NEWS
Christmas comes early for Sony users with new E-Mount workhorse
The latest product announcements and industry developments
Sony recently announced the longawaited successor to its a7R II in the shape of the 42.4MP a7R III. Armed with a high-resolution Exmor R CMOS sensor, the new model looks set to bridge the gap between common studio and action-based camera specifications, as Sony fuse large file sizes with a speedy 10fps continuous shooting mode. This is made possible through the use of a new-generation BIONZ X processor, which Sony claims increases in-camera processing speeds by a factor of 1.8x over the Mark II predecessor. The new engine has also provided the power necessary to support an increase in sensitivity range, which now extends from ISO 50 to ISO 102,400 at the expanded high setting when shooting still images. Furthermore, processor and sensor design combine to allow an impressive dynamic range of up to 15EV – perfect for landscape photographers hoping to capture detail and colour in both shadows and highlights, during high-contrast lighting conditions. The sensor itself utilises a gapless microlens design and features a special antireflective coating, to maximise light capture and keep image noise to a minimum. This is also aided by the inclusion of Sony’s BSI (Back-Side Illuminated) technology. Another area which has seen significant upgrades is the a7R III’s autofocus system – the 25 contrast detection AF points found in the a7R II have been replaced by a new 425-point array, in addition to the staple 399 phasedetection points. The system comes with improved low-light performance, the focusing lag halved from the previous incarnation and tracking accuracy doubled. Another standout feature is the 4K video function, which comes complete with HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) compatibility, for HDR (High Dynamic
Range) playback on select televisions. When combined with Full HD shooting at 120fps, the new Sony presents itself as an attractive proposition for filmmakers, looking to travel light. As is expected from a camera in this category, the optical low-pass filter is absent for optimised detail rendition and a five-axis image stabilisation system is built-in. The brand-new a7R III is due November 2017 priced £3,200 approximately.