The newly developed back-illuminated full-frame Exmor RTM CMOS sensor, with 12.1 effective megapixels3, boasts a readout speed up to twice as fast as that of the ?7S II, along with high sensitivity and wide dynamic range. An advanced color filter array boosts color reproduction accuracy, while focal plane phase-detection AF enables substantial increases in autofocus stability and precision, all of which contribute to outstanding image quality.
The BIONZ XRTM image-processing engine boasts a performance level up to eight times that of the previous processor, minimizing latency while markedly improving real-time processing capabilities for both movies and stills. The engine performs real-time processing of AF, image recognition and image-quality adjustments, while also handling data transfer, user interface and other camera operations.
The full-frame 12.1-megapixel4 configuration enables high sensitivity with low noise throughout the camera's sensitivity range by optimizing the output signal from the sensor. The standard ISO range is 80-102400, which is further expandable to 40-409600 (80-409600 for movies). The dynamic range is an impressively wide 15 stops5, for beautiful, true-to-life images without blown highlights. Together, the camera's high sensitivity and wide dynamic range expand your creative freedom during shoots.
Full-frame 4K recording at 120 fps6 with autofocus is possible thanks to the high-speed readout capabilities of the new image sensor working in tandem with the newly developed, powerful BIONZ XR processor. This high image-quality 4K, with full-pixel readout without binning, allows for clear post-produced slow motion (up to 5x slower than real time)7, as well as bokeh effects typical of full-frame cameras, all with smooth, high-precision autofocus. Despite the ?7S III's compact size, it provides impressive scope for your creativity.
The camera is capable of performing 4K internal recording with 10-bit depth and 4:2:2 color sampling when using either Long GOP or All Intra compression. This makes it possible to push your color grades further, stretching video out for ultimate HDR realism while still retaining natural gradation, for true editing freedom.
In addition to Long GOP inter-frame compression, the ?7S III supports internal intra-frame (All-Intra) recording8 for the first time in an ?-model body, where each frame is recorded independently at a high bitrate of up to 600 Mbps. This can be useful for certain types of shoots as it allows maximum flexibility in post-production editing. [1] All-Intra (All-I) [2] Long GoP [3] Group of Pictures
S-Log2 and S-Log3 gamma curves are available, with S-Log3 designed for better reproduction of gradations from shadows to the mid-gray range (18% gray), enabling a dynamic range of up to 15 stops5. Three color gamut settings (S-Gamut, S-Gamut3, and S-Gamut3.Cine) are provided, and the latter two settings make it easier to match the colors of footage shot with Sony's professional cinema cameras. Because the colors match, color grading is easier in post-production editing, making it more convenient to use the ?7S III along with other pro cameras.
Available for the first time, XAVC HS-format recording using the MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 codec roughly doubles the compression efficiency. Compared to a normal 4K XAVC S format, XAVC HS allows for detailed 10-bit video with 4:2:2 color sampling at comparable or lower data rates, delivering even better image quality as well as manageable file sizes9.
Facilitating improved image quality and more flexible and efficient editing in post-production, the camera supports 16-bit RAW data output to an external recorder via HDMI, for the first time in the ? series. The output is full-frame 4264 x 2408 (16:9 aspect ratio) 16-bit data from the image sensor, with a choice of frame rates (60p/50p/30p/25p/24p)10.
Thanks to the improved capabilities of the ?7S III's new image-processing engine, colors and textures of foliage and human skin can be more consistently reproduced without over-dependence on light sources. Gradation rendering has also been refined, for better-looking skin tones and highlight roll-off in portraits. When shooting 4K, the new image sensor and processing engine reduce rolling shutter distortion to as little as one-third that of the ?7S II.
When shooting movies, low bit-rate HD proxy files can be recorded simultaneously with higher bit-rate formats such as XAVC S-I 4K, and these smaller proxy files can then be used for editing and previewing prior to final production delivery. This reduces computer load and allows faster and more efficient workflows. Proxy files can be captured in either 10-bit XAVC HS (1920 x 1080) or 8-bit XAVC S (1280 x 720) 11.
An HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) HDR picture profile, complete with the wide-gamut BT.2020 color space, can be used for direct HDR (HLG) playback on compatible TVs. The result is true-to-life imagery close to what the naked eye can see, with detailed shadows and highlights, less blackout and less whiteout, all without the need for color grading. In particular, 10-bit recordings reproduce a level of fine gradation and detail for extraordinary realism. [1] High flexibility to fine-tune images as desired (color grading required) [2] Instant high-quality image (color grading not required)
Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF make movie-making much easier. Touch Tracking initiates subject tracking with an intuitive touch to the LCD monitor, processing data on color, pattern (brightness), distance (depth) and facial information to keep your subject in steady focus. You can then concentrate more fully on composition, which can be especially useful when you're shooting solo or using a gimbal. Touch operations can be used to temporarily engage AF even when you're shooting manually.
