Sony a7III High ISO Sample Images

There are many things about the Sony a7III mirrorless camera that make it an extremely compelling option for travel photography. It’s small, very quiet (and discreet), and priced more affordably than the flagship a7R III.

But while it might technically be the new entry-level camera in Sony’s Alpha range, this isn’t just any entry-level camera. It’s packed with features and has superb image quality. ¹

One of the most notable aspects is its performance in low light. Sony’s sensors are among the best available–it’s no wonder that Nikon uses them in their own cameras–and the sensors in the Alpha series of full-frame cameras have a well-earned reputation as being at the top of the pack. Lab tests confirm this.

As useful as lab tests can be, I wanted to see what this means when it comes to real-world shooting. So I shot a bunch of photos at high ISOs to find out. And I thought I’d post some of them here in case anyone was curious to see some high-resolution examples.

Sony a7III’s Native ISO vs. Extended ISO

Native ISOs: 100 – 51200
Extended ISOs: 50, 64000 – 204800

First, though, it’s worth pointing out the two ISO categories in the a7III specs.

For still photos, the Sony a7III has an ISO range from 50 through 204800. ²

Of that, the native ISO range of the sensor is 100 to 51200. That’s the range that’s considered optimal for the sensor hardware.

But there’s also an extended range both below and above the native range. This is where software takes over to push beyond the limits of the sensor’s optimal performance range. It can go down to ISO 50 at the slow end, but I’m most interested here in the fast end, so the extended ISOs I’m most interested in are the ones from ISO 64000 to ISO 204800. In my regular shooting, I tend to avoid extended ISO ranges. But it’s useful to know what options you have available in difficult shooting conditions and how much wiggle room you have when the light is scarce.

Sony a7III High ISO Sample Images

What I’m going for here is to mix it up with a range of different types of shots that might show up issues at high ISOs–things like dark, smooth gradients; rich colors; and lighting with wide dynamic ranges. I repeated some of the same shots–or very similar shots–at different ISOs to help with side-by-side comparisons.

The versions you see embedded below are JPGs that have been only very lightly processed in Lightroom. None of them has any extra noise reduction applied beyond the Lightroom default (Color: 25; Detail 50; Smoothness: 50). Very little has been done to the JPGs, and you can get a closer look by opening a full-size version by clicking on each image. If you want to see untouched versions right out of the camera, you can download the corresponding RAW file from the links in each caption (fair warning, though, that the ARW files are around 50MB each).

Native ISO Range: 100 – 51200 on the Sony a7III

I’m focused here on the high ISO settings, so I’ll pick it up at ISO 3200.

ISO 3200 – 6400 on the Sony a7III

ISO 8000 – 51200 on the Sony a7iii

Extended ISO Range: 64000 – 204800

This extended range boost’s the sensor’s native capabilities with software. As you can see from the examples below, the image quality can deteriorate markedly in this range, particularly when you get up to the highest end. Noise and grain become pronounced, dynamic range is reduced considerably, and colors become washed out and shifted.

I haven’t made any attempt here to correct the flaws by bumping up the noise reduction or fixing the colors. The whole point is to see what the camera’s doing, after all. But it’s certainly possible to improve these with post-processing in something like Lightroom or other image editing software.

A popular way to mask some of these flaws is to convert the image to black and white, and when you do that, sometimes the higher contrast and graininess of the image can become virtues.

ISO 64000 – 128000

ISO 160000 – 204800

RAW vs. JPG

When it comes to deciding which image format to set the camera out, I’m normally squarely in the RAW camp. If the camera has RAW, it’s one of the first settings I adjust when I pick it up. Under normal circumstances, you can get better quality out of the RAW than by using the JPG.

But I’ve come across an exception here. That’s when it comes to shooting at the very top end of the ISO range in the a7 III–specifically, in the extended ISO range. That’s because I’ve found that the a7 III’s internal processor more consistently does a better job in processing the images than I’m able to get out of post-processing without going to reasonably extreme measures. So I’ve been finding the JPGs shot in the ISO 64000 to 204800 range to be more reliable than the RAW images even with post-processing–especially at the upper end of that range. Of course, your workflow or software might be different, or you might be happy to spend more effort (or be more skilled at it) fixing the flaws of those ultra-high ISO images. But for me, for anything over ISO 64000, I’ve found that the camera-generated JPGs out of the a7 III’s are often a better option if for no other reason that I can’t improve on them even if I can match them.

If you decide to go that route, there are a few ways to go about it. You can set the camera to shoot JPG. If you want the best of both worlds, you can have it save both RAW and JPG simultaneously (which is what I do). And if you’ve only saved a RAW version and are trying to get at camera-generated JPGs retroactively, you can try extracting the JPG preview embedded within it.

Fixing Image Quality Problems in Editing

The general rule of thumb in photography is that it’s better to get the shot right at the time of capture rather than trying to fix it later. That’s a great aspiration, but it’s not always possible to do if you’re shooting in especially challenging conditions or bumping up against limitations or flaws in gear, conditions, or technique.

