SONY A7SIII ILCE-7SM3 (04) PDF Document

There are three main resources for learning how to use your SONY A7SIII ILCE-7SM3:

“Help Guide” (Web manual): This is an on-line manual that you can read on your computer or smartphone. It contains in-depth instructions on menu items, advanced usage, and the latest information on the camera.

Instruction Manual (this book): This manual introduces the basic functions of the camera and covers the initial procedures from unboxing to taking your first shot.

In-Camera Guide: This feature shows explanations of menu items directly on the camera’s monitor. To use it, select a menu item you want to know more about and press the (Delete) button to view a description.

The number in parentheses indicates the number of pieces supplied with your SONY A7SIII ILCE-7SM3:

• Camera (1)

• Battery charger (1)

• Power cord (mains lead) (1) (Note: Multiple power cords may be supplied depending on the country/region)

• Rechargeable battery pack NP-FZ100 (1)

• USB Type-C® cable (1)

• Shoulder strap (1)

• Body cap (1) (Attached to the camera)

• Cable Protector (1)

• Shoe cap (1) (Attached to the camera)

• Eyepiece cup (1) (Attached to the camera)

• Instruction Manual (1) (this manual)

• Reference Guide (1)

Follow these steps to charge and install the battery pack:

1. Insert the battery pack into the battery charger. Place the battery pack on the charger in the direction of the triangle mark (▲). Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow as far as it will go.

2. Connect the battery charger to a wall outlet. Use the supplied power cord to connect the charger to a wall socket. The CHARGE lamp on the charger will light up. When charging is complete, the CHARGE lamp will turn off.

3. Insert the battery pack into the camera. Open the battery cover on the SONY A7SIII ILCE-7SM3. While pressing the lock lever, insert the battery pack. Push the battery pack until it locks into place, and then close the battery cover.

Yes, you can charge the battery with the battery pack inserted into the camera. To do this, turn off the power of the SONY A7SIII ILCE-7SM3 and connect the USB Type-C terminal on the camera to an external power source, such as a commercially available USB AC adapter or a mobile battery, using a USB cable. If you connect a device compatible with USB-PD (USB Power Delivery), fast charging is possible.

Note:

• USB charging is not possible from the Multi/Micro USB Terminal.

• Operation with all USB-PD-compatible devices is not guaranteed.

• It is recommended to use a USB-PD-compatible device with an output of 9V/3A or 9V/2A.

The SONY A7SIII ILCE-7SM3 can use CFexpress Type A memory cards and SD memory cards. Both Slot 1 and Slot 2 support both types of cards.

1. Open the memory card cover.

2. Insert the memory card into Slot 1 (or Slot 2).

• For a CFexpress Type A memory card, insert it with the label facing the monitor.

• For an SD memory card, insert it with the terminal facing the monitor.

Push the card in until it clicks into place.

You can change which memory card slot to prioritize for recording by going to MENU → (Shooting) → [Media] → [Rec. Media Settings] → [Prioritize Rec. Media]. By default, Slot 1 is used.

Hint: When using a memory card for the first time in the camera, it is recommended to format the card in the camera for more stable performance.

To attach a lens:

1. Remove the body cap from the camera and the rear lens cap from the lens. It’s best to do this in a dust-free environment to prevent debris from entering the camera.

2. Align the white index mark on the lens with the white index mark on the camera’s mount.

3. Push the lens gently toward the camera, then turn the lens slowly in the direction of the arrow until it clicks into place. Make sure the mount is facing down during this process to prevent dust entry.

Note:

• Do not press the lens release button when attaching a lens.

• Do not hold the part of the lens that extends for zoom or focus adjustment.

To remove the lens:

Keep pressing the lens release button on the camera body and turn the lens in the direction of the arrow until it stops. Then, gently pull the lens away from the body.

The SONY A7SIII ILCE-7SM3 is compatible with lenses designed for the 35 mm full-frame format and APS-C size dedicated lenses. When you use an APS-C size dedicated lens, the angle of view will be cropped, corresponding to approximately 1.5 times the focal length indicated on the lens.

1. Set the ON/OFF (Power) switch to “ON” to turn on the camera.

2. Select the desired language using the control wheel and press the center of the control wheel to confirm.

3. On the area/date/time confirmation screen, ensure [Enter] is selected and press the center of the control wheel.

4. Select your geographic location, set [Daylight Savings] (on/off using the top/bottom of the control wheel), and then press the center to confirm.

