Description

Overview

A New Movement

Introducing the world’s first full-frame image sensor with a global shutter system, the α9 III is a game changer. It captures fast-moving subjects with absolutely no image distortion, preserving split-second moments in stunning detail. Thus, the next era of capture starts now.

The α9 III boasts the world’s first full-frame stacked 24.6 MP CMOS image sensor, complete with a global shutter system. Unlike a rolling shutter sensor, which records images sequentially from the top to the bottom row of pixels, the newly developed Exmor RS™ image sensor exposes and reads all pixels simultaneously. As a result, the camera can capture fast-moving subjects without any distortion. Combined with a maximum shutter speed of 1/80000 second (or 1/16000 second during continuous shooting), the α9 III redefines professional photography.

Blackout-Free, 120 fps Continuous Shooting

The α9 III excels in both speed and accuracy, enabling it to capture decisive moments with ease. It can shoot continuous bursts at up to 120 fps with full AF/AE tracking, all while maintaining a blackout-free viewfinder. Furthermore, its highly advanced AI processing unit tracks subjects with astonishingly high precision and reliability.

Preserve Split-Second Moments

With a maximum shutter speed of 1/80000 second available during continuous burst shooting, as well as single shooting modes, you can easily capture fast-moving subjects in almost any situation. Additionally, the shutter speed during continuous shooting can be set up to 1/80000 sec. A compatible Sony flash unit, such as the HVL-F60RM2 or HVL-F46RM, synchronizes at all shutter speeds, eliminating the steep, nonlinear drop-off in illumination common with high-speed sync (HSS). This ensures even illumination across the entire image.

Pure Full-Frame Potential:

Exmor RS Image Sensor with Global Shutter System

The new full-frame global shutter image sensor features 24.6 million effective pixels, a stacked CMOS architecture, and integral memory. Together, these elements offer high resolution, overwhelming speed, and simultaneous full-pixel readout, allowing for distortion-free capture of fast-moving subjects. The sensor’s stacked structure and advanced A/D conversion enable high-speed processing with minimal delay.

BIONZ XR™ Image Processing Engine

With up to eight times more processing power than its predecessors, the BIONZ XR™ image processing engine reduces processing latency while significantly boosting image processing capabilities. The large volume of data generated by the new Exmor RS™ image sensor is processed in real time, even during continuous bursts at up to 120 fps. This enhances image quality by providing higher color gradation, more realistic color reproduction, and reduced image noise. Moreover, the camera can capture high-quality 14-bit RAW images in all still shooting modes.

Composite RAW Shooting Reduces Noise

Composite RAW Shooting captures multiple images (selectable from 4, 8, 16, or 32) and merges them using Sony’s Imaging Edge Desktop™ software to create full-resolution images with very low noise. Consequently, you can shoot wildlife at high shutter speeds or portraits in low light while maintaining exceptionally high image quality, even at higher ISO settings. When shooting at low sensitivity levels, the α9 III also takes advantage of camera shake during handheld shooting and uses Composite RAW to create images with reduced false color and jaggies.

Advanced Optical 5-Axis Image Stabilization

Shoot handheld with confidence. The α9 III is equipped with a high-precision image stabilization unit, advanced gyro sensors, and optimized image stabilization algorithms to effectively detect and correct camera shake, offering 8.0-step stabilization. In addition, this stabilization system is further supported by compatible lenses with built-in image stabilization and improved communication between the body and lenses, ensuring effective control for blur-free shooting, even at telephoto focal lengths.

AI Recognition Meets Advanced AF:

Blackout-Free Shooting

Enjoy an uninterrupted view through the blackout-free viewfinder, even during fast-paced continuous shooting — a true game changer for shooting sports and other fast-moving subjects. Moreover, the distracting time lag typically associated with EVF viewing has been minimized, allowing you to capture fleeting moments with confidence.

Up to 120 AF/AE Tracking Calculations Per Second

Let the camera track for you — the new image sensor’s high-speed readout enables the α9 III to make up to 120 AF/AE tracking calculations per second, which is twice as fast as its predecessor. Consequently, AF tracks complex subject motions and predicts sudden movements with greater precision than ever before, while AE responds easily to sudden brightness changes. The α9 III continues to track even during continuous shooting, which further contributes to improved precision.

