Sony A7r III setup guide with tips and tricks

Introduction

Although the Sony A7r III uses the same 42.2MP Full-frame BSI sensor as the older mark 2 version, there are also many new features and functions. These mainly focus on enhanced speed, with now more AF points, a write-to-SD-card-buffer and an entirely new Bionz X processor. These will definitely make the ILCE-7RM3 a more useable camera in terms of speed and functionality whilst still retaining the fantastic image quality of the original mark 2.  There are a few changes in the menu system when compared to previous Sony models, especially If you upgraded from an A7rm2. We’ll have a page-by-page look at the menus in this post. If you’re looking for a particular feature, I would suggest that you use the search function in your preferred browser, as this post is quite long.

Sony A7r III menu system overview

MENU → Red Camera Icon → page 1

File Format:

Do you edit your pictures on your desktop? If so, set to RAW or RAW jpeg. A RAW file saves all information the camera pixels register during shooting and will make for better quality images if you want to edit in something like Adobe Lightroom.

A jpeg is a compressed image (available in FINE (larger) and STANDARD (smaller, less quality) which takes up less space on your SD card but is less suited for editing afterward. Jpeg images will also have in-camera noise reduction applied, something you might or might not want to take care of yourself later, depending on your style and preference.image size

RAW file type:

You can choose between either compressed or uncompressed RAW. Compressed files are smaller, but there is also a small degradation of quality, especially noticeable in long exposures and scenes with high contrast. If you notice haloing in the sky during post-processing for instance, then this is an artifact of that compression.

JPEG Quality:

Standard, fine and extra fine are selectable. Extra fine will give you the best possible quality JPEG. This includes noise reduction and sharpening from the on-board JPEG engine.

JPEG Image size:

Large, medium or small is selectable. Large is preferred. 

Aspect ratio:

You can choose 3:2 (which uses the full sensor surface) or 16:9 (crop but a more broad view). Leave as is at 3:2, you can always crop your pictures later.

APS-C/Super 35mm:

This setting tells the camera what to do when you’ve attached an APS-C lens to this full-frame camera. An APS-C lens won’t cover the full surface of the sensor, or you’ll notice heavy vignetting towards the edges of the frame. When recording movies, this crop is called Super 35mm. The principle here is that you use any a part of the surface of the sensor. If you want to do this, don’t worry too much about image quality as this is a high megapixel camera leaving you with a usable 15MP in APS-C mode.

• On: Records in either APS-C-equivalent size or Super 35mm-equivalent size.
• Auto: Automatically sets the capture range depending on the lens.
• Off: Always captures 35mm full-size image sensor pictures.

MENU → Red Camera Icon → page 2

Long Exposure NR

Set if you want the processing engine to apply noise reduction for images captured with a long exposure time. Leave it ON as there is no way of duplicating this process in post-production, except to take a black frame of the same length in the same atmospheric conditions.

High ISO NR

Here you can select the amount of noise reduction applied to images with high ISO settings (when quality is set to jpeg). As Sony has rather aggressive noise reduction, I would change it to Low. (if not, you run the risk of getting paint-like, smeared images at higher ISO values).

Color Space

You can choose between Standard and Adobe (extended color range) RGB. This is only important if you shoot JPEG and not RAW. Adobe RGB would be preferable if you print many images because of the extended color range.

Lens Comp

The Sony A7r III allows you to select whether you would like to apply various lens compensations (shading, chromatic aberration, distortion) even when shooting in RAW. I leave this ON, but you might get a conflict with RAW files and using a lens profile in programs like Lightroom where you’ll see a reverse vignette for instance. 

MENU → Red Camera Icon → page 3

Drive Mode

As usual, Single and Continuous shooting modes are available. Single will take one exposure when you press the shutter, continuous will continue taking exposures until the buffer fills up. If you want to take advantage of the buffer, you should set your A7rm3 to continuous. If not, the camera will write every exposure separately to your SD card.

Bracket Settings

You can set the self-timer in bracket shooting mode, and the shooting order for exposure bracketing and white balance bracketing.

• Self-timer during Brkt: Sets whether to use the self-timer during bracket shooting. Also, sets the number of seconds until the shutter is released if using the self-timer. (OFF/2 Sec/5 Sec/10 Sec)
• Bracket order: Sets the order of exposure bracketing and white balance bracketing.

PX Shift Multi Shoot

The Sony A7rIII  has a new function called Pixel shift. This increases the resolution of your images by 4 times. The camera taxes 4 photos and shifts the sensor 1 pixel in between using the SteadyShot function. This works best when there is no movement in your scene, and these 4 images need to be combined in a special app from Sony called Imaging Edge.

Shooting images remotely using Imaging Edge:

1. Adjust the settings before shooting.

   Adjust the shooting settings (such as composition, focus, and exposure) while checking the Live View screen in Remote.

   • You can shoot and check a trial image before the actual shooting by setting the number of shots to [1 Photo].

2. Perform the actual shooting.

   Set the shooting interval and perform the actual shooting.

3. Combine the images.

   When you are done shooting, the uncombined RAW images (ARW format) are transferred to the computer. Combined RAW data (ARQ format) is generated on the computer.

4. Adjust and develop.

   You can adjust the RAW data in Edit and develop it into JPEG data, etc

Combining the images using Imaging Edge after shooting with the camera alone:

1. Shoot with the camera alone using the Pixel Shift Multi Shooting function.

2. Import the images to the computer and select the images (ARW) in Viewer.

3. Combine the images.

   The images are combined and RAW data (ARQ) is generated.

4. Adjust and develop.

   You can adjust the RAW data in Edit and develop it into JPEG data, etc.

MR: Recall (Camera Settings1/Camera Settings2)

This functionality allows you to shoot an image after recalling often-used modes or camera settings registered with the Mode Dial memory positions in advance. It is now also possible to save your camera settings to a memory card and recall them later (or on a different camera). This is done by using the ‘select Rec. media’ function inside this menu.

MR: Memory (Camera Settings1/Camera Settings2)

This setting allows you to register up to 3 often-used modes or product settings to the product and up to 4 (M1 through M4) to the memory card. You can recall the settings using just the mode dial. You can register various functions for shooting. The items that you can register are displayed on the menu of the camera. Aperture and Shutter speed are always available. You’ll need to select your SD card first using the ‘select Rec. media’ function inside the prior menu.

Select Media

Selects which of the two SD cards will be used to store your personal custom MR settings.

MENU → Red Camera Icon → page 4

Reg Cust Shoot Set

You can save a number of settings here to a customized  Shoot Set. There are 3 shoot sets available that you can recall at any time. You can import your current settings to one of these three shoot sets. You can also store these on your SD card and move them from camera to camera.

You can save the following settings:

• Shoot Mode (Like program Auto)
• Aperture
• Shutter Speed
• Drive Mode
• Exposure compensation
• ISO (like Auto or a single ISO value)
• Metering Mode
• Focus Mode
• Focus Area
• AF On

 

MENU → Red Camera Icon → page 5

Focus Mode

Selects the focus method to suit the movement of the subject.

AF-S (Single-shot AF):

The camera locks the focus once focusing is complete. Use this when the subject is motionless.

AF-C (Continuous AF):

The camera continues to focus while the shutter button is pressed and held halfway down. Use this when the subject is in motion. In [Continuous AF] mode, there is no beep when the camera focuses.

DMF (DMF):

You can make fine adjustments manually after performing autofocusing, letting you focus on a subject more quickly than when using the manual focus from the beginning. This is convenient in situations such as macro shooting.

MF (Manual Focus):

Adjusts the focus manually. If you cannot focus on the intended subject using autofocus, use manual focus.

Priority Set in AF-S:

Sets whether to release the shutter even if the subject is not in focus when Focus Mode is set to Single-shot AF, DMF or Automatic AF and the subject is still.

Options are:

• AF: Prioritizes focusing. The shutter will not be released until the subject is in focus.
• Release: Prioritizes the shutter’s release. The shutter will be released even if the subject is out of focus.

Priority Set in AF-C:

Sets whether to release the shutter even if the subject is not in focus when the continuous AF is activated and the subject is in motion. Balanced works great for any type of photography.

Choose between:

• AF: Prioritizes focusing. The shutter will not be released until the subject is in focus.
• Release: Prioritizes the shutter’s release. The shutter will be released even if the subject is out of focus.
• Balanced Emphasis: Shoots with a balanced emphasis on both focusing and shutter release.

Focus area

The Sony A7r III  has an advanced autofocus system with 399 phase detection autofocus points and 425 contrast AF points on the sensor. This makes it one of the fastest and most reliable AF systems in the world. You might think it is best to leave it on the wide factory setting (as this uses all AF points), but for certain scenes, it is often better to use a zone or flexible spot to get it to focus on what you want.

