Sony recently unveiled its latest pro-oriented mirrorless camera, the Alpha A9 III, and the revolutionary technology packed into this new camera has been four years in the making. The Alpha A9 III is the first full-frame camera with a global stacked sensor, making it a ground-breaking addition to the photographic world. The global stacked sensor allows for incredible shooting speeds of up to 120 frames per second (fps) with no blackout, a shutter speed of 1/80,000th of a second, and zero rolling shutter. While the 24.6 megapixel resolution may disappoint some, the capabilities of the global stacked sensor open up a world of new possibilities for photographers.
The absence of a physical shutter in the Alpha A9 III means that it can shoot full-resolution 14-bit RAW bursts at up to 120fps with a 1.6-second buffer, allowing approximately 180 shots to be captured in rapid succession. Sony has also equipped the Alpha A9 III with the latest Bionz XR image processor and “high-density focal plane phase detection AF”, which enables real-time autofocus (AF) tracking.
The camera’s dedicated AI processing unit, in combination with the high-speed performance of up to 120fps, delivers highly accurate subject recognition performance, making it possible to easily photograph scenes and moments that would be difficult to capture with the naked eye. Additionally, the global shutter allows for shutter speeds of 1/80,000th of a second, which is ten times faster than most cameras. It also ensures that compatible flashes can be synchronized up to the maximum shutter speed. The Alpha A9 III also offers a 1-second pre-burst feature, which captures scenes before the shutter button is pressed, reducing the possibility of missing a shot.
The advantages of the global shutter extend to video as well. It’s the first Sony camera to support 4K 120p video with no cropping and no rolling shutter distortion, and it also offers 4K 60p with 6K oversampling. The camera provides 10-bit recording with S-Log3 capture in all video modes, along with S-Cinetone, which enhances human skin tones and subjects. The Alpha A9 III offers a range of other features expected of a high-end camera, such as in-body stabilization with up to 8 stops of shake reduction and an electronic viewfinder with 9.44 million dots.
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To clear the buffer quickly, the Alpha A9 III supports fast CFexpress Type A cards in addition to SD UHS II cards, similar to the Alpha A1. The ISO range of 250-25600 (expandable to ISO 125–51200) provides flexibility for shooting in various lighting conditions, though photographers may require ND filters for video shooting in bright light.
The arrival of the Alpha A9 III is highly anticipated, offering unprecedented capabilities and setting a new standard for what is possible in mirrorless cameras. Sony has yet to release sample photos, so reviews of this model will be crucial for understanding its image quality and low-light sensitivity. The Alpha A9 III is available for pre-order at $6,000, with a vertical grip available for an additional $400, and is expected to arrive next spring.
In conclusion, the Alpha A9 III represents a significant leap forward in photographic technology, offering an array of groundbreaking features for both photographers and videographers. This remarkable camera, with its global stacked sensor and unparalleled shooting speeds, is destined to make waves in the industry and revolutionize the way professionals capture stills and video.