Never Miss a Moment with Pre-Capture

Pre-Capture records moments that occurred before the shutter release. Settable from 0.005 to 1 second, it’s available in any file format up to 120 fps, with full AF/AE tracking. As a result, you can more easily capture split-second moments, such as images of birds taking flight, even if the shutter release is slightly delayed.

Continuous Shooting Speed Boost

The Continuous Shooting Speed Boost temporarily increases the shooting speed during bursts, ensuring you capture all the action. This feature proves especially beneficial for shooting sports or fast-paced activities where the timing of the key moment is roughly predictable.

Real-Time Recognition AF

With its innovative AI processing unit, the α9 III uses subject form data to accurately recognize movement. Human pose estimation technology doesn’t just recognize eyes but also detects the body and head positions with high precision. For example, this allows the camera to lock onto and track a subject facing away from the camera or with a covered face. Even a distant human subject occupying a small area of the frame (smaller than in previous iterations of Real-Time Recognition AF) can be recognized if they’re near the focus area when the shutter is half-pressed, even during continuous AF shooting. This can speed up focus acquisition, for instance, when tracking an athlete approaching from a distance in a track-and-field or ski event.

Reliable Recognition of a Wider Range of Subjects

The AI processing unit supports enhanced recognition of Humans, Animals, Birds, Insects, Cars/Trains, and Airplanes. Notably, it now recognizes helmets worn by Formula race car drivers in the Car/Train category. Animal recognition also detects the eyes of some grazing and small animals, in addition to the eyes, heads, and bodies of dogs, cats, and similarly featured animals. Bird recognition has been updated to more easily pinpoint the eyes of various bird types, as well as recognize bird bodies. Furthermore, a new Animal/Bird setting eliminates the need to switch between two settings when shooting animals or birds.

Wide, Fast, and Precise Autofocus and Tracking

The α9 III now features 759 phase-detection points in a high-density focal plane phase-detection AF system, covering approximately 95.6% of the image area. Meanwhile, the large volume of data read from the image sensor is processed quickly through the advanced BIONZ XR processing engine, while optimized algorithms ensure both high accuracy and high density. This Fast Hybrid AF system combines the speed and tracking capabilities of phase-detection AF with the precision of contrast-detection AF, ensuring it reliably locks onto and tracks subjects that move rapidly or erratically.

Match AF Tracking Response to Subject Movement

Whether the subject is moving, still, or changing speed, AF tracking adapts to maintain focus. Simply select from settings such as [Stable], [Standard], or [Responsive] depending on the subject’s speed and the shooting scenario.

Customizable Focus Area

Keep the focus on what matters most. Newly added XL and XS focus area spot sizes expand your options. XS proves useful when shooting wildlife and trying to avoid focusing on foreground branches, for example. Additionally, you can create a custom focus area of a specified size or even a vertical aspect ratio if needed. For instance, at a track event with participants lined up side-by-side, setting the AF frame to a custom horizontal format could make it easier to focus on the leading runner.

Endless Expression: Flash Sync at All Shutter Speeds

When paired with a compatible Sony flash unit (like the HVL-F60RM2 or HVL-F46RM), the α9 III can perform full flash synchronization up to the maximum 1/8000 second shutter speed. This allows flash to provide extra illumination when shooting outdoors in bright daylight at high shutter speeds, reducing the need for large lighting setups and vastly expanding your creative shooting possibilities.

Flicker-Free Shooting

The global-shutter image sensor exposes all pixels simultaneously, which prevents flicker from occurring within a single image, though it may appear between frames. To minimize flicker between frames, use Anti-flicker Shooting or Hi-frequency flicker-free shooting (Var. Shutter).

Global Shutter Eliminates Flash Banding

The α9 III’s advanced image sensor features a global shutter system that exposes and reads out all pixels at once, eliminating exposure differences that might arise when shooting alongside press photographers at an event. As a result, it eradicates the issue of “flash banding,” which commonly occurs in cameras using a rolling shutter system.

