Sony a7S III Review for Wedding Filmmakers

[@whoismatt]

Grab your popcorn, this is a long one! 😜 When you’re done, here are some other a7S III videos I’ve made: 📷 a7S III Memory Card Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIKtXoOXlJqiiKc 📷 a7S III Video Formats EXPLAINED: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2nCeaeYj5eVh5I 📷 Wedding Filmmaking BTS with the Sony a7S III: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHyof6udbdOHpNk

[@christianpokrywka9054]

IS IT EPIC FREN?!?!!

[@RolandoCocom]

Thanks Matt. What would you recommend A7sii or GH5?

[@whoismatt]

@@RolandoCocom I would go with the a7 iii

[@RolandoCocom]

@@whoismatt Thanks! I shoot wedding photography on Mark 5D IV. And the Sony system seems to be the way to go for video indeed! I'm expecting the price to drop for previous models. Keep it up!

[@jdlmediaco3541]

A Scotty reference 😂

[@MorganSteinagel]

This is the best review I've found on this camera.

[@Philipppppppp]

Agreed

[@HoldenHardman]

Finally upgraded my camera to this. Thanks so much for going so in-depth!

[@whoismatt]

😁💪

[@theTechNotice]

Hey Matt, just realised that there's a massive difference on the frame rates and bit rates when choosing between PAL & NTSC. For example here in the UK when in PAL, you can't record 25fps in XAVC-S 4k '100Mbps' lowest is 140Mbps in 10bit. Another weird thing is that when you want to record in XAVC HS 4k (PAL) then there is NO 24 or 25fps SETTING!!!! Only 50p and 100p. 😱 Makes me think I should switch it to NTSC here in the UK?!

[@CAMTechChris]

Move over Gerald, whoIsMatt just topped the charts for best siii in-depth video - for me anyway. And I'm not even a wedding filmmaker - just a hobbyist videographer. I learned so much from this video, thank you Matt. My siii should be shipping any day now - can't wait to get it!

[@lyndonlabayan]

SWEET JESUS. 50 MINS. Spending my lunch in this... I am excite!

[@whoismatt]

😂 thanks Lyndon

[@steventhebroker]

Ok Borat lol

[@WekaFilms]

This is an exceptional, invaluable review. Thank you for your service to mankind.

[@DavidHorizonFilms]

This is probably the camera that I'll be upgrading to from my GH5 in the months to come. Can't wait!!

[@whoismatt]

Good choice! GH5 is still awesome, but the lowlight and AF are a nice upgrade

[@DavidHorizonFilms]

@@whoismatt indeed, I filmed a wedding last month and truly felt the limits of my GH5. Missed a lot of shots because of the struggle with manual focus !

[@NolanGunn]

That or the A74 depending on what they come up with!

[@manilamartin1001]

Me too. I will probably keep my older cameras though.

[@thenerdshow]

You might wanna order it today then. Both of my pre-orders still have yet to be shipped.

[@bleach_meds599]

I feel like the smooth kelvin change would only be good for when you're planning on immersing from one lighting temp environment to another correctly. Other than that, I prefer hard stops because it means I can adjust the temp on one part of my shot in post to the very frame it adjusts. At that point, for a less hassle workflow, I've even seen some high dollar videographers use AWB because the constant adjustment can be largely tedious and disruptive when you're just out to get your shots and you have to think about small settings like that.

[@TAPPChannel]

just in time... I'm watching those tutorials and comparisons with R5 and I'm about to place that order later today... I really want to be in Canon ecosystem but Sony is giving me all arguments to go with them even if I don't want to :) Damn

[@MarkHuynh7]

Canceled my R5 order and waited an extra month for the a7siii lets say im not dissappinted

[@whoismatt]

As someone that has filmed with both, the a7S III is my choice :)

[@ardsleyparkproductions]

I already bought it and have filmed weddings all month with it. I can whole heartedly agree with you that this camera is perfect for weddings. Only wish I could afford a second one already.