• Wide: Wide focus area uses all focus points on the sensor. Ideal for action scenes where there is a lot of movement going on in your frame.
• Zone: Zone allows you to select one of 9 predefined areas where autofocus will be active. These zones each cover about 25% of the screen, with a slight overlap. You can quickly change the area by pressing the multi-controller button and navigating to any of the other areas.
• Center: Focusses on whatever is centered in your images. A fail-proof way of getting the camera to focus on what you want. If you have any problems using the autofocus and are in a situation where you don’t want to miss any shots, revert to Center and just make sure you have your subject centered.
• Flexible spot: Flexible spot area selects a place anywhere on the screen where the camera should focus. (similar to Center spot, except not.. in the center)  You can set it to small, medium or large. If you want to use this focus area, set it to medium or large, as the camera will struggle to find focus when setting to small (except perhaps for close-up portraits where you’d want to focus on the iris of the eye)
• Expand Flexible spot: If the camera can’t focus on a single selected point, it uses focus points around the flexible spot as a secondary priority area for focusing.
• Lock-on AF: When the shutter button is pressed and held halfway down, the camera tracks the subject within the selected autofocus area. This setting is available only when the focus mode is set to Continuous AF. Point the cursor to ‘Lock-on AF’ on the Focus Area setting screen, and then adjust the desired area to start tracking by pressing the multi-selector left/right. You can also move the tracking start area to the desired point by designating the area as a flexible spot or expand flexible spot. If you’re coming from a DSLR, try to use this setting.

Focus Settings

Focus setting allows you to use the wheel, joystick or touch screen to move your focus point to any of the 693 on sensor phase detection points.

Swt. V/H AF Area

This is called Orientation linked AF points in Canon language. Switch AF point/AF Area to align with your subject in landscape mode (horizontal) if you change the camera orientation to Portrait (vertical) mode.

Off: disable this feature

AF Point Only: If you switch to portrait mode, the A7r III will automatically move the AF point in use up to align with your subject.

AF Point AF Area: If you switch to portrait mode, the A7r III will automatically move the AF point and AF area in use up.

(MENU → Red Camera Icon → page 6)

This is a new Menu from the 2019 version 3 firmware update. You’ll notice that Face/Eye AF Set has been added.

AF illuminator

The AF illuminator is a little red light allowing the camera to focus more easily when the shutter button is pressed halfway. It automatically is switched off when you fully press the shutter. Leave it on except if you are using an underwater housing.

Center Lock-on AF

This is a very powerful autofocus feature. When turned ON, it allows you to track a subject. In the iAuto mode, you can access this feature (when turned ON and the Sony A7r III is set to AF) by pressing the Center button of the multi-controller. You’ll see a square on your screen, then center your desired tracking subject and the camera will continue to track it, even when it exits your frame and reappears.

Face/Eye AF Set

Face/eye Prty in AF

This will turn on continuous face and eye detection. As opposed to the previous firmware update, it’s now not necessary to assign and press a custom button to engage eye autofocus. The camera will do this automatically and autonomously from now on.

Tip: it might however still be a good idea to assign this ON/Off menu item to your old custom button when shooting a variety of scenes (as opposed to only portraits). This means you’ll be able to switch between the camera constantly looking for eyes to lock on too and any other ‘normal’ autofocus mode. It’s also of course still possible to use Eye AF as before, where it will override your selected focus area and the A7 III will focus on the eye as long as your custom button of choice is pressed.

Real time Eye AF works differently with Different focus areas:

• WIDE: Eye AF will search & track an eye in the entire frame.
• ZONE: Eye AF will search & track an eye in the within the selected Zone.
• CENTER: Eye AF will search & track an eye in the center of the frame (Not recommended)
• FLEXIBLE SPOT: L,M,S: Eye AF will search & track an eye within the selected Flexible Spot (Large works best for this setting).
• If you want to focus on a specific animal’s eye when the displayed face of that animal is very small, or two or more animals are displayed on the screen, set the focus area to Flexible Spot and then focus on the subject so that it is easier for the camera to detect the eye.
• EXPAND FLEXIBLE SPOT: Eye AF will search & track an eye in the area within or surrounding the Flexible Spot
• LOCK-ON AF: EXPAND FLEXIBLE SPOT: Not compatible with Real Time Eye AF

Subject Detection

Choose between either human or animal subjects for Eye AF. Animal Eye AF works well with cats and dogs for the moment, Sony has promised to further develop this functionality to add other animals too.

Face Dtct Frame Disp

Sets whether or not to display the face detection frame when a human face is detected. Turn On.

(Animal) Eye Display

When On is set, the white eye detection frame appears over the eye. Should be turned on in order to see where the camera is focussing.

AF track sens:

High is useful when shooting fast action scenes. The standard mode works fine in most situations, but you can also try responsive if you need faster tracking capabilities. Locked on keeps the focus on a specific subject when other things are crossing in front of the subject.

AF system:

Here you can select the focus detection system (Phase Detection AF/Contrast AF) when you attach an Amount lens using an LA-EA1/LA-EA3 Mount Adaptor.

• Phase Detection AF: Focuses with Phase Detection AF. The focusing speed is very fast.
• Contrast AF: Always focuses with Contrast AF. The focusing speed is slower but more precise. Use when you cannot focus with Phase Detection AF.

AF with shutter

Selects whether to focus automatically when you press the shutter button halfway down. Leave ON.

AF track sens:

High is useful when shooting fast action scenes. The standard mode works fine in most situations, but you can also try responsive if you need faster tracking capabilities. Locked on keeps the focus on a specific subject when other things are crossing in front of the subject.

AF system:

Here you can select the focus detection system (Phase Detection AF/Contrast AF) when you attach an Amount lens using an LA-EA1/LA-EA3 Mount Adaptor.

• Phase Detection AF: Focuses with Phase Detection AF. The focusing speed is very fast.
• Contrast AF: Always focuses with Contrast AF. The focusing speed is slower but more precise. Use when you cannot focus with Phase Detection AF.

AF with shutter

Selects whether to focus automatically when you press the shutter button halfway down. Leave ON.

MENU → Red Camera Icon → page 7

Pre-AF 

Select if the Sony A7r III will automatically adjust focus before you press the shutter button halfway down.

Eye-Start AF:

This configuration starts AF once the EVF sensor has detected your eye near the viewfinder. I’ve never used it personally, but some people might find this setting interesting as it can prolong battery life.

AF Area Regist.

Another feature inherited from Canon. By registering an AF area/point, you have a quick way to move between points without having the thumb-stick of scroll across the AF field. For example, a bird photographer can set their camera up so they can quickly switch from a spot AF point for precisely focusing on a static subject, to a wide AF pattern for quickly acquiring and tracking a bird in flight.

Del. Reg. AF Area

Deletes the registered AF area in AF Area Regist.

AF Area Auto Clear:

Sets whether the focus area should be displayed all the time or should disappear automatically shortly after focus is achieved.

Disp. cont. AF Area

You can set whether or not to display the focus area that is in focus when[Focus Area] is set to Wide or Zone and Focus Mode is set to Continuous AF.

MENU → Red Camera Icon → page 8

Phase Detect Area:

Use only the phase detection points.

AF Micro Adj.:

Allows you to adjust and register autofocused positions for each lens when using an A-mount lens with the Mount Adaptor LA-EA2 or LA-EA4. In general use, you do not need to adjust the autofocused position using this function. Use this function only when adjustments are needed for certain focus areas or focal lengths. Use this function only when adjustments are needed for certain focal lengths.

MENU → Red Camera Icon → page 9

Exposure Comp

(Also available in the Quick Menu, accessed by pressing the FN button):

If you find that your image is overexposed (for instance when you are shooting at large apertures for a shallow depth-of-field in bright daylight), you can tweak the exposure compensation here in a plus or minus 5 (exact EV dependent on next step) range.

Reset EV Comp

Sets whether to maintain the exposure value set using Custom Settings when you turn off the power when the exposure compensation dial position is set to 0.

ISO

You can select at which ISO value you’d like to capture your image or change the Auto ISO range.

I have this range set between 100-3200 as this range is virtually noise-free, and I don’t like the ISO performance above 3200. In a pinch, when you’re getting blurred images due to a too long shutter speed at low ISO,  you can experiment with higher ISO settings. It’s better to get a sharp but noisy image than a blurred one….

Iso Auto Min SS.

This is a useful and exciting setting. If you select ISO AUTO you are in  P (Program Auto) or A (Aperture Priority) mode; you can set the shutter speed at which the ISO sensitivity starts changing. The difference in shutter speed at which ISO sensitivity starts to change between [Faster], [Fast], [Standard], [Slow], and [Slower] is 1 EV.

You have three possibilities here:

• FASTER (Faster)/FAST (Fast): The ISO sensitivity will start to change at shutter speeds faster than the Standard (normal). This will help you prevent getting blurred images when shooting action or sports. This at the cost of raising the ISO and noise in your images. Remember this is linked to your Auto ISO settings, so it won’t go any higher than your upper limit, even if the camera is capable of doing so.
• STD (Standard): The camera automatically sets the shutter speed based on the focal length of the lens.
• SLOW (Slow)/SLOWER (Slower): The ISO sensitivity will start to change at shutter speeds slower than the Standard setting. This enables you to shoot images with less noise. Never to be used if you want to shoot action, but can be useful if you are a landscape or architecture photographer who likes to walk around without a tripod yet takes some time to frame and shoot images carefully.
• 1/8000 ― 30″: The ISO sensitivity starts to change at the shutter speed you have set.

Metering Mode

Metering mode refers to the way the camera reads the light and sets the exposure.

