Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera

Unprecedented imagery from the world’s first camera with global shutter full-frame image sensor

The α9 III features the world’s first1 full-frame stacked 24.6 MP2 CMOS image sensor with a global shutter system. Unlike a rolling shutter sensor that records images sequentially from the top row of pixels to the bottom, the newly developed Exmor RS™ image sensor exposes and reads all pixels simultaneously so the camera can capture fast-moving subjects with absolutely no rolling shutter distortion. Combined with a maximum shutter speed of 1/80,000 second (1/16,000 second during continuous shooting)4, the α9 III is a game changer for professional photography.

Blackout-free, 120 fps continuous shooting with full AF/AE tracking

The α9 III is defined by speed and accuracy, enabling it to capture decisive moments with ease. It’s capable of shooting continuous bursts at up to 120 fps with full AF/AE tracking3, all without viewfinder blackout, and its highly advanced AI processing unit recognizes subjects with astonishingly high precision and reliability.

Preserve split-second moments with maximum shutter speed of 1/80,000 second

At 1/80,000 second4, the maximum shutter speed of the α9 III makes it easy to capture fast-moving subjects in almost any situation. What's more, a compatible flash unit from Sony (such as the HVL-F60RM2 or HVL-F46RM)5 can synchronize at all shutter speeds, eliminating the steep, nonlinear drop-off in illumination that occurs with high-speed sync (HSS) and ensuring even illumination across the image.

Exmor RS image sensor with global shutter system

The new full-frame global shutter image sensor is equipped with 24.6 million effective pixels, a stacked CMOS architecture and integral memory. This offers high resolution, overwhelming speed, and simultaneous full-pixel readout, so even fast-moving subjects can be captured distortion-free. The sensor's stacked structure and advanced A/D conversion enable high-speed processing to proceed with minimal delay.

BIONZ XR™ image processing engine boosts overall processing speed by up to 8x6

With up to eight times6 more processing power than previous versions, the BIONZ XR image processing engine minimizes processing latency while markedly boosting image processing power. The high volume of data generated by the newly developed Exmor RS™ image sensor can be processed in real time even while shooting continuous bursts at up to 120 fps3 to significantly improves image quality. The camera can also capture high-quality 14-bit RAW images in all still shooting modes.

Composite RAW Shooting reduces noise

Composite 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.7 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. When shooting at low sensitivity levels, the α9 III can use Composite RAW to create images with reduced false color and jaggies. [1] Standard [2] Composite RAW

Advanced optical 5-axis image stabilization

Shoot handheld with confidence. The α9 III is packed 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-step8 stabilization. This is further supported by compatible lenses with built-in image stabilization9 and improved communication between the camera and lenses, providing effective control for blur-free shooting even at telephoto focal lengths. [1] Yaw [2] Roll [3] Pitch

Blackout-free shooting for uninterrupted view during fast-paced shooting

Enjoy an uninterrupted view through the blackout-free viewfinder, even during fast-paced continuous shooting — a game changer for shooting sports and other fast-moving subjects. What’s more, the distracting time lag that is usually associated with EVF viewing has been reduced to a minimum, so that fleeting moments can be captured with confidence.

Up to 120 AF/AE tracking calculations per second

Let the camera keep track — the high-speed readout of the new image sensor enables the α9 III to make up to 120 AF/AE tracking calculations per second10, twice that of its predecessor. AF tracks complex subject motions and predicts sudden movements with greater precision than ever before, while AE easily responds to sudden brightness variations. The α9 III continues to track even during continuous shooting, also contributing to greater precision. (1) AF/AE calculations (2) 120 frames/sec

Never miss a moment with Pre-Capture

Pre-Capture records the moments that occurred before the shutter was released. Settable from 0.005 to 1 second, it’s available in any file format up to 120 fps with full AF/AE tracking. 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.

Continuous Shooting Speed Boost rapidly increases frame rate to capture the action

Continuous Shooting Speed Boost13 temporarily boosts the shooting speed while shooting bursts, ensuring you capture all the action. This is beneficial when shooting sports and other fast-paced activities when the timing of the key moment can be roughly predicted.

Real-time Recognition AF14 identifies and tracks subjects even if face/eye obscured

With its innovative AI processing unit, the α9 III can use subject form data to accurately recognize movement. Human pose estimation technology recognizes 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 recognized 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.

Reliable recognition of a wider range of subjects

The AI processing unit supports enhanced Human, Animal, Bird, Insect, Car/Train and Airplane14 recognition. In the Car/Train category, it is now capable of recognizing helmets, such as those worn by the drivers of formula race cars. Animal recognition can recognize 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 recognizing 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 tracking

The α9 III now features 75915 phase-detection points in a high-density focal plane phase-detection AF system that covers approximately 95.6% of the image area. The large volume of data read from the image sensor is processed at high speed via the advanced BIONZ XR processing engine, while optimized algorithms ensure high accuracy and high density. This Fast Hybrid AF system 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.

• Unprecedented imagery from the world’s first camera with global shutter full-frame image sensor
• Blackout-free, 120 fps continuous shooting with full AF/AE tracking
• Preserve split-second moments with maximum shutter speed of 1/80,000 second
• Exmor RS image sensor with global shutter system
• BIONZ XR™ image processing engine boosts overall processing speed by up to 8x6
• Composite RAW Shooting reduces noise
• Advanced optical 5-axis image stabilization detects and correct camera shake
• Blackout-free shooting for uninterrupted view during fast-paced shooting
• Up to 120 AF/AE tracking calculations per second
• Never miss a moment with Pre-Capture
• Continuous Shooting Speed Boost rapidly increases frame rate to capture the action
• Real-time Recognition AF14 identifies and tracks subjects even if face/eye obscured
• Reliable recognition of a wider range of subjects
• Wide, fast, precise autofocus and tracking
• Match AF tracking response to subject movement
• Customizable focus area to match the subject
• Flash sync at up to 1/80,0004 shutter speed vastly expands creative possibilities
• Flicker-free shooting compensates for interference from artificial lighting
• Global shutter eliminates flash banding
• 4K movies free of rolling shutter with high resolution and detail
• 4K 120p17 without cropping for the first time in an α body
• S-Cinetone™ for a cinematic look without the need for color grading
• Breathing compensation for consistent angle of view when focusing
• Dynamic active Mode stabilisation
• Auto Framing21 keeps the subject in a prominent position when shooting movies
• Uniquely flexible tilting monitor for enhanced shooting flexibility
• New front Custom button provides easier operation while holding the grip
• QXGA 9.44 million dot viewfinder with up to 240fps refresh rate
• Dual CFexpress Type A /SDXC/SDHC compatible media slots
• Optional VG-C5 Vertical Grip
• Rugged reliability for challenging environments
• Robust and durable
• Shading curtain closed on power-off
• Ergonomic grip design
• Improved group display
• Built-in Wi-Fi for FTP and smartphone transfers plus PC Remote tethering
• Clearer voice memo recording
• Multiple IPTC presets
• Dedicated Still/Movie/S&Q dial for flexible hybrid operation
• Anti-dust system increases dust removal efficiency
• 1000BASE-T Ethernet for fast communication
• USB Type-C® connector supports SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps (USB 3.2)
• Touch operation during shooting and playback
• UVC/UAC support for high-quality webcam applications
• USB PD (Power Delivery) supports fast charging