But it’s worth mentioning that there are some excellent tools available to help address common image quality issues with digital images. And they’re getting better and better all the time as the power of AI ramps up. They can deal remarkably well with anything from sensor issues like high-ISO image noise to lens issues like distortion, softness, vignetting, and chromatic aberration. (Note: I’m focusing here on corrections related to image quality, not image enhancement tools—that’s a different kettle of fish.)

All-round image processing apps like Lightroom Classic and Capture One have solid tools built in that are very good places to start. But it’s also possible to take it much further with more specialized tools. If you shoot in challenging conditions regularly and find room for improvement in the image quality coming out of the camera, these might well be worth a look (and they have free trials). Some are stand-alone apps; some integrate into image editing suites such as Lightroom Classic.

UPDATE: In April 2023, Adobe released an update to Lightroom Classic that added new AI-powered noise reduction for RAW files. It’s a powerful tool that rivals some of the dedicated apps below. If you’re already using Lightroom Classic for your image editing and organization, it’s well worth trying out—look for the Denoise tool under the Detail panel.

Fixing Image Noise & High ISO Artifacts

• DxO PureRAW 3. Like Lightroom Classic’s Denoise tool, it only works on RAW files. But since was updated to version 3, it has become my go-to app for this kind of thing. I’m consistently amazed at how it can rescue photos with otherwise dodgy image quality from noise. It can also help with lens distortion, lens vignetting, and lens softness.
• DxO DeepPrime. This is the noise-only offering using the same denoising technology as PureRAW.
• Topaz Labs’ DeNoise AI. This is another excellent option for specialized denoising. It works alongside Lightroom or as a standalone app.

Fixing Lens-Related Optical Issues

• DxO PureRAW. Again offers an impressive suite of automatic fixes that are applied before you start editing the images.
• DxO ViewPoint. Correcting for lens distortion and geometry skews. Lightroom Classic and Capture One also have excellent built-in tools for this.
• Topaz Labs Sharpen AI. In addition to standard unsharp tools, it includes focus correction and shake reduction.

Wrap Up

At any price point, the high-ISO performance of the Sony a7III is superb, rivaled only by cameras like the Sony a7R III and Nikon D850. But when you consider that it’s a sub-$2000 camera (for the body, that is), then it really stands out and sets a very high bar.

The a7III’s low-light performance is streets ahead of something like the Fujifilm X-T2’s (which I still think has impressive low-light performance). Although, to be fair, that’s not quite an apples-to-apples comparison, in part because there’s still a sizable price difference, and in part, because the X-T2 uses a smaller APS-C sensor, whereas the a7III uses a larger full-size sensor.

That’s not to say the results from the a7III at the very high ISOs are perfect and all equally usable. I’ve found the results throughout the native ISO range, even up to ISO 51200, to be first-rate. For general shooting, I have no hesitation going up to ISO 32000 and only slight hesitation going up to 51200. (But, of course, everyone’s preferences and tolerance will vary, often also based on the scene and end use.)

Once you get into the software-boosted extended range above ISO 64000, the quality starts to fall off quickly, as you would expect. While the image quality degradation in that range probably isn’t going to be much good for wedding photography or submitting to picky stock libraries, there will be plenty of times that those extreme ISOs might enable a shot for, say, a wildlife, street, or travel photographer that would have been impossible otherwise. I’m reminded of some unique footage in Planet Earth II of mobular rays feeding at night. That footage is very grainy, and, in any normal sense, the image quality is poor. But it’s showing something happening in total darkness that is simply impossible to capture otherwise and results in something truly unique. And that’s really what the extended ISO range is for. It’s there if you really need it, but for most of us, it’s not something we’d probably be shooting with every day.

Overall, having been shooting with it for a while, I have to say I’m seriously impressed by the a7III’s low-light potential at high ISOs. The Sony a7r III and Nikon D850 have already broken this high-ISO ground, but that the a7III, at this price point, can join them, is nothing short of astonishing.

Sony a7III Price & Availability

There have been newer models released since the a7III, so it’s becoming harder to find new copies in stores. But there are often quite a few available on the used market.

It comes in a variety of configurations, ranging from body-only to kits with various lenses.

Buy New

Check the current price and availability of the Sony a7III at:

• B&H Photo
• Adorama
• Amazon

Buy Used

• B&H Photo
• KEH
• MPB

RELATED: I’ve also put together a post on Sony a7III memory card recommendations.