[@musadays8083]

You will, God willing ✌️🙏

[@ToddMcDurmont]

I watch this video over and over and over and over. It is truly, without a doubt, the best, fully comprehensive review of the Sony a7sIII I've ever watched and I've watched a lot of KZbin reviews on this camera. Nice job Matt. 👍

[@TedwardDrives]

I'm new to Sony with the A7Siii and it's pretty overwhelming. I'm not a colorist and its so tricky to figure out the quickest way to get the most dynamic range with accurate white balance and exposure on the fly. If you ever do a quick work flow/settings that you use to shoot weddings I'd be hugely appreciative. For example I'd love to watch you move from two different WB situations while filming and adjusting at the same time.

[@focusonwhymedia]

Hey Matt. thanks again for an excellent video. I was curoius if you could explain (or make another video) on how to Expose for Slog-3 quickly in a run and gun scenario without an external monitor? i've seen a lot of videos saying expose zebras for 41% to 55% or just over expose by 1.6 stops but that assumes one has a lot of time to expose correctly . You are in a wedding-filmmaking environment just like many of us and was curious what your workflow on a shooting day is like to expose quickly in an indoor and outdoor setting specifically for SLOG 3. Thanks man !

[@GNSmithProductions]

Please do a “how to” for slog3! Can’t figure it out for the life of me, even with all the videos on KZbin :/

[@BLiu1]

Gerald Undone made a great video about exposing for SLOG3 and other picture profiles earlier this month

[@BLiu1]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6KtiamueauWj6c Skip through with the contents in the description if the technical bits get rambly.

[@PavolKasalaProductions]

I still would love to have tutorial on Slog3 from Matt. Thank you!

[@javrri7212]

Yes, we want to see that. In the mean time, I would recommend this video on that topic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnbUk4mtabNop8U

[@ColeDeRuse]

SmallHD focus monitor. Use false color. You’re welcome

[@tommyinsane9932]

Enjoy your practical, real world application of the camera vs spec talk. Great vid as always Matt 👊

[@throwdown515]

Holy cow. This is the best review I’ve seen yet! Thank you for the hard work and planning that went into this! Sub’d and looking forward to your other A7S III content!

[@Bowmans-Woods]

Such a great, funny and really detailed review of the A7Siii. I pre-ordered mine on Aug 10th and am STILL WAITING. Sooo looking forward to getting it. A Significant upgrade to my GH5 and A7iii. You touting it as being Sooooo good is just making the wait even harder. Thanks! Craig

[@Citizenflaba]

Did ya get it yet? If so when lok

[@KevinFedde]

My R5 does have a tortilla press in it, behind the back screen while filming 8K RAW... Bit crispy though.

[@marlenewaldthaler]

You are awesome! I love how enthusiastic but honest you are, and how practical you explain even the nerdiest stuff! Greetings from Bavaria! 🤗

[@redbyrdcreative8792]

I own an a7sIII now and holy cow it's a game changer. I'm coming from (and still use as B & C cams) the a6500 and a6300. The overheat panic and battery life alone are amazing, but add in the 4k 60+ and 10 bit... wow. Since Matt asked a6500 owners to comment on overheating, I've had them set an overheat warning at almost any wedding. Thankfully I haven't had any shutdowns but I think if you add a full cage to these bodies you gain several pros besides adding mounting points. The cage has noticeably helped overheat times by acting as a heat sync (I'm assuming), not to mention it also helps boost up the height of the camera body for mounting a plate that has less chance of bumping into the lens. Back to overheating/cages: I've had cameras shooting the same frame rate at the same time/location as my 2nd shooter who didn't have a cage, and my warning was just starting to come on as his was shutting down. If you can upgrade to an a7iii or a7siii, you won't be angry. If you plan on still using your a6500 like me... get a cage! :-)

[@whiterock1865]

Just a bit of info at 47:25 you suggest 100Mb 4:2:2 10-bit, for mac users its better to do 4:2:0 10-bit for playback ability.

[@videobyhenry]

Matt you are a legend! What a great review. As a fellow Texas wedding videographer, I cannot begin to tell you how excited I was about this camera. Upgrading from my A7III and excited to shoot my first wedding with it! Looking forward to your setup guide. Thank you again!

[@areeszgandhistudios]

One of the best videos on A7siii , saw the whole video and was a joy :) cheers man

[@whoismatt]

Thank you!

