Sony a7 III Gets Gold Award at DPReview (89% Overall Score)

Posted on by

DPReview published their full in-depth review for the Sony a7 III mirrorless camera, and the new Sony a7 III achieved an impressive 89% overall score and Gold Award from the experts at DPReview, just behind Sony a7R III.

Pros:

  • New 24 megapixel BSI sensor
  • Great low ISO dynamic range, and high ISO noise performance
  • Very reliable autofocus system closely related to Sony’s a9 sports camera
  • Updated ergonomics including an autofocus joystick
  • 10 frames-per-second burst shooting, dropping to 8 with ‘live view’
  • Very high-quality 4K and HD video, including Log capture and slow-motion
  • Perfectly expose Raw with HLG / zebras
  • Updated menu system
  • Good battery life
  • Market-leading noise reduction and detail in out-of-camera JPEGs
  • Expansive customization options for both stills and video capture
  • Good wireless connectivity
  • USB charging, USB C / 3.1 connection
  • Headphone / mic jack included

Cons:

  • Viewfinder resolution on the low side
  • Lacks DSLR feeling of ‘immediacy’ for controls and menus
  • Continuous AF at smaller apertures can result in hunting or focus failure
  • Only one card slot supports the faster UHS-II format
  • Some lenses may result in ‘striping’ in images containing flare
  • Lackluster touchscreen experience
  • Moiré artifacts may be a problem
  • Weather-sealing doesn’t appear to be as robust as competitors
  • Unintuitive video autofocus
  • Some buttons are too small and could use more tactile feedback
  • No in-camera Raw processing
  • 8-bit internal and external video capture limits Log footage flexibility

Conclusion from DPReview:

The Sony a7 III is a well-priced, well-rounded camera suitable for all kinds of photography. Twenty-four megapixels of resolution is more than sufficient for most tasks, and the 693-point autofocus system and 10 frames-per-second burst speed help the a7 III keep up with fast action. Video quality and feature set is another strong point, though some operational lag, a slightly low-resolution viewfinder and unintuitive video autofocus may turn off some users.

Read the full review at DPReview.

Sony a7R III: $3,198 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Sony a7 III: $1,998 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Sony a7 III with 28-70mm Lens: $2,198 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.