SONY A7III SETUP ALL CINEMATIC FUNCTIONS

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to setting up cinematic functions on the Sony A7III camera. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this step-by-step approach will help you optimize your camera settings for stunning video production.

Step 1: Switch to Movie Mode

• Turn the top dial to Movie Mode. This is essential for accessing the film recording features of your camera.

Step 2: Set Exposure to Manual

• Navigate to Program Exposure and switch to Manual Exposure. This allows you to have full control over your shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.

Step 3: Configure Video Settings

• Go to Folder 2, Page 1:
  • Select XAVCs 4K at 100mbs. Ensure you have a Class 10, U3 SD card or higher for optimal performance.
  • Be aware of the 1.2x crop when shooting at 30p in 4K.
  • Remember that for network TV, always shoot at 30p.

Step 4: Enable S&Q Mode for Slow Motion

• Set the dial to S&Q.
• Choose your desired frame rates:
  • For slow motion, select 120fps with no crop.
  • Your footage will automatically conform to either 30p or 24p upon saving.

Step 5: Adjust Autofocus Settings

• Access Folder 2, Page 1:
  • Set AF Drive to Fast for quicker autofocus.
  • Change AF Track Sensor to Responsive for better subject tracking.

Step 6: Configure Audio Settings

• Go to Folder 2, Page 2 to set Audio Recording Levels if using a powered microphone (like the RODE VideoMic Pro).

Step 7: Enable Shutter Trigger for Movie Recording

• In Folder 2, Page 3, activate Movie with Shutter On. This allows you to start recording by pressing the shutter button.

Step 8: Adjust Display Settings

• Visit Folder 2, Page 6 and set the Finder Monitor Display to prevent the screen from going black unintentionally. If shooting stills, remember to switch this back.

Step 9: Customize Buttons

• Go to Folder 2, Page 8 to set up custom buttons:
  • C1: Assign to Picture Profile.
  • C2: Set for White Balance.
  • C3: Use for APS-C Super 35 mode.
  • C4: Assign to Focus Mode or Focus Hold.

Step 10: Set Focus Features

• Focus Magnification: Center of the dial.
• Peaking Display: Left of the dial to highlight in-focus areas.
  • Change peaking color in Folder 1, Page 13.

Step 11: Adjust ISO and Brightness

• On the right of the dial, set your ISO.
• For outdoor shooting, adjust Monitor Brightness to -2 using the down button to activate Sunny Bright mode.

Step 12: Enable Touch Operations

• Enable Touch Operations in Folder 5, Page 2 to simplify focusing and tracking.

Step 13: Set Focus Area

• Change Focus Area to Expand Flexible Spot in Folder 1, Page 5 for more precise focusing.

Step 14: Use Gamma Display Assist

• Assign AF On to Gamma Display Assist to view enhanced contrast for S-log or HLG profiles.

Step 15: Configure Function Menu

• In Folder 2, Page 8, customize your function menu:
  • Set lower function buttons for S&Q Frame Rate, Marker Display, and Prioritize Rec Media.

Step 16: Power and Timecode Settings

• Set Power Saver Start Time to shut off after 5 minutes.
• For timecode settings, refer to Folder 5, Page 3.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively set up your Sony A7III for cinematic video production. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for your style. For further improvements, explore additional resources like the camera manual or specialized tutorials on low-light settings. Happy filming!