Sony a7 III
Announced February 26, 2018
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Exceptional
The Sony a7 III is a versatile, high-performing full-frame mirrorless camera that provides a compelling balance of features and value for both photographers and videographers. While it excels in autofocus speed, low-light performance, and dynamic range, it still suffers from complex menus and a lack of refined handling features like a fully articulating screen.
Weighted from 52 reviewer scores
Pros
- Highly responsive and accurate autofocus system with reliable subject tracking
- Excellent low-light performance and dynamic range from the 24MP sensor
- Substantial battery life improvements via the Z-series battery
- High-quality 4K video capture and 10fps burst shooting
- Improved ergonomics featuring a deeper grip and dedicated focus joystick
Cons
- Complex and unintuitive menu system
- Limited touchscreen functionality and lack of a fully articulating screen
- Only one of the two SD card slots supports high-speed UHS-II
- Lower resolution viewfinder and screen compared to higher-end models
- Lack of an external battery charger included in the box
- Launch price $1,999 (USD)
- Sensor 24.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS
- Video 4K 29.97p
- Stabilization In-body IS, 5 stops (CIPA)
- Burst 10 fps electronic 10 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 52 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 89/100
The Sony a7 III is a well-priced, well-rounded camera suitable for all kinds of photography.
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Bottom line, the Sony A7 III generally offers very good performance for the class with good AF speeds, low shutter lag, class-leading burst speeds and deep buffers, however buffer clearing can be slow (particularly with JPEG files), and power-on to first shot is sluggish.
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The Sony Alpha A7 III is a highly versatile and feature-packed camera that redefines what we can expect from a full-frame body at this price point.
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The last few years have seen Sony release some great full-frame mirrorless camera models but the A7 III might just be the best yet.
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The key element for me in this camera is the right balance between its price and specifications.
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As usual, the Sony Alpha camera press release is footnote-dense and the electronics manufacturer managed to pack 8 footnote references into their a7 III feature bullets:.
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The DSLR vs Mirrorless debate will continue, but regardless of what side of the fence you land, this is a great camera.
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In terms of this camera being a "basic" model, the Sony Alpha A7 Mark III is hardly what we'd call "basic" - and quite easily makes everything else look slower, larger, heavier, less innovative, and more expensive.
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Sony referred to the A7 III as a "basic model" during their early promotion, whether jokingly or not, but the A7 III is far from being basic.
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The Sony A7 III is the finest example of the most affordable full-frame camera on the market.
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Its specifications make it a terrific all-rounder, both for stills photography and video. Its handling and control layout aren’t perfect [...] but few are so consistently capable across such a wide range of disciplines.
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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.
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While the Alpha A7 III can't quite boast the sheer breathtaking performance or resolution of its pricier siblings, it's a brilliant camera that will tick a lot of boxes for many photographers.
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The a7 III is a solid camera. Yes, it has a few weaknesses, but you also get loads of strengths.
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The Sony Alpha A7 III might not have the highest resolution, fastest shooting speed or best video quality.
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So should you get the a7 III? Yes, it blows away everything else at this price point.
- Digital Trends 8/10
The A7 III is a solid step forward for Sony’s “basic” model, and our initial impressions back in March were of unrestrained delight. However, the ensuing months have unleashed a barrage of innovative cameras that have tempered our excitement somewhat.
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[T]he A7 III is certainly a worthy addition for all Sony photographers, be they amateurs or professionals.
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So that's the Sony a7 III, and for the price, my god, is it nice.
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Final thoughts for the Sony a7 III: if pixel quality is number one on your list, image quality, being able to grade, having lots of headroom, dynamic range, this camera might not be the best choice to go with.
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The Sony A7III is simply the best all round mirrorless camera on the market today. I’ve even bought one myself.
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While the A7 III is by no means a flawless camera, it gets so much right that any minor flaws are extremely easy to live with.
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While the Sony A7 III gives advanced enthusiasts and even professionals a lot of camera for their money, it does have a few annoying handling niggles.
