flaws of the best pro camera that's $2000 need a life...

Oct 22, 2018permalink

SunnySailor

Well done and very nice footage :-)

Oct 16, 2018permalink

https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/e-mount-body-ilce-7-series/ilce-7m3#downloads

"In our controlled testing with both the Sony a7 III and a7R III, we found that there is no native Sony FE lens that focuses wide-open in AF-C."
Argh! Just when I was beginning to consider this camera with a few f1.4 primes as a complement to my MFT kit for low-light event work, this issue calls the whole notion into question. The whole point would be for use in situations like a dimly-lit dance floor. Essentially, I'd have to shoot wide open all the time. Now, I probably would most of the time, but it looks like stopping down wouldn't be an option. And, the fact that S-AF is even slower removes that as plan B. Frustrating, because my Panasonics' low-light S-AF is lightning quick with a bright lens.
Why, Sony? Why?

Oct 12, 2018permalink

Joed700

Sony has just released a firmware update v2.00 for the a7III & a7rIII today.

https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/e-mount-body-ilce-7-series/ilce-7rm3#downloads

Oct 12, 2018permalink

marc petzold

Why doesn't the A7 III doesn't feature Pixel Shift Mode, like the A7R III? Speaken technically, it should being possible by the IBIS system. I do think, perhaps the A7 Mark IV would feature this - and also a Top Monochrome LCD, like the Nikon Z-Series and EOS-R. ;)

Good Light!

Oct 10, 2018permalink

4sofnature

Please have Jordan perform a video AF test between A7iii and 5Dvi, although I know how much he likes to MF.

Oct 9, 2018permalink

Patrick Kristiansen

Can anyone please tell me if the A7 iii has those occasional, annoying error messages occupying the entire viewfinder my A7 ii has?

Eg if the camera is set to AF-S of AF-C and you press the magnify button, an irritating message completely obscures the view, stating:

"This operation or setting not available as follows: Focus mode, Single shot AF"

It is not even allowed in "DMF" where the camera magnifies whenever you turn the focus ring...

It may seem like a trivial thing, but is so intensely stupid that I feel it is a dealbreaker for wether or not I´m gonna upgrade if the A7 iii is equally stupid. My OM-D´s and my X100 has always let me magnify in any focus mode, which makes perfect sense.

Aug 28, 2018permalink

This a joke?

Oct 4, 2018permalink

Why error, what ?my canons or Nikon never do that !

Sep 8, 2019permalink

Tomasz_Wk

Does the A7 III has an almost shock-free mechanical shutter like the X-H1?

Aug 9, 2018permalink

Humm! Sony shock , I will stay away , also my earlier sony gave me strong shock when the cost of replacing iits LCD was more than the cost of camera!

Sep 8, 2019permalink

Regarding the listed weakness that "Flashes still don't have red AF assist grid", isn't this true of ALL mirrorless cameras, and isn't there a basic technical explanation for this?

Aug 4, 2018permalink

DJohnny

I know this reply is late, but this can be achieved using the Godox x1s transmitter. I use this in weddings and the grid pattern comes on with my a9. It will also work on the a7iii and I believe the a7riii. You just have to remember to turn on the af assist on the transmitter and set the camera af illuminator to auto. If you want the flash on camera, I imagine you can just mount one on the transmitter, but I personally like the super light weight and small size of being off camera.

Oct 12, 2018permalink

@Djohnny -
Thanks for the info. Do you have Godox flashes, and if so, do THEIR aid lights work with your A9? I had read that mirrorless cameras' AF systems weren't sensitive to near-infrared, and this was why the in-body aid lights were white or amber and why flashes' red lights were disabled on mirrorless. I have X1 transmitters for my Panasonic bodies but never thought to investigate the presence or usability of aid lights on them. Haven't really paid attention to whether my Godox flashes provide AF assistance either, as I assumed they didn't. I'll have to dig out some of this gear and check it out...

Oct 12, 2018*permalink

DJohnny

I do have the speed lights and for those the light pattern does NOT come on. It is a firmware thing for sure. The x1 transmitter got a firmware update that allowed you to set the AF assist to on for 3rd gen Sony (maybe even a7ii and a7rii)? Also, the x1 assist does not work with the a7s (or any of the gen1 bodies).

The x1 will likely not fire the assist beam on the Panasonic bodies.

Oct 13, 2018permalink

I've had the camera for a month. Took it to California, Atlanta, and have done senior photos, landscape, unit stills for a web show and more. I use it every single day.

I came from a Canon 6D.

I don't regret selling the 6D and buying the A7III. However, my photography has taken a step or two backward. Why?

The camera thinks differently than my 6D did, and that's okay, but I haven't gotten used to it yet. I can't rely on the auto ISO like I did with the Canon. The Sony seems to go higher than necessary, so I don't use auto ISO anymore. I stay totally manual.

