So! The camera was purchased for amateur videos and photos. An upgrade from the old a6000 and the difference is night and day when it comes to video, and less noticeable in photos. Specifically:

In photos, it has very satisfactory autofocus (even with the Sony 50mm f1.8, which is said to be slow to focus). When it finds a face or animal, it does a very good job and 95% of the time the result is accurate. The image quality is very strong and the biggest difference (which shows the camera's power) is in low-light shots where it allows me to shoot even moving subjects (e.g. people dancing) at iso6400 without too much noise, with enough freedom for editing later in darktable. The IBIS does an excellent job if you are shooting night shots of still subjects.
The camera's colors are a bit greenish when there are fluorescent lights in the area, otherwise no complaints!

The shutter "clack" is wonderful! That's it.

Now, in video, the IBIS again does a very good job when the camera is not on a tripod. In low-light conditions at iso2000 you can get fantastic results (I'm talking about my first experience with video from a camera, compared to mobile phone video). The colors are also beautiful. Finally, it can shoot uninterrupted for several hours without overheating, provided it is continuously powered and the video is restarted every half hour (due to the half-hour maximum recording limit).
The microphone is quite strong but the built-in speaker for playback is unfortunately very weak.

The camera body is very sturdy (and -personally- beautiful) and moderately to well comfortable in the hand (the thumb position bothers me slightly, although that's a matter of habit).

In terms of connectivity, with a type-c to type-c cable you can transfer photos and videos directly to your phone without having to use Sony's app (which limits raw image transfer size to only 2mb, instead of the full size).

Plenty of buttons and dials for ample customization. The menu is still strange and takes time to get used to.

I don't think, for the use I make, that the iv would be worth it as it costs more than double, which I can't justify. Better to get one or two higher quality lenses.

Amazing camera and definitely worth its money. Recently, I discovered that I really enjoy the art of photography and decided to buy a camera. I chose this one as my first because it has a 24mp sensor, Image stabilization, and very good video capabilities, although I don't really focus on that. You can easily increase the ISO up to 12800 and the stabilization helps you achieve a low shutter speed. Overall, it's a very good camera, just the menu is quite difficult, but after a while, you get used to it. For some people, the fact that it is small and lightweight might be a downside, but for me, it's a plus since I want a small and lightweight camera to take on a walk or a trip. The lens that comes with it is quite wide-angle and has a good zoom, but I have found the APS-C mode of Sony very useful, which I have set to toggle from the C3 custom button. Overall, it's a very good camera and definitely worth its money. I highly recommend it even to professional photographers and videographers. I would suggest buying a 85/50/35mm lens depending on your usage, so you can shoot in low light with the 1.8/1.4/1.2f aperture.

Last update.
By programming the buttons, you can customize it according to the functions you want to have immediate access to. However, the camera presents strong color banding when photographing light sources (such as a lamp or a light fixture, or the moon, etc.) - something that I had not encountered even in the Nikon, let alone the D3300, let alone the Z5, where color management is perfect (once it focuses, that is).
Also, the white balance in auto mode is inaccurate most of the time. If it detects blue color somewhere, the camera automatically tries to create yellow shades - a characteristic example is white spots on a wrinkled shirt that were creating shadows, it colored them yellow (the shadows, that is), as well as the shadows of the furniture on the wall (the wall is a soft beige color) as it was "confused" by the intense blue shades emitted by the TV at that moment. In general, it tends to overemphasize yellow as soon as it detects it, or as soon as it detects blue, it tries to create yellow shades inside, or when it has gray shades, it automatically creates tones of blue. In general, it automatically changes the tones of the colors and overemphasizes something yellow, orange, green, etc. No contact with reality, only if you shoot exclusively in raw and process them yourself. However, color banding in JPEGs makes you feel like you have a 200€ camera (obviously, selected image quality is 24MP and x.fine).
Also, from standby (after it has entered "sleep mode" where the screen turns off to save energy), when you press the button to take a photo multiple times, either it freezes and takes too long to respond, or everything turns black and only recovers with a restart (turning it off and on again).
For photography, it is simply disappointing (I remind you that firmware 4.01 is installed).