Key Specs of the Sony a7III Mirrorless Camera

• Lens Mount: Sony E – allows for interchangeable lens system and compatibility with a wide range of Sony E-mount full-frame lenses.
• Sensor Resolution: Actual: 25.3 Megapixels; Effective: 24.2 Megapixels (6000 x 4000).
• Sensor Type: 35.6 x 23.8 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS.
• Image Stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis – reduces camera shake and allows for sharper images and smoother videos.
• Shutter Type: Electronic Shutter – silent operation and faster shutter speeds compared to mechanical shutters.
• Shutter Speed Range: 1/8000 to 30 Seconds; Bulb Mode – provides flexibility in controlling the exposure and capturing long-exposure shots.
• ISO Sensitivity: 100 to 51,200 (Extended: 50 to 204,800) – a wider range of ISO sensitivity allows for better low-light performance and greater control over exposure.
• Metering Method: Center-Weighted Average, Highlight Weighted, Multi-Zone, Spot – provides different ways to measure light and accurately calculate exposure.
• Exposure Modes: Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority – provides flexibility in adjusting exposure settings based on the photographer’s preferences.
• Exposure Compensation: -5 to +5 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps) – allows for fine-tuning exposure settings in specific shooting conditions.
• Metering Range: -3 to 20 EV – provides flexibility in measuring light in different shooting scenarios.
• White Balance Presets: Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Daylight), Fluorescent (Warm White), Incandescent, Shade, Underwater – allows for accurate color reproduction in different lighting situations.
• Continuous Shooting: Up to 10 fps at 24.2 MP for up to 89 Frames (Raw) / 177 Frames (JPEG) – allows for capturing fast-moving subjects with ease.
• Bit Depth: 14-Bit – allows for greater color depth and smoother tonal transitions in photos.
• Internal Recording Modes: H.264/XAVC S and AVCHD/H.264 – provides flexibility in video recording and post-processing options.
• Gamma Curve: HDR-HLG, Sony S-Log 2, Sony S-Log 3 – provides greater dynamic range and flexibility in post-processing options.
• Recording Limit: Up to 30 Minutes.
• Built-In Microphone Type: Stereo – provides basic audio recording capabilities for videos.
• Media/Memory Card Slot: Slot 1: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II); Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo Hybrid (UHS-I). Recommendations.
• Viewfinder: Built-In Electronic – provides accurate framing and composition of shots, especially in bright outdoor settings.
• Focus: Automatic and Manual – provides flexibility in adjusting focus based on the photographer’s preferences and shooting scenarios.
• Autofocus Points: Phase Detection: 693; Contrast Detection: 425 – provides greater accuracy and flexibility in focusing on subjects.
• Operating Temperature: 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C – allows for shooting in different environmental conditions.
• Battery Type: 1 x NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 2280 mAh.
• Power Consumption: <3.2 W – energy-efficient design allows for longer battery life.
• Tripod Mounting Thread: 1 x 1/4″-20 Female (Bottom) – allows for easy and secure mounting on tripods or other support systems.
• Accessory Mount: 1 x Hot Shoe Mount – provides flexibility in attaching external accessories, such as flashes or microphones.
• Material of Construction: Magnesium Alloy – durable and lightweight construction for easy handling and durability.
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 5 x 3.8 x 2.9″ / 126.9 x 95.6 x 73.7 mm – compact size allows for easy portability and handling.
• Weight: 1.43 lb / 650 g – lightweight design reduces fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
• Video I/O: 1 x Micro-HDMI Output – allows for easy connection to external monitors or recorders.
• Audio I/O: 1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone Output, 1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Microphone Input – allows for external audio recording and monitoring capabilities.
• Power I/O: 1 x USB-C Input/Output – provides flexibility in charging and powering the camera.
• Other I/O: 1 x Sony Multi/Micro-USB Input/Output (Shared with Remote Input), 1 x USB-C (USB 3.2 / 3.1 Gen 1) Input/Output (Shared with Power Input) – provides multiple options for connecting and transferring data between the camera and other devices.
• Wireless: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth – allows for easy transfer of photos and videos to other devices, and remote control capabilities through a smartphone app.
• Viewfinder Type: Built-In Electronic – provides accurate framing and composition of shots, especially in bright outdoor settings.
• Viewfinder Size: 0.5″ – provides a large, bright and clear view of the subject.
• Viewfinder Resolution: 2,359,000 Dot – provides a high-quality, sharp, and detailed view of the subject.
• Eye Point: 23 mm – provides comfortable viewing for eyeglass wearers.
• Coverage: 100% – provides an accurate and complete view of the subject as captured in the frame.
• Magnification: Approx. 0.78x – provides a large, clear and detailed view of the subject.
• Diopter Adjustment: -4 to +3 – allows for easy and accurate adjustment for different eyesight conditions.
• Flash Modes: Auto, Fill Flash, Hi-Speed Sync, Off, Rear Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Wireless – provides flexibility in controlling lighting conditions in photos.
• Maximum Sync Speed: 1/250 Second – provides flexibility in controlling flash exposure and freezing action in photos.
• Flash Compensation: -3 to +3 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps) – allows for fine-tuning flash exposure in specific shooting conditions.
• Dedicated Flash System: TTL – provides accurate and automatic flash exposure control.
• External Flash Connection: Intelligent Hot Shoe – allows for easy and secure attachment of external flashes.

1. Technically, the camera’s model name is Sony α7 III. It’s also sometimes spelled out as the Sony Alpha α7 III or ILCE-7M3.[↩]
2. The extended ISOs aren’t available when shooting video. So the video mode is limited to the native ISO range of ISO 100 to 51200.[↩]

Images and product information from Amazon PA-API were last updated on 2023-09-26 at 19:04. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon Site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.