I don't find the menus complicated like others have said. They seem just fine and well-organized.

I'll eventually catch up and pull ahead of where I was skill wise, but it's taking some time.

Regardless, I love the features. They are incredible, and the silent shutter feature is perfection. 100% silent.

The one thing I like better about Canon is the bokeh. It seemed more natural to me.

Jul 27, 2018permalink

Hautedawg

"The Sony seems to go higher than necessary, so I don't use auto ISO anymore. I stay totally manual."

Why don't you limit the ISO range?

Aug 7, 2018permalink

Hautedawg: Funny you mention that. I did set the ceiling. Good advice. Thanks.

Aug 8, 2018permalink

EdwardWestonNYC

The Fuji cameras do this too including the new xt3. The ISO limiter just sents the lowest and highest values. I believe what’s be referred to here is when cameras select an iso double that which is needed for a scene. For example iso 800 for a shutter of 1/500 instead of a lower iso of 200 at 1/125

Oct 13, 2018permalink

Smiles, you will come back to canon as I did ,the pictures whenever you see the haunts and reminds you to your faithful friend canon ! Let the time pass or quickly change!

Sep 8, 2019permalink

johnnynice

I hate how no reviews mention the atrocious dust problem this camera has. I have taken thousands of shots in the past few months, every single one has dust spots on it. Changing lenses? Guaranteed dust on the sensor. Cleaning the sensor? Dust will find it's way back on the sensor in the second it takes to put the lens back on. I have never had a single dust spot on a picture from a Canon camera. I love my a7iii, I just wish they did a better job designing ANY sort of dust control into it.

Jul 24, 2018permalink

Good to know. FWIW, I had LOTS of dust in my 1Ds2, 1D2, 1Ds3 and 1D3. Had to clean them regularly. In five years of shooting with Panasonic, not one dust spot. And, I've traveled in some pretty dusty places.

Oct 12, 2018permalink

Dadhairday

Your comment worries me as I’m just set to buy the A7 iii. Dust spotswere a continual problem on my NEX7. Now some can’t be shifted and I’ve tried everything! How are things in this respect on your A7 now?

Dec 12, 2018permalink

😀😀🙄

Sep 8, 2019permalink

Ivan Surikov

No integrated TIMELAPSE fonction in 2018? Really? Are you kidding me?

Jul 12, 2018permalink

My understanding is that it is available...as "an app" for the camera to run and I think you have to pay extra for that "app." I won't buy a camera that has "apps" and shovels basic functionality into them as post-purchase purchases.

Oct 3, 2018permalink

(unknown member)

Looks like I have to buy one of these. From my previous encounter with the Sony brand, I have the Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 that I have not wanted to sell at the prices offered. It is one of the most beautiful pieces of optical perfection I have ever handled. There must be some Minolta genes there...
Currently I shoot Canon. I tried the A6000 and it let me down in more ways than one.
It was faulty. The zoom lens was faulty. The adapter did not adapt, either.
As I love the EF 50mm f/1.2, I loved the 55mm f/1.8 Zeiss. The latter offering a better overall picture quality but lacking the Fairy Dust of the Canon opened up all the way.
I'll probably –against all my vows and sermons to the opposite– still get another Sony product, this version III. At 2000 euros...doable.

Jul 8, 2018*permalink

DaniloA

I live in a caribbean coastal city (Barranquilla) with humidity and apron 30-35ºC all year. For video, I need to do interviews on the outside in the sun, maybe shade, still very hot. Ive read a lot that Sony's Alpha 7 line are poorly weather sealed and water and corrosion is usual. My Canon 7D take time to overheats but still happened, but buying a new camera is to overcome this. I wanted to upgrade to the A7III, but there are mixed reviews, some saying it won't stand more than 8 mins 4k video in sun 32º aprox and that corrosion is very common. Is this camera good for outside video with tough conditions?

Jun 15, 2018permalink

golfhov

Well I don't know that "corrosion is common". The new a7 bodies are only about a year old. There are plenty of conversations on here about how the sealing is better than previous generations but still not perfect. If you are using your camera in more than light moisture I wouldn't consider the a7xx for now.
You would have to rent to evaluate overheating. It has been 4k that has been the issue with some previous bodies. Doing 1080 shouldn't be an issue. If leaving it in the sun for long periods .......combined with video. I dunno. Users of the a9, a7riii, and a7iii have had a hard time even getting it to overheat on these bodies.
Good luck

Jul 3, 2018permalink

golfhov

Also FWIW the summer climate where I live is similar to yours. Except no wind. I have got my a7iii noticeably warm twice. Both times was from leaving it in a bag or automobile in a way it couldn't go into standby. Neither time was it warm enough for a warning. Although most of my videos are only a few minutes and sporadic. Sometimes I do extended time on a tripod in full sunlight(bracketed shots) without issue. Best I got

Jul 3, 2018permalink

ojos azules

Recommend that your gear gets some air conditioning (daily).

