SECOND-HAND CLASSIC
We revisit Sony’s third member in its series of high-resolution full-frame mirrorless cameras
The A7R III arrived in 2017, succeeding the A7R II launched two years prior. Sony retained a very similar design, but introduced many of the best features from the original A9. This resulted in a very impressive camera that boasted a sublime combination of resolution, shooting speed and high-ISO image quality. At its heart lies a 42.4MP BSI-CMOS sensor with an ISO range expandable to 50-102,400. Capable of 10fps continuous shooting, it boasts 399 phase-detection and 425 contrast-detection focus points, as well as 5-axis stabilisation that works with any lens. The shutter unit is good for 500,000 cycles and its larger battery offers twice the capacity of the older NP-FW50. Other features include twin SD card slots, high-speed USB-C interface and a 3.69-million-dot EVF with a 3in, 1.44-million-dot screen below.
What we said
● ‘It’s an exceptionally capable camera that cements Sony’s domination of the high-end mirrorless market’
● ‘has all the advantages of mirrorless, including a truly accurate viewfinder preview, a more reliable and accurate autofocus system and a considerably smaller body’
● ‘it’s very quick, and works very well – certainly much better than the finicky A7R II’
How it fares today
Although it’s no spring chicken, the A7R III remains an extremely capable and versatile camera for a wide range of photographers, particularly those looking to resolve fine detail or crop in tightly to their images. It doesn’t make the best choice today if you regularly shoot high-speed action or frequently shoot in the cold, as it’s hard to hold and handle with thick gloves.
What to pay
There’s good stock of used A7R III’s on the second-hand market. Like-new examples fetch around £1,389 with their original packaging. ‘Excellent’ condition A7R III’s with only light signs of use cost between £1,299 and £1,339, while ‘good’ condition examples with some marks and scuffs can be found from £1,149. You may find some well-used A