Full-Quality, Full-Frame Movies:

4K Distortion-Free Movies with High Resolution and Detail

Shoot 4K movies in either the full-frame or Super 35mm (approximately APS-C) formats. The α9 III records 4K (3840 x 2160) movies at up to 120p, and at 60p with full pixel readout and 6K oversampling to dramatically reduce moiré and jaggies.

4K 120p Without Cropping for the First Time in an α Body

For the first time in the α lineup, the α9 III offers 4K (3840 x 2160) 120p movie recording without cropping. As a result, users can utilize the full angle of view from any lens. For example, 4K footage shot in slow motion at 120p will match footage shot at normal speed at 24p, maintaining the same angle of view for easy editing without the need for reframing.

S-Cinetone™ for a Cinematic Look

Sony’s S-Cinetone picture profile delivers the same color science that produces beautiful colors and skin tones throughout the Cinema Line range. Thus, S-Cinetone provides natural mid-tones essential for healthy-looking skin, along with soft colors and gorgeous highlights. This allows creators to concentrate on shooting while achieving a cinematic look without the need for extensive color grading.

Breathing Compensation for Consistent Angle of View when Focusing

Focus breathing compensation reduces focus breathing during movie shooting. Sony’s original Clear Image Zoom technology automatically maintains a consistent angle of view throughout focus changes, resulting in more stable images.

Dynamic Active Mode Stabilization

A high-precision stabilization unit, gyro sensors built into the camera, and optimized image stabilization algorithms work together in Dynamic Active Mode, improving stabilization by more than 30% over the existing Active Mode.

Auto Framing

Using AI-based subject recognition technology, Auto Framing automatically crops the frame to keep the subject in the most prominent position while shooting movies. For instance, even when the camera is mounted on a tripod, the framing adjusts continuously, making the footage appear as if it were being tracked by a skilled camera operator.

Intuitive Operation, High Reliability:

Uniquely Flexible Tilting Monitor for Enhanced Shooting Flexibility

The α9 III features a 4-axis multi-angle monitor, combining the flexibility of a conventional tilting monitor with side-opening vari-angle versatility. With this, you can adjust the angle whether shooting vertically or horizontally. Additionally, the slim and unobtrusive design allows the monitor to be pulled away from the rear of the body and tilted upward by 98°, downward by 40°, or swung sideways by 180°. The 3.2-inch touch-sensitive LCD monitor is optimized for outdoor shooting, providing 2.1 million-dot resolution, a wide color gamut, and ample brightness for clear viewing.

New Front Custom Button

The α9 III introduces a custom button on the front, designed for faster, easier operation while holding the grip. This addition makes the camera even more adaptable to various shooting styles and needs. For example, you can assign the Continuous Speed Shooting Boost function to this front button, enabling instant speed boost during burst shooting.

Excellent Viewfinder Specs and Performance

The 9.44-million-dot OLED viewfinder provides 0.90x magnification with a 41° FOV for a clear, wide view. The updated structure results in a 25mm high eyepoint, which minimizes aberration distractions while viewing through the finder, ensuring a consistent experience. Viewfinder and monitor lag time have been reduced, allowing more stable framing during continuous shooting. You can set the finder frame rate to Standard (60 fps), High (120 fps), or Higher (240 fps). The 240 fps setting provides an extremely smooth viewfinder image with minimal motion blur when shooting moving subjects.

Two CFexpress Type A Compatible Media Slots

In addition to supporting UHS-I and UHS-II SD cards, the α9 III’s media slots also accommodate CFexpress Type A cards, ideal for high-speed continuous shooting at up to 120 fps. These cards provide high write speeds, quickly clearing the camera’s buffer when handling large volumes of still images and movie data.

Optional VG-C5 Vertical Grip

The optional VG-C5 Vertical Grip offers enhanced comfort and operability during long shooting sessions. It features ergonomic designs similar to the camera body’s grip and shutter button, with control access that includes an independent front custom button (C5), a front dial, rear L and R dials, and a lock function on the R dial. The VG-C5 Vertical Grip can also house two NP-FZ100 batteries, providing extended shooting time.

Robust and Durable

Constructed with lightweight, high-rigidity magnesium alloy for its top cover, front cover, internal frame, and rear cover, the α9 III delivers high durability, shock resistance, and effective heat dissipation. Thus, it is built to withstand challenging professional environments while remaining relatively compact and lightweight.

