(update: the links to the full resolution pics have been fixed, please right-click and open in a new window/tab to view them properly)
Soooo remember when Sony announced the a7rIII and I said I probably wasn’t going to get one? Lol anyways I got one. I’m still in Singapore (it’s been a loooong work trip so far) and they released the camera a week earlier than in the USA so I went ahead and picked one up so I could post a quick first look for you with some full-size image samples!
First off, here’s the video for the YouTube channel. Please subscribe to the channel!
The video sums up my thoughts pretty well, but this camera combines really the best of the a6500, the a7rII, and the a9.
Image Samples
Ok so what I’ll do here is post some image samples that are 2048 pixels on the long edge but will post a hyperlink to the full-size jpeg if you’d like to see it (please note these files will be much larger).
None of these are really portfolio-quality images, I just wanted to get some sample images out there for everyone who was curious about the new camera, so don’t judge me too harshly.
Full resolution (right-click and open in new tab/window)
Full Resolution (right-click and open in new tab/window)
Full Resolution (right-click and open in new tab/window)
Pixel Shift Samples
Like I mentioned in the video, Pixel Shift is some cool kit from Sony to get more detailed color rendition and additional sharpness in your images. When you have a still life scene and are shooting from a tripod the camera can take four images and adjust the sensor position by 1 pixel each time. This gives native RGB values instead of interpolated values from the Bayer array. That’s all fancy nerd-talk for “results in a better image”. I took some sample images with and without pixel shift, you may need to look at the full resolution versions to tell the difference but it’s definitely there!
No pixel shift, full resolution (right-click and open in new tab/window)
Pixel shift, full resolution (right-click and open in new tab/window)
Aaaaand here’s a pixel shifted one designed to show you the awesome color rendition. Unfortunately your reviewer was a moron and forgot to take a non pixel shift version so just enjoy!
Full Resolution (right-click and open in new tab/window)
Final (First Impression) a7rIII Thoughts
This camera is a winner and is the best all-around camera on the market today. Yes, it’s better than the Nikon D850, mainly because of the video. The price is reasonable ($3200) for what you get and, like I mentioned in the video, this should drive down prices for used a7rIIs, so it’s never been better to be a Sony shooter.
Let me know what questions you have in the comments below!
Andy,
What lens is included in the $3200 price – And what is your recommendation about which other lens/lenses are a must have for the rIII
There is no lens that comes with it. Thats body only! Andy has some pricey GMaster lenses that all run like $1800 and up.
There’s no lens at the $3200 price point. They usually have a package which includes a lens for a few hundred dollars more.
I’m going to do an updated post on my current gear but I think one of the best all-around lenses for the a7 series is the new 24-105 f4 lens.
What do you think about the Sony A9?
It’s super powerful and awesome for sports shooters. I have no need for the 20fps so it’s not that important for me but I’ve used it in a sports situation and was well pleased.
Andy: Great review of 7RIII. New to Sony (from Canon & Leica). Getting A7RIII very soon. Seriously looking at the smaller form-factor A6500 as a backup for grip & grins and candids. Don’t always need 42mp! Researching the 6500’s compressed raw file format? I know APS-C will have less DR than the full frame A7RIII, but is the compressed raw dramatically less malleable than the full frame Sony? Any opinions would be helpful!
You have 4 images combined for the pixel shift image to come to life. You can use one of the 4 as a comparison.