In multi, it considers the whole frame and sets exposure according to internal algorithms programmed in camera.

In spot or center, the camera only considers what is in that spot or the center (per example, if your subject is completely black, the camera will try to compensate by overexposing the image).

• Multi: Measures light on each area after dividing the total area into multiple areas and determines the proper exposure of the entire screen (Multi-pattern metering).
• Center: Measures the average brightness of the entire screen, while emphasizing the central area of the screen (Center-weighted metering).
• Spot: Measures only the central area (Spot metering). This mode is suitable for measuring light on a specified part of the entire screen. The size of the metering circle can be selected from [Spot: Standard] and [Spot: Large]. The position of the metering circle depends on the setting for [Spot Metering Point].
• Entire Screen Avg.: Measures the average brightness of the entire screen. The exposure will be stable even if the composition or the position of the subject changes.
• Highlight: Measures the brightness while emphasizing the highlighted area on the screen. This mode is suitable for shooting the subject while avoiding overexposure.

Tip: When [Spot] is selected and [Focus Area] is set to either [Flexible Spot] or [Expand Flexible Spot] while [Spot Metering Point] is set to [Focus Point Link], the spot metering point can be coordinated with the focus area.

Face Priority in Multi Metering Mode

A very interesting addition to the metering possibilities. When Metering mode is set to multi, this function allows you to set the priority of the light metering to detected faces for a better exposure. great for portraits.

Self Timer Type

You can choose between shooting a single image with the self-timer or a designated number of images.

• Self-timer (single: Shoots an image using the self-timer after a designated number of seconds have elapsed since the shutter button was pressed.
• Self-timer(Cont): Shoots a designated number of images using the self-timer after a designated number of seconds have elapsed since the shutter button was pressed.

MENU → Red Camera Icon → page 10

Spot Metering Point

Sets whether to coordinate the spot metering position with the focus area when Focus Area is set to Flexible Spot or Expand Flexible Spot.

• Center: The spot metering position does not coordinate with the focus area, but always meters brightness at the center.
• Focus Point Link: The spot metering position coordinates with the focus area.

Exposure step

You can set the setting range for the shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation values either .3 or .5 EV steps.

AEL w shutter

Sets whether to fix the exposure when you press the shutter button halfway down. Select Off to adjust the focus and the exposure separately.

• Auto (default setting): Fixes the exposure after adjusting the focus automatically when you press the shutter button halfway down when Focus Mode is set to Single-shot AF.
• On: Fixes the exposure when you press the shutter button halfway down.
• Off: Does not adjust the exposure when you press the shutter button halfway down. Use this mode when you want to change focus and exposure separately.

The camera keeps adjusting the exposure while shooting in Cont. Shooting or Spd Priority Cont. mode. Operation using the AEL button is prioritized over the AEL w/ shutter settings.

Exposure Std. Adjust

Adjusts this camera’s standard for the correct exposure value for each metering mode. You can set a value from -1 EV to 1 EV in 1/6 EV increments.

MENU → Red Camera Icon → page 11

Flash Mode:

(Also available in the Quick Menu accessed by pressing the FN button)

If you have purchased a flash for your A7r III, it’s important to learn about the different Flash Modes. If you’re new to photography, I’d suggest setting it to Auto, where the camera will decide when and how you need the flash.

If you’d like to get more into flash photography, you should read up on the different possibilities and what their effect would be on your images. This is a basic explanation of what the different modes do:

• fill flash: A fill flash is useful even in daylight to fill the shadows with light (like a person in the shade).

• Slow sync: Tells the camera to use a longer shutter speed along with a flash, and thus is better for night shots. In manual and shutter priority modes, there is no difference in flash power. But when using aperture priority, program, or auto, choosing slow sync tells the camera to use a longer shutter speed than it would ordinarily pick.What the slow sync flash mode does is a first fire the flash for the subject exposure, then allow for a longer shutter speed that will allow for more ambient light to be captured by the sensor.

• Rear Sync: Capturing an image involves two shutter actions: one when the capture starts and on when it stops. Rear Sync tells the flash to fire right before the shutter closes. Moving objects will show a streak where they came from and a sharp image where they were at the end of the exposure. This conveys a sense of speed with moving objects. Rear Sync is a creative technique, if you’d like to know more about this type of photography, I’d suggest doing a Google search on ‘Rear Sync Flash Photography.’
• Wireless: Select wireless is if want to use the in-camera flash to trigger an external flash like the Sony HVL-43M (with TTL!). Using an external flash is helpful when shooting weddings and dimly-lit subject matter, You can use your main flash to light the subject, and your external flash to light the background.

Notes on using te Sony A7r III with an off-camera flash system like Godox or Flashpoint:

• For basic operation, set the camera to ‘ambient’ flash.
• Turn OFF Live view display (MENU → Purple Camera Icon → page 7).

Flash comp or Flash compensation:

Especially when using Slow Sync or Rear Sync Flash modes, you might have to lower the power of the Flash to get a decently exposed image. (Also available in the Quick Menu accessed by pressing the FN button).

Exp comp set

Selects if the Exposure compensation function ( -5 in 0.5EV or 0.3EV steps) also reduces flash power or not. Leave it to Ambient And Flash, unless if you want to use HSS sync with flashes, then it is handy to be able to control exposure and flash output separately.

Wireless Flash:

On previous Sony cameras, Wireless was treated as a Flash Mode. This was not a problem except if you wanted wireless flash with Rear-curtain flash sync, which was Flash Mode. The Sony a7R III separates Wireless Flash from Flash Modes. This enables you to use Wireless Flash in conjunction with Rear-Sync. (Once you enable Wireless Flash in the menu there’s no reason to turn it off)

Red Eye Reduction:

This anti-Red Eye setting quickly fires the flash before your image capture starts, reducing the red-eye effect often seen when using a flash.

(MENU → Red Camera Icon → page 12)

White Balance

You can either set the white balance to Auto, where the camera tries to guess what the neutral grey value is, or use one of the preset white balance settings for different lighting conditions or customize the white balance according to your preference or using a grey card.

Priority Set in AWB

Selects which tone to prioritize when shooting under lighting conditions such as incandescent light when White Balance is set to Auto.

• Standard: Shoots with standard auto white balance. The camera automatically adjusts the color tones.
• Ambience: Prioritizes the color tone of the light source. This is suitable when you want to produce a warm atmosphere.
• White: Prioritizes a reproduction of white color when the color temperature of the light source is low.

DRO/Auto HDR

DRO:

This stands for Dynamic range optimise and analyses the contrast of your scene in real-time. It produces an image with optimal brightness and recovered shadow detail. You can use this function even while the subject is moving or during the continuous shooting.

Auto HDR:

(not available for RAW captures) this feature Shoots three images with different exposures and then overlays the bright area of the underexposed image and the dark area of the overexposed image to create a picture with an extended range from highlight to shadow.

The highlight detail in auto HDR is better than that in DRO and with reduced noise. The shutter is released three times, so using this function for moving subjects is not recommended.

Creative Style

The Sony creative styles can best be explained as being film emulations (the same way as do some other camera manufacturers implements this). There is a range of styles available from vivid color to black and white. If you’re shooting RAW, these styles are embedded, but can always be zeroed after importing them to you RAW editor of choice. Jpegs are saved with this styling applied. It is always useful to try some of these and can be a real boost for your creativity, as you will notice that you make different images in say black-and-white as opposed to color.

• Standard: For shooting various scenes with rich gradation and beautiful colors.
• Vivid: The saturation and contrast are heightened for shooting striking images of colorful scenes and subjects such as flowers, spring greenery, blue sky, or ocean views.
• Neutral: The saturation and sharpness are lowered for shooting images in subdued tones. This is also suitable for capturing image material to be modified with a computer.
• Clear: For shooting images in clear tones with limpid colors in highlight, suitable for capturing radiant light.
• Deep: For shooting images with deep and dense colors, suitable for capturing the solid presence of the subject.
• Light: For shooting images with bright and simple colors, suitable for capturing a refreshingly light ambiance.
• Portrait: For capturing skin in a soft tone, ideally suited for shooting portraits.
• Landscape: The saturation, contrast, and sharpness are heightened for shooting vivid and crisp scenery. Distant landscapes also stand out more. Sunset: For shooting the beautiful red of the setting sun.
• Night Scene: The contrast is lowered for reproducing night scenes.
• Autumn leaves: For shooting autumn scenes, vividly highlighting the reds and yellows of changing leaves.
• Black & White: For shooting images in black and white monotone.
• Sepia: For shooting images in sepia monotone.

You can edit these different styles and save your own creative style if you want.

This functionality can be changed:

• Contrast: The higher the value selected, the more the difference of light and shadow is accentuated, and the bigger the effect on the image.
• Saturation: The higher the value selected, the more vivid the color. When a lower value is selected, the color of the image is restrained and subdued.
• Sharpness: Adjusts the sharpness. The higher the value selected, the more the contours are accentuated, and the lower the value selected, the more the contours are softened.

Picture Effect

Think of this menu as an Instagram app right in your camera, with all kinds of retro filters and effects. These are only available when quality is set to Jpeg (Not in RAW).