I have experience from both caribien and Thailand. Need the gear to dry up in between.

Jul 5, 2018permalink

DavidBrother

Olympus e-m1 series are really good in all climates. Wont get you FF, but a very reliable camera with some nice dimensions. Mine fell 10 feet into hard rock...and survived just fine with a few scratches. I'm sorry Sony. I don't think your a7 series would stand that test.

Aug 4, 2018permalink

tzm41

If you shoot 4K under direct sunlight, you could put up an umbrella to shade the camera.

Sep 7, 2018permalink

Go to Olympus OM-D-EM1X. Fully weather sealed, head-sinked cooling system. Not 4K but no-one has that. Proper HD. Best glass in the market.

Mar 29, 2019permalink

Sirandar

Out of curiosity since this device can charge with USB C, does it have quick charging like some of the better cell phones have.... My LG charges to almost 100% in 20 minutes, and to a very usable level in 10 minutes...

Jun 13, 2018permalink

damage98

It's very likely the opposite Sirandar. There are several quick charge technologies included in SoC smartphones, for example your LG is likely using Quick Charge 2 or 3 by Qualcomm. Sony camera usb charging is likely 1.5amp and slow. Better to charge batteries in an external charger.

Jun 17, 2018permalink

golfhov

No. I have heard the USB c is limited. I tried using it the other night and after an hour the percentage had barely budged.
The micro USB is faster but still slow. A few hours for full charge

Jul 3, 2018permalink

ikaika777

From the video review the conclusion is that the Panasonic GH5 takes better video.

Jun 11, 2018permalink

Yes and no...... The Panasonic gh5s (I own it) is worse for low light, has far worse dynamic range, worse shadow detail, worse highlight retention, but has less rolling shutter and slightly better 10 bit color (only in the mid tones because the Panasonic has such poor dynamic range).

Jun 13, 2018permalink

ikaika777

Well, I was talking about the GH5 which this video review was shot on. But I saw a video on YouTube using the GH5 called, “Paris by night”, and the GH5 handled the low light great.

Jun 13, 2018permalink

@Thematic LOL, the GH5S is worse in low light than Sony's cameras? You could be a comedian with that kind of statement. Practically everything you said is unsupported by reality. Let me know when you find a Sony that doesn't have nasty highlight roll-off, then we'll talk.

Oct 3, 2018permalink

Steen K

Does anyone know if using the smart remote still disables picture profiles for video? If so I see this as a huge disadvantage for this otherwise beaut of a camera..

Jun 10, 2018permalink

I ordered mine yesterday. Adorama seems to have a supply that either trickles in each day or they only release for short amounts of time each day. I tried to order it two days ago but it was out of stock. The day after that it was in stock for a couple hours and then out of stock. Finally, yesterday, I was able to lock it in and pay for it.

I've been using Canon for ten years now, including dozens of professional jobs.

I'm nervous about switching to Sony, but the A73 has features that just don't exist on Canons right now. Maybe Canon will catch up someday with their mirrorless technology, but it doesn't seem they will anytime soon, and I need the Sony features right away (full frame that shoots silently, has 4K, has touch screen, and more).

Sorry Canon. It's been great, but it's time to move on.

Jun 9, 2018permalink

I just delivered to a guy last week who sold all his Nikon gear, D800, D810 and all Nikon glass and accessories and moved to all Sony. He's eyeing the A7iii, but has a A7Rii, A6300, etc. And he doesn't regret his move to Sony one bit. So you should be just fine!

Jun 13, 2018permalink

Now just wait until he sees what kind of glass he's gotten himself into. Nikon is mediocre at worst, Canon isn't as good as they used to be. Sony hasn't been into this game in any serious manner.

Mar 29, 2019permalink

I've had the Sony for almost a year now. It's a great camera. No regrets moving from Canon. That said, Canon makes outstanding cameras and lenses.

Apr 5, 2019permalink

@BazzzH...Uh...what??!! He's a portrait photographer and loves Sony. More so than he ever did when he shot Nikon. And your comment about Sony glass is delusional at best. They have excellent glass.

Apr 7, 2019permalink

All of the big names make excellent bodies and glass. That's just the way it is. Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji, etc. All make excellent gear.

Unfortunately, for we photographers, whatever we pick will have a compromise. I personally like Canon the best for slow compositions that I can control. It's not that Canon bodies and glass are better. I'm just used to it and can get better results from Canon gear. I've been using them for eleven+ years.

Obviously my current setup (Sony A7III) and assorted glass is just as good. But it has disadvantages. It has advantages. I switched to Sony a year ago because I needed a couple features that didn't exist anywhere else.

