Sony A7R iii Review

Last Updated on November 25, 2023 by Sharon Advik

Sony A7R iii Review:

I love doing photography, whether it’s wedding photography, landscape photography, or portrait photography, and I master all these genres as it keeps me motivated and does not make me bored.

Here, I’ll talk to you about my campaign for the local model shoot today.

A large consignment had been given to us by a clothing manufacturer.

My team, as a whole, was thrilled. As a part of the crucial subject, we had to take portrait photos.

I set it up with the brand-new Sony A7R iii camera I purchased this year.

Everything came together nicely for my model photo.

It has more versatile features and improved exposure control stability, improving the quality of my I ages.

I can’t begin to explain how this camera allows me to take such beautiful portraits.

The photograph I took had sharp details and was noise-free.

My client was so moved by the work that he hired me to collaborate as his company’s professional and permanent photographer.

Also, I wanted an all-purpose camera for my interest in different types of photography, and luckily, I found this camera.

Overview:

I usually have an idea of how the review will go before I test a new camera, but there are always some things that are entirely out of the blue and a few things that take me by surprise.

I am aware that I should refrain from making a judgment the day a camera is unveiled.

What counts are the images and the user experience?

Even if a camera has all the best features, I won’t buy it if it can’t be customized or isn’t reliable.

Therefore, you probably have a good idea of what this review of the Sony A7RIII will contain.

Professionals and amateurs have been using this versatile camera, which cost $3200 when it was first released in October 2017, for more than a year.

Additionally, Canon’s new RF mount and Nikon’s Z mount, which only have two bodies and three to four native lenses, compete with it in the full-frame market.

However, since I work as a wedding and portrait photographer, I can’t immediately start using a new camera.

Indeed, dependability and utter durability are crucial at all times.

And because the Sony A7 series has a history of being reliable (and buggy) since its launch in October 2013, I patiently awaited the formation of an opinion about this third generation of cameras.

Thank God I chose to purchase this stunning camera.

I’ll say that the A7RIII is a cute little camera.

Little, yes, professionally, without a doubt! Feeling at ease and genuinely familiar with me didn’t take long.

Please allow me to fully explain the A7RIII’s incredible quality and why you should (probably) purchase one.

Specifications:

42MP – Full-frame BSI-CMOS Sensor

No Optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter

5-axis Sensor-shift Image Stabilization

3686k dot electronic viewfinder

3.00″ Tilting Screen

10.0fps continuous shooting

4K at 30fps Video Recording

FHD at 60fps Video Recording

Built-in Wireless

Weather Sealed Body

657g. 127 x 96 x 74 mm

Replaced by Sony A7R IV

Replaced Sony A7R II

Body, Size, and Weight:

Although I prefer my cameras to be lightweight and small, I will admit that the A7R III feels a little chunkier to me than its predecessor, which I used before using this camera.

However, I am incredibly grateful for its slightly larger grip and thicker back section.

However, Sony makes some of the most svelte camera bodies, so this is hardly a heavy camera. I love how this camera feels in my hands.

There is no question.

When I first got this camera, it combined a mirrorless camera’s feel and appearance with a DSLR’s durability.

It’s the ideal weight for me to carry around at all times.

It doesn’t feel like a toy and doesn’t break my back.

The majority of the control I desire is at my disposal. I discovered this camera to be very similar to the a9.

Although the body is essentially the same as the a9’s, the internals is different because the ports have undergone a significant reorganization.

Similar to the a9, the a7R III has a micro-B USB/Multi Connector socket, an HDMI output, headphone and microphone connectors, and a flash sync socket.

The “R” has a USB type C connector instead of an Ethernet port, which can be used for tethered shooting, charging, and quick data transfers.

Every time I consider a camera, size, and weight are crucial factors for me, so the first thing I do when I enter a camera store is to examine the camera, hold it in my hands, and feel its weight.

Whether it is appropriate for me or not.

The Sony A7R III measures 127 x 96 x 74 mm (5 x 3.78 x 2.91′′) and weighs 657 g (1.45 lb / 23.17 oz).

The Sony A7R III is a notably heavy camera for its class, especially considering that the average weight of mirrorless-type cameras is 456g.

It is not minor and is 74mm thick, 21mm wider than the class average.

However, I’ll continue to refer to it as a camera worth the effort.

Lenses:

These lenses will be stabilized with the A7R III, which has a 5-axis image stabilization system based on sensors.

According to Sony, the A7R III’s image stabilization is effective up to 5.0 stops.

The Sony A7R III’s 5.0-stops IS an improvement over the 4.5-stop stabilization system of the model before it, the Sony A7R II.

Sensor-based image stabilization is one of the most valuable features an ILC can have.

• Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
• Sony FE 200-600 F5.6-6.3 G OSS 
• Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM
• Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS
• Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM         
• Sony FE 35mm F1.8        
• Sony FE 50mm F1.8
• Samyang AF 135mm F1.8 FE

Camera and Sensor:

Readers of my earlier reviews are likely already aware of my enthusiasm for discussing cameras’ sensor and processor capabilities.