[@joshvoigt7505]

I got my first camera a year and a half ago and decided to get the Fuji XT3 because it has eye autofocus and shoots in 10 bit all the way up to 4k60p. I new it was going to be a temporary solution until a full frame equivalent came along, and I'm so glad to be able to get this soon!

[@bjoernfischer]

haha, true, I was working on short movie project a few years ago and we had to put the a6500 in the fridge a couple of times just to able to finish the day. :D

[@whoismatt]

😂😂 wowwww

[@dangermanv6133]

Really? Were you shooting in 4K? I was able to shoot for 1 hour straight with the hacked firmware inside a building without the camera overheating at 1080p. I was able to record for 40 mins with 4K and thr high temp did turned on, but it didn't shut the camera down. Thr a6500 held up pretty well for me

[@bjoernfischer]

@@dangermanv6133 i was shooting in 4k 24, for probably 5 or 6 hours with long takes.

[@TheArtist441]

An invaluable video, so clearly presented. Amazing work! I will be coming back for more A7SIII info!

[@MUTABAZISTUDIOS]

1 hour well spent, I'm so happy of my early purchase, thanks Matt for this awesome content, greeting from France, stay safe and enjoy your S-line camera.

[@dannygrau2983]

I love that camera. Besides the zve1 being an exception no other camera can do so well in low lighting. I would give my life for it.

[@DaveSy]

Best camera reviewer ever! I can't wait to see an a7S III vs. Canon C70 video down the road (I hope!)

[@aerofart]

When I first got my a7sIII I was adjusting my ISO and noticed I could go all the way down to ISO 160. I did a double take, thinking I was in a Rec 709 profile. Imagine the smile on my face when I learned that I could record SLOG-3 at ISO 160. Unheard of performance. My GH5 couldn’t do that, nor my XT3. Those cameras could only go as low as 640(?) or so in any log format. But the beautiful a7S III is working miracles! Love your videos Matt. You rock!

[@steveandnaz]

but you cant can you? 640 is the base iso?!

[@aerofart]

@@steveandnaz YES, you can, but not for video. Stills only unfortunately.

[@steveandnaz]

@@aerofart Thanks for clarifying!

[@seanopenshaw]

Great video Matt! Thank you for doing this! Now, if my camera will EVER arrive!!!

[@samplesphotocinema9406]

Watching the whole video. Loving the camera myself. It was super nice meeting you and Rachel at Venture.

[@whoismatt]

Thanks! Great meeting you as well!

[@garrettroberson]

Dude, this video is incredible. You covered every subject and did it in a way that kept me interested the whole time. Great job!

[@MadGearBand]

Good to know that other professionals have pulled the ole "I was recording the ground for 10 minutes, now Imma hit record and *stop* recording for the precious moment" trick. Also good to know there's a solution with this camera.

[@wcsdiaries]

What trick is this?

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

i feel like i’ve said this before, but even though i’ll probably never be a wedding videographer, your videos are so great and useful for any video person! thank you! now i just need $3500....

[@mauibuilder1239]

Great review Matt! Wedding filmmaker or not, this is hands down the most informative and practical review and dare I say getting started guide on the Sony A7Siii from a seasoned A7Sii user. The only features I wish it had were the tilt and articulating screen of the Panasonic S1H and internal ND's if possible even if the body was slightly larger. I received mine though and it's a phenomenal camera.

[@joshantolin]

I don't understand why people will dislike this informative video😅 thanks again Matt!

[@VainSoftGames]

Small typo @ 25:21, both say Sony A7S II. But other than that, a great review on the Sony A7S III.

[@whoismatt]

Ugh my bad! Left is A7S II right is A7S III

[@starshipvelcrp]

Awesome review. I agree that it is a beast for weddings and has the least amount of compromises of any camera I've ever used. I do want to say that I've switched from trying to use the XAVC-S 4:2:2 10bit to the XAVC-HS 4:2:0 10bit codecs. I'm using a 2020 iMac and I couldn't smoothly edit the 422 but even though the h265 is more compressed, it is handled easily by the new video cards. I found some information saying that the current video cards out there don't natively support 422 yet but can decode 420 and 444. Just a thought for anyone is trying out codecs.

