The Sony A9 III was just announced along with the lightest 300mm f/2.8 ever made.
Fun fact, they both cost exactly the same.
The new A9 III is the world’s first full-frame camera to feature a global shutter, but it doesn’t stop there.
Sony A9 III Key Features:
- 24.6MP Sensor
- Global shutter
- 120 frames per second (blackout-free)
- 1/80,000 maximum speed (that’s 80 thousand)
- 4K 120p with no crop
- 10-bit 4K 60p oversampled from 6K
- Pre-capture (up to 1 second)
- 8.0 stop stabilization
- Flash Sync at any shutter speed (even 1/80,000)
- 4-axis 3.2″ LCD screen
- 9.44 million-dot EVF
- AI Intelligence Chip
- -5EV AF precision
- $5,999
- Spring 2024
Let’s go over the biggest changes.
The global shutter system elevates the A9 III to a whole new level. For video, this means no more rolling shutter issues when you pan, or when your subject moves quickly.
It also allows the A9 III to shoot up to 1/80,000 and have no limit for the flash sync. That’s quite insane.
Because a global shutter requires a lot more work, the new sensor features 24.6MP and not more like many have speculated. Cramming more megapixels would result in worse dynamic range and slower functions of the camera, but this will absolutely improve in the following years.
Related: Sony announces the lightest 300mm f/2.8 lens ever
The a9 series is all about speed, so naturally it can shoot at 120 frames per second, as well as Pre-capture mode up to 1 second. Simply hold the shutter button half-pressed and if you the miss the moment, you’ve got a whole second (up to 120fps) of the past to look at. The camera actually creates a video clip where you can choose your best moment.
Like all Sony’s cameras released in 2023, this one comes with the AI chip that detects eyes, faces and bodies of people and animals, cars, trains, insects etc. It can focus up to -5EV at f/1.8.
Video wise, it can record 4K at 120p with absolutely no crop. Pair that with the global shutter and you will never have issues with lights flickering or any type of movement at all. You’ve got the usual 10-bit 4:2:2 All-I, 4K oversampled from 6K and S-Cinetone profile.
Then there’s the 8.0 stop in-body stabilization, allowing you to shoot at ridiculously low shutter speeds and still get acceptable results.
Release Date & Price
The Sony A9 III will be released in the spring of 2024 for a price of $5,999.