But at the end of the day it's on me. I have to make a good image.

Apr 19, 2019permalink

humbala

Can someone explained 'compared to the roughly 1/18 sec we've measured on the a7 III'?

What is this 1/18sec mean? I know it can shoot faster this number but is that mean anything faster than this will cause problem or something?

May 30, 2018permalink

I think it means how long the camera takes to read the sensor when you are in electronic shutter mode. So even if you shoot a portrait at a fast speed, the processor needs 1/18 or a second to gather all that info from the sensor. For a portrait it might not make a difference, but if there is movement in that short amount of time, it's possible to get distortion. They call that rolling shutter.

This is what I understand. I might not be close to what you have in mind, however.

Jun 9, 2018permalink

thomas2279f

Good camera from Sony putting competition on Canon and Nikon to up their games, my gripes is again small body and the overload balance especially hiking a mid to heavy lens on to it, small battery and compartment and why didn't Sony use XQD card slot in it ? - especially for 4k, 10 fps, etc.

May 28, 2018permalink

Right now I'm shooting a Nikon D7200. I have 3 lenses for my landscape needs. Tokina 11-20 f2.8, Sigma 17-50 f2.8 (my walk around lens) and a Sigma 24-105 f4. Living in AZ I need the wide of the Tokina in a couple of places like Horseshoe Bend and Meteor Crater. The 24-105 I use in Sedona and the Grand Canyon. When I sell it and get the Sony A7iii with the Sony 24-105 f4, I will lighten my load by over 3 lbs. I'll still have a decent wide lens at 24mm and decent reach at 105. Then there's that Tamron 100-400!!! Not worried about a small body. It's doable from what I'm seeing and reading on the net. I do NOT shoot video!!

May 29, 2018permalink

surlezi

@Thomas: You should consider Canon 1D-X.

Heavy to put heavy lenses on it.
Big body for big hands.
No XQD either, CF and CFast.
12 fps and 4K.

May 29, 2018*permalink

armandino

XQD at this price point? Still has a buffer that makes Canon and Nikon peers look pretty lame. Small battery? Same life as Canikon competitors. Small body? Add a battery grip with 2x battery capacity.
Let's move on...

May 30, 2018permalink

Not worried about how many fps the A7iii does. But it's there when I will need it. Barely use the 6fps on my for now D7200. I've read where a few are getting upwards of 2,000 shots on a battery. Would love to know what settings they are using to achieve that number. If true, that's impressive. Size is why I'd be switching. There are options for those with bigger hands. Pinky grips, battery grips etc.

May 31, 2018permalink

armandino

@AZheaven
if you are shooting a lot without turning on, off, review etc you get many more shots than what a camera is rated for, because it does not reflect the standard used. I can get more than 6,000 shots on a battery if I am simply shooting, i.e. sports with my A9. The A7 is supposed to be even better.

Jun 1, 2018permalink

@armandino, and others can join in...I check my histogram on my D7200 out of habit. But isn't the histogram visible in the EVF? Or is that exposure comp?

Jun 2, 2018permalink

armandino

@AZheaven
of course one of the advantages of the EVF is that you can see your exposure real time, so you can see the histogram real time, you can also engage (I do all the time) zebra for the overexposed areas real time, so no need of chimping...

Jun 2, 2018permalink

@armandino Thanks that's amazing! The more I read, and the more I see on Facebook the sooner I want to make the switch.

Jun 3, 2018permalink

scoobysnapstories

camera at that price value?

May 25, 2018permalink

I see it still has that nasty shelf-like Sony highlight rolloff. I do wonder if they'll ever fix that. Every single on of their cameras seems to suffer from it. As far as I am concerned that's a deal-breaker for high-contrast and night photography.

May 24, 2018permalink

surlezi

Yeah, A7iii can't really compete with an Arri, you'd better stick to it.

May 29, 2018permalink

Your comment has nothing to do with what I said.

Jun 11, 2018permalink

aris14

The cam is more than welcomed in every aspect. I think that given the price its only cons are the weather-sealing and the lack of external battery charge.

May 24, 2018permalink

thomas2279f

spending $2000 you do expect an external battery charger - also with plugging in and out of Usb puts a strain on the sockets. Sony should have offered this and my only other gripe with this excellent camera why not use 1 high speed XQD slot ?

May 28, 2018permalink

aris14

Do you think that your comment will shake from the ground the manufacturers..?
Oh dear!

May 29, 2018permalink

Average User

People should not be ordering this camera for the next month. My camera store says there are so many of you that demand for the 24-105 has gone through the roof. I am recommending a waiting period on this camera til I get my copy of the lens.

May 22, 2018*permalink

Love it!!