[@DeLaurian]

Incredible Review. Thank you!

[@WillStinton]

I’m REALLY gonna miss that APS-C mode, I use it ALL the time for weddings; turning a 50mm to a 75mm with one button click is so clutch

[@redbyrdcreative8792]

Agreed!!! Maybe 2021 will see an a7iv??? With that 6k down sample and at least 4k60??? Fingers crossed!

[@WillStinton]

@@redbyrdcreative8792 call me crazy, but A7iii will still be a completely serviceable 4K camera for weddings even 2 years from now, it ain’t going nowhere

[@redbyrdcreative8792]

@@WillStinton oh I definitely agree! It's a solid camera as are the a6500's. I do like the color science in the a7iii way more though than the older a6xxx's. It's all in how you use the camera, and only partially limited to what it can do.

[@designlife5641]

clear image zoom

[@WillStinton]

@@designlife5641 pressing just one button is key

[@kylehuntmaui]

I badly needed emph disp dur rec and am so glad they've included this. I've missed moments more times than I like to admit. No more.

[@martin_wood]

Wow! This is in depth. I will need to watch this in full tonight. Looks epic

[@TyMyDiscovering]

Thank you so much Matt! Watched the entire video, so well put together!

[@InakaAdventure]

Picked up my A7siii in Japan, so its only in Japanese and cant change language in menus (feature not a bug), this sort of video really helps since I cant read 10-20% of the menu settings

[@jammuncada1433]

You are the best Matt!!! You’re my fave on KZbin!!!🤓

[@boxofgames3]

28:00 the low light performance is absolutely fantastic.. look at sparklers and all the faces they clear and beautiful,, really A7S-III is a low light king

[@flywithhunter]

11:30 i can relate exactly. Thought I was the only one! I can’t even tell you how many times I have had my heart broke because I thought I was recording. It haunts me! I like having it on mine but still caught myself do it when I’m using a monitor....I just get so caught up in the image I’m getting I don’t glance at the recording signs lol.

[@westdoc]

Terrific overview of the Sony A7siii. Mine is on order. Thanks Matt for all the great info.

[@InventiveImagery]

@25:15 A7SIII is on the right for anyone who is blind ;)

[@Galgomite]

(Edit: According to a DP Review chart, there is no option to record 30p 4K in h.265, so I deleted my question on the subject.) I received my A7Siii a few weeks ago and used it on two wedding shoots. (Mini review: it’s good but not the leap I hoped for in terms of low light AF or noise.)

Thank you very much for this extensive video!

[@Iamtimchung]

Matt these videos are so good! Finding it super valuable!

[@whoismatt]

Thanks Tim!

[@justesmond]

Awesome video Matt! I enjoyed the thorough nerdiness! Great job!!!

[@HeyHeyCaseyRae]

Hey Matt! You are really making me rethink the GH5 capabilities. Question: Does the A7Siii have a recording limit? Sorry if you mentioned that I might've missed it.

[@RossBarnett02]

No record limits in any codecs/resolution! 🙌🏼

[@whoismatt]

Hey! Neglected to mention that in the video but Ross is correct, there are no recording limits. :)

[@noamroth5752]

the camera is released but its impssible to get the hands on it, feels like the wait will never end. good review thank you for all the awesome content, still waiting for mine if it ever comes (lost hope)

[@PsychonautTV]

For pure specs and technical pixel-peeping, I go to Gerald Undone. For pure usability, on the go, "practical" work, I go to you. This and Gerald Undone's video has convinced me to buy this camera. Amazing review, watched the entire thing and loved it.

[@NolanGunn]

Amazing review. I can't wait to see what sony will do with the A74. I have a feeling that will create the great 2021 exodus from mft.

[@stevenuseda6317]

Awesome video Matt! I finally got my pre order in last week and will be testing this cam out in a wedding after thanksgiving. Would love to see a color grading video on SLOG-3

[@DannyFarrell]

Amazing video! So much great information! Thank you for breaking down all the dorky specs that I was kind of confused about in the past. You rock, Matt!

[@flavien_frc]

Nive vid! Matt, can you make a video about your b-roll smooth traveling?! Especially the ones where you are turning at the same time, it would be fantastic! Thanks!