5. Set the date format (year/month/day) and press the center.

6. Set the date and time (hour/minute/second) and press the center to complete the setup.

To adjust these settings later, go to MENU → (Setup) → [Area/Date] → [Area/Date/Time Setting].

In [Intelligent Auto] mode, the SONY A7SIII ILCE-7SM3 automatically recognizes the scene, focuses, and determines the exposure.

1. Set the mode dial to AUTO. To do this, press and hold the mode dial lock release button in the center of the dial while turning it.

2. Compose your shot. Adjust the monitor to a comfortable angle or look through the viewfinder to frame your subject.

3. Zoom if necessary. If using a zoom lens, rotate the zoom ring to enlarge or reduce the appearance of your subject.

4. Focus on the subject. Press the shutter button halfway down. The camera will focus, and when the image is in focus, a beep will sound and the focus indicator will light up.

5. Take the picture. Press the shutter button fully down.

1. Set the mode dial to the movie icon (a film strip). Press and hold the mode dial lock release button in the center while turning the dial.

2. Start recording. Press the MOVIE (Movie) button to begin recording.

3. Stop recording. Press the MOVIE button again to stop the recording.

To play back images and movies:

Press the (Playback) button to enter playback mode. Use the control wheel to select the desired image or movie. To start movie playback, press the center of the control wheel.

To delete a displayed image:

While an image is displayed, press the (Delete) button. A confirmation screen will appear. Use the control wheel to select [Delete] and then press the center of the control wheel to confirm the deletion.

To change the exposure mode for movies, follow this menu path:

MENU → (Shooting) → [Shooting Mode] → [Exposure Mode] → Select the desired mode (P/A/S/M).

This allows you to choose an exposure mode based on your subject or shooting purpose.

The control wheel is a versatile tool for navigation and quick setting adjustments:

• Navigation: On the menu screen or the Fn (Function) menu, you can move the selection frame by turning the control wheel or by pressing its top, bottom, left, or right sides. Press the center of the wheel to confirm a selection.

• Assigned Functions: The top, left, and right sides of the control wheel have default functions assigned to them: DISP (Display Setting), (Drive Mode), and ISO, respectively. You can also assign custom functions to the left, right, bottom, center, and rotation of the wheel.

• Playback: During playback, you can move to the next or previous image by pressing the right/left side of the control wheel or by turning it.

The multi-selector (joystick) is primarily used to move the focus area. You can push it up, down, left, or right to position the focus area precisely. You can also assign a function to be activated when you press the center of the multi-selector; by default, this is set to the [Focus Standard] function.

You can move the focus area with the multi-selector when the [Focus Area] is set to:

• [Zone]

• [Spot]

• [Expand Spot]

• [Tracking: Zone]

• [Tracking: Spot S] / [Tracking: Spot M] / [Tracking: Spot L]

• [Tracking: Expand Spot]

The mode dial on the SONY A7SIII ILCE-7SM3 is divided into still image shooting modes, movie recording modes, and registration recall modes. To change modes, press the lock release button in the center of the dial and turn it.

(A) Still Image Shooting Modes:

(B) Movie Recording Modes:

(C) Registration Recall Modes:

1. Press the MENU button to display the menu screen.

2. Navigate the menu tree. Use the top/bottom/left/right sides of the control wheel to move.

• Pressing left/right moves between the main menu tabs (e.g., Shooting, Exposure/Color, Focus).

• Pressing up/down moves between the menu groups within a tab and then between menu items within a group.

3. Select a menu item. Press the center of the control wheel to select the highlighted item. This will open its setting screen.

4. Select a parameter or execute the function. Use the control wheel to choose your desired setting and press the center to confirm.

5. Exit the menu. Press the MENU button to exit the menu and return to the shooting or playback screen.

You can assign frequently used functions to the custom buttons (C1 to C4) for quick access. To check or change their assignments:

1. Press the MENU button.

2. Navigate to (Setup) → [Operation Customize].

3. Select the appropriate setting for the mode you want to customize:

• [Custom Key Setting] for still images.

• [Custom Key Setting] for movies.

• [Custom Key Setting] for playback.

4. On the setting screen, you will see a list of customizable buttons. Highlight the button you wish to change (e.g., Custom Button 1).

