After years of waiting Sony has finally released its third edition of the A7s series. It is essentially a native 4k camera with impressive video specs and a revised user interface. It can capture 4k at upto 120 fps in 10 bit 4:2:2 encoding and promises 16-bit Raw video output.
Its taken Sony five years to upgrade the video-centric A7s2 to A7s3, but the wait has been worth it for keen enthusiast and professionals. Sony may have missed the mark in terms of ultimate specs updates as it doesnt boast of 6k or 8k like its rivals but its a camera designed for real-world filmmakers need right now. Apart from big and expensive cameras like the Reds and Alexas, its the only camera that can shoot 4k at 60p full frame with no crop, recorded internally, in 10 bit 4:2:2 with no limitations on recording time and with all the advanced AF functions still working.
Instead of chasing headlines, Sony has worked on giving filmmakers a camera they need, with lots of codec choices without limits on frame rates.
- 12MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
- On Sensor Phase detection
- ISO 80-102,400 (expandable to 40-409,600)
- Fully articulating 3 inch LED touchscreen
- UHD 4K 120p Video, 10-Bit 4:2:2 Internal
- 1080p at 240 fps
- 16-Bit Raw Video output at upto 60p
- 5 axis in body stabilization with Steady shot active mode
The camera also boasts of shooting 240fps at 1080p but the only way to get it is to use the camera in HD S&Q mode which means it doesnt record audio.
With an ISO range that goes from 80-102,400, expandable as low as 40 and as high as 409,600, its a camera that can pretty much see in the dark. And this sensitivity means there is a huge amount of dynamic range, which can be expanded according to the settings you choose. The AF system of the camera is one of the best in its class, thanks to the customization for video use.
It can be used to rack focus smoothly and organically, depending on the AF focus settings. The speed of focus can be adjusted over seven increments from fast to slow, and the transition speed in five steps. With great focus tracking, helped by touch-to-focus on the screen which then tracks the object as it moves, its Sony’s best yet.
If your work is predominantly video in 4k or HD then this is the camera that will suit your needs. And thats what most film makers want from their camera right now. Sony A7s mark 3 is now available for rentals with Paxton Equipments.