• Off: Disables the [Picture Effect] function.
• Toy Camera: Creates a soft image with shaded corners and reduced sharpness.
• Pop Color: Creates a vivid look by emphasizing color tones.
• Posterization: Creates a high contrast, abstract look by heavily emphasizing primary colors, or in black and white.
• Retro Photo: Creates the look of an aged photo with sepia color tones and faded contrast.
• Soft High-key: Creates an image with the indicated atmosphere: bright, transparent, ethereal, tender, soft.
• Partial Color: Creates an image which retains a specific color, but converts others to black and white.
• High Contrast Mono.: Creates a high-contrast image in black and white.
• Rich-tone Mono.: Creates an image in black and white with rich gradation and reproduction of details.

Picture Profile

Move to the item index screen by pressing the right side of the control wheel.

Select the item to change using the up/down sides of the control wheel.

Select the desired value using the up/down sides of the control wheel and press the button in the centre.

The default settings PP1 through PP7 for movies have been set in advance in the camera based on various shooting conditions.

• PP1: Example setting using a standard Movie gamma.
• PP2: Example setting using the standard Sony Still gamma.
• PP3: Example setting of natural color tone using the ITU709 gamma.
• PP4: Example setting of a color tone faithful to the ITU709 standard.
• PP5: Example setting using Cine 1 gamma.
• PP6: Example setting using Cine2 gamma.
• PP7: Example setting using  S-Log2 gamma.

It’s possible to adjust settings and create your own picture profile.

Black Level

Sets the black level. (–15 to +15)

Gamma

Selects a gamma curve. These are the curves available:

• Movie: Standard gamma curve for movies
• Still: Standard gamma curve for still images
• Cine1: Softens the contrast in dark parts and emphasizes gradation in bright parts to produce a relaxed color movie. (equivalent to HG4609G33)
• Cine2: Similar to [Cine1] but optimized for editing with up to 100% video signal. (equivalent to HG4600G30)
• Cine3: Intensifies the contrast in light and shade more than [Cine1] and [Cine2] and strengthens gradation in black.
• Cine4: Strengthens the contrast in dark parts more than [Cine3]. The contrast in dark parts is lower and the contrast in bright parts is higher than for Movie.
• ITU709: Gamma curve that corresponds to ITU-709.ITU709(800%): Gamma curve for confirming scenes on the assumption of shooting using [S-Log2].
• S-Log2: Gamma curve for [S-Log2]. This setting is based on the assumption that the picture will be processed after shooting.

Black Gamma

Corrects gamma in low intensity areas.

• Range: Selects the correcting range. (Wide / Middle / Narrow)
• Level: Sets the correcting level. (-7 (maximum black compression) to +7 (maximum black stretch))

Knee

Sets knee point and slope for video signal compression to prevent over-exposure by limiting signals in high intensity areas of the subject to the dynamic range of your camera.

Mode

Selects auto/manual settings.

• Auto: The knee point and slope are set automatically.
• Manual: The knee point and slope are set manually.

Auto Set

Settings when Auto is selected.

• Max Point: Sets the maximum point of the knee point. (90% to 100%)
• Sensitivity: Sets the sensitivity. (High / Mid / Low)
• Manual Set: Settings when [Manual] is selected.
• Point: Sets the knee point. (75% to 105%)Slope: Sets the knee slope. (-5 (gentle) to +5 (steep))

Color Mode

Sets type and level of colors.

• Movie: Suitable colors when [Gamma] is set to [Movie].
• Still: Suitable colors when [Gamma] is set to [Still].
• Cinema: Suitable colors when [Gamma] is set to [Cine1].
• Pro: Similar color tones to the standard image quality of Sony professional cameras (when combined with ITU-709 gamma)ITU709
• Matrix: Colors corresponding to ITU-709 standard (when combined with ITU-709 gamma)
• Black & White: Sets the saturation to zero for shooting in black and white.
• S-Gamut: Setting based on the assumption that the pictures will be processed after shooting. Used when [Gamma] is set to [S-Log2].

Saturation

Sets the color saturation. (-32 to +32)

Color Phase

Sets the color phase. (-7 to +7)

Color Depth

Sets the color depth for each color phase. This function is more effective for chromatic colors and less effective for achromatic colors. The color looks deeper as you increase the setting value towards the positive side, and lighter as you decrease the value towards the negative side. This function is effective even if you set Color Mode to Black & White.

• [R] -7 (light red) to +7 (deep red)
• [G] -7 (light green) to +7 (deep green)
• [B] -7 (light blue) to +7 (deep blue)
• [C] -7 (light cyan) to +7 (deep cyan)
• [M] -7 (light magenta) to +7 (deep magenta)
• [Y] -7 (light yellow) to +7 (deep yellow)

Detail

Add detail.

Level: Sets the [Detail] level. (-7 to +7)

Adjust: The following parameters can be selected manually.

• Mode: Selects auto/manual setting. (Auto (automatic optimization) / Manual (The details are set manually.))
• V/H Balance: Sets the vertical (V) and horizontal (H) balance of DETAIL. (-2 (off to the vertical (V) side) to +2 (off to the horizontal (H) side))
• B/W Balance: Selects the balance of the lower DETAIL (B) and the upper DETAIL (W). (Type1 (off to the lower DETAIL (B) side) to Type5 (off to the upper DETAIL (W) side))
• Limit: Sets the limit level of [Detail]. (0 (Low limit level: likely to be limited) to 7 (High limit level: unlikely to be limited))
• Crispning: Sets the crispening level. (0 (shallow crispening level) to 7 (deep crispening level))
• Hi-Light Detail: Sets the [Detail] level in the high intensity areas. (0 to 4)

Copy

Copies the settings of the picture profile to another picture profile number.

Reset

Resets the picture profile to the default setting. You cannot reset all picture profile settings at once.

(MENU → Red Camera Icon → page 13)

Focus Magnifier

When focussing manually or in DMF mode, you can set the camera to magnify a part of the screen so you can check focus. This sub-menu allows you to select the part of the image that will be magnified during shooting.

Focus Magnif. Time

You can set how long to hold the magnified area during MF assist. 2 sec, 5 seconds or no limit. 2 seconds is how I have it set up.

Initial Focus Mag.

Sets the initial magnification scale when using [Focus Magnifier]. Select a setting that will help you frame your shot.

Full-frame shooting:

• x1.0: Displays the image with the same magnification as the shooting screen.
• x7.8: Displays a 7.8-times enlarged image.

APS-C/Super 35mm size shooting:

• x1.0: Displays the image with the same magnification as the shooting screen.
• x5.1: Displays a 5.1-times enlarged image.

AF in Focus Mag.

You can focus on the subject more accurately using auto-focus by magnifying the area where you want to focus. While the magnified image is displayed, you can focus on a smaller area than the flexible spot.

1. Magnify the image by pressing the center of the control wheel, and then adjust the position using top/bottom/right/left of the control wheel.
2. Press the shutter button halfway down to focus.
3. Press the shutter button all the way down to shoot.

MF assist

This works in conjunction with the Focus Magnifier found on this page too You might remember that you can select the area to magnify there when using manual focus (MF). MF assist will need to be turned on if you want to use this feature.

Peaking Settings

Peaking Level

Peaking Level is a manual focusing aid which works when you have your camera set to MF or DMF.

You’ll see a type of noise outlining the parts of your image where the focus lies, and you can adjust the sensitivity to high, mid or low.

Which setting is best depends on what lens you use, as with a sharper lens it can be configured to low, while more soft lenses benefit from a medium or high setting to clearly visualize what you’re focusing on.

Peaking Color

You can choose the color of this Peaking between Red, white and yellow. I have it set to red, as this contrasts nicely with most scenes you capture.

(MENU → Red Camera Icon → page 14)

Anti-Flicker Shoot.

Reduces banding effects when shooting with the electronic shutter or EFCS with flash or with artificial light indoors.

Face Registration

Register faces here by taking an image of that face. These can then be set according to your preferred priority.

Regist. Face Priority

You can decide which face will be first to be focussed on when face detection is turned on.

MENU → Purple Camera Icon → page 1

Movie Mode

You can select the exposure mode for movie shooting here.

• Program Auto / Program Auto: Allows you to shoot with the exposure adjusted automatically (both the shutter speed and the aperture value).
• Aperture Priority / Aperture Priority: Allows you to shoot after adjusting the aperture value manually.
• Shutter Priority / Shutter Priority: Allows you to shoot after adjusting the shutter speed manually.
• Manual Exposure / Manual Exposure: Allows you to shoot after adjusting the exposure (both the shutter speed and the aperture value) manually.

S&Q Exposure Mode

You can select the exposure mode for slow-motion/quick-motion shooting. You can change the setting and playback speed for slow-motion/quick-motion shooting with S&Q Settings later.

• Program Auto / Program Auto: Allows you to shoot with the exposure adjusted automatically (both the shutter speed and the aperture value).
• Aperture Priority / Aperture Priority: Allows you to shoot after adjusting the aperture value manually.
• Shutter Priority / Shutter Priority: Allows you to shoot after adjusting the shutter speed manually.
• Manual Exposure / Manual Exposure: Allows you to shoot after adjusting the exposure (both the shutter speed and the aperture value) manually.