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Update
Those who frequently use manual vintage lenses should look for something else. There is no comparison between the Z5 and the A7III in terms of focus peaking. In the A7III, focus peaking is the worst I have ever used in general - not accurate at all. Also, if you want to zoom in on what you are shooting to see, for example, if the subject is perfectly focused, you have to go into the menu, select that specific setting, and only then take the shot. If you want a second photo, you have to repeat the same process. On the other hand, with the Z5, you simply press the button it has and you can zoom in and out instantly (without needing to go into the menu or anything), and overall, the focus peaking of the Z5 is much, much more accurate.

The A7III that I bought came with the latest firmware update 4.01 installed. The JPEG colors are simply terrible, inaccurate tones, poor and faded, no matter how much I tried to justify them to myself at first. Sony does not allow you to downgrade the firmware in any way and go back to a previous version, even if you have the previous versions in your hands. You have to connect it to a computer, download special software, and if it detects a version lower than the firmware file you want to install, it does not give you the option to install the firmware. I can't understand why Sony prohibits you from switching to a previous firmware version. I also wonder if an A7III with firmware version 3.10 and below is "the same" as an A7III with the latest version, for example, 4.01, in terms of color quality and JPEG photos The raws, however, are okay.

Here I have AF and terrible colors - irony.
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The comment refers exclusively to the photography aspect (I don't deal with videos).

I have been using Nikon cameras continuously since 2015 until a few months ago, with my latest one being a Nikon Z5. So, the comparison is necessarily between the Nikon Z5 and the Sony A7iii. Although I was strictly torn between the A7iii and the Z6ii, I bought the A7iii because it was cheaper during that specific period, combined with the fact that the photo quality was "guaranteed."

To put it briefly, the only aspects in which the A7iii surpasses the Z5, in my opinion, are the AF, which obviously works flawlessly under all lighting conditions and makes a big difference, perhaps slightly the dynamic range, and certainly the video, which, as I mentioned, I personally don't deal with.

Moving on to the comparison with the Nikon Z5, I will mention some things that disappointed me when I switched to the A7iii:

- I believe that the A7iii lacks the build quality and ergonomics of the Z5. From the packaging they come in, to the feel of the buttons, button placements, number of buttons, customization, menus, overall sense of build quality, I think Nikon is superior! Sony, on the other hand, seems inferior to me.

- The screen of the A7iii in comparison to the Z5 seems laughable to me. The Z5 has an exceptional fully touch screen, brighter, higher resolution, and larger than that of the A7iii.

- The menu of the A7iii also seems poorly designed, disorganized, hard to read, and also uses word abbreviations like "Exp.comp.set," which makes it difficult to understand what is what without having to search through a manual. Nikon's menu may not be perfect, but it is well-crafted, organized, and also has a "?" button for each setting, which, when pressed, opens a pop-out window and explains the selected setting. I don't find the A7iii's menu user-friendly at all.

For the above two points, I want to emphasize that I'm not mentioning them out of habit. When certain important settings that can be easily adjusted with one hand on the Z5 require both hands on the A7iii, it is objective and not just a matter of habit. Also, when you want quicker access to the same settings, again, it is objective and not just a matter of habit. In general, all the important settings (ISO, shutter speed, aperture, white balance, etc.) are immediately accessible with one hand on the Z5.

- Additionally, Nikon's SnapBridge application is excellent, as it works flawlessly on both Android and iOS, whether you want to control the camera through your mobile device or simply transfer photos to your phone. I have never seen an application of its kind work as smoothly and seamlessly as Nikon's. Sony is missing something like that.

- Jpegs straight out of the camera, I have the feeling that the colors of the Z5 are again superior (for photos taken in natural light) - to the point where most of the time you simply don't need any editing. With the A7iii, it's just okay.