It is the primary focal point of my photography.

The main concern of every photographer is whether or not their camera will produce high-quality photos and videos.

And I’m happy to announce that the king of all good sensor cameras has finally arrived, ending the wait.

Let me tell you the specialties of this camera’s sensor and processor.

The full-frame 42.4-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor, which has a back-illuminated design, works with the BIONZ X image processor to provide me with high-resolution stills and video while also reducing noise in my images and enhancing speed.

This sensor structure combines a gapless on-chip lens design with an anti-reflection coating.

The optical low-pass filter is removed to enhance detail and boost light collection.

I adore that Sony incorporated a copper wiring layer into this camera to significantly increase data transmission speed for producing 14-bit, high-resolution 42.4-megapixel stills with a native sensitivity range of ISO 100-32000, which is further expandable to ISO 50-102400.

Additionally, it enables full-frame, full-HD 4K internal video recording with a wide dynamic range.

To achieve faster processing times and capture an impressive 15-stop dynamic range at low sensitivity values, the BIONZ X processor collaborates with a high-speed front-end LSI.

The sensor and processor combination allows for quick continuous shooting at up to 10 fps at full resolution, with full-time AF/AE and up to 76 consecutive frames when using either a mechanical shutter or an electronic shutter.

I can also use the live view mode to shoot up to 8 frames per second continuously.

Weather Sealing:

Luckily! This camera is also weatherproof.

I found the perfect camera—one that can withstand the elements.

Nothing will stop me from shooting at this point.

My Sony Sony A7R iii can withstand rain and dust thanks to environmental sealings.

I don’t have to be concerned about dust and moisture destroying it.

The Sony Sony A7R iii is perfect because I enjoy taking photos outside and want to use my camera in bad weather.

With this camera, it’s either ride or die for me.

Everywhere I go, I try to have this camera with me.

Thanks to its weather-sealing capabilities, I can quickly take pictures of peacocks dancing in the rain.

OH! I adore them because they are so adorable.

LCD: 

It has a 3-inch screen with full articulation and a 1440k dot resolution.

When I was filming animal footage, it was worthwhile.

Tilting screens are more suited to video than articulating ones, or every seasoned photographer is familiar with fixed screens.

Its resolution and screen size, in my opinion, are appropriate for this class.

I select the focus point on its LCD screen and change the settings using my fingertips.

Right now, the entire world is at my fingertips!

I can use touch or standard buttons to access a bank of exposure options on its rear LCD.

It is pointed and bright, with a hinge with a variable angle.

The rear LCD screen from the A7R III has been kept in it if I have to compare it to my a7IV.

It is 3 inches in size, tilts, and has touch functionality, just like the A7R IV.

I can control the auto-focus while using the EVF and other operational aspects.

However, my camera doesn’t have a selfie screen.

This feature is essential because it improves my quality of life, but it doesn’t matter.

Viewfinder:

Shooting in bright sunlight and other situations where it might be difficult for me to see the LCD monitor is made simpler by the Sony A7R iii’s integrated electronic viewfinder.

3,686k-dot resolution and 100% coverage are available in the viewfinder.

100% coverage guarantees that what I see in the viewfinder at the time of shooting corresponds precisely to what I will get in your image, helping me to frame my shots correctly and reducing the need for later image cropping.

The viewfinder’s magnification factor is 0.78x (35mm equivalent).

Autofocus:

I’ve stopped stressing about AF micro adjustment and having to check for front-focus or back-focus issues on my favorite prime lens, so overall, the A7R3 is a less frustrating experience.

The A7R3 either gets everything right or when the lighting is terrible, it still produces roughly the same number of in-focus pictures as I would get from my DSLRs.

The A7R3 also provides a wide range of focus point control and operation.

I can do a variety of things because of the A7R3’s level of customization, including:

• Quickly switch from a predetermined, fixed AF point to a flexible, dynamic Autofocus point. (You decide which button to press using your manual dexterity and muscle memory.)

• It is simple to turn on and off face detection. I’ve added this to the Fn menu.
• Use the AEL button for Eye-AF autofocus and the AF-ON button for conventional autofocus. (Or the opposite, depending on your skill and muscle memory)

• Use any number of physical customizations to switch between AF-S and AF-C. (However, I wish a physical switch like the Sony A9 could control this.)

Oh, and it should go without saying that a camera costing less than $3,000 comes with a dedicated AF point joystick, though I must admit that now that there are hundreds of AF points to choose from, I prefer touchscreen AF point control.

It isn’t just professional-grade autofocus; it’s a brand-new generation.

Also, it is a fresh approach to ensuring that every shot, whether a portrait or not, is precisely focused as we want it to be, even in shallow light or with ultra-shallow apertures.

Battery:

I already hinted at how much I enjoy taking photos when I said earlier that I’d mastered several different photographic styles.

I think I could never get enough of taking pictures and making movies.

What irritates me is when I’m filming or taking photographs, and my camera’s battery runs out. I’m so frustrated by it.

