In a major leap forward for professional photography, Sony has just introduced the Alpha 9 III, a cutting-edge full-frame camera equipped with a revolutionary global shutter image sensor. This innovative technology allows the camera to expose and read all pixels simultaneously, eliminating the rolling shutter distortion and camera blackout commonly associated with traditional rolling shutter sensors.
The Alpha 9 III boasts some remarkable features that are set to delight professional photographers. It can shoot at burst speeds of up to 120 frames per second, thanks to the global shutter, without any distortion or blackout. This remarkable capability opens up a new realm of possibilities for capturing decisive moments.
Sony’s advanced autofocus (AF) system is a standout feature of this camera. It incorporates AI autofocus with an astounding 120 times AF/AE focus calculations per second. This level of precision ensures that even the fastest and most dynamic subjects can be tracked and focused with ease.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Alpha 9 III is its ability to sync flash at all shooting speeds. This means photographers can create stunning images in a wide range of conditions, even under challenging lighting.
Yang Cheng, Vice President of Imaging Solutions at Sony Electronics, emphasized that the Alpha 9 III was designed with the needs and input of professional photographers in mind. Every aspect of the camera, from the sensor to button layouts and menu functions, has been carefully refined based on feedback from the photography community.
The Alpha 9 III is equipped with a world-first global shutter full-frame stacked CMOS image sensor, offering approximately 24.6 effective megapixels and blackout-free continuous shooting speeds of up to 120 fps with AF/AE tracking. It also features high-density focal plane phase-detection AF, and its AI processing unit supports real-time recognition AF, recognizing a wide variety of subjects with exceptional precision. This combination of high-speed performance and accurate subject recognition allows photographers to capture scenes and moments that are often missed by the naked eye.
With 8.0 stops of optical 5-axis in-body image stabilization, the Alpha 9 III guarantees high-quality image rendering even in challenging shooting conditions. The camera’s shutter speed can reach an impressive maximum of 1/80,000 second (1/16,000 second during continuous shooting), enabling high-speed photography without distortion.
Moreover, the Alpha 9 III introduces a new Pre-Capture function, which records up to one second before the shutter is released, ensuring that fleeting moments are never missed. Customizable focus areas have been expanded to include XS to XL options, allowing photographers to tailor their focus precisely. The camera also features the latest AF algorithms, offering high precision in low-light conditions and the ability to track subjects even at F22.
Video enthusiasts will also find the Alpha 9 III appealing, as it provides distortion-free video expression thanks to the global shutter. It can record 4K 120p high-frame-rate video without cropping, and it also offers the S-Cinetone feature for cinematic looks straight out of the camera.
For professional photographers, Sony has enhanced operability and reliability. The camera’s grip has been ergonomically designed to ensure comfort even during extended use, and a vertical grip accessory further enhances versatility. The Alpha 9 III features a 4-axis multi-angle LCD monitor with touch operation for intuitive menu navigation. Its electronic viewfinder boasts 9.44 million dots and high visibility.
Sony has also improved workflow efficiency, offering features like a playback image filter for quick image selection and a function menu accessible during image playback. The camera allows users to record voice memos and transfer audio data via FTP. With support for professional applications like “Transfer & Tagging” and “Remote Camera Tool,” the Alpha 9 III ensures seamless image delivery and remote operation.
Sony’s commitment to ongoing improvement is evident in its announcement of firmware updates for the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III models. These updates will bring new imaging technologies, Focus Breathing Compensation, IPTC, and FTP workflow enhancements, and C2PA format support, among other improvements, in Spring 2024.
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