- Finally, the battery life is noticeably lower than that of the Z5 (although theoretically, it should be the opposite). It also doesn't have an independent charger; instead, you connect the charging cable directly to the camera - a bit inconvenient for me mainly because I prefer the camera to stay in the bag while the battery is charging, rather than being exposed.

More or less, the above things seemed very unpleasant to me during my transition from Z5 to A7iii, but we can never have it all.

Unfortunately, however, all of the above in Z5 are useless when its AF sensitivity has been limited to -2EV (-3EV with lowlight activated).

So, 4 stars for A7iii, for all the above reasons. Beyond that, objectively, it is an excellent all-around camera with the AF making it ideal under all lighting conditions.

The main reason I work with Sony systems is the automatic focus and image quality in low light conditions. Sony, with these two elements that other companies lack, has managed to achieve the impossible and reach the top of the world's preferences, leaving Canon behind and almost neutralizing Nikon. This particular body has several disadvantages, including the menu, body stabilization, colors, and ergonomics, as well as the shutter that is observed in many at around 150k-250k, it needs to be changed... if you asked me to buy it again, I would do it with my eyes closed. The e-mount system offers the widest range of lenses, including third-party manufacturers, with exceptional performance, compared to the Canon RF, which has only 5 lenses in total. Those who have worked with good cameras will immediately recognize its quality... and those who have not yet reached this level will be thrilled with its performance. That's it! After almost 3 years of operation of these specific bodies! Have good shots and have fun

Hello from me as well. I am professionally involved with video and when I say video, I don't mean filmmaking but anything else. So, knowing what I need, I chose the excellent Sony a7iii as a third camera purchase. Therefore, after intense use during a summer season, I have to say that it is an amazing tool. Initially, I didn't find a particular reason to go for a full-frame body and the two reasons I chose it were the small price difference and then the more dials for settings on the body. Before the purchase, I did some research to see if any other company has better advancements and if I should switch there, but I realized that in the video aspect, it still has several years ahead of other camps. The main points where it excels are the focus and shooting in low light, to the extent that in other companies, you can't even rely on focus and the difference in low light is huge. These are two very basic points that make you much more flexible. Another point that makes a difference is the sound, and with a cheap external microphone like the Rode, worth 50 euros, the sound reaches perfection and certainly doesn't disappoint in any case. In combination with the Tamron 28-75 f2.8, the performance is excellent and, of course, you forget about extra lights even in very adverse conditions. One point that disappoints is the cumbersome menu, although you can create tabs with the settings you want to find more easily. The body is particularly small to the point that I don't think it's necessary. However, it is a hybrid weapon and ultimately, in adverse conditions, you can distinguish a small difference in image quality compared to the crop bodies I have. So far, these are my thoughts and of course, I would recommend it, but everyone should do their research according to what they want to do.

The review is purely based on its professional use and not for vlogs and such.

Decent. But also overrated.
In the positives, the autofocus (for those who use it, personally I never do because I work on purely professional projects), the low light (ok, full frame, logical), its battery life, and the fact that it has HLG.
In the negatives, everything else. Average image quality, problematic colors, stabilization for kicks (simply tragic), the worst log in the market (logical, since you spend so much money and it doesn't shoot 10-bit 4:2:2: internally, impossible to do extreme grading without seeing artifacts), expensive lenses (not Sony's fault but the FF platform).
Lastly, as the cherry on top, THE WORST menu that has ever existed, and without being accessible via touch, come on! Luckily they fixed it in the newer models by copying Panasonic & Canon.

In summary, definitely a tool for someone who knows what they're doing, but not the best. It is not qualitatively on par with either Panasonic (their respective S1 & S1H models outshine it) or Blackmagic. However, it is worth around 1300 when used.