File Format (video)

You can choose between XAVC S 4K, XAVC S HD, AVCHD or MP4. AVCHD is a far superior codec than plain MPEG-4.  You’ll need a fast UHS Speed Class U3 SD card to record at 100 Mbps or more.

• XAVC S 4K: Records 4K movies in the XAVC S format. This format supports a high bit rate. Audio: LPCM
• XAVC S HD: Records HD movies in the XAVC S format. This format supports a high bit rate. Audio: LPCM. The file size of movies is limited to approx. 2 GB. If the movie file size reaches approx. 2 GB during recording, a new movie file will be created automatically.
• AVCHD: Records HD movies in the AVCHD format. This file format is suitable for high-definition TV. Audio: Dolby Digital
• MP4: Records MP4 (AVC) movies. This format is suitable for playback on smartphones or tablets, web uploads, and email attachments. The file size of movies is limited to approx. 4 GB. If the movie file size reaches approx. 4 GB during recording, the recording will stop automatically.

Record Setting  (video):

You can choose the quality of recorded video here. Select the image size, frame rate, and image quality for movie recording. The higher the bit-rate, the higher the picture quality. Frame- and bit-rate differ depending on your movie file format.

When File Format is set to XAVC S 4K you have these options:

• 30p/25p: 30p 60M/25p 60Mbps or 30p 100M/25p 100Mbps.
• 24p: 24p 60Mbps or 24p 100Mbps if your camera is set to NTSC

When File Format is set to XAVC S HD you have these options:

• 120p/100p: 120p 60M/100p 60Mbps or 120p 100M/100p 100Mbps.
• 30p/25p: 60p 50Mbps/50p 50Mbps.
• 60p/50p: 30p 50Mbps/25p 50Mbps.
• 24p: 24p 50Mbps when set to NTSC.

When File Format is set to AVCHD you have these options:

• 60i/50i: 60i 17Mbps(FH)/50i 17Mbps(FH) or 60i 24Mbps(FX)/50i 24Mbps(FX).
• 60p/50p: 60p 28Mbps(PS)/50p 28Mbps(PS).
• 24p/25p: 24p 17Mbps(FH)/25p 17Mbps(FH) or 24p 24Mbps(FX)/25p 24Mbps(FX).

When File Format is set to MP4 you have these options:

• 60p/50p: 1920×1080 60p 28Mbps/1920×1080 50p 28Mbps.
• 30p/25p: 1280×720 30p 6Mbps/1280×720 25p 6Mbps or 1920×1080 30p 16Mbps/1920×1080 25p 16Mbps.

S&Q settings

You can do slow-motion recording or record quick-motion recording. The sound will not be recorded. In a slow-motion recording, the shutter speed becomes faster and you may not be able to obtain the proper exposure. If this happens, decrease the aperture value or adjust the ISO sensitivity to a higher value.

How to record slow motion movie on the Sony A7r III:

1. Set the mode dial to (Movie/S&Q Motion).
2. Select MENU→ (Camera Settings2)→[Movie/S&Q Motion]→ and select the desired setting of slow-motion/quick-motion (S&Q) ( Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, or Manual Exposure).
3. Select MENU→ (Camera Settings2)→[ S&Q Settings] and select the desired settings for [ Record Setting] and [ Frame Rate].
4. Press the MOVIE (movie) button to start recording. Press the MOVIE button again to stop recording.

Record Setting: Selects the frame rate of the movie.

Frame Rate: Selects the shooting frame rate.

Playback speed: The playback speed will vary as below depending on the assigned [ Record Setting] and [Frame Rate].

Proxy Recording

MENU → Purple Camera Icon → page 2

AF Drive Speed (movie)

You can switch focusing speed when using autofocus in movie mode.

• Fast: Sets the AF drive speed to fast. This mode is suitable for shooting active scenes, such as sports.
• Normal: Sets the AF drive speed to normal.
• Slow: Sets the AF drive speed to slow. With this mode, the focus switches smoothly when the subject to be focused is changed.

AF Track Sens (movie)

You can set the AF sensitivity separately in movie mode.

• Responsive: Sets the AF sensitivity to high. This mode is useful when recording movies in which the subject is moving quickly.
• Standard: Sets the AF sensitivity to normal.
• Locked on: Sets the AF sensitivity to low. You can shoot with a stable focus by ignoring the influence of anything in front of the subject.

Auto Slow Shut. (movie)

Sets whether or not to adjust the shutter speed automatically when recording dark scenes.

• On: Uses Auto Slow Shutter. The shutter speed automatically slows when recording in dark locations. You can reduce noise in the movie by using a slow shutter speed when recording in dark locations.
• Off: Does not use Auto Slow Shut. The recorded movie will be darker than when On is selected, but you can record movies with smoother motion and less object blur.

Audio Recording

You can switch off audio recording in movie mode. When you record audio movies with loud volumes, set Audio Rec Level to a lower sound level. Doing so enables you to record more realistic audio. When you record audio movies with lower volumes, set Audio Rec Level to a higher sound level to make the sound easier to hear. Regardless of the Audio Rec Level settings, the limiter always operates.

Audio Rec Level

You can adjust the audio recording level while checking the level meter.

Audio Level Display

Sets whether to display the audio level on the screen.

Don’t see the audio level display?

• Check if Audio Recording]is set to Off.
• Check if DISP (Display Setting) is set to No Disp. Info.
• During slow-motion/quick-motion shooting, audio is automatically turned OFF.

MENU → Purple Camera Icon → page 3

Audio Out Timing

You can set echo cancellation during audio monitoring and prevent undesirable deviations between video and audio during HDMI output.

• Live: Outputs audio without delay. Select this setting when the audio deviation is a problem during audio monitoring.
• Lip Sync: Outputs audio and video in sync. Select this setting to prevent undesirable deviations between video and audio.

Wind Noise Reduction

This helps reduce noise from the wind during video recording.

Marker Display (movie)

Select if you want guidelines (a grid) in movie mode. The markers are displayed on the monitor or viewfinder

Marker Settings (movie)

Sets the markers to be displayed while shooting movies. You can display several markers at the same time.

• Center: Sets whether or not to display the center marker in the center of the shooting screen. [Off]/[On]
• Aspect: Sets the aspect marker display. [Off]/[4:3]/[13:9]/[14:9]/[15:9]/[1.66:1]/[1.85:1]/[2.35:1]
• Safety Zone: Sets the safety zone display. This becomes the standard range that can be received by a general household TV. [Off]/[80%]/[90%]
• Guideframe: Sets whether or not to display the guide frame. You can verify whether the subject is level or perpendicular to the ground.

Video Light Mode

Sets the illumination setting for the optional HVL-LBPC LED light.

• Power Link: The video light turns on/off in sync with the ON/OFF operation of this camera.
• REC Link: The video light turns on/off in sync with movie recording start/stop.
• REC Link&STBY: The video light turns on when movie recording starts and dims when not recording (STBY).
• Auto: The video light automatically turns on when it is dark.

Movie w/ shutter

You can map the movie recording function to the shutter button.

MENU → Purple Camera Icon → page 4

Silent Shooting

Select here if you want to use the Electronic or Mechanical shutter. There is also an auto option that switches from mechanical to electronic shutter if a flash is detected.

e-Front Curtain Shut.

This shortens the time lag between shutter releases. When you shoot at high shutter speeds with a large diameter lens attached, the ghosting of a blurred area may occur, depending on the subject or shooting conditions. When a lens made by another manufacturer (including a Minolta/Konica-Minolta lens) is used, set this function to [Off]. If you set this function to [On], the correct exposure will not be set or the image brightness will be uneven.

Release without lens

Makes it possible to capture images even if a lens is not supported by the camera. (Like when using an adapter with vintage lenses)

Release without card

If set to Off, you won’t be able to engage the shutter when there is no SD card in the slot. This is a useful failsafe to prevent you from shooting images without the ability to save them.

SteadyShot

Sets whether or not to use the SteadyShot (sensor stabilization) function.For optimal sharpness, turn it off when using a tripod.

SteadyShot Settings

If your lens does not relay focal length information to the A7r III body, you can still use the Ibis stabilization by dialing in the focal length manually.

• Auto: Performs the SteadyShot function automatically according to the information obtained from the attached lens.
• Manual: Performs the SteadyShot function according to the focal length set using [SteadyS. Focal Len.]. (8mm-1000mm)

MENU → Purple Camera Icon → page 5

Zoom

Turn the digital zoom function on or off.

Zoom settings

Set to Optical zoom only (using the optical zoom capabilities of your lens

Two other settings are available which use digital zoom (cropping of the original image):

Digital zoom:

Pictures captured by the image sensor of the camera are enlarged using digital signal processing. As the magnification level increases, signals to be also estimated growth and can reduce the picture quality.

Clear Image Zoom:

Zoomed images are captured close to the original quality when shooting a still picture. The camera first zooms to the maximum optical magnification, then uses Clear Image Zoom technology to enlarge the image an additional 2x, producing clear, sharp images despite the increased zoom ratio. If you don’t have a zoom lens, this might be an option as the camera uses the RAW file to zoom; although still some image quality will be lost.

