Sony unveils the Alpha A9 III
Posted on Nov 23, 2023 by Samara Husbands
The Alpha A9 III is a game-changing full-frame camera with global shutter system, setting an new standard for professional photography
In a landmark move, Sony has unveiled the Alpha 9 III (α9 III), a revolutionary full-frame image sensor camera equipped with the world’s first global shutter system. This impressive technology allows for burst speeds of up to 120 frames per second (fps) with no distortion or camera blackout, setting a new standard for professional photography.
The α9 III’s global shutter full-frame stacked CMOS image sensor boasts approximately 24.6 effective megapixels and incorporates the latest BIONZ XR® image processing engine. This combination enables blackout-free continuous shooting with autofocus and auto-exposure tracking at an astonishing rate of 120 fps. The camera’s high-density focal plane phase detection AF, coupled with an AI processing unit, supports Real-time Recognition AF, recognizing a wide variety of subjects with remarkable precision.
Notably, the α9 III offers 8.0 stops of optical 5-axis in-body image stabilization, ensuring high-quality image rendering even in challenging shooting conditions. The global shutter system liberates shutter speed from conventional limitations, achieving a maximum speed of 1/80000 second, allowing photographers to capture high-speed moments without distortion.
Photographers can now synchronize flash at all shutter speeds up to 1/80000 second, overcoming previous limitations and opening new creative possibilities. The Hi Frequency Flicker function reduces flicker issues when shooting under LED lighting, enhancing the overall shooting experience.
The camera introduces selectable release lag modes, enabling users to prioritize release lag or viewfinder/monitor display based on their shooting preferences. The Pre-Capture function allows users to go back up to 1 second and record moments before pressing the shutter, ensuring critical moments are never missed.
The α9 III’s focus capabilities are expanded with customizable focus areas ranging from XS to XL, and the Preset Focus/Zoom function facilitates quick recall of focus and zoom settings. Additionally, the camera supports custom white balance frame sizes for fine-tuning white balance after composition.
Video performance is elevated with the global shutter image sensor, providing distortion-free recording. The α9 III can shoot 4K 120p high-frame-rate video without cropping, and its compatibility with S-Cinetone™ ensures stunning video quality with rich gradation and S-Log3 support.
Designed with professional photographers in mind, the α9 III prioritizes operability and reliability. The improved grip and ergonomic design enhance comfort during prolonged use, while the VG-C5 vertical grip offers consistent operability when shooting horizontally. The 4-axis multi-angle LCD monitor, 9.44 million-dot Quad XGA OLED electronic viewfinder, and custom button placement further enhance the shooting experience.
Sony addresses professionals’ workflow needs with features like a playback image filter and a function menu usable during playback. The camera supports efficient image selection and quick delivery, with the ability to transfer data up to twice as fast as its predecessor.
Expected to hit the market in January 2024, the α9 III comes with an estimated European retail price of approximately €7,000/£6100 for the camera body only. Sony’s commitment to ongoing improvements is evident, with planned software updates to enhance functionality and support upcoming industry standards.
In conjunction with the α9 III, Sony also introduces the world’s lightest large-aperture telephoto prime lens, the G Master FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS. This lens, with its innovative design, high-resolution performance, and exceptional autofocus capabilities, further complements the α9 III, creating a powerful duo for professionals seeking unparalleled image quality and versatility in their photography pursuits.
Pricing
Scheduled for release in early January 2024, the FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS is expected to be priced at approximately €6700/£5800. Together, these announcements mark a significant advancement in the world of digital imaging, promising enhanced creative possibilities and unparalleled performance for photographers at the professional level.