The camera was mainly purchased for video (covering weddings, advertisements, etc.) and after 20+ days of testing and 4 mysteries, I have to say that it is an excellent proposition. Autonomy!! With ONE (original) battery, preparations were made, introductory shots AND mystery!!!. Incredible autofocus (mainly with the Sony 24-105 lens on top). I put my daughter in the tests to run zigzagging, hoping to lose focus, but in vain, so I don't even discuss it for a bride... ISO up to 10,000, you don't notice anything, nice slow motion at 100fps and the ability for timelapse with the interval... Double card slot very useful... What else could a videographer ask for? If I had to mention disadvantages, it would be 1) the endless menu that initially scares you, but with enough study, you get used to it, and it also has relatively easy customization with personal menu and custom buttons. 2) The screen could have had better image quality (by the way, for Greece with so much sun, I highly recommend buying an eye cup, otherwise you will suffer in morning baptisms, for example) and 3) the 4K that would be ideal at 50fps, but okay, I understand that something has to be left for the expected a7siii and the more expensive models. It goes without saying that there was no overheating in 4K in a closed room with a radiator for about 1.30 hours of recording... Sony battery charges in 2-2.30 hours on the Sony charger. Close to 2,000 euros with cash back, etc. that is available at this time, get it with closed eyes.

What can one say about the top-notch machine that does almost everything? I won't go into the process of comparison as each camera offers different methodologies, approaches, and dynamics. Depending on the money you spend, with this specific one, you get capabilities that a few years ago were offered by very expensive cameras or photography equipment. It is a hybrid machine that, in the right hands, is utilized; it has quite a steep learning curve, and with regular updates and patience, you can customize it to your needs. A disadvantage is the touchscreen that works for focusing and previewing photos, but the autofocus ranks among the best in the world as it has been tested by cinema specialists.

To take advantage of its capabilities, you need to dig into your pocket for lenses; the Sony FE 85mm f1.8 & 35 f1.8 are the basics for moving on a tripod and gimbal. I don't recommend cropping unless necessary; the clear image zoom at x2 does a good job with minimal quality loss (it worked well for me on the C4) with relatively fast servo zoom that reminds me of the old Sony servo 18-200 mm f3.5-6.3 crop. The 24-105mm f4 G is excellent for video in all cases, with stabilization (albeit minimal), beautiful defocusing with the zoom barrel extending in contrast to the internal crop. The 50mm FE 1.8 is mediocre in all aspects and requires many tests before going out for shooting; the focus with the soft makes it a constant game, quite cheap of course.

The kit 28-70mm f3.5-5.6 saves you in all cases, reasonably good with moderate sharpness, with relative stabilization, and it can be used comfortably in hand (with caution because you can't easily trust the Sony screen, 1m dot LCD), but it is not waterproof. You need a good external condenser microphone; a multi-directional one is not recommended. Of course, you can record separately if combined with other cameras that have proven good sound recording (or an external sound recorder).

In my opinion, it is video-oriented, especially at night with a bright lens (f2.8 and below) and a night picture profile (pp7!), you can produce remarkable material (not above 4000 ISO where you shoot with manageable grain!). Slow motion 1080p 120 fps cinematic! (it has from 1 fps slow-mo!). I would like a touchscreen for navigation and settings, a more creative menu. The 4k HDR - HLG - is nice after several tests to understand the aesthetics that each small adjustment gives you (on your monitor commonly). The AW balance is strange, although it is speculated that the color science is close to the human eye, adjustment with pre-positioning; if you are not sure, put S-log and a bit of warm Kelvin if there is enough light in the environment, otherwise, even with pp1 you can work without particular demands. Be careful with the lenses; each one has different results (in color refraction, distortion, sharpness, etc.).

With (mainly manual) focus and low f (the telephoto), you indeed create amazing bokeh... (the autofocus works if you limit it with small adjustments (DMF mode), but the 'handheld' focus pulling cannot be compared in terms of aesthetics, etc.). Energy lasts up to 3 hours with one battery in FHD 50 fps, 50 Mbps... with the viewfinder closed, normal brightness on the screen.