May 23, 2018permalink

I really want to order this camera. Amazon says 2-5 weeks. That's a heck of a range. Does anyone know what's a realistic delivery time? I have a project this summer and I don't want my funds tied up on an order that might not make it on time.

Thanks

May 17, 2018permalink

Mayl

It’s very hard to get this camera.. I went to the 5 different camera stores and they told me the only way to get a hold of it is by renting it in the mean time: it’s incredibly popular.

May 18, 2018permalink

I hadn't even thought about renting it. Doh. That's a great idea. Thank you.

May 18, 2018permalink

Or just preorder it and have your name on the list!

May 19, 2018permalink

Read on a Nikon forum that a distributor was tired of Nikon not providing D850's and customer requests that they put a arrival date of January 2100. Now since deleted.

May 22, 2018permalink

This camera is difficult to find.

May 15, 2018permalink

UneBoleeDAir

Pour les lecteurs français qui seraient un peu paumés avec l'anglais, mon test certes beaucoup moins poussé, pertinent et complet que celui-ci mais qui va quand-même certainement plus loin dans tout l'aspect ergonomie, réactivité, prise en mains et personnalisation du boitier. Une comparaison directe avec l'A7R II est également faite. ;)
http://www.uneboleedair.fr/2018/04/essai-du-sony-a7iii-a7-iii.html

For english readers (and others), you can also check my own amateur review through the link above as there is a translate button and I try my best to have the cleanest writing for best auto-translation and I think it's quite OK (for english at least). My test focus deeply on the handling, reactvity and personnalization of the camera and provide a direct comparison with the A7R II. ;)

May 15, 2018*permalink

Andrewjmarino

At the same price point as the OMD EM1 MK2, I'll have to take a good, long look at this when it comes time to replace my OMD EM1 - excepting for having to buy a new and expensive set of lenses.
It will be interesting to see what Sony does in terms of firmware upgrades. Olympus is still the leader/trendsetter in this area. I'd like to see Sony add (I don't think this camera has any of these)

Focus Stacking
Live Composite
Time Lapse
In-camera HDR
High-Resolution Mode

Looking at the camera body, it looks like they could add to the top left of the camera like Olympus.

I do love my OMD EM1, but with this camera, Nikon and Canon probably coming out with competitively priced full-frame mirrorless in the future I wonder where that will leave Olympus.

May 15, 2018permalink

When I was checking out the Sony A7Riii in the "local" camera store a couple of weeks ago, I saw a OMD MK2 and was shocked at the size! Outdoor Photography really pushes Olympus imho. As for Canon and Nikon, I, for the life of me cannot figure out how they will release a full frame mirrorless camera for the same price (and specs) as the A7iii. They might prove me wrong though. I always thought Nikon was over priced.

May 15, 2018permalink

wcan

Who says a Canon will be the same price. The $2K price point for the A7iii gives far more value than Canon's current offerings. Of course if Canon included an EF adapter for their mirrorless that would help defray the $400 EF to E-mount adapter cost for Canon glass owners when they buy Sony

May 21, 2018*permalink

@wcan...NEVER said that. What I said and have been saying is, "if Nikon and Canon don't come out with a mirrorless full frame camera equal to or exceeding that of the A7iii they will be in trouble". And that comment also stands for price. The A7iii had to throw both Canon and Nikon for a loop in every respect.

May 22, 2018permalink

Goflorp

Who wants a 4/3 camera with a miniature sensor?

Jun 1, 2018permalink

A set of expensive heavy and not top-notch lenses. There's people here who buy expensive bodies and put cheap rubbish lenses on them. Olympus MFT has the best lenses there are for the system. Canikon and Sony are just starting in that business. IBIS on this Sony thing is laughable.

Mar 29, 2019permalink

airflow

I have a question regarding this camera, perhaps someone can help me out. When I want to select the "Record Settings" for movies, it seems that I do not have all options I expect. For example, when I set the File Format to "XAVC S 4K", I only have two options: "25p 100M" and "25p 60M". But shouldn't there also be "30p"-option? If I look in the manual, and also reviews in the web, it tells me that. It's not here in my menu. :-) Similarly, when "XAVC S HD" is selected, I only have 25p, 50p, and 100p (with different bitrates each). Here I miss the "120p"-option.

One idea I had regarding this is that perhaps my SD-card is not compatible (fast enough)? I couldn't find in the manual anything about such a requirement. The card is a "SanDisk Extreme PRO 256 GB SDXC 95 MB/Sec, Class 10, U3, V30". Not the fastest card possible. I use it in slot 1.

May 14, 2018permalink

MarcelloDl

Possibly, those are settings for PAL countries (EU and others). Maybe there is a way to use NTSC settings in the configuration screens. Check the maximum clip recording time too, as it might be unlimited on some models and limited to 29m59s on PAL models.

Where is globalization when you need some.

