• 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • Medium format 1,350.0mm2
  • 64.0 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 50,000
  • Detailed specifications
  • Sony Alpha ILCE-A7
  • Leica S3
Links
Prices: Compare Prices  
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor:   Leica S2
S2 vs S3
Successor: Sony A7 II
A7 vs A7 II
 
General
Model Number: A7 S3
Alternate Model Number(s): ILCE-7  
Camera Format: Compact System Camera Pro SLR
Currently Manufactured: Yes Yes
Retail Price: $1999.99 $19.00
Street Price: $748.00  
Date Available: 2013-12-07 2020-03-06
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 27.1 oz (769 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
44.4 oz (1,260 g)
includes batteries
Size: 5.0 x 3.7 x 1.9 in.
(127 x 94 x 48 mm)
6.3 x 4.7 x 3.1 in.
(160 x 120 x 80 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer: Sony  
Effective Megapixels: 24.3 64.0
Sensor Format: 35mm Medium format
Sensor size: 855.62mm2 (35.80mm x 23.90mm) 1350mm2 (45.00mm x 30.00mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 5.97 microns 4.59 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 1.0x 0.8x
Aspect Ratio: 3:2 3:2
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed None
Self-Cleaning: Yes No
Sensor shift image stabilization: No No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: Yes No
DxO Sensor Score: 90  
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 24.8  
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 14.2  
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 2,248  
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 6000 x 4000 (24.0 MP, 3:2),
3936 x 2624 (10.3 MP, 3:2),
3008 x 2000 (6.0 MP, 3:2),
3936 x 2624 (10.3 MP, 3:2),
3008 x 2000 (6.0 MP, 3:2),
1968 x 1312 (2.6 MP, 3:2),
6000 x 3376 (20.3 MP, 16:9),
3936 x 2216 (8.7 MP, 16:9),
3008 x 1688 (5.1 MP, 16:9),
3936 x 2216 (8.7 MP, 16:9),
3008 x 1688 (5.1 MP, 16:9),
1968 x 1112 (2.2 MP, Other),
12416 x 1856 (23.0 MP, Other),
8192 x 1856 (15.2 MP, Other),
2160 x 5536 (12.0 MP, Other),
2160 x 3872 (8.4 MP, Other)
9800 x 6530 (64.0 MP, 3:2)
Image File Format: JPEG, RAW (14-bit ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG JPEG, RAW (Adobe .DNG), RAW+JPEG Fine/Basic
Continuous-mode frames/second: 5.0 3.0
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1920x1080 (60p(28Mbps)/​60i(24/​17Mbps)/​24p(24/​17Mbps))
1440x1080 (30p(12Mbps))
640x480 (30p(3Mbps))
4096x2160 (24p)
1920x1080 (30p/​25p/​24p)
Movie File Format: AVCHD 2.0 / MP4; Audio: Dolby Digital (AC-3) / MPEG-4 AAC-LC, stereo MOV (motion JPEG)
Composite Video Out: No No
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: n/a n/a
Video Usable as Viewfinder: n/a n/a
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Sony E Leica S bayonet
Lens: Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS SEL2870 n/a
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 28 - 70mm  
Focal Length (actual): 28 - 70mm  
Zoom Ratio: 2.50x  
Aperture Range: f/3.5 - f/22 (wide) / f/5.6 - f/36 (tele); 7 diaphragm blades (circular)  
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range: 40 cm to Infinity
15.7 in to Infinity
 
Macro Focus Range:    
Filter Thread: 55.0mm n/a
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: Yes No
Digital Zoom: Yes No
Digital Zoom Values: Up to 4x; up to 2x Clear Image Digital Zoom n/a
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: Fast Hybrid AF (Phase-detect + Contrast-detect AF): 117 points (phase-detection AF), 25 points (contrast-detection AF); Multi Point (25 points) / Center-weighted / Flexible Spot (S/M/L) / Zone Phase-detect TTL with central cross-hair sensor: Choice of AFs (single) = Sharpness priority, AFc (continuous) = Shutter release priority, MF (manual), Manual override of automatic setting possible at any time; Contrast detect AF during live view at any point in image
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes No
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: EVF / LCD Optical / LCD
Viewfinder Type: EVF: 0.5-inch (1.30cm) 2.4M-dot XGA color OLED, 100% coverage, 0.71x magnification, -4.0 to +3.0 diopter High eyepoint pentaprism viewfinder, 98% coverage, 0.87x magnification, -3 to +1 diopter correction, interchangeable focusing screen, ground glass screen with microprism ring and split image (standard)
Focus Peaking: Yes Yes
EVF Resolution: 2,359,296 dots (786,432 pixels) n/a
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.71x 1.09x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 0.71x 0.87x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 3.0
Rear Display Resolution: 921,600 dots (307,200 px) 921,600 dots
Touchscreen: No No
Articulating Screen: Yes No
Tilt Swivel Screen: No No
Selfie Screen: No No
Max Playback Zoom: 18.8x  
Top Deck Display: No Yes
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 25600 50000
Minimum ISO (native): 100 100
ISO Settings: Auto (100-6400), 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 25600; Low extention to ISO 50; up to 51200 in MFNR mode Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12500, 25000, 50000
