Sony Cameras

Sony A 7R III: Is it a good camera?

Sony Alpha 7R III
When the Sony Alpha 7R III was first released in October 2017, it quickly became a favorite amongst photographers for its high resolution and wide dynamic range in fast autofocus.

Sony took the focusing system of the Sony A7R II and improved it so the Sony A7R III focuses lightning quickly. The additional battery capacity is my favorite improvement that came with Sony A7R III and applied to the Sony Alpha 7R IV. Sony changed the battery capacity of the A7R II to the Sony A7R III by increasing the power. Sony A7R III was the first camera in Sony’s range with additional battery capacity, which was terrific. With the Sony A7R III, you’re going to have plenty of battery capacity, and you’re not going to change batteries all the time, giving you more action time.

Sony Alpha 7r iii review

BrandSony
Model nameSony Alpha 7R III
Form factorMirrorless
Effective still resolution42.4 MP
Special featureBIONZ X Image Processor and Front-End LSI; 399-Point AF System; 5-Axis Steady Shot INSIDE Stabilization
Optical zoom1 x
ColourBlack
Connectivity technologyBluetooth, wi-fi, USB, HDMI, NFC
Screen size3 Inches
Photo Sensor SizeFull Frame (35mm)
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Sony Alpha 7R III

Sony A7R III features a 42.4-megapixel full-frame XRC sensor, and that colossal sensor sets the Sony A7R III apart from its other siblings. That higher megapixel count allows you to retain more detail than your average camera. This is an excellent feature for those needing to print large images for commercial advertising and publications. It gives the ability to crop in and sort loads of sharpness and image quality.

The Sony A7R III gives more flexibility in changing your framing, which makes it ideally suited for any professional photographer who needs high-resolution images from wildlife, landscape, real estate, fine art, and fashion photography.

Sony Alpha 7R III tilted screen

The Sony Alpha 7R III’s 42 megapixels are incredible for still photos and prints. In addition, the Sony Alpha 7 III is your best camera for time-lapse photography. Most standard DSLR cameras have 24 megapixels, giving you a 5K photo of 6000 by 4000. With the 42-megapixel Sony A7R III or even the 61-megapixel Sony Alpha 7R IV, you will have much more resolution, allowing shooting 8K time-lapses.

Sony Alpha 7R III

The Sony Alpha 7R III is more photo-oriented than video-focused cameras like the A7S3 and Sony Alpha 7R IV. The Sony Alpha 7S III and Sony Alpha 7 IV have 10-bit 422; you’re stuck with 8-bit 420 in the Sony Alpha 7R III. However, that does not mean you can’t get a nice video from the Sony Alpha 7R III; it is excellent.

The Sony Alpha 7R III is weatherproof, and its successor is the Sony Alpha 7R IV. The weather sealant allows you to shoot with your camera in all weather conditions.

Sony Alpha 7R III

One of the biggest reasons the Sony Alpha 7R III is still a great camera, even in 2023, is its high resolution. With 42.4 megapixels, it can capture incredible levels of detail and clarity.

Image showing printed circuit board with LSI IC and BIONZ X image-processing engine

Further enhanced image processing engine

The latest front-end LSI makes data readout from the image sensor approximately two times faster, and the BIONZ X™ image processor is now about 1.8 times quickly. Enhanced image processing realizes lower noise and further extended dynamic range across a wide sensitivity range of up to ISO 32000 (standard ISO, expandable to ISO 50-102400 for stills). Moreover, upgraded Detail Reproduction and Area-specific Noise Reduction achieve noise reduction—approximately one stop in mid-range ISO settings. Also, the reproduction of skin colour has been dramatically improved, which is advantageous for portrait shooting. The A7R III also supports 14-bit RAW output even during silent shooting/continuous shooting.

Image showing camera body with A-mount lens mounted via an adaptor

Focal-plane phase-detection AF supports A-mount lenses.

Phase-detection AF can operate even when an A-mount lens is mounted to the Sony Alpha 7R III via an LA-EA3 adaptor that doesn’t include a dedicated phase-detection AF sensor. The 399-point focal-plane phase-detection AF system provides wide-area coverage, fast response, and high-performance tracking whether an A-mount or E-mount lens is attached.

Image showing side/rear view of camera with media cover open and two cards in dual media slots

Dual slots with UHS-II compatibility

This camera provides two media slots for an SD card (UHS-II-compatible for fast data writing) and SD/MS card. Two cards in the slots can record or relay record data simultaneously, separate RAW data from JPEG data or stills from movies, and copy data from one card to the other. The memory card cover is lockable to prevent it from being opened unintentionally.

Image illustrating fast data transfer, showing side/rear view of camera with USB cable attached

Smooth PC tethering via SuperSpeed USB 5 Gbps (USB 3.2) port

A USB Type-C® port supporting fast SuperSpeed USB 5 Gbps (USB 3.2) facilitates high-speed PC Remote transfer of large RAW data files, so you can quickly review images on a PC and continue shooting without delay. Also, a setting to transfer only JPEG files to a PC lets you check photos via PC even more quickly after continuous shooting because the camera doesn’t have to send significant volumes of RAW data.

A7R III PROS AND CONS

ProsCons
Best image high resolution and qualityNo in-build flash
Bigger battery capacity

Verdict

Is Sony Alpha 7R III still a good camera? Absolutely, yes. It is an excellent high-resolution camera for photographers needing high-resolution images—looking for a shooter or a hybrid shooter? Then steer toward cameras like the Sony Alpha 7R IV or Sony Alpha 7 III.

Small budget and only need casual video occasionally; your main goal is high-resolution photography. Sony Alpha 7R III is an excellent choice considering how portable it is. The Sony Alpha 7R IV has a monster 61-megapixel sensor but is too pricey to recommend wholeheartedly.

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Click to buy Sony Alpha 7R III

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