May 16, 2018permalink

That memory card is not uhs-2. Upgrade your memory card and all the faster higher quality settings will enable themselves.

May 17, 2018permalink

airflow

I figured this out and can confirm that it is the PAL/NTSC setting which was to blame for the missing modes. Depending on which mode you are on, you are offered different framerates.

It has *nothing* to do with the memory card used. I checked different cards and it made no difference. As soon as the right video-mode is selected, it works - also with slow cards. The "likes" above are misleading.

May 29, 2018permalink

d2f

DPreview,

I appreciate the new format of your reviews, with staff comments at the end, and combined with the excellent review video segment. Just like the Sony a7iii set a new standard for others to shoot for, so did you.

Thank you,
d2f

May 13, 2018permalink

Carey Rose

Thank you for the feedback. It's going to continue to be a work in progress over the next several months (in particular with upcoming lens reviews), so if you have any specific points of praise or any grumbles about the format, please feel free to send me a PM with details.

May 24, 2018permalink

Question regarding mirrorless cameras. I have read on a couple of Nikon websites of people constantly having to Fine Tune their lenses to get sharpness exact or as near as possible to being sharp. Is this an issue with Sony or any other mirrorless camera/lenses??

May 11, 2018permalink

Not sure if it is possible to fix a poorly assembled lens via "fine-tuning". And if you are talking about the AF accuracy, then mirrorless cameras have much less problems with it, just like DSLRs in LiveView mode.

May 12, 2018permalink

It's not so much lens design or build, but AF accuracy like you said @ecka84. Tamron and Sigma have lens docks to fine tune their lenses. I just read about it on other forums. And Live View? On Nikon cameras? OMG does it suck!!!! Nap time while it takes the picture!!

May 12, 2018permalink

:) Sure, that new Canon Dual Pixel AF is great, but my old 6D doesn't have it and I'm using LiveView for landscapes and macro all the time.

May 12, 2018permalink

BlueBomberTurbo

No fine tune necessary! The biggest reason I switched to mirrorless. Couldn't stand the continuing AF accuracy issues with my D7000, D7100 and D750, but there was no mirrorless alternative to match my needs until the A6300 came about. Smooth sailing after, even with adapted DSLR lenses!

@ecka84

Well yeah, any camera can focus on things that don't move. You need very advanced CDAF (Panasonic) or decent OSPDAF (everyone else) to focus on something moving.

May 12, 2018permalink

Well, first, not any camera/lens combo can focus accurately and consistently on things that do not move, specially far away or up-close. Which is why I use LiveView. Second, I really don't need a mirrorless camera for moving subjects. DSLRs can still handle it rather well (perhaps even better than most mirrorless), at least after you solve all the PDAF problems. But the new OSPD AFs are definitely easier to work with, despite that they are less responsive and consume batteries like there's no tomorrow. I like both, but for different reasons.

May 12, 2018permalink

I have my D7200 set to AF-A and 9 point focus. AF-A is NOT my first choice. But my Sigma and Tamron lenses don't focus hunt in AF-A. It's frustrating to say the least.

May 13, 2018permalink

CaPi

btw: The "jump to conclusion" button featured on the first page - to me - is hilarious :D
Keep it up, DPr!

May 10, 2018permalink

When I first saw that it made me laugh.

That should be motto of the forums here.

May 10, 2018permalink

CaPi

@Steven: Yes! Right you are - and reading comments I bet most dont even read the articles before they comment too.

May 10, 2018*permalink

@CaPi
Laugh Yoda master you make! :D

May 12, 2018permalink

CaPi

Ecka: honored I am! Bad at English I thought I was!

May 12, 2018permalink

Worry don't, too am I :)

May 12, 2018permalink

Average User

Lens experience and suggestions: The A7III and the A7r series are capable of incredibly great detail, if you use good enough lenses. I am using most, the F4 Sony Zeiss 24-70. My copy was poor, but I sent it back to Sony (free) and they made it excellent. I have the Sony F2.8 24-70 gm, but it's so much bigger I mostly use the F4. I also have the F4 70-200. Stellar. Smaller than the F2.8 but equally as sharp. Next, must have at least one lens you can use in low light. Best deal is the 28mm F2, which is extremely sharp and at f2, under $500, is nearly two stops faster than the zooms. Very small. I use it for indoor at night casual shooting. These three lenses give you a full range very high quality kit, for not too much money.
The 90 mm F2.8 is incredibly sharp, less than $1000 and serves both as a general lens and as a close up macro lens. I also love the F1.8 55 mm Sony/Zeiss which is also one of the sharpest lenses on the planet.

May 6, 2018permalink

The Fat Fish

It’s the variation issues that concern me. The stories I hear of people returning their lenses multiple times to get a good copy is worrying. Sony easily make the best features bodies now and when the lenses are good, they’re really good. I just wish the QC was higher.