2020 | Get good glass to deliver the best possible 8bit 4:2:0 with importance on codecs, e.g., at 100 fps 60mbps 100 shutterspeed 1080p, the performance is amazing... (and in the pictures profiles the learning is slow but it justifies especially in the ease of color grading).. 8 bit 4:2:2 only with an external recorder, I haven't seen anyone completely 'squeeze' the dynamics of the camera until today, whoever knows can leave a link to their own review.. Limitation to half an hour of recording, when it heats up you let it cool down especially in summer., I would buy it again in 2024 even if it doesn't have 10bit video recording.

First of all, let me say that we only deal with photography and I will talk about this aspect.

So let's start with the basics and positives.
1. Very good for low light.
2. Very lightweight for full frame.
3. Small in size.
4. High-quality photos.
5. 2-year warranty from Sony on lenses.
6. Mapping for buttons.
7. Eye-tracking, awesome.
8. Focus.
9. Body stabilization is incredible, you can easily shoot at 1/10.

Negatives:
The menu is a mess, but the positive is that you can create your own custom menu.

An update after 7 months:
- Firmware update from the company, although the latest one was a bit problematic for me, but I'll figure it out.
- Wide range of lenses from Sony, Zeiss, and Sigma (I mention these because I use them).
- Battery lasts me for a 3-5 hour photoshoot and I still have some left (I only use about 20% for 3 hours), but I make good use of it and don't leave it on if I'm not shooting or recording video.
- I believe it was one of the best purchases I made. I still haven't encountered any problems at any level.

I will start by saying that photography is just a hobby of mine and I probably shouldn't have spent so much money on a camera. However, having learned a lot over the years with a Nikon D5100, I felt that I needed to take the big step to full-frame.

POSITIVES
+ Autofocus. The main reason I bought it. Fast and accurate when combined with the right lens. Even at night, it has no problem.
+ Very good image quality, even at night.
+ Video is equally exceptional, just like the photos. I would have liked it to be able to shoot in 2.7K, but it is limited to only 4K and 1080p.
+ There is some noise at high ISOs up to 12800, but it is not bothersome, and the photos can still be used just fine.
+ The stabilization allows me to take photos up to 1'' without a tripod.
+ 10fps burst in raw means I can capture my friends playing basketball, walking carefree, and their hair waving. :D Jokes aside, it is very useful for many situations, especially in sports, weddings, small children, etc.
+ Bright and high-resolution screen. The live preview of the final photo is a big advantage. It saves me a lot of time.
+ Very good build quality and low weight for a full frame. I hope Sony releases even smaller lenses to make it more compact.
+ The kit lens is decent for its price. However, I have also purchased the SEL85F18 and SEL50F18.
+ Sony is gaining a lot of market share with this generation of cameras, which is evident from the many accessories and lenses that have started to be released, which will lower the prices.
+ Ergonomically, it is quite good, but it does tire my hand until I get used to it.

NEGATIVES
- The colors are clearly improved, but personally, I prefer the colors of my old Nikon. Maybe the camera profiles in Lightroom are not well-made or I am not doing such good editing.
- The menu feels outdated for 2018 standards. Personally, I felt like I bought a camera from 2010. The touch screen also has very few functions. It took me several hours to learn all the menus and customize it to my liking.
- It does not have an intervalometer for timelapses.
- The mobile application is very poor. It takes several steps each time to connect to the camera, and there is no tap-to-autofocus capability from the mobile!
- It charges slowly and at the same rate whether using USB-C or micro-USB.
- The screen does not rotate, nor is there any protection for it, meaning it is always exposed.
- The EVF is mediocre, with poor resolution. I rarely use it.
- Lens costs. While the body has a perfect price, Sony lenses are very expensive. Even third-party lenses are costly and do not have the same autofocus performance. Additionally, the lenses are large, despite the mirrorless system supposedly being more compact.
- To take advantage of the 10fps burst, you need the corresponding UHS-II card, which is very expensive.

In conclusion, I am very happy with the purchase of this camera. There is room for improvement, but there is no doubt that there is no other camera at this price point (or even at higher prices) that has so much technology, such good image quality, and in such a small package. For me, the A7III is the only way to go in full-frame.