Sony A9 III Mirrorless Camera Body

Sony A9 III Mirrorless Camera Body Summary

Released to coincide with the 10 year anniversary of Sony Alpha full-frame cameras, the third generation Sony A9 III Mirrorless Camera Body takes full-frame E-mount cameras to the edge of imaging possibilities. The all-new Sony mirrorless camera body combines speed with image quality, and the world’s first full-frame camera with a global shutter image sensor.

This high-speed sensor allows you to capture 120fps with zero blackout with full AE/AF, and shoot at speeds of up to 1/80,000 second, whilst syncing with a Sony flashgun at any speed. When every split second matters, the A9 III delivers perfectly through pre-capture mode, realtime subject recognition and impressive 95.6% AF coverage with 759 phase-detection AF points, which are now adjustable.

The body design has also been updated by Sony with improved ergonomics, which includes a dedicated speed boost button and C5 button, new multi-angle LCD monitor and 9.44 million-dot EVF.

Professional creators need to record video and the A9 mark III offers professional quality 4K/60p video from 6K oversampling, 4K/120p without cropping for the first time in an Alpha body, plus 10-bit 4:2:2 All-I with S-Log and S-Log 3 colour profiles.

Key Sony A9 III Camera Features

• World’s first full-frame stacked 24.6 MP Exmor RS global shutter image sensor
• Zero image distortion and rolling shutter
• 120fps blackout free shooting (up to 192 frames with full AE/AF) and a new Speed Boost mode
• Pre-capture mode 0.005s - 1 second
• Realtime subject recognition
• Maximum 1/80,000 shutter speed with zero flicker
• Flash sync at any and all shutter speeds
• 759 point phase-detection with 95.6% coverage and -5EV AF
• Adjustable AF point sizes
• 8-stop in-body stabilisation
• 4K/60p video from 6K oversampling
• 4K/120p without cropping
• 10-bit 4:2:2 All-I, S-Cinetone and S-Log 3 colour profiles
• New ergonomic body design with C5 and speed boost button
• Multi-angle LCD monitor with wide colour gamut
• 9.44 million-dot EVF (0.9x magnification) 120fps at highest display quality
• New vertical grip with same ergonomics and speed boost button and C5 button mimicking camera
• Grip provides parallel power from extra battery for up to 15% improved battery life
• Magnesium alloy body, which is comprehensively weather sealed

Sony A9 III Mirrorless Camera Body in More Detail

World’s first stacked full-frame global shutter (24.6 MP Exmor RS) image sensor

The a9 III incorporates Sony’s cutting-edge full-frame global shutter image sensor, boasting around 24.6 million effective pixels, a stacked CMOS design with built-in memory for exceptional resolution and speed.

It excels at capturing fast-moving subjects without distortion, thanks to the sensor's stacked structure and advanced A/D conversion for minimal processing delays. Coupled with the advanced BIONZ XR processing engine, the a9 III achieves incredibly fast continuous shooting at up to 120 frames per second, keeping subjects in focus through robust AI, precise phase-detect AF, and wide subject recognition.

Sample image with FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II @41mm. Camera settings: 1/16000 sec. f/9. ISO 80

Up to 120fps continuous shooting with Speed Boost

Continuous Shooting Speed Boost allows you to temporarily increase the shooting speed during burst shooting, elevating the frame rate to 120 fps. This feature is particularly effective when capturing sports and other high-speed events, where you can anticipate the timing of the desired action.

Up to 120 AF/AE tracking calculations per second

The high-speed readout of the new image sensor empowers the α9 III to perform up to 120 AF/AE tracking calculations per second, doubling the capability of its predecessor. The AF excels at tracking intricate subject movements and anticipates sudden shifts with unparalleled accuracy. Simultaneously, AE effortlessly adapts to abrupt changes in brightness. Notably, the Alpha 9 III maintains tracking even during continuous shooting, further enhancing precision for photographers who capture highs-speed action.

Aleksandra Szmigiel Sample image with Sony FE 400mm F/2.8 GM OSS Lens and 1.4x Teleconverter @560mm. Camera settings: 1/3200 sec. f/4.5. ISO 640

1/80000 second shutter speed

Seize every moment of high-speed action at sporting events and beyond. The global shutter sensor enables an astonishing maximum shutter speed of 1/80000 second for still images. This capability extends to capturing even the split-second departure of a bullet from the barrel of a rifle at shooting competitions, exemplifying the A9 III’s extraordinary speed and precision.

Flash sync at any and all shutter speeds

With a compatible Sony flashgun such as the HVL-F60RM2 or HVL-F46RM, the Alpha 9 III can perform full flash synchronisation all the way up to the maximum 1/80000 second shutter speed.

This ground-breaking feature enables the use of flash to provide additional subject illumination when shooting outdoors in bright daylight with a high shutter speed. It minimises the reliance on extensive lighting setups, significantly broadening creative shooting opportunities.

Chris Shmid Sample image with Sony FE 400mm F/2.8 GM OSS Lens and 1.4x Teleconverter @560mm. Camera settings: 1/3200 sec. f/4.5. ISO 640

BIONZ XR image processing engine

Inherited from the flagship Alpha 1, the BIONZ XR image processing engine delivers up to 8x more processing power than previous generation processors, significantly reduces processing latency while substantially enhancing image processing capabilities.