May 7, 2018permalink

I had both F/4 zooms and returned them. The 70-200mm was pretty bad at 200mm. Maybe I should have kept trying until I got "good copies", but I didn't want to waste all the time and effort for something that may never happen.
I am very happy for anyone who does get a good copy, but at the same time I am skeptical from my experience.
I have an old Canon 70-200/4 and it is superb. Some day I may get a metabones adapter for it.

May 7, 2018*permalink

osv

"Steven Ar - Joined on Apr 9, 2018"

just another fake troll account.

May 7, 2018permalink

Average User

The Photo store where I do business has reported to me that in their experience, the problem of uneven copies of lenses was much greater a couple of years ago, and has in their experience been remedied. My way of thinking is that the possibility of a poor copy is always there, no matter whose lenses. It's a real, if annoying, part of getting your kit to be as you want it to be. But if you don't stick with it til you get it right, unfortunately, it is you who are the loser.

May 7, 2018permalink

Which is the troll?

Chris Niccolls - Joined Apr 28 2018.

OSV - The crybaby who calls everyone else a "Troll".

Well, a Google search shows the truth. It showed OSV is a "known troll" in every forum.
https://www.google.com/search?q=osv+troll+site:www.dpreview.com&rlz=1C1GGRV_enUS748US748&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiztp-fuPTaAhVnkuAKHVnbBSoQrQIIMigDMAA&biw=1600&bih=1094
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/60984191
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/59601666
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/59635478
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/57105153

May 7, 2018*permalink

(unknown member)

When looking at posts where lenses are tested, I am surprised how many bad tests there are, so some might actually return good lenses.

May 8, 2018permalink

If all the bad copies of lenses were not enough, now there are bad copies of the A7iii.
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/61090329

Sony says they are aware of this issue:
"I understand that you're having issues with the Eye AF function of your ILCE7M3 camera. We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused you. We want you to know that we appreciate you bringing this to our attention. Please be advised that Sony is aware of this issue, and this has been forwarded to our engineering team in Japan already."

May 8, 2018*permalink

(unknown member)

Eye AF is way better than no eye AF with old teck DSLR cameras where the lenses have to be calibrated to get acceptable focus ... for Sony A7III this is probably just a software update.

May 8, 2018permalink

RubberDials

@Steven Ar

Anyone who calls osv a troll is obviously a troll, but you put a cherry on the top by posting links and writing this: "If all the bad copies of lenses were not enough, now there are bad copies of the A7iii." Obvious troll is obvious.

May 9, 2018*permalink

@RubberDials

It was Sony that said there are bad copies of the A7iii. So you are accusing Sony of trolling Sony. Sony says there is a problem, you can't deny that.

EDIT: Geez! I just got a PM saying "RubberDials is another OSV puppet ID". Another?? I Googled "OSV RubberDials" and it sure a h3ll looks like you are the same or work together. You both respond to comments made to the other and use the same tone.
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/61032444
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/60913170
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/58981516

May 9, 2018*permalink

RubberDials

'EDIT: Geez! I just got a PM saying "RubberDials is another OSV puppet ID".'

No you didn't, unless you sent it to yourself from one of your other accounts.

I've reported your post. I doubt it will do any good - I mean - the mastering light account is still active. I've been a member of this site for more than a decade and have posted literally hundreds of thousands of words. Good luck trying to smear me with your crap.

May 9, 2018permalink

@RubberDials

I hit a nerve. Google busted you. Google is great for digging up the truth and a quick search showed you and OSV are either same or work together. There are dozens and dozens of posts where you respond for each other, and also where both of you pounce on the same person or make the same argument. No denying that. Google is your friend, and Google reveals the truth.
With those Google search results, it as fair and accurate to say one of you is the other's "puppet" or at least you work in tandem.

May 9, 2018*permalink

THKPIC

If you want sharp- add in the Voigtlander 65mm f2. It's evil sharp. I'd add the loxia 21 and 85 to that list as well. I had to keep putting band aids on my fingers when I first shot with the 65mm it was so sharp. Now I just wear gloves.

May 10, 2018permalink

F4 Sony Zeiss 24-70? F4? So you're wasting the no-noise FF sensor with a dark lens that requires you to set ISO to levels that will be noisy. F4 is laughably slow. Bad glass.

Mar 29, 2019permalink

brendon1000

Many of his so called flaws are rubbish. The menu system is a bit complicated but has so many features packed in its heavily customisable. In two days time I am very comfortable using and finding what I need without problems. The function buttons are very useful and he actually tries to make it a flaw. I used a couple of playmemories apps and some were very useful and lots of my friends used them.

