The new full-frame 12.1-megapixel back-illuminated Exmor RTM CMOS image sensor packs major innovations in light gathering, wiring and output optimisation. These deliver blazing doubled readout speeds, superb image quality throughout the whole sensitivity range, 15-stop wide dynamic range, and reduced rolling shutter, with the sensor also providing focal-plane phase-detection AF.

Along with the new sensor and its unprecedented speed, the BIONZ XR image processing engine has also been newly developed and packs up to 8x more processing power. With a future-oriented architecture, it delivers high quality images faster for superlative still and video expression, as well as dramatically improved camera interface responsiveness.

The renowned sensitivity of the series scales new heights, with an expanded ISO range for movies from 80 to a remarkable 409600 (standard range 80 - 102400). With advanced light-gathering and output optimisation, the 12.1-megapixel full-frame sensor achieves low noise throughout the sensitivity range, and can capture usable images in near total darkness.

The inclusion of Sony’s acclaimed S-Cinetone look, inherited from the development of the Cinema Line FX9 and CineAlta cameras such as VENICE, allows cinematic colour to be achieved directly in-camera. S-Cinetone is optimised for natural skin tones and mid-range colours, with gentle highlight roll-off, for impressive subject depiction without grading at post production as a workflow.

The wide-area AF uses intelligent tracking and on-sensor phase-detection covering most of the frame. The result is that every bit of supremely accurate and tenacious AF performance is extracted in combination with high-quality E-mount lenses, even when shooting moving subjects at shallow depths-of-field in 4K and at 120p frame rates

Real-time Tracking analyses subject colour, pattern, depth, and face information to track the subject. Touch Tracking intuitively and automatically tracks a subject touched on the LCD screen. Real-time Eye AF uses AI to ensure pinpoint focusing precision for eyes, with performance now improved by 30% on profile or partially-obscured faces. Tenacious eye tracking lets you concentrate on composition even with a shallow focus depth.

With an amazingly wide standard ISO range of 80-102400 (expandable to 40-409600 for stills), the α7S III offers incredible creative opportunities. The newly-developed image sensor and image processing algorithms produce even cleaner images and more natural textures than the previous α7S II model, even when shooting in near total darkness.