This results in images with rich colour gradation, lifelike colour reproduction, and minimal noise. The engine efficiently handles the extensive data produced by the newly developed Exmor RS image sensor in real-time, even during continuous shooting at speeds of up to 120 fps. Furthermore, it can capture high-quality 14-bit RAW images across all still shooting modes.

Wide coverage fast and precise autofocus tracking

The Sony a9 III mirrorless camera is equipped with a Fast Hybrid AF system, merging the speed and tracking accuracy of phase-detection AF, with the fine precision of contrast-detection AF. This combination ensures dependable subject acquisition and tracking, even for subjects with quick and erratic movement. The camera boasts an impressive 759 phase-detection points distributed across a high-density focal plane phase-detection AF system, covering nearly 95.6% of the image area.

Reliable subject recognition of more subjects

The A9’s AI processing unit offers enhanced subject recognition, spanning Human, Animal, Bird, Insect, Car/Train, and Airplanes. Within the Car/Train category, it can even identify helmets, such as those worn by formula race car drivers.

Animal recognition now extends to the eyes of grazing and small animals, in addition to recognising the eyes, heads, and bodies of dogs, cats, and similarly featured animals.

Bird recognition has also seen improvements, making it easier to pinpoint the eyes of various bird species and recognise their bodies. Furthermore, a new Animal/Bird setting streamlines the process, eliminating the need to switch between two settings when capturing images of animals or birds.

Human pose estimation using skeleton-based model

Leveraging its innovative AI processing unit, which was first seen in the A7R V and has subsequently rolled out to cameras like the A7C II and A7CR, the a9 III harnesses subject form data to achieve precise movement recognition. The technology extends beyond merely recognising eyes to accurately identifying body and head positions.

This means the camera can effectively lock onto and track a subject facing away from the lens or one with their face obscured. Even a distant human subject occupying a relatively small portion of the frame (even smaller than in previous Real-time Recognition AF iterations) can be identified, provided they are in proximity to the focus area when the shutter is half-pressed during continuous AF shooting. This capability enhances focus acquisition, particularly when capturing an athlete approaching from a distance, as seen in track-and-field or ski events, for instance.

Composite RAW Shooting to reduce noise

Composite RAW Shooting enables the capture of multiple images (4, 8, 16, or 32, selectable), which can be subsequently merged using Sony's Imaging Edge Desktop computer application software. This process produces full-resolution images with minimal noise, even at higher ISO settings, making it perfect for high-speed wildlife photography and low-light portraits. Moreover, when shooting at lower sensitivity levels, the α9 III can utilise handheld camera shake to create images with reduced false colour and jagged artefacts through Composite RAW processing.

Diego-Souto Sample image with Sony FE 400mm F/2.8 GM OSS Lens and 1.4x Teleconverter @560mm. Camera settings: 1/3200 sec. f/4.5. ISO 640

Completely distortion-free movie recording

The newly designed full-frame global-shutter sensor, featuring stacked CMOS architecture, brings substantial advantages to both movie production and stills photography. With the absence of rolling shutter distortion, it becomes possible to capture natural-looking footage, regardless of the subject or camera movement. This holds true even when filming from a fast-moving vehicle or executing swift camera pans..

4K 120p without cropping for the first time in an Alpha body

A noteworthy first in Sony's Alpha lineup, the a9 III introduces 4K (3840 x 2160) 120p movie recording without cropping. This enables creators to maximise the full angle of view provided by any Sony Alpha lens. For instance, whether shooting 4K footage in slow motion at 120p or standard speed at 24p within the same scene, the angle of view remains consistent. This allows for seamless editing without the need for reframing and cemnets the A9 III as an advanced hybrid filmmaking tool.

Cinematic S-Cinetone colour profile

Sony's S-Cinetone picture profile inherits colour science responsible for delivering stunning colours and natural skin tones found in the advanced Cinema Line range. S-Cinetone yields authentic mid-tones crucial for lifelike skin tones, along with gentle hues and accurate highlights. This empowers creators to focus on their shooting, effortlessly achieving a cinematic look, without the necessity for extensive colour grading in post.

5-axis optical image stabilisation for 8-stops compensation

Capture handheld shots with confidence thanks to the third-generation Sony a9 III’s high-precision image stabilisation unit, advanced gyro sensors, and refined stabilisation algorithms. This system adeptly identifies and rectifies camera shake, delivering an impressive 8.0-stop stabilisation when handholding.

When combined with lenses featuring built-in image stabilisation and enhanced communication between the camera body and lenses, you gain effective control for capturing sharp, blur-free shots, even at extended telephoto focal lengths.

Dynamic active Mode stabilisation

The camera incorporates a high-precision stabilisation unit and gyro sensors, complemented by fine-tuned image stabilisation algorithms. This synergy enables advanced electronic stabilisation to collaborate with the camera's 5-axis optical in-body image stabilisation system. Additionally, the Dynamic Active Mode significantly enhances stabilisation, surpassing the existing Active Mode by more than 30% (approximately).