Zoom ring rotate

Assigns zoom in (T) or zoom out (W) functions to the zoom ring rotation direction. Available only with power zoom lenses that support this function.

MENU → Purple Camera Icon → page 6

Disp button

Selects the functionality (what is shown) on the screen when you press the DISP button (on the control wheel). You can choose Graphic Display, all info, no disp info, and histogram.

Finder/Monitor

You can set the behavior of the EVF and screen here. Do you want your screen on all the time, switch between screen and EVF once your eye has been detected near the viewfinder?  Or turn the screen off and only use the EVF? It can all be selected here.

Finder Frame Rate

Display the subject’s movements more smoothly by adjusting the frame rate of the viewfinder during still image shooting. This function is convenient when shooting a fast-moving subject.

• 120fps/100fps: Displays the movements of the subject more smoothly on the viewfinder.
• 60fps/50fps: Displays the subject at a normal frame rate on the viewfinder.

Zebra setting

The zebra function shows a zebra pattern on the screen while shooting in any area that is in danger of highlight clipping. You can switch this OFF or anywhere in a range between 70 and 100.The Zebra Pattern is a highlight warning indicator that is common in video cameras. It does not control exposure but just warns you that your highlights are blown out. It is not recorded into the resulting image.I have it set halfway at around 75, and it is a very useful indication of correct exposure of the entire scene.

Grid Line (stills)

Sets whether the grid line is displayed or not. The grid line will help you to adjust the composition of images.

• Rule of 3rds Grid: Place main subjects close to one of the grid lines that divide the image into thirds for a well-balanced composition.
• Square Grid: Square grids make it easier to confirm the horizontal level of your composition. This is suitable to determine the quality of the composition when shooting landscape, close-up, or duplicated images.
• Diag. Square Grid: Place a subject on the diagonal line to express an uplifting and powerful feeling.
• Off: Does not display the grid line.

Exposure set guide

The exposure set guide is an on-screen scroller that tells you the relation between your chosen aperture and the appropriate shutter speed for the scene you are shooting. I find this quite handy, but you can turn it off if you don’t.

MENU → Purple Camera Icon → page 7

Live view Display

Live view display allows you to see the image you’re going to capture with the settings you have dialed-in like aperture and shutter speed. Some users report easier autofocusing in low light when it’s turned OFF, and you’d need to turn it off when using external flashes too that can’t be used with Sony’s TTL (through the lens) functionality. When u use a flash in a studio situation, you will want to turn this off. Setting it to ON also reduces the EVF refresh rate from 120fps to 60fps.

Cont. Shoot. Length

This will show you how many shots you have left on your SD card on the screen. You can select to always have this info displayed, only during shooting or turn it off.

Auto Review

You can check your captured image on the screen directly after shooting.  You can select how long the image will stay on the screen (10, 5 or 2 seconds). I find this very annoying, so I turned it off. If you want to review your image, you can simply press play to do so.

MENU → Purple Camera Icon→ page 8

Custom Key(Shoot.)/Custom Key(PB)/Custom Key(Movie)

You can assign the desired function to the desired key. Some functions are available only when they are assigned to a custom key. For example, I assign [Eye AF] to [AF-ON] for [Custom Key(Shoot.)] because it’s more conveniently placed. You can easily recall [Eye AF] simply by pressing the AF-ON button. Learn how to do this here:

The keys that can be assigned functions are different for [Custom Key(Shoot.)] and [Custom Key(PB)].

You can assign the desired functions to the following keys. You can also assign a shooting function to the focus hold button on the lens. However, some lenses do not have a focus hold button.2 1.

• Custom Button 1
• Custom Button2
• AF/MF Button/AEL Button
• Fn/ Button
• Control Wheel (Center Button/Down Button/Left Button/Right Button)
• Custom Button 3

Function Menu Set.

You can assign the functions to be called up when you press the Fn (Function) button.

Dial Setup

You can switch the functions of the front/rear dial between shutter speed and aperture.

MENU → Purple Camera Icon→ page 9

Dial Ev Comp

You can compensate the exposure using the front or rear dial. You can adjust the exposure in a range of -5.0 EV to 5.0 EV.

MOVIE Button

Sets whether or not to activate the MOVIE (Movie) button.

• Always: Starts movie recording when you press the MOVIE button in any mode.
• Movie Mode Only: Starts movie recording when you press the MOVIE button only if the shooting mode is set to [Movie/S&Q Motion] mode.

Lock Operation Parts

You can set whether the dials will be locked by pressing and holding the Fn (Function) button. You can release the lock by holding the Fn (Function) button down again.

• Lock: Locks the front and rear dials when you press and hold the Fn button.
• Unlock: The front or rear dials are not locked, even if you press and hold the Fn (Function) button.

Audio Signals

Selects whether the A7r III produces a sound or not in silent mode with the electronic shutter.

MENU → Network settings→ page 1

Send To Smartphone

• • • • • You can send one or several images directly to your wireless device (phone or tablet) by pressing this button.
        • You can either decide to choose which images you want to transfer on the camera or the wireless device (via the Sony PlayMemories app, available for free in the apple or android store).
        • You’ll have to connect the-the camera via Wifi first (it makes a Wifi access point), using the instruction on the A7r III screen.
        • It works just like connecting to any other access point with your phone or tablet.
        • You should do this as quickly as possible, just to get it out of the way.
        • When your phone has wirelessly connected to the camera once, and you’ve entered the password, it will remember this, and make it a lot faster to connect later.

Send to Computer

You’ll need to connect the computer physically to the camera using the supplied USB cable, and you can push selected pictures to your Sony PlayMemories desktop software (installed from the CD or downloaded from their website). This can even be set up to continue pushing images after the camera has turned off.

FTP Transfer Func.

View On TV

If you have a Wifi-enabled TV, you can see pictures and slideshows directly from your camera through your home wireless network. 

Ctrl w/ smartphone

By connecting the camera to a smartphone using Wi-Fi, you can control the camera and shoot images using the smartphone, and you can transfer images shot with the camera to the smartphone.

Connection Info. displays the QR code or SSID used to connect the camera to a smartphone.

Airplane Mode

Disables all wireless functionality, just like airplane mode does on your phone.

MENU → Network settings→ page 2

So the camera apps from the Playmemories store can’t be used on the A7r III You can however remotely control your camera with the Playmemories app for iPhone or Android. It’s also possible to transfer files to your smartphone (JPEG only) and transfer files over LAN using the supplied port.

Another new feature only previously available in the A6500 is Bluetooth connectivity. It is possible to connect your A7r III to your smartphone in order to Geotag your images.

Wi-Fi Settings:

WPS Push

If your access point has the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) button, you can register the access point to this product easily by pushing the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) button.

Access Point Set.

You can register your access point manually. Before starting the procedure, check the SSID name of the access point, security system, and password. The password may be preset in some devices. For details, see the access point operating instructions, or consult the access point administrator.

Disp MAC Address

Displays the MAC address of your Sony ILCE-7rm3.

SSID/PW Reset

Your camera shares the connection information for [Send to Smartphone] and [ Connection Info.] with a device that has permission to connect. If you want to change the device that is permitted to connect, reset the connection information.

Bluetooth Settings.

Controls the settings for connecting the camera to a smartphone via a Bluetooth connection. You need to pair the camera and smartphone before using the location information interlocking function. If you want to pair the camera and smartphone in order to use the location information interlocking function, refer to “Loc. Info. Link Set..”

Loc. Info. Link Set

You can use the application PlayMemories Mobile to obtain location information from a smartphone that is connected to your camera using Bluetooth communication. You can record the obtained location information when shooting images.

To use the location information linking function of the camera, you need the PlayMemories Mobile application on your smartphone and transfer an image to your smartphone to test the connection

Procedure:

1. Confirm that the Bluetooth function of your smartphone is activated. (Do not perform the Bluetooth pairing operation on the smartphone setting screen!!! In steps 2 to 7, the pairing operation is performed using the camera and the application PlayMemories Mobile. If you accidentally perform the pairing operation on the smartphone setting screen in step 1, cancel the pairing and then perform the pairing operation by following Steps 2 through 7 using the camera and the application PlayMemories Mobile.)
2. On the camera, select MENU → (Wireless) → [Bluetooth Settings] → [Bluetooth Function] → [On].
3. On the camera, select MENU → (Wireless) → [Bluetooth Settings] → [Pairing].
4. Launch PlayMemories Mobile on your smartphone and tap “Location Information Linkage.”
5. Activate [Location Information Linkage] on the [Location Information Linkage] setting screen of PlayMemories Mobile.
6. Select [OK] when a message is displayed on the monitor of the camera. The pairing of the camera and PlayMemories Mobile is complete.
7. On the camera, select MENU → (Wireless) → [ Loc. Info. Link Set.] → [Location Info. Link] → [On].

(obtaining location information icon) will be displayed on the monitor of the camera. Location information obtained by your smartphone using GPS, etc., will be recorded when shooting images.

Options in this Menu:

• Location Info. Link: Sets whether to obtain the location information by linking with a smartphone.
• Auto Time Correct.: Sets whether to automatically correct the date setting of the camera using information from a linked smartphone.
• Auto Area Adjust.: Sets whether to automatically correct the area setting of the camera using information from a linked smartphone.

