View Full Version : New Sony A7S III


Kris Zimbelman
July 28th, 2020, 09:11 AM
Record internally in 4K up to 120p in 10-bit 4:2:2 without any limits

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/sony-alpha-a7s-iii-delivers-next-generation-video/BI/2855/KBID/3801

$3,498.00

Maybe Netflix approved?

Kris Zimbelman
July 28th, 2020, 09:25 AM
Interesting comparison

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/video/features/the-a7s-iii-compared/BI/2855/KBID/3801

Pete Cofrancesco
July 28th, 2020, 11:40 AM
I'm impressed they addressed all the major complaints. It's like they listened to users. Weird!:
- fully articulated lcd
- 10 bit raw
- 4k up to 120
- even better low light
- redesign menu!
- full size hdmi
- better af (nice but how much better)
- faster read speed to avoid rolling shutter
- no recording time limits (did I misread that?)

Larrie Easterly
July 28th, 2020, 10:05 PM
Tony and Chelsie on YouTube posted their initial review today. From what Tony said there is no 4k crop due to the 12 megapixel sensor matching the 4K frame size. He also ran a 1.5 hour recording and the camera did not overheat and shut down.

Kris Zimbelman
July 29th, 2020, 06:51 AM
Just wow!: At point in video

https://youtu.be/b_hp7HYDveQ?t=16

Kris Zimbelman
July 29th, 2020, 07:14 AM
But, conclusion is Canon R6 may be the better camera for video and is a better stills camera.

Pete Cofrancesco
July 29th, 2020, 08:07 AM
But, conclusion is Canon R6 may be the better camera for video and is a better stills camera.
No doubt the R6 is better for photography and has higher specs, but for most real world video jobs the A7sIII is far more useful, reliable, and flexible. The time it takes for the R6 to overheat is unpredictable and varies based on conditions. You can't afford for a camera to shutdown in the middle of paid gig.

One thing that can be a real deal breaker for any of these full frame cameras for event work is led banding. You can see it at 7:36 . I once did a job and it ruined the video and there was nothing I could do to fix it.

Kris Zimbelman
July 30th, 2020, 07:18 AM
Under what circumstances does banding occur? Is it the position of the LED lights?

Pete Cofrancesco
July 30th, 2020, 10:54 AM
Under what circumstances does banding occur? Is it the position of the LED lights?
Venues are increasingly changing over to led lights. These lights are not designed for video like professional lights. I found dimming exacerbates the problem. They look fine to the naked eye until you start filming. I've encountered it in theater performances, wedding receptions, and corporate events. The strength of the effect varies with the type of lights and the camera you are using. In the video you can see it's present in both cameras but shows differently. What you're seeing is the lights pulsating. When its fast its seen as a flicker, when its slow it becomes rolling dark bars.

Larrie Easterly
July 30th, 2020, 10:10 PM
IIRC the flicker comes from the LEDs turning on and off at 60 times a second. It is very noticeable filming automobile headlights.

Dave Baker
July 31st, 2020, 02:11 AM
IIRC the flicker comes from the LEDs turning on and off at 60 times a second. It is very noticeable filming automobile headlights.LEDs on mains power will flicker due to the alternating nature of the incoming supply, but cars? Their lights should not flicker, they are DC powered from the battery.

Larrie Easterly
July 31st, 2020, 10:02 PM
The flickering I see on the car headlights in films must be from the camera shutter.

Pete Cofrancesco
August 1st, 2020, 09:30 AM
The flickering I see on the car headlights in films must be from the camera shutter.
This isn't what you're talking about but reminds me of the car chase seen in Ronin. After someone pointed out the flashing headlights, I can't enjoy the scene anymore. I think it was used to communicate between the stunt car drivers.
Ronin Car Chase 2 (1998) HD - YouTube

Kris Zimbelman
August 2nd, 2020, 08:30 AM
I hate to hijack my own thread but...

Top 3 car chase scenes of all time

Number 1 Ronin.* *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iIk...ature=youtu.be

Number 2 Bullitt.*[HD] Greatest Hollywood Car Chase of All Time - Bullitt (1968) - YouTube

Number 3 THX 1138.*THX 1138 (9/10) Movie CLIP - Autojet Chase (1971) HD - YouTube

"After someone pointed out the flashing headlights, I can't enjoy the scene anymore."

Pete, it's called Viagra :)

Pete Cofrancesco
August 2nd, 2020, 09:27 AM
This is now a classic car chase thread. LOL