5. Press the center of the control wheel. A list of available functions will appear.

6. Select your desired function from the list and press the center of the control wheel to assign it.

Pressing the Fn (Function) button during shooting displays a function menu on the screen, providing quick access to frequently used settings without having to go into the main MENU.

1. Display a shooting screen. Press the DISP button on the control wheel repeatedly until a screen mode other than [For viewfinder] is displayed.

2. Press the Fn (Function) button. The function menu will appear at the bottom of the screen.

3. Select a function. Use the top/bottom/left/right sides of the control wheel to highlight the function you want to set (e.g., Focus Mode, White Balance).

4. Change the setting. Turn the front dial or rear dial to select the desired setting for the highlighted function. Once selected, press the center of the control wheel to confirm.

You can customize the 12 functions that appear in this menu via MENU → (Setup) → [Operation Customize] → [Fn Menu Settings].

By pressing the DISP (Display Setting) button (the top part of the control wheel), you can change the information displayed on the screen or in the viewfinder during shooting and playback.

During shooting (Monitor): Each press cycles through different display layouts, such as Display All Info., No Disp. Info., Histogram, Level, and For viewfinder.

During shooting (Viewfinder): To change the viewfinder display, look into the viewfinder and press the DISP button. It will cycle through options like Level, No Disp. Info., and Histogram.

During playback (Monitor/Viewfinder): Each press cycles through Display Info. (with shooting data), Histogram, No Disp. Info., and back to Display Info.

You can also turn the monitor off by pressing the DISP button if you add a check mark to [Monitor Off] in the menu: MENU → (Setup) → [Operation Customize] → [DISP (Screen Disp) Set] → [Monitor].

You can select a focus method to suit the movement of your subject by navigating to MENU → (Focus) → [AF/MF] → [Focus Mode].

• AF-S (Single-shot AF): The camera locks focus once it is achieved. This is best for stationary subjects.

• AF-A (Automatic AF): The camera automatically switches between Single-shot AF and Continuous AF depending on whether the subject is moving. The camera locks focus on motionless subjects and continues to focus on moving subjects.

• AF-C (Continuous AF): The camera continues to focus on the subject as long as the shutter button is pressed halfway down. This is ideal for subjects in motion. There is no beep when focus is achieved in this mode.

• DMF (Direct Manual Focus): After the camera focuses automatically, you can make fine manual adjustments to the focus. This is useful for situations like macro shooting.

• MF (Manual Focus): You adjust the focus manually using the lens’s focus ring. Use this when autofocus struggles with the subject.

You can set the type of focusing frame to use with autofocus via MENU → (Focus) → [Focus Area] → [Focus Area].

• Wide: Focuses automatically on a subject anywhere in the frame.

• Zone: Select a specific zone on the monitor, and the camera will automatically select a focus area within that zone.

• Center Fix: Focuses automatically on a subject in the center of the image.

• Spot (S/M/L): Allows you to move a small, medium, or large focusing frame to a precise point on the screen to focus on a very small subject.

• Expand Spot: If the camera cannot focus using the single selected spot, it uses focus points around the spot as a secondary priority area.

• Tracking: When the shutter button is pressed halfway, the camera tracks the subject within the selected autofocus area. This is only available when Focus Mode is set to [Continuous AF].

The SONY A7SIII ILCE-7SM3 can automatically detect and focus on the eyes of human or animal subjects (Eye AF). There are two primary methods for using this feature:

You can select the appropriate drive mode for your subject by pressing the left side of the control wheel or via the menu. The options include:

• Single Shooting: Normal shooting mode, one picture per shutter press.

• Cont. Shooting: Shoots images continuously while you press and hold the shutter button. There are several speeds: Hi+, Hi, Mid, and Lo.

• Self-timer(Single): Shoots one image after a designated time delay.

• Self-timer(Cont): Shoots a designated number of images after a time delay.

• Cont. Bracket: Shoots images continuously while holding the shutter button, each with a different degree of exposure.

• Single Bracket: Shoots a specified number of images one by one, each with a different degree of exposure.

• WB bracket: Shoots three images, each with a different color tone based on white balance settings.

• DRO Bracket: Shoots three images, each with a different level of D-Range Optimizer.

The SONY A7SIII ILCE-7SM3 offers two main touch functions for focusing:

• Touch Focus: You can touch the monitor to specify where you want the camera to focus.