Updated ergonomics and enhanced usability

Drive Mode and Focus Mode dials

The camera features stacked drive mode and focus mode dials, which can be operated independently for swift access and selection. Users can easily choose between single or continuous drive mode and single or continuous AF focus mode without the need to navigate menus using buttons. Both dials are lockable, preventing inadvertent mode changes during use. Additionally, a new functionality allows the drive mode dial to be deactivated and reassigned to the FN menu or a custom button, which proves valuable for shooting in low-light conditions or when using a rain cover that might obscure the dial.

Upgraded viewfinder

The upgraded OLED viewfinder boasts an impressive 9.44 million-dot (approx.) resolution, featuring a 0.90x19 magnification and a 41° field of view for a clear, expansive sight. It incorporates an updated structure with a 25 mm high eye-point, delivering an immersive viewing experience with minimised aberrations around the viewfinder image.

Notably, both viewfinder and monitor lag times have been minimised to enhance framing stability, especially during continuous shooting. Users can choose from three finder frame rate settings: Standard (60 fps), High (120 fps), or Higher (240 fps). The 240 fps option provides an exceptionally smooth viewfinder image, reducing motion blur significantly when capturing moving subjects and during panning or tilting.

Greater flexibility from a new front custom button

In an enhancement to signature Sony Alpha design, the a9 III introduces a custom button on the front, optimising accessibility while you maintain a firm grip. This added feature enhances adaptability to various shooting styles and requirements. For instance, users can assign functions like Continuous Speed Shooting Boost to the front button, enabling instant speed enhancement when capturing bursts.

Ergonomic grip design enhances usability and reduces fatigue

The Sony A9 III incorporates a redesigned grip that enhances grip stability and minimises physical fatigue, particularly when using heavy telephoto lenses or shooting for extended durations. The ergonomically refined contour ensures the grip comfortably fits the user's hand, providing a secure hold that reduces fatigue.

Legendary 4-axis LCD mechanism

First seen in the A7R V, the A9 III features a 4-axis multi-angle LCD monitor. This innovative design combines the convenience of a traditional tilting monitor with the versatility of a side-opening vari-angle screen, enabling unrestricted angle adjustments whether shooting in portrait or landscape orientation. The slim, durable mechanism allows the monitor to extend away from the camera body and tilt upward by up to 98°, downward by up to 40°, and swivel sideways by up to 180°. This 3.2-inch touch-sensitive LCD monitor, optimised for outdoor shooting, offers a high-resolution display with 2.1 million dots, a wide colour gamut, and ample brightness for clear and effortless viewing.

Rugged durability for field use

The camera excels in dust and moisture resistance due to meticulous design enhancements. These include the integration of silicone rubber packing around buttons, a lens-lock button, and cushioning around the lens mount, among other areas. Additionally, an improved EVF design effectively seals the viewfinder's optical path, offering protection comparable to a double glass structure. When paired with dust and moisture-resistant lenses, flash units, and the optional VG-C5 Vertical Grip, the α9 III forms the heart of a robust, weather-resistant system.

Robust magnesium alloy made for professional users

With lightweight, high-rigidity magnesium alloy for its top cover, front cover, internal frame, and rear cover, the A9 III boasts high durability, high shock resistance and effective heat dissipation. The camera is built to withstand challenging professional environments, while remaining relatively compact and lightweight at just 702 g (with battery and memory card).

Dual CFexpress Type A memory card slots

As well as UHS-I and UHS-II SD cards, the Sony A9 III's media slots support Type A CFexpress cards. These are ideally suited to high-speed continuous still shooting at up to 120 fps and provide high write speeds to quickly clear the buffers of cameras that generate high volumes of still image and movie data.

The Alpha 9 mark III also allows stills and movies to be recorded to memory media in numerous ways, including saving data to different media slots according to file type, image size, and image quality, and a relay record mode, all helping to streamline workflow.

CFexpress Type A card options include a card for every budget:

• Sony 80GB CFexpress Type A Card
• Sony 160GB CFexpress Type A Card
• Sony 320GB CFexpress Type A Card

Built-in Wi-Fi for FTP and smartphone transfers plus PC Remote tethering

The α9 III is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11ac) featuring 2x2 MIMO support, facilitating high-speed data transfer. This enables the camera to transmit data at twice the speed of its predecessor. The use of 5 GHz communication provides optimal speed and stability, particularly vital for news and sports photographers requiring rapid FTP-based delivery and for studio settings where efficiency is key.

Comprehensive lens selection

As well as the camera body, Sony launched the Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens, completing the range of professional telephoto lenses for Alpha cameras. This new model joins a huge range of Sony mirrorless lenses with a number of wide aperture professional primes, workhorse telephoto zooms and specialist options for every endeavour. If you can imagine it, you can definitely capture it with an E-mount lens.

What’s in the box

• Sony A9 Mark III full-frame camera body
• Rechargeable Battery NP-FZ100
• Battery Charger BC-QZ1
• Power cord,Cable Protector
• Shoulder strap
• Body cap
• Accessory shoe cap
• Eyepiece cup