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

I"ve watched about 50 videos about the A7SIII and a couple lenses. (20mm f1.8, 24mm f1.4 and 24-70mm f2.8, and some other f4 stock lens) Yours is the first that actually has given me some confidence, though i wish there was some "naked eye" comparisons. I'm looking for a combo camera and lens that can film well at half moon light, and fire light. I'm an outdoor youtuber using the 80d and 17-55mm f2.8 combo. Its abysmal!!! And kills me inside when the sun goes down. It wont focus, it is HELLA noisy, and when I review the footage after the fact (I get ONE take to get it right) there are shots that destroy the entire project. As well as the USM lens is disgustingly loud and wrecks audio!

[@whoismatt]

A7siii and the 24mm gm is what you want then 😁

[@OlegNikitin17]

Matt, you are doing great! I've been watching your videos since you had 10K of subs, great job! Hope once I'll also be able to be as helpful as you to as many people as you! Keep on rolling!

[@whoismatt]

Thank you so much! :)

[@CascaraFilms]

“I’m the bearded Goldilocks” made my day! 😂

[@MarcEstrella]

Just got into shooting wedding video and you’ve just sold me on this camera , too bad I can’t find one anywhere! Haha

[@chasedavis36]

Still rockin the BMPCC6K for weddings it’s a workhorse

[@hongcheung]

Great video and energy as always Matt 👍. Being a Panasonic shooter, I shot a wedding recently using Sony A7iii and really did appreciate the AF of the Sony, especially walking towards the camera shots. Only thing was that it did overheat and I had to switch back to the Panasonic for a bit. Also the difference in IBIS is noticeably weaker than the Panasonic. Looking at your Siii review it sounds like the overheating maybe much improved android those colours look amazing (probably down to your colour grading 😊)

[@whoismatt]

Thanks! A7siii is a big improvement over the a7iii 😁 Also used my luts for coloring

[@engineerfpv]

But Matt, if you are shooting in hlg and 10bit. That means you are using a bt2020 colorspace. Which premiere doesnt support editing in. It only supports rec709, which you are lacking lots of colors there

[@madhumediafilms]

Its amazing how much I learn with each of your videos!!! Keep it up, and can't thank you enough :)

[@Demaxy83]

Thanks Matt! I had no doubts about this Sony. The only problem is the budget. Here in Italy costs 4200€, if it had come out last year I would have taken it immediately. This year is more difficult but I will make it. I hope to hear you soon 🤗

[@whoismatt]

Hope the price goes down!

[@Demaxy83]

@@whoismatt Thanks 😊

[@bleucommelebleu]

Good review mate!!! BRAVO!!!

[@luman_kim]

I really enjoy watching your videos and this is actually my first comment ever! Thanks for all the great information and can't wait to see the next video about setting up the camera!

[@whoismatt]

Thanks so much!

[@danieldougan269]

The a7S III does check almost every box for a wedding filmmaker. 1) Beautiful 4K footage up to 120 fps in 10-bit 4:2:2 internally and ProRes RAW externally 2) No record limit 3) No overheating in any realistic scenario 4) In-body image stabilization 5) Great built-in audio options made even better with the XLR adapter 6) Incredible flexibility in low light, including for photos 7) Super-reliable autofocus 8) Incredible rolling-shutter performance It's not perfect, but it's damn close.

[@valladares9045]

LOVE YOUR VIDEOS MATT , FROM CHILE! STILL WAITING FOR THE A7IV AND BUY IT.

[@BrianTheCameraGuy]

Nice job Matt. Awesome content and well put together.

[@jonathanyarborough2561]

Hey Matt, I just picked up a R6 but now im questioning. Do you think it is worth returning for the Sony? Im not sure how long I should wait for the the firmware update to come out. I have always been team sony but switched due to weather sealing as most of my work are travel documentaries. Thanks so much and awesome video!

