- Full-frame stacked 24.6 MP CMOS image sensor with a global shutter system
- BIONZ XR image processing engine with up to 8 times more processing power
- Blackout-free shooting at 120 fps with full AF/AE tracking
- Maximum 1/80000 second shutter speed with flash sync
- Reliable recognition of a wider range of subjects
Newly developed full-frame stacked 24.6 MP Exmor RS™ image sensor with global shutterThe a9 III features a ground-breaking full-frame global shutter image sensor with approximately 24.6 million effective pixels, a stacked CMOS architecture and integral memory, offering high resolution and overwhelming speed. It's capable of capturing fast-moving subjects with absolutely no distortion, and the sensor's stacked structure and advanced A/D conversion enable high-speed processing to proceed with minimal delay. Also boasting an advanced BIONZ XR™ processing engine, the a9 III can shoot continuous bursts at up to 120 frames per second keeping all the action in focus thanks to formidable AI, dense phase-detect AF and wide subject recognition.
BIONZ XR image processing engineWith up to eight times more processing power than previous versions, the BIONZ XR image processing engine minimises processing latency while markedly boosting image processing power, producing images with high colour gradation, realistic colour reproduction and low-noise. It's able to process the high volume of data generated by the newly developed Exmor RS image sensor in real-time, even while shooting continuous bursts at up to 120 fps, and it can capture high-quality 14-bit RAW images in all still shooting modes.
Blackout-free shootingNever miss a moment thanks to the blackout-free viewfinder, which does not black out even during fast-paced continuous shooting. This allows seamless capture of all the action, and is especially useful for shooting fast-moving subjects.
Continuous Shooting Speed BoostContinuous Shooting Speed Boost temporarily boosts the shooting speed while shooting bursts, enabling the user to raise the frame rate to 120 fps, for example, when the key moment approaches. Best used when shooting sports and other fast-paced activities when the timing of the desired action can be roughly predicted.
Capture essential moments with innovative high-speed burst supportNever miss a key event with Pre-Capture, which makes it possible to capture moments that occurred before the shutter was released. Data (up to 120 images per second) is temporarily stored while the shutter button is half-pressed, and up to 1 second before can be captured once the shutter is fully pressed. This makes it easier to capture split-second moments, such as images of birds taking flight, even if actual shutter release is a little late.
Ultra-fast 1/80000 second shutter speedCapture all the fast-paced action at sporting events and more. The global shutter sensor allows for an ultra-fast maximum shutter speed of 1/80000 second for still images, making it possible to even capture a bullet leaving the barrel of a rifle at a shooting competition, for example.
Reliable recognition of a wider range of subjectsThe AI processing unit supports enhanced Human, Animal, Bird, Insect, Car/Train and Airplane recognition. In the Car/Train category, it is now capable of recognising helmets, such as those worn by the drivers of formula race cars. Animal recognition can recognise 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 also been updated, more easily pinpointing the eyes of a variety of bird types as well as recognising bird bodies. Plus, a new Animal/Bird setting eliminates the need to switch between two settings to shoot animals or birds.
Wide, fast, precise autofocus and trackingThe a9 III packs a Fast Hybrid AF system that combines the speed and tracking performance of phase-detection AF with the precision of contrast-detection AF, reliably locking onto and tracking subjects that move rapidly and/or erratically. It now features 759 phase-detection points in a high-density focal plane phase-detection AF system that covers approximately 95.6% of the image area.
Human pose estimation using a skeleton-based modelWith its innovative AI processing unit, the a9 III can use subject form data to accurately recognise movement. Human pose estimation technology recognises not just eyes but also body and head position with high precision. This makes it possible to lock onto and track a subject facing away from the camera or whose face is covered. A distant human subject that occupies only a small area of the frame (even smaller than in previous Real-time Recognition AF iterations) can be recognised if the subject is near the focus area when the shutter is half-pressed while shooting with continuous AF. This can speed up focus acquisition on an athlete approaching from a distance at a track-and-field or ski event, for example.
Advanced optical 5-axis image stabilisationShoot handheld with confidence. The a9 III is packed with a high-precision image stabilisation unit, advanced gyro sensors, and optimised image stabilisation algorithms to effectively detect and correct camera shake, offering 8.0-step stabilisation. This is further supported by compatible lenses with built-in image stabilisation and improved communication between the body and lenses, providing effective control for blur-free shooting even at telephoto focal lengths.
Composite RAW Shooting reduces noiseComposite RAW Shooting captures multiple images (4, 8, 16, or 32, selectable) which can then be merged using Sony's Imaging Edge Desktop™ computer application software to create full-resolution images with very low noise. This makes it possible to shoot wildlife at high shutter speeds or portraits in low light, achieving exceptionally high image quality with low noise, even at higher ISO settings. What's more, when shooting at low sensitivity levels, the a9 III can take advantage of camera shake that occurs during handheld shooting and use Composite RAW to create images with reduced false colour and jaggies.
4K 120p without cropping for the first time in an Alpha bodyFor the first time in the Alpha line-up from Sony, the a9 III offers 4K (3840 × 2160) 120p movie recording without cropping, allowing users to utilise the full angle of view provided by any lens. For example, 4K footage shot in slow motion 120p and footage shot at normal speed 24p within the same scene will have the same angle of view and can be easily edited together without the need for reframing.
S-Cinetone for a cinematic lookSony's S-Cinetone picture profile provides the same colour science that delivers beautiful colours and skin tones throughout the highly regarded Cinema Line range. S-Cinetone produces natural mid-tones that are essential to healthy-looking skin, plus soft colours and gorgeous highlights. This lets creators concentrate on shooting while achieving a cinematic look without the need for colour grading.
New front custom button provides greater flexibilityAn update to the Sony's Alpha design, the a9 III comes with a custom button on the front for faster, easier operation while holding the grip. This makes it even more adaptable to different shooting styles and needs.
Ergonomic grip design enhances operability while reducing fatigueThe a9 III features a grip with a new shape that improves hold and reduces physical stress on the user, even when shooting with heavy telephoto lenses or for long periods of time. An ergonomically refined contour ensures that the grip fills the user's hand for a secure hold that does not cause fatigue.
Robust and durable for challenging professional environmentsWith lightweight, high-rigidity magnesium alloy for its top cover, front cover, internal frame, and rear cover, the a9 III boasts high body durability, high shock resistance and effective heat dissipation. It's built to withstand challenging professional environments while remaining relatively compact and lightweight.
Rugged reliability in the fieldThe a9 III features outstanding dust and moisture resistance, thanks to design refinements with silicone rubber packing around buttons, lens-lock button, cushioning around the lens mount, and other areas. An improved EVF design effectively seals the viewfinder's optical path, achieving the same effect as a double glass structure. Combined with dust and moisture resistant lenses, flash units, and/or the optional VG-C5 Vertical Grip, the a9 III becomes the core of a rugged dust and moisture resistant system.
Two CFexpress Type A compatible media slotsAs well as UHS-I and UHS-II SD cards, the a9 III's media slots support CFexpress Type A 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 a9 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.