• Touch Tracking: Touch a subject on the monitor, and the camera will maintain focus on that subject, tracking it even if it moves.

The camera also features Touch pad operations, which allow you to use the monitor as a touch pad to move the focus point while looking through the viewfinder. You can choose which type of touch operation to enable by going to MENU → (Setup) → [Touch Operation] → [Touch Panel/Pad]. For better response, you can set [Touch Sensitivity] to [Sensitive].

You can transfer images via Wi-Fi by connecting the camera and a smartphone. This requires the Imaging Edge Mobile app to be installed on your smartphone.

First time connection:

1. On your smartphone: Install and launch the Imaging Edge Mobile app.

2. On your SONY A7SIII ILCE-7SM3: Go to MENU → (Network) → [Transfer/Remote] → [Send to Smartphone] → [Select on This Device]. Choose whether to transfer [This Image], [All with this date], or [Multiple Images].

3. On your smartphone: In the Imaging Edge Mobile app, select [Connect with a new camera].

4. On your smartphone: Scan the QR Code displayed on the camera’s screen.

5. The selected images will then be transferred.

For subsequent transfers, you can simply launch Imaging Edge Mobile on your smartphone and select the camera from the list of previously connected devices after initiating the transfer from the camera menu.

If you experience trouble with your SONY A7SIII ILCE-7SM3, try the following solutions in order:

1. Refer to the “Help Guide”. The detailed web manual may have a solution for your specific issue.

2. Power cycle the camera. Remove the battery pack, wait for about one minute, then re-insert the battery pack and turn the power on.

3. Initialize the settings. Resetting the camera to its factory defaults can resolve issues caused by a particular setting. This can be done via MENU → (Setup) → [Reset/Save Settings] → [Setting Reset].

4. Consult your dealer or service facility. If the problem persists, you may need professional service.

The SONY A7SIII ILCE-7SM3 supports CFexpress Type A memory cards and SD memory cards (UHS-I and UHS-II compatible). The required card type depends on the movie recording format and bit-rate, as shown below:

Note: CFexpress Type B memory cards cannot be used. When recording a movie on cards in both Slot 1 and Slot 2 simultaneously with certain settings, you must insert two memory cards with the same file system (either both exFAT or both FAT32).

[System]

• Camera Type: Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera

• Lens: Sony E-mount lens

[Image sensor]

• Image format: 35 mm full frame (35.6 mm × 23.8 mm), CMOS image sensor

• Effective pixel number: Approx. 12,100,000 pixels

[SteadyShot]

• In-camera sensor shift image stabilization system

[Auto focus system]

• Detection system: Phase detection system/Contrast detection system

• Sensitivity Range: –6 EV to +20 EV (at ISO 100 equivalent, F2.0)

[Electronic Viewfinder]

• Type: 1.6 cm (0.64 type) Electronic Viewfinder

• Total number of dots: 9,437,184 dots

• Magnification: Approx. 0.90x

[Monitor]

• 7.5 cm (3.0 type) TFT drive, touch panel

• Total number of dots: 1,440,000 dots

[Exposure control]

• ISO sensitivity (Still images): ISO 80 to ISO 102400 (Extended: Min ISO 40, Max ISO 409600)

• ISO sensitivity (Movies): ISO 80 to ISO 102400 equivalent (Extended: Max ISO 409600)

[Shutter]

• Type: Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane type

• Speed range (Still images): 1/8000 second to 30 seconds, BULB

• Flash sync speed: 1/250 second

[Recording format]

• File format: JPEG, HEIF, RAW (Sony ARW 4.0 format compliant)

• Movies (XAVC HS format): Video: MPEG-H HEVC/H.265

• Movies (XAVC S format): Video: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264

[Recording media]

• SLOT 1/SLOT 2: Slots for CFexpress Type A memory cards and SD cards (UHS-I and UHS-II compatible)

[General]

• Rated input: 7.2 V, 4.3 W

• Operating temperature: 0 to 40°C (32 to 104°F)

• Dimensions (W/H/D) (Approx.): 128.9 × 96.9 × 80.8 mm

• Mass (Approx.): 699 g (1 lb 8.7 oz) (including battery pack, SDXC memory card)

[Wireless LAN]

• Supported format: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac

• Frequency band: 2.4 GHz/5 GHz