[@JoshuaDupiton]

Perfect Bro! The SUPREME Sony A7S iii Review 👌🏾😭💯💯

[@nVuFilms]

Fantastic review, Matt. Nothing but facts !!! 🤙

[@ExploreTravelTV]

wow, great in depth review, thanks. I use Gh5 for last couple years. Only really film for my travel show and have booked a few gigs filming events, music and some photography doing Behind the scenes on film shoots. Been decent so far but really eyeballing this camera....except would have to get all new lenses too. big Cha-ching! I have filmed a couple weddings on older cameras as well. Not sure if I need this yet but even just having better auto focus would be nice as most my work is run and gun style. hmm....maybe I will have to sell all my old gear and a kidney to get it. great job.

[@etchd_]

I don't own one, nor will I likely get one. But still watched this entire video! Awesome review mate!

[@whoismatt]

Thanks!

[@DavidWilliams-ov4kn]

Fantastic review. Thank you, Matt.

[@13StopsPocketFilms]

Great overview Matt! Such great content.

[@JonPais]

Custom white balance is much simpler now too!

[@winecountryfilms1]

Great review Matt. You covered all the questions that I had about the Sony a7Slll and a few more. Now if only I could get delivery of my back ordered Slll from B&H.

[@antiseth3964]

I kid you not, I ordered an Aputure Light Dome Mini II from B&H and waited for it to ship from back order for over two months before just cancelling the order.

[@Ben-u1e9e]

The port doors still need improvement. It would be great if they could slide inwards into the camera body instead of just sitting there in the way when they're open.

[@tamasnovinszki5366]

Hey Matt! I have two A7sII bodies and many sony emount lenses. I mostly shoot interviews, events and reports indoor. I am very pleased with this cameras and I learned to live with its obvious cons (batterylife, etc...). One thing I really hate it can only shoot 4K 25/30p and not above. Actually I also do hate that they cant record over 30min properly. Plus I didnt find the XLR adapter a very good contruction and they are not as trustable, well built pieces as those on my FS5 for example. (I rarely use my FS5 because of the poor lowlight) Thinking to purchase a new sony camera but I do not really want to throw away this two A7sII cause they still do the job I mostly need. Actually doing it very well. So I hope to find out a good workflow matching them with A7sIII/IIII or FX3, maybe FX6 (cause built in ND) So, the question: According to your experience is there a way to find right settings like PP, etc on the new sony cameras which would perfectly match with A7sII cameras? So can I add any of the above mentioned cameras into my current kit and workflow, and get the same looking images from all cameras in the end? Which of the new sonys you would recommend for my need? (if we dont look the price point only)

[@whoismatt]

Shoot cine4 sgamut3.cine on everything and it should get you close between the cameras. You’ll need to do some tweaking though

[@kalef1234]

Thinking of upgrading to Fuji X-T4 from my a6300. get IBIS, 10-bit 4K60 and sure it's not FF but I can still get great footage with super 35....like many actual movies and films

[@a.z2972]

I could have watched another hour of this. Great stuff

[@chandragurung3013]

Its fun to watch your videos, thank you.

[@lightleavespl]

Sick review! Check how we roll the weddings in Poland Matt! 🔥

[@sudhanvagnaneshwar9334]

This was very helpful. Thanks much!

[@exclusiveedits7011]

My dream camera

[@InventiveImagery]

Woah 27:08 now that's how you cut a cake in style

[@tednarcotic8437]

It's a little bit short on dilithium crystals Matt, and I am concerned about the Lines and Zebras coexisting in such a vulnerable proximity. EWW STILLS! I agree, BTW that sounds like a Schitts Creek reference. If so, well done.

[@abotonyn]

A complete video .. Thank you for the valuable information .. I wish you success

[@whoismatt]

Thanks Johnny!

[@63MacGuy]

Hi Matt, I just rewatched this video to check out the 24-105. I ordered the Tamron 35-150, back ordered since November 😢 trying to decide with one to get for my a74

[@BrianMakesFilms]

Careful Matt, this review is getting dangerously into the realm of Philip Bloom's in depth epics. 😂😂😂

[@steveandnaz]

The question is... how much do you over expose on SLOG 3? Zebra 55 for blowing out skin tones?

[@olliedollingproductions9289]

brilliant review as always. thanks for taking the time to teach us all! Just one question - Why not just buy the Panasonic S1H... Same price, probably more refined technology given that Panasonic had Sony's current technology over a year ago... Stuck on what to go for since your brilliant review :)