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I will say that the A7III is flat out a fantastic camera that you will not be disappointed in, no matter what you may shoot. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
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After 20 years of shooting photos and video and doing production stuff, this has been one of my favorite combinations of anything I have ever owned.
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The Sony A7 III is a small camera that packs a huge punch for a small price. All other camera manufactures have a lot of work ahead of them if they want to stay competitive.
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I will say that a7 III is currently the best package for hybrid shooter on the market, and I will even say that it is the best camera for advanced content creators regardless of the price.
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I think it would be a great camera for weddings, probably one of the best wedding cameras right now that there is, just with the 120p, 4K, dynamic range, battery life is fixed, LCD screen is good, flip LCD, that would be better, but it's a really good wedding shooter camera.
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I like the a7 III, it's an amazing camera. It works for me and my workflow with creating the content for myself and also the music videos.
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[T]he Sony a7 III is a slam dunk of a camera, and I think it's gonna have a much broader appeal than the a9 or the a7R III. I think it's gonna be the camera to beat for quite a while now.
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The A7 III is well rounded, does the intended job quite well, and won’t max out your credit card (though watch out for buying lots of new lenses to put on it).
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Dollar-for-dollar, the Sony A7 III is the world's best full-frame mirrorless camera ever created. Look at the sample images; there is nothing this A7 III can't do, and do expertly.
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The Sony A7 III is a jack of all trades, and despite its age is still able to turn its hand to any task.
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Now, this is most assuredly a great camera, and although I've uncovered lots of issues, I'm still impressed and whelmed, maybe even a little overwhelmed. I haven't made my decision yet, but don't be surprised if I bring one home soon.
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So yes, I actually do think that this is a great starting option for someone that wants to go into full frame and get a lot of stuff for the money that you invest into your camera.
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Wonderful camera for 2,000 bucks for an entry-level full frame, totally worth it.
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From the time we’ve spent with it, we could definitely say that it excels both in photo and video categories.
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The Sony A7 Mark III has its limitations but then what camera doesn't have them. Overall, it's one fantastic machine, expensive but fantastic.
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[...] I can overlook those downfalls mainly because of that full-frame sensor and how capable the Sony a7 III is for the price. I think the price point is absolutely amazing.
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Sony delivers the New Gold Standard in fullframe cameras with the new third-generation a7 III. It’s the camera many of you have been waiting for looked with high-end features yet priced just under $2,000.
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For the price it's still one of the top full-frame cameras.
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For me, I would rate this the camera of the year – it is loaded with features at a good price point.
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For $2,000, I think this is an outstanding camera, outstanding body; it's got everything you'd really want in a camera, including full frame, for $2,000. It just is really, really a great camera.
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Given that the Sony a7 III has become my go-to camera in recent months, it should be obvious that I’m a fan of it. As with the D850, the dynamic range on the Sony a7 III is incredibly impressive. Ditto high ISO performance and color depth.
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Bottom line is that this camera is extremely good and you’re ‘only’ paying 2000 dollars for it. No other camera comes even close at that price. If you’re looking for a great all rounder camera the A7III is your best bet.
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[T]he Sony a7 III is a brilliant camera. It's got high performance, improved ergonomics, and at a reasonable price point of 3,000 Australian is a perfect camera for anyone looking to upgrade from the a7 II or any DSLR or mirrorless system.
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As you can see this thing performs incredibly well, it's the best camera I've ever used and it's exceeded my every expectation.
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[T]o say that this is a good low light camera would be an understatement. This is a phenomenal low light camera which just continues to add to the things that this camera can do.
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For the price point, the best camera on the market, maybe in the history since the digital cameras at this price point, it's just amazing.
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It shoots 4K at full-frame with great autofocus, which is what everybody wants, but it's fixed the color issues that I've always hated about Sony cameras.
- World of Waterfalls 8.3/10
The Sony Alpha A7 III Camera was the next leap that I made in terms of serious camera equipment without breaking the bank going for the all pro features on both the camera and the supporting lenses.
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So the Sony A7iii has quickly won a place in my kit bag. In fact, it’s not just won a place, it’s booted everything else out.