Inheriting technology and performance standards from Sony's large-format FX9 pro camcorder, Fast Hybrid AF combines focal plane phase-detection AF with contrast-detection AF. This results in highly precise, smooth tracking of fast-moving subjects even over a wide range with a shallow depth of field, taking full advantage of Sony E-mount lenses' smooth linear-motor focusing and power-zoom operations. Newly added AF Transition Speed and AF Subject Shift Sensitivity parameters allow more flexible focus control, as requested by professional users. Both allow preset settings to be recalled during recording by using a customizable button.
The camera's autofocus support can be useful even when you're primarily using manual focus. For full AF speed, half-press the shutter button or press the AF-ON button, as you would when shooting stills. Alternatively, slower, more cinematic AF transitions can be achieved by initiating AF via the touch focus feature or Real-time Eye AF via a custom button assignment, resulting in slow, smooth autofocus at the preset AF Transition Speed.
The camera's design has been optimized to prevent overheating even during extended recording sessions. A unique Sony ? (sigma) shaped graphite-alloy heatsink is built into the image stabilization unit, allowing the sensor to dissipate heat five times more effectively than in previous models13, while allowing it to move freely and avoiding interference with the stabilization system.
A digital audio interface is incorporated in the camera's Multi Interface (MI) Shoe, to facilitate cleaner, clearer audio recordings without loss of quality. The XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit additionally provides the camera with 4-channel 24-bit digital audio recording capability. Three recording formats can be selected from a menu: 48 kHz/16-bit 2-ch, 48 kHz/24-bit 2-ch, and 48 kHz/24-bit 4-ch, with the XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit required for the latter two formats.
Relying on a new high-precision stabilization unit, gyro sensors, and optimized image stabilization algorithms, the camera's Optical SteadyShotTM Active Mode provides the precise degree of optical image compensation needed during movie shooting, even for 4K video12. With this unprecedented level of stabilization it's possible to shoot with the camera only, taking advantage of the compact size and mobility of the ? system. [1] Track of camera shake [2] Standard [3] Active
The Fast Hybrid AF uses a high-density array of 759 phase-detection AF points (covering around 93% of the imaging area) in conjunction with 425-point contrast-detection AF. Real-time Eye AF (for humans and animals) and Real-time Tracking features are also available for the first time in the S series. Advanced AF algorithms facilitate precise AF down to light levels as low as EV-614, for accurate focus even when the subject would be difficult to see clearly with the naked eye.
Flexibility in positioning the camera and framing shots is provided by the side-opening, vari-angle monitor, which incorporates a bright 3.0-type, 1.44 million-dot3 LCD screen. The MOVIE button is within easy reach on the camera's top panel, and a durable HDMI Type-A terminal ensures reliable connections to external monitors. The item arrangement and initial settings on the mode dial have also been adjusted to meet the needs of pro users.
A subset of the camera's settings can be changed independently for movie or still shooting, which can be useful if you want to use different ISO, Iris (aperture) and other settings depending on the shooting mode. Another convenient feature is the use of Flexible Exposure Mode instead of normal PASM Mode when Movie or S&Q mode is selected. This allows quick switching between auto and manual control of Iris (aperture) and shutter speed, and the function can be assigned to a custom button to allow one-touch toggling between auto and manual.
The new Creative Look feature is a quick way to establish a particular mood in still shots and movies by altering parameters like brightness, contrast and color saturation. Ten Creative Look presets are available in-camera, and each of these can be used as-is, or further customized using eight individual parameter settings. Custom Creative Look settings can be easily saved and stored for later use.
The new image sensor and image-processing engine deliver an extraordinary degree of sensitivity, a defining characteristic of the S series, and significantly better reproduction of color and textural details. Improved rendering capability provides realistic-looking images with reduced noise, particularly in the mid-to-high sensitivity range. A new Visible Light and IR Sensor improves auto white balance, and HEIF file options and an HLG Still Image Mode (for 8-bit and 10-bit HEIF stills) have been added17.
Mechanical and electronic shutters are each capable of continuous shooting at up to 10 fps15 with AF/AE. Continuous shooting of over 1,000 uncompressed RAW images is possible16 thanks to increases in the buffer memory of the BIONZ XR processor and memory-card writing speed.