Expecting an unbiased article from such a person is like Hillary Clinton writing an unbiased critique of trumps presidency. Maybe you are naive in thinking the article is fair but to those of us who actually use the cameras most of his points are bs and its a poor attempt at taking a pot shot at a company that cost him money. The only thing I really agree with are the sub par service of Sony which I agree with and the sub par weather sealing. The rest are non issues for most people who use the camera.

Most of the others are big issues for useless trolls like you :p

May 6, 2018permalink

(unknown member)

It's like everything else, it's not absolute. The interface is usable but not as good as with some other cameras.

May 6, 2018*permalink

fjbyrne

It might be relative but you need to keep your comparisons within a product. Sure there are specialized sensors with more dynamic range but why should we care if they aren't available in an ILC? I'll wager there are some satellite sensors that are even better. Should we compare the latest ILCs to them?

The question should be how does this sensor compare to others currently available.

Edit:. @pentaust. I see you removed your comments about the sensor. Now you left my post hanging 😀

May 6, 2018*permalink

(unknown member)

It's like everything else, it's not absolute. The interface is usable but not as good as with some other cameras. If you have spent your savings into this camera, it's doesn't sound nice for you if we tell you that some aspects of the camera are not as good as others. All customers are like you, after they are invested into something, they can't stand to acknowledge. A lot of people are exactly like you, that's normal.

May 6, 2018permalink

(unknown member)

When a Sony A7 series camera is set up properly, you hardly have to visit the menues again. Real world use is a breeze, no matter hot summer days or freezing cold winter days or nights, when wearing gloves. No matter small or large lenses.

"Problems", like "the interface is useable but not as good as with some other cameras" are silly constructions, only of importance for those sitting in an armchair, figuring out what could be a problem with cameras that they don't own or use themselves. Such nay-sayers claim to be the best photographers around, but they will never show you anything from their work.

May 6, 2018*permalink

fjbyrne

@pentaust Please show me a post I made where I haven't acknowledged short comings. Do I have implicit bias like every other human? Certainly, but I try to remain objective and rational. I'm certainly no apologist for Sony or any other brand. For example I prefer an EVF to and OVF but I don't think those who disagree with me are necessarily wrong. Each person has important and less important features that they want.

Regarding the menus I can't say that comparatively Sony's are any better or worse than any other ILCs because I don't have intimate experience with other ILC cameras. That's why I take the opinion of someone who uses multiple systems (brendon1000) with more weight than someone who doesn't (most trolls). I will say that I find the custom buttons, my menu and user defined function menu to make the actual menus moot - once setup I don't need to go to the menus.

May 6, 2018permalink

dgumshu

Judging from the complaints I've seen on the Sony forum, from users, a pattern of questionable QC is developing for this particular body. And there are numerous... with new complaints about stuck shutters, multiple body returns, eye focus not working, stripes, color issues, pixel blinking and on and on.

I'd much rather buy the A7R lll or A9, not the A7 lll. Too many QC complaints. Unlike these two other bodies, the A7 lll is made in China which may be a contributing factor.

May 6, 2018permalink

(unknown member)

@Magnar. You invested in Sony. Now you can't stand when someone points out deficiencies. Don't worry, that's normal, anyone who is invested into a lens mount like to be reassured that he made the right decision, and hate to be proven wrong. That's basic buyer's psychology that every marketer knows very well. On the other hand, it is commonly acknowledged that Sony mirrorless cameras have good sensors, small size, as well as poor ergonomics, poor menu system and flimsy construction quality.

May 6, 2018*permalink

brendon1000

Lol just owning something doesn't mean squat ! My friend bought a 6D Mk II some time back and he hated it and would never recommend it to anyone who asked him. I use the Sony A7 III and find it much better than any of my previous cameras.

The main people having a problem are armchair trolls like you who have never ever used the camera for any real period of time :P

I have had 3 Sony A7 series cameras and I can tell you ergonomics were great, menu system wasn't the best of course but once I fully customized the camera it was never a problem and construction while not the best is still very good. None of my cameras are worse for wear after 100000+ shutter actuations. My 5d mk II has all the rubber parts fallen off after 95k shutters but that is considered a rugged body.

May 6, 2018permalink

(unknown member)

@ pentaust: I can live very well with Sony cameras and lenses, since they do what I want them to do. I have used other brands, and even had to jump ship because of repeated malfunctions and breakdowns with a brand that is judged as top professional. When you earn your money from photography, malfunction and repairs are much more expensive than just paying for repairs and replacements.

I am pragmatic when it comes to camera gear: There is no perfect camera or camera system. You can whine, you can bash a brand (like you do, over and over again), you can praise your brand (like you do), or you can hope for the best - nothing will change the fact that the camera is exactly as it is! If it does the job, well, fine! No need to go elsewhere.

Love and hate? For a camera or a brand? Come on, grow up!

May 6, 2018*permalink