Video-first creators using the Sony full-frame camera system adore the a7S series for its native 4K sensor, exceptional low-light performance, and compact form factor. The third-generation a7S III ($3,499.99, body only) ups autofocus performance for both stills and video, reduces rolling shutter, and supports 120fps capture at 4K. Along with other upgrades, there are compelling reasons to upgrade if you're still using an a7S II. Hybrid creators with a video-first mentality will be pleased with the camera's versatility, but pure cinematographers may be better served by the Sony FX3 ($3,899.99).The Video-First a7 Sony's full-frame camera line is diverse. Its a7 models cater to enthusiasts and pros, the a9 series is there for high-speed stills, and the a1 is for creators who demand uncompromising performance for both stills and video, without any compromise in speed. Despite the delineation in the model lines, there's plenty of overlap in function, handling, and tech across the ful...

The Sony a7S III has one of the best 4K video feature sets you'll find in a full-frame mirrorless camera, including 120fps capture for slow-motion playback.

12MP full-frame sensor; 4K recording at 10-bit quality; 120fps slow motion at 4K; Face and eye detection autofocus; Subject tracking at 10fps; High sensitivity for low light; 5-axis IBIS; Dust and splash protection

CFExpress cards required for best quality slow-motion video; Video autofocus doesn't work SLR lens adapters

This may just be Sony's most impressive video-centric camera to date (well, ignoring the ultra-pricey Alpha A1). By using the right sensor, processing power and heat dissipation, Sony offers full-frame recording at staggering resolutions and quality, and does so in a well-designed piece of kit. The price might make you wince though.

Great low-light performance; Strong video capabilities; Lots of flexibility offered by ports; Proper flip-out screen; Impressive autofocus and tracking; Great image quality;

It's expensive; Quite heavy with a decent lens; Menu button remains unusually placed; 12MP resolution may limit some photographers;

The Sony a7S III is a powerful video tool that can shoot 4K footage at up to 120p (up to 60p with no crop), in a variety of 10-bit formats to provide plenty of flexibility in terms of both grading and workflow. It has dependable autofocus, in-body stabilization and good battery life to boost its run-and-gun credentials. Its 12MP resolution means it's less impressive as a stills camera but it's a hugely powerful choice for independent video producers.

Run-and-gun video, all manner of 4K productions;

Landscape photography;

The Sony a7S III is a powerful video tool that can shoot 4K footage at up to 120p (up to 60p with no crop), in a variety of 10-bit formats to provide plenty of flexibility in terms of both grading and workflow.

Run-and-gun video, all manner of 4K productions

Landscape photography

I can’t find many faults with this camera. Sony has addressed nearly every complaint I’ve ever had about previous A7-series cameras, but it didn’t just stop there. It also improved autofocus and other features that I already liked, keeping the A7S III far ahead of rivals.

The A7S III retains Sony’s magnesium-alloy body that both dust + moisture resistant. More importantly, there is a graphite heatsink built into the image-stabilization unit that dissipates heat quickly. So you won’t run into any Canon EOS R5 overheating issues.

After the 8K-capabilities of the Canon EOS R5, the Sony A7S III might seem a bit of an anti-climax. I’m sure some videographers were hoping for a big jump in resolution from the 12mp A7S II.

Large pixels for great low-light performance, 4K full-pixel readout without binning and 10-bit depth 4:2:2 colour available in all recording formats, Vari-angle touchscreen and class-leading electronic viewfinder

12Mp seems low resolution for stills, Uses a new memory card format (CFexpress Type A) that's interchangeable with SD

Sony a7s III is more of a camcorder than a still camera, and therefore not suitable for all photographers.

Extreme quality 4K video, free of rolling shutter and very low image noise at high ISO. Fast and precise autofocus on both stills and video. Fantastic looking.

Only 4K video. 1.1x cropping in the highest quality, only 12 Mp stills, and Sony's cameras continue to have some ergonomic challenges. High price.

Introduction; Photography; Dynamic range; Sharpness; Rolling shutter; Autofocus; Video codecs and compression; 1080p and slo-mo recording; Overheating; Electronic viewfinder (EVF); Low light samples; White balance; Raw video recording; High ISO performance; Conclusion;

Introduction; Photography; Dynamic range; Sharpness; Rolling shutter; Autofocus; Video codecs and compression; 1080p and slo-mo recording; Overheating; Electronic viewfinder (EVF); Low light samples; White balance; Raw video recording; High ISO performance; Conclusion;

The A7S III is a good camera for photographers but an excellent one for video makers. Compact, well-built and thoughtfully designed, it possesses a raft of pro-friendly video capabilities and features that make capturing fantastic footage easier than ever. For demanding videographers, it’s quite possibly the best consumer camera on the market.

Truly superb for video shooters; Excellent low light performance; Vastly improved menu system ;

Limited appeal for stills photographers; No 8K video ;