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent (4 settings), Flash, Custom, Color Temp./ Filter (2500-9900K with 15-step Magenta/Green compensation), Underwater Automatic, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, HMI, Fluorescent, Halogen warm, Halogen cool, Flash, Tungsten, Grey card (determined from image), Grey card Live View, Color temperature (Kelvin)
Shutter Speed Range: 1/8000 - 30 sec 1/4000 - 125 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes Yes
Exposure Compensation: +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 3.0EV in 0.5EV steps
Metering Modes: 1200-zone Evaluative Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot Multi-segment (5 fields), Center-weighted, Spot (3.5% of image frame)
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: Scene Modes: Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait, Night Scene, Hand-held Twilight, Anti Motion Blur; Sweep Panorama; HDR: Auto Exposure Difference, Exposure difference Level (1-6 EV at 1.0 EV step),  
Self Timer: 2 or 10; 3/5 shots after 10 seconds 2, 12 seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer):    
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: No No
Flash Modes: Flash off, Auto flash, Fill-flash, Slow Sync., Rear Sync., Hi-speed Sync, Wireless; Red-eye reduction: On/Off TTL pre-flash metering, with automatic transmission and consideration of sensitivity and set/controlled lens aperture, all exposure modes available, automatic adaptation of flash light component to available light; First or second curtain sync
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): n/a n/a
Flash Range Description: n/a n/a
Max Flash Sync: 1/250 1/125 or 1/1000 depending on lens (shutter type)
Flash Exposure Compensation: +/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: Multi Interface Hot shoe Hot shoe
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:   No
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: MS PRO Duo / SD / SDHC / SDXC CF1 / SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support: UHS-I No UHS support
Other Memory:   Dual SD + CF (UDMA7)
Dual Card Slots: No Yes
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: RAW (14-bit ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG RAW (Adobe .DNG), RAW+JPEG Fine/Basic
Movie File Format: AVCHD 2.0 / MP4; Audio: Dolby Digital (AC-3) / MPEG-4 AAC-LC, stereo MOV (motion JPEG)
Included Memory: No memory included No memory included
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: Yes Yes
NFC: Yes No
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: No Yes
Microphone Jack: Yes Yes
Headphone Jack: Yes Yes
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed,WiFi USB 3.0 Super Speed,WiFi
PictBridge Compliant: No No
DPOF Compliant: Yes No
Remote Control: Yes Yes
Remote Control Type: Optional via RM-VPR1, USB or Wi-Fi Cabled or Wi-Fi
Connections (extended): Multi-Terminal Micro USB (with remote support), Type-D Micro HDMI, Microphone and Headphone jacks Mini HDMI Type C, X-sync, 7-pin LEMO socket for remote accessories, contact strip for multi-function hand grip, audio in (3.5 mm jack) and audio out (3.5 mm jack) with audio adapter S (supplied with the camera)
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 0.67  
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): 0.79  
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): Unlimited  
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot): 0.79  
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 5.0 3.0
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 50 Unlimited
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 5.0 3.0
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames): 28 6
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 5.0  
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames): 24  
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.23 seconds  
Shutter lag (full AF, tele):    
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter Lag (manual focus): 0.132 seconds  
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash):    
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.023 seconds  
Shutter Lag (notes): Full AF shutter lag, Multi-area AF mode = 0.230s  
Startup Time: 2.1 seconds  
Play -> Record Time: 0.7 seconds  
Flash cycle time, full power:    
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View): 340 shots  
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): 270 shots  
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary Proprietary 7.4V, 2850mAh
Usable Battery Types: NP-FW50 Lithium-ion rechargeable Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary NP-FW50 Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x 7.4V, 2850mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: No No
Internal Charging Supported: Yes No
Software
Included Software: Image Data Converter 4, PlayMemories Home  
OS Compatibility: Windows Vista/7/8; Mac OS X 10.6 or later. (PlayMemories Home is Windows only.)  
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: World's smallest, lightest interchangeable lens full-frame camera (along with Sony A7R); Fast Hybrid AF; Compatible with Sony's E-mount lens system and new full-frame lenses.