Edit Device name

If you wish, you can change the name of the Device Access point) perhaps to make it easier to identify which A7r III is yours in particular situations.

Imp Root Certificate

Import a root certificate from your memory card here.

Reset Network set

Resets all network settings.

If something does not function properly, and you want to start from scratch, can be useful.

MENU – playback options – page 1

Protect

Set your camera to not shoot images without inserting an SD card.

Rotate

Change the orientation of images in-camera.

Delete

Delete one or multiple images stored on your SD cards.

Rating

Rate your images in-camera for easy culling in Lightroom afterward.

Rating Set (Cust Key)

Set a custom key for easy rating.

Specify Printing

Specify Printing is a feature that allows images to be marked for printing later. Registered images are displayed with the DPOF mark. (DPOF stands for Digital Print Order Format)

MENU – playback options – page 2

 

Copy

You can copy images from a memory card in a slot that is selected using [Select PB Media] to a memory card in another slot.

Photo Capture

Captures a chosen scene in a movie to save as a still image. First shoot a movie, then pause the movie during playback to capture decisive moments that tend to be missed when shooting still images, and save them as still images.

Enlarge Image

Select an image and expand a portion of that picture. Useful for checking details and focus.

Enlarge Init. Mag.

Sets the initial magnification scale when playing back enlarged images.

Enlarge Initial Pos.

Sets the initial position when enlarging an image in playback. You can select either image center or the focus position.

Slide Show

Select whether you want the camera to repeat slideshows when all pictures are viewed or not, and choose the interval between slides.

MENU – playback options – page 3

Select PB media

Select what SD card slot will be used when you press playback. 

View Mode

select how the camera will arrange captured pictures in the viewing browser.

Image Index

Choose whether you want the image browser to display 12 (larger) or 30 (smaller) images per page.

Display Cont. Shooting Group.

You can select to display burst images in groups or display all images during playback.

Display rotation

Select whether you want the camera to rotate images automatically when you rotate the camera or not.

Image Jump Setting

Sets which dial and method to use for jumping between images during playback. You can quickly find protected images or images set with a particular rating.

Select Dial: 

Selects the dial to use for jumping between images.

Image Jump Method: 

Sets the type of images to be played back with Image Jump.

MENU – Setup – page 1

Monitor Brightness

Manually set the Monitor brightness (recommended leave to zero) or change to a brighter setting for Sunny Weather.

Viewfinder Brightness

Set to Auto, which adapts to the lighting circumstances or manually changes to your preferred setting.

Finder Color Temp

Change the color temperature of the viewfinder (colder-warmer) to you liking. I don’t make any adjustments here.

Gamma Disp. Assist

Movies with S-Log gamma are assumed to be processed after shooting in order to make use of the wide dynamic range. They are therefore displayed in low contrast during shooting and may be difficult to monitor, using [Gamma Disp. Assist], contrast equivalent to that of normal gamma can be reproduced. In addition, [Gamma Disp. Assist] can also be applied when playing back movies on the camera’s monitor/viewfinder.

Volume settings

Modify the playback volume for recorded video or demos.

Delete confirm.

You can set whether [Delete] or [Cancel] is selected as the default setting on the delete confirmation screen.

MENU – Setup – page 2

Display Quality

You can change the display quality to High or Standard. When High is selected, battery consumption will be higher, and your camera will also heat up faster.

Pwr Save Start time

Sets time intervals to automatically switch to power save mode when you are not performing operations to prevent wearing down the battery pack. To return to shooting mode, perform an operation such as pressing the shutter button halfway down. I have it set to 5 minutes, a good balance between usability and battery life.

Auto Pwr OFF Temp. 

Sets the temperature of the camera at which the camera turns off automatically during shooting. When it is set to High, you can continue shooting even when the temperature of the camera gets hotter than normal. Do not shoot while holding the camera in your hand as it can cause burns. Use a tripod. This will give you a 9-minute increase in movie recording at high ambient temperatures.

NTSC/PAL Selector

Plays back movies recorded with the product on an NTSC/PAL system TV.

Cleaning Mode

If dust or debris gets inside the camera and adheres to the surface of the image sensor (the part that converts the light to an electric signal), it may appear as dark spots on the image, depending on the shooting environment. If this happens, follow the steps below to clean the image sensor.

Touch Operation

Sets whether or not to activate touch operations on the monitor. Touch operations when shooting with the monitor are referred to as “touch panel operations,” and touch operations when shooting with the viewfinder are referred to as “touchpad operations.”

• Touch Panel Pad: Activates both the touch panel operations when shooting with the monitor and touchpad operations when shooting with the viewfinder.
• Touch Panel Only: Activates only the touch panel operations when shooting with the monitor.
• Touch Pad Only: Activates only the touch pad operations when shooting with the viewfinder. Off: Deactivates all touch operations.
• Off: Deactivates all touch operations.

MENU – Setup – page 3

Touch Panel/pad

Demo Mode

For display purposes in stores only.

Touch Pad Settings

You can adjust settings related to touch pad operations during viewfinder shooting.

Operation in V Orien.: Sets whether to enable touch pad operations during vertically oriented viewfinder shooting. You can prevent erroneous operations during vertically oriented shooting caused by your nose, etc. touching the monitor.

Touch Pos. Mode: Sets whether to move the focusing frame to the position touched on the screen , or move the focusing frame to the desired position based on the direction of dragging and the amount of movement .

Operation Area: Sets the area to be used for touch pad operations. Restricting the operational area can prevent erroneous operations caused by your nose, etc. touching the monitor.

TC/UB settings

Timecode (TC) and the user bit (UB) information can be recorded as data attached to movies. This is used for synchronization of video in post-production. The time code can be set between the following range: 00:00:00:00 to 23:59:59:29.

• TC/UB Disp. Setting: Sets the display for the counter, time code, and user bit.
• TC Preset: Sets the time code.
• UB Preset: Sets the user bit.
• TC Format: Sets the recording method for the time code. (Only when [NTSC/PAL Selector] is set to NTSC.)
• TC Run: Sets the count up format for the time code.
• TC Make: Sets the recording format for the time code on the recording medium.
• UB Time Rec: Sets whether or not to record the time as a user bit.

Remote CTRL

You can operate this product and shoot images using the SHUTTER button, 2 SEC button (2-second delay shutter), and START/STOP button (or Movie button (RMT-DSLR2 only)) on the Wireless Remote Commander RMT-DSLR1 (sold separately) and RMT-DSLR2 (sold separately). Refer also to the operating instructions for the Wireless Remote Commander.

HDMI Settings

When you connect the product to a High Definition (HD) TV with HDMI terminals using an HDMI cable (sold separately), you can select HDMI Resolution to output images to the TV.

• Auto: The product automatically recognizes an HD TV and sets the output resolution.
• 2160p/1080p: Outputs signals in 2160p/1080p.
• 1080p: Outputs signals in HD picture quality (1080p).
• 1080i: Outputs signals in HD picture quality (1080i).

MENU – Setup – page 4

4K Output Sel.

Outputs video in 4K resolution to an HDMI-connected TV that supports 4K.

• Memory Card HDMI: Simultaneously outputs to the external recording/playback device and records on the camera’s memory card.
• HDMI Only(30p): Outputs a 4K movie in 30p to the external recording/playback device without recording on the camera’s memory card.
• HDMI Only(24p): Outputs a 4K movie in 24p to the external recording/playback device without recording on the camera’s memory card.
• HDMI Only(25p)* : Outputs a 4K movie in 25p to the external recording/playback device without recording on the camera’s memory card.

USB connection

Selects what will happen when you connect your camera to your PC or MAC.

• Auto: Establishes a Mass Storage or MTP connection automatically, depending on the computer or other USB devices to be connected. Windows 7 or Windows 8 computers are connected in MTP, and their unique functions are enabled for use.
• Mass Storage: Establishes a Mass Storage connection between this product, a computer, and other USB devices.
• MTP: Establishes an MTP connection between this product, a computer, and other USB devices. Windows 7 or Windows 8 computers are connected in MTP, and their unique functions are enabled for use.
• PC Remote: Uses “Remote Camera Control” to control this product from the computer, including such functions as shooting and storing images on the computer

USB LUN Setting

Improves compatibility with external devices by limiting the functions of the USB connection.

Older devices that are not able to connect to the camera might work when set to single. Otherwise, use Multi.

USB Power Supply

You can extend battery life by providing a power supply over USB.

PC Remote settings

Sets whether to save still images stored in both the camera and the computer during PC Remote shooting. This setting is useful when you want to check recorded images on the camera without leaving the camera.

Language

Selects the language to be used in the menu items, warnings, and messages.

MENU – Setup – page 5

Date/Time Setup

The Clock Set screen is displayed automatically when you turn on your A7r III for the first time.

Area Settings

Sets where in the world where you are using your camera.

Copyright info

Writes copyright information onto the still images like your name or business.

Format

When you use a memory card with this camera for the first time, we recommend that you format the card using the camera for stable performance of the memory card. Note that formatting permanently erases all data on the memory card, and is unrecoverable.

File Number

Name your files according to some shots or reset it to start from 1.