But I’m very grateful that the camera spared me from that annoyance.

My Sony NP-FZ100 battery enables my A7R3 to last as long as, sometimes even longer than, a DSLR with equivalent specifications.

(Examples include 4K video or lens-based stabilization). Oh, and as of March 2019, Sony’s full-frame mirrorless platform is the only one that enables me to run a camera directly off USB power without a “dummy” battery.

It allows me to capture time-lapses for endless hours, shoot video without pausing my clip or taking to change batteries or get through a long wedding day without worrying about carrying two or more fully charged batteries.

Image Quality:

With the image quality of this camera, I’m genuinely blown away.

I refer to the limitations of this camera in terms of photography.

The image quality of my A7RIII is unquestionably a significant achievement.

With its incredible resolution and impressive high ISO image quality, the 42-megapixel sensor was already a milestone in overall image quality when it first appeared in the A7RII.

This new sensor represents yet another (incremental) advancement.

However, I reviewed this camera from the viewpoint of a professional portrait photographer.

However, I also use it for some sporadic photography.

Whether I take casual photos of nature or landscapes, travel, or action sports, this camera gives me the stunning image quality I need.

The benefits of this Sony A7R3 become apparent when I push the limits of what is feasible under extremely trying circumstances, printing enormous exposure photography in highly dynamic lighting situations, especially when I cannot control the light or events.

The A7RIII will match or surpass the competition when shooting in nearly pitch-black conditions, by moonlight or starlight, or under any other lighting condition.

As a landscape, nightscape, and time-lapse photographer, I couldn’t ask for a better all-around sensor and image quality than this.

Yes, I would love to have a native ISO of 50, but when the situation calls for it, I appreciate the three Nikon sensors’ base ISO of 64.

Video Quality:

It’s a fantastic video camera.

It is particularly true for me as I am a run-and-gun shooter who produces photographic and video content.

The Sony Alpha 7R III is a capable video camera that can capture UHD 4K video from the entire width of its sensor or a Super 35 (roughly APS-C sized) area of its sensor.

The 4K “full frame” is pixel-binned, meaning that pixel groups are combined.

The Super 35 footage is oversampled (It downscales 5K video after recording it.), which results in better detail capture. Using Cine lenses specifically designed to work with the Super 35 format is ideal.

Overall, the A7R III will probably be my go-to camera for most shoots, including corporate, event, and documentary work.

It has excellent 4k quality, can record slow motion in HD, is compact, balances quickly on my gimbal, and has fantastic auto-focusing. With the help of an adapter, I can use all of my current Canon lenses.

Why should one get a Sony A7R iii?

• It has 42.2 megapixels, increasing linear resolution by 8%.

• High-quality composites: After pixel-shifting its sensor, it can combine multiple shots.

• Improved image quality significantly (5 points) on the DXO overall rating scale.

• An excellent range of light and dark details is captured (0.6 EV of extra DR).

• It has better low-light sensitivity: Capable of taking photos in low light (0.4 stops ISO advantage).

• Better video: Offers 4K/30p high-definition movie capture

• It has improved live-view autofocus: On-sensor phase-detection technology for more reliable autofocus.
• Greater viewfinder detail has an electronic viewfinder with higher resolution (3686k dots).

• It features a viewfinder with higher magnification and a larger image (0.78x ).

• More thorough LCD: has a rear screen with a higher resolution (1440k dots).

• Fewer buttons to click: has a touchscreen to make shooting and handling adjustments easier.

• Shoots more frequently (10 vs. four flaps/sec) in a shorter burst to capture the crucial moment.

• It has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting, which is less unsettling.

• Easy time-lapse photography: Low-frequency shooting with an integrated intervalometer.

• Longer lasting: Uses a single battery charge for 650 more shots.

• Sharper pictures has a stabilization system built in to lessen the effects of handshaking.

• It supports a faster USB protocol for data transfer (3.1).

• More straightforward wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for cordless image sharing.

• Better studio light control: Connects to professional strobe lights via a PC Sync socket.

• It supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard for quicker buffer clearing (UHS-II).

• It reflects four years of technological advancement since the launch of the A7R.

Price:

Launch price

The A7R III started shipping in the North American market at the end of November 2017 for about US$3,200 or CA$ 4,000 body-only.

Current price:

The Sony A7R III starts at $2,798 for a kit with a 24-70mm f/2.8 gm lens. It is also available for $2,798 as a body-only option and in a 24-70mm f/4 lens kit.

You can also purchase a used A7R III for less money. Used A7R III models start at $1,707.

Conclusion:

There is no denying that Sony has, in every way, made history with the A7R iii.

Given its price point, feature set, image quality, and robust body, it is possibly the biggest threat to its main rivals, Canon and Nikon.

The conclusion of this review is thus relatively straightforward: The Sony A7RIII is your best option if you’re looking for the most feature-rich full-frame camera (and system) that $3,200 can buy you (or at least get you started).

Related posts:

Sony A7R IV Review