Rugged Reliability for Challenging Environments

The α9 III boasts exceptional dust and moisture resistance, thanks to design refinements that include silicone rubber packing around buttons, lens-lock buttons, cushioning around the lens mount, and more. Additionally, its improved EVF design effectively seals the viewfinder’s optical path, achieving the same effect as 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 a rugged dust- and moisture-resistant system.

Shading Curtain Closed on Power-Off

A shading curtain protects the image sensor from dust and particles when changing lenses. When enabled, the curtain automatically closes when the camera is powered off.

Ergonomic Grip Design
The α9 III features a newly shaped grip that improves hold and reduces physical stress on the user, even when shooting with heavy telephoto lenses or over long periods. An ergonomically refined contour ensures that the grip fills the user’s hand securely, providing a firm hold that minimizes fatigue.

Streamlined Workflow:

Improved Group Display
Workflow efficiency dramatically improves thanks to image groups. Images captured at up to 120 fps in continuous bursts can now be defined as “groups,” making it easier to locate specific images within large sets. Additionally, you can assign ratings to these groups, which simplifies filtering and searching. The ratings remain intact even after importing the images into computer editing applications.

Built-in Wi-Fi for FTP and Smartphone Transfers, Plus PC Remote Tethering
The α9 III incorporates built-in Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11ac) with 2×2 MIMO support, enabling high-speed data transfer. This new capability allows the camera to transfer data up to twice as fast as its predecessor. 5 GHz communication offers maximum speed and stability, essential for news and sports photographers who need immediate delivery, as well as for studio environments. The simple in-camera interface makes it easy to transfer both still and movie data via an FTP server, Wi-Fi, fast-wired LAN, or USB tethering with a smartphone.

Clearer Voice Memo Recording
You can now add clearer voice memo metadata to still images using a dedicated voice memo microphone built into the camera’s rear panel. Positioned near the user’s mouth, this feature improves recording quality. Voice memos can then be transferred to an FTP server alongside the corresponding images, enabling effective communication with editors. Photographers can also use the Transfer & Tagging (Ver. 1.9 or later) mobile application to convert voice memos to text.

Multiple IPTC Presets
IPTC (International Press Telecommunications Council) metadata can be added to still images, and the α9 III can store up to 20 presets internally. These presets can be quickly selected when needed, making it especially useful at multi-sports events where different IPTC information is required for each competition.

Shooting for a Better Future:

Zero Environmental Footprint
The Sony Group’s “Road to Zero” project aims to achieve a zero environmental footprint. To reach this goal, we continuously refine every stage of our camera and accessory manufacturing and distribution process, minimizing environmental impact from development through production to packaging and transport.

Recyclable Non-Plastic Packaging Materials
Sony is transitioning to recyclable non-plastic packaging materials that effectively protect against shock and impact. We now use plant-based non-woven fabrics for product bags, further reducing environmental stress.

Creators’ Cloud Platform
Creators’ Cloud is a platform designed to support creative work from shooting to production. By combining advanced Sony camera technology with cloud-based AI, Creators’ Cloud also provides a space for discovering and collaborating with other creators worldwide. Explore a suite of web, mobile, and PC-based apps that offer efficient solutions, integrating cameras with shooting and production apps and services.

Creators’ App
The Creators’ App is a smartphone application that connects your Sony camera to the cloud, enhancing functionality and convenience for shooting and sharing.

Camera Authenticity Solution (Paid Service)
As generative AI raises concerns about the spread of fake images, Sony offers the Camera Authenticity Solution, a system designed to verify the authenticity of image content. By using unique meta-information obtained through Sony cameras, you can verify whether an image was captured on a specific camera, confirm with high accuracy that the image depicts a real subject, and ensure transparency of the editing history according to the C2PA format.

Sony’s Custom Grid Line (Paid License)
Sony’s Custom Grid Line feature allows you to display personalized grid lines on either the electronic viewfinder (EVF) or LCD screen. This capability enhances the user experience by offering tailored compositional guidance. You can register up to four different grid lines, customizing the camera’s display to suit your individual needs or specific photographic scenarios.