Set File Name

Use the standard file naming system or a customizable one.

MENU – Setup – page 6

Select REC media

Selects the memory card slot on which to record. [Slot 1] is the default setting. If you do not intend to change the settings and will only use one memory card, use the slot 1. To record the same image to two memory cards at the same time or to sort recorded images onto two memory card slots by the image type (still image/movie), use [Recording Mode].

Recording Mode

You can select the method for recording an image, such as recording the same image simultaneously to two memory cards or recording different types of images to two memory cards. (If you want to record a movie to a memory card in different formats, use [Dual Video REC].)

• Standard: Records an image to a memory card in the memory card slot that you select in [Select Rec. Media].
• Simult. (stills): Records a still image to both memory cards and records a movie to a memory card in the memory card slot that you select in [Select Rec. Media].
• Simult. (video): Records a still image to a memory card in the memory card slot that you select in [Select Rec. Media], and records a movie to both memory cards.
• Simult. (stills/video ): Records a still image and a movie to both memory cards.
• Sort(JPEG/RAW): Records an image in JPEG format to a memory card in the memory card slot that you select in [Select Rec. Media], and records an image in RAW format to the other memory card.
• Sort( stills/video ): Records a still image to a memory card in the memory card slot that you select in [Select Rec. Media], and records a movie to the other memory card.

Select REC folder

Selects where (to what folder) the camera will store newly captured images.

New Folder

Make a new folder for quickly organizing events and locations.

Folder name

Choose whether to have folder names in standard form (DSC) or create a new one by date. Setting folders by date will make organizing your images easier.

Recover Image DB

If you have a storage card error, you can try to rebuild the database to retrieve lost images possibly.

Display media info

You can check how much space is left on your SD card (have pictures in your desired quality and how many minutes of video)

MENU – Setup – page 7

Version

Check what version of the operating system your camera and the lens is running. Sony sporadically releases updates with new features, so it might be worth checking if any new firmware versions are available.

Setting Reset

Fully resets the camera to factory settings.

MENU – My menu setting

This is a new functionality not previously seen on any Sony Ax camera. It allows you to build a custom menu. Say you often change Raw file type from compressed to uncompressed, or maybe you don’t want to spend your time scrolling through the entire menu system looking for the SteadyShot settings. Well, now you can basically build your own Menu here with your most often used settings.

Add Item

You’ll see a list of all Menu options here and you can simply select your desired options and add them to your custom built menu page.

Sort Item

This setting basically changes the order of your ‘My Menu’ selected function.

Delete Item

Deletes functions in your ‘My Menu’.

Delete Page

Deletes entire pages of your ‘My Menu’ selection.

Delete All

Deletes all previously added functions of your ‘My Menu’.

Dealing with specific focussing scenarios

Focus Mode: AF-C

Focus Area: Flexible Spot M

Priority Set in AF-C: Balanced Emphasis

AF Track Sens: 3 (Standard)

Swt. V/H AF Area: AF Point only

Star eater issue solution

All Sony A7 and A9 series cameras have an issue with long exposures that specifically impacts those of us who enjoy starscape photography.

This type of photography, where you attempt to capture the night sky, typically involves exposures longer than 4 seconds where Sony’s in-body RAW cooking adds a type off noise reduction to your image. Bas

As a result, the smallest stars in the sky might turn out less bright or even disappear because your camera believes it to be noise.

The following technique won’t work for bulb exposure (longer than 30 seconds), but will get you better results between 30 seconds and 4 seconds (where the noise reduction automatically kicks in. It’s a bit counter intuitive, but setting your camera to continuous high or low drive mode will ensure that this excessive noise reduction won’t be triggered. The only downside is that , since you’re in continuous drive mode, the camera will only save your images as a 12 bit file (instead of 14 bit when in single). This may impact the dynamic range of your image, and add some noise off course.

Other general settings tips

Back Button focus

I personally don’t like back button focus, but you might. This is disengaging the shutter button from autofocus functionality. Instead this is assigned to a button (most of the time the AF ON button on the back). It’s correctly configured by default, but we do need to adjust the “Shutter Release” button so that it too no longer controls your autofocus system. To do this, jump into the Red Camera Menu and go to  Page 6. Adjust “AF w/ shutter” to “Off”.

Minimum shutter speed with auto ISO

A very important tweak can be found in the Exposure Menu ( red camera icon, page 9 of 14). It’s called ISO Auto minimum shutter speed and allows you to have the ability to set the minimum shutter speed you are willing to let your camera shoot at before the Auto ISO feature engages. This can be very handy for street photographers who have to deal with ever changing lighting situations. By setting your ISO AUTO Min. SS to 1/250 second, you are telling your camera that if your shutter speed doesn’t drop below 1/250h of a second, your ISO should stay at base ISO (for maximum quality). If light changes and it becomes darker suddenly, the camera will raise the ISO to maintain that minimum shutter speed.

Not just street photographers but also bird and action photographers (set to 1/1000 or 1/2000 second to freeze motion) can use this feature to make sure that their images are not impacted by loss of sharpness due to movement of your subject. Take a look at the table above for general settings first!

Using grid lines to improve your compositions

Using grid lines is a great way to improve your compositions. You can select Rule of 3rds, Square Grid or Diagonal Square Grid. The first is ideal for landscapes, you can try the latter two if you are a portrait photographer and check if it helps you to both keep things level and get a more dynamic image.

Grid line settings can be found in the purple camera icon menu (Display/Auto Review 1), page 6 of 9. It’s also available for movie mode.

 

Manual focussing aides

If you often shoot manual lenses, or prefer switching to manual focus, there are two important focusing aides that you should be aware of. These are focus magnification and focus peaking.

Focus magnification is quite straightforward, when MF (or DMF) is selected, your camera will magnify  x1 or x7.8 a selectable portion of your image so you can more clearly view where your focus lies. You can move this selection by simply moving the joystick.

Focus Peaking works alongside focus magnification or separately, as you choose. I use both at the same time. As you turn the MF ring on your lens, you’ll see a color ‘noise’  over your image as things become sharp, making it easy to know when you are close to perfect focus. For the best results, set:

• peaking display: ON
• Peaking Level: Mid
• Peaking Color: Red

Both these functions can be found in the camera settings (red camera icon) page 13 of 14.

Formatting and preventing loss of data

Accidentally formatting your SD card in the A7riii will result in a total loss of all data. Nothing will be coverable due to the fact that Sony decided to go for a full format (overwriting with zeros) when formatting. This is why, for important shoots (and certainly when you’re new to the camera) I recommend setting the camera up so that anything that is captured to Card 1  automatically gets copied to Card 2.

You’ll need to go to Rec. Media Settings in thze Setup menu (briefcase) page 6 of 7. You’ll need to set it to Simult. (picture) to do this.

Hybrid Log Gamma

The a7R III can capture Hybrid Log Gamma footage, both for video and stills. This is a broadcast standard designed to display high dynamic range content. Sony cameras have the tendency to slightly underexpose, but HLG Mode can give you perfect Raw exposure by using a method called ETTR (Expose To The Right). It saves you from underexposing unnecessarily (thereby supplying the sensor with as much light as it can tolerate), and reduces the degree to which you’ll need to pull shadows or boost exposure in post. In other words, your resulting image will contain less noise after processing.

Procedure:

1. Set one of your Picture Profiles to use ‘HLG’ for the gamma setting,
2. enable Zebra highlight warnings and set the Zebra level to 100+.
3. Increase your exposure until the moment you first see Zebra warnings.

These settings, where you first see a hint of Zebra warnings, is your optimal Raw file exposure. It will be the brightest possible, but counterintuitively (since you’re seeing the warnings), all highlights you want to capture won’t be clipped.

Using Sony AF Area registration to switch from spot to 9 point group focus (like Nikon)

One of the coolest things that Nikon cameras do is allow you to instantly switch from spot to 9 point group focus with your middle finger on your right hand. I miss that with Sony. I found this trick on how to do the same thing with the A7rm3 with any two focus area settings.

Register a focus area and switch between 2 focus areas using a custom button:

1. Go to the AF3 Menu and enable ‘AF Area Regist.”. This allows you to register a focus area by long press,g the Fn button in the shooting screen. The registered focus area can be recalled with the custom key.

2. In the normal shooting screen, the Lock-on AF (Expand Flexible spot) is great for moving subjects, but when the movement becomes too erratic, I like to switch to Lock-on AF Wide. This is the one we are going to register as ‘AF Area regist.’.

3. Now long press the FN key until you see on the screen that the camera has ‘registered the focus area’.

4. Now we need to recall this function with the single touch of a custom button. We have to go to Custom operation 1 page 8/9 in order to set up the Custom Key(Shoot.) Menu to do this. We’ll assign this to the ‘Custom Button 3’ but you can of course choose another button.

We have 2 options here: we can hold the custom button to recall that registered focus area or simple press this custom button once to toggle between the two AF areas. The latter works best for me, but you might feel different.

5. Now if you press your preferred custom button, you’ll immediately go to ‘Lock On: AF Wide’. Press this button again and you go back to ‘expand flexible spot.

This method allows us to quickly cycle between any two AF areas using the registered focus area and assigning a custom button the toggle between the two!