Sony Α9 III Full Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera - ILCE9M3B

Newly developed full-frame stacked 24.6 MP Exmor RS™ image sensor with global shutter

The α9 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 α9 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 engine

With up to eight times more processing power than previous versions, the BIONZ XR image processing engine minimizes 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 120fps, and it can capture high-quality 14-bit RAW images in all still shooting modes.

Blackout-free shooting

Never 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 such as athletes, or for portraits, when even the briefest of facial expressions can make the difference between an average and great shot.  (1) Blackout-free shooting (2) Shooting with blackout

Ultra-fast 1/80000 second shutter speed

Capture 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.

Capture essential moments with innovative high-speed burst support

Never 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.

Continuous Shooting Speed Boost

Continuous Shooting Speed Boost temporarily boosts the shooting speed while shooting bursts, enabling the user to raise the frame rate to 120fps, 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.

Human pose estimation using a skeleton-based model

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 Airplane 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 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.

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 second, 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/s

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. 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 α9 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.  (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-step stabilization. This is further supported by compatible lenses with built-in image stabilization and improved communication between the body and lenses, providing effective control for blur-free shooting even at telephoto focal lengths.  [1] Yaw [2] Roll [3] Pitch

Flash sync at all shutter speeds

With a compatible flash unit from Sony (such as the HVL-F60RM2 or HVL-F46RM), the α9 III can perform full flash synchronization right up to the maximum 1/80000 second shutter speed. This allows flash to be used for extra subject illumination when shooting outdoors in bright daylight with a high shutter speed, reducing the need for large lighting setups and vastly expanding creative shooting possibilities.

Advanced image sensor with global shutter system for distortion-free movies

The newly developed 24.6-megapixel full-frame global-shutter Exmor RS image sensor with stacked CMOS architecture offers immense benefits for moviemaking as well as still photography. Rolling shutter distortion is non-existent, so natural-looking footage can be captured regardless of subject or camera movement, even when shooting from a fast-moving vehicle or panning the camera quickly.

4K 120p without cropping for the first time in an α body

For the first time in the α line-up from Sony, the α9 III offers 4K (3840 x 2160) 120p movie recording without cropping, allowing users to utilize 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 look

Sony’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.

Breathing compensation for consistent angle of view when focusing

Focus breathing compensation effectively reduces focus breathing when shooting movies. Sony’s original Clear Image Zoom technology is used to automatically maintain a consistent angle of view throughout focus changes for more stable images. Breathing metadata can also be used with the advanced breathing compensation capabilities of the latest Catalyst Browse/Prepare software application during post production.

Dynamic active Mode stabilization

A high-precision stabilization unit and gyro sensors built into the camera, supported by optimized image stabilization algorithms, allow advanced electronic stabilization to work in conjunction with the camera’s 5-axis optical in-body image stabilization system. Dynamic active Mode improves stabilization by more than 30% over the existing Active Mode (approx.).

Ergonomic grip design enhances operability while reducing fatigue

The α9 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.

New front custom button provides greater flexibility

An update to the Sony’s α design, the α9 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. For example, assign the Continuous Speed Shooting Boost function to the front button to allow instant speed boost when shooting bursts.

Drive Mode and Focus Mode dials

Independently operable stacked drive mode and focus mode dials allow fast access and selection. The user can quickly select the single or continuous drive mode, or the single AF or continuous AF focus mode, without having to access menus via buttons. Both dials are lockable, preventing unwanted mode changes during use. What’s more, as a new feature, the drive mode dial can be deactivated and assigned to the FN menu or a custom button instead—a useful setup if shooting in the dark or with a rain cover that might obscure the dial.

Sony’s original 4-axis mechanism for enhanced shooting flexibility

The α9 III features a 4-axis multi-angle monitor that combines the utility of a conventional tilting monitor with side-opening vari-angle flexibility, allowing for unrestricted angle adjustment whether shooting vertically or horizontally. Slim, unobtrusive, and robust, the mechanism enables the monitor to be pulled away from the rear of the body and tilted upward by up to 98 °, downward by up to 40 °, and swung sideways by up to 180 °. The touch sensitive, 3.2 type LCD monitor is optimized for outdoor shooting, providing 2.1 million dot resolution, a wide colour gamut and ample brightness for clear and easy viewing.

Optional VG-C5 Vertical Grip

The optional VG-C5 Vertical Grip provides outstanding comfort and operability for long shooting sessions. The grip and shutter button feature the same ergonomic design as the camera body. Control access is similar too, with an independent front custom button (C5), a front dial, rear L and R dials, and a lock function on the R dial. The VG-C5 Vertical Grip can house two NP-FZ100 batteries for extended shooting sessions.

Excellent viewfinder specs and performance 

The 9.44 million-dot (approx.) OLED viewfinder includes 0.90x magnification with a 41 ° FOV for a clear, wide view, and an updated structure that results in a 25 mm high eyepoint. An original optical design minimizes aberration that can be distracting when looking around the viewfinder image, providing a more consistent viewing experience. Viewfinder and monitor lag time have also been reduced to allow more stable framing, especially during continuous shooting. The finder frame rate can be set to Standard (60fps), High (120fps), or Higher (240fps). The 240fps setting provides an extremely smooth viewfinder image with minimum motion blur when shooting moving subjects, and greatly reduces motion blur when panning or tilting.

Shading curtain closed on power-off

A shading curtain protects the image sensor from dust and particles while changing lenses. When set to ON, it automatically closes when the camera’s power is turned off.

Robust and durable for challenging professional environments

With lightweight, high-rigidity magnesium alloy for its top cover, front cover, internal frame, and rear cover, the α9 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 field

The α9 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 α9 III becomes the core of a rugged dust- and moisture-resistant system.

Improved group display

Workflow efficiency gets a drastic boost thanks to image groups. Images taken at up to 120fps in continuous bursts can be defined as “groups,” making it easier to quickly flip through and locate a specific image within a large group of images. These groups can also be assigned a rating, which can then be used for filtering and searching, and the rating is embedded for images imported into a computer editing application. This greatly simplifies data management and speeds the workflow process.

Fn Menu Settings

If Playback Fn Menu is assigned to the Fn button in advance, it provides quick access to control protect status, smartphone transfer, FTP transfer, and other functions during playback. It can also be used to select and initiate functions for a filtered batch of images, enabling quick delivery via FTP transfer, for example. During single image review, the Fn menu can be accessed simply by swiping up on the LCD display and is available during single playback, index playback, calendar/folder playback, and the image selection display.

Playback Filter Condition

Search filtering can be applied during review playback. Even for vast image libraries, images can be quickly filtered according to date, folder, still/movie, rating, protect status, FTP, and other parameters, making it easier than ever to find specific images.

Remote Camera Tool

Remote Camera Tool is a software application that allows PC Remote (tethered) shooting via wired LAN. Once the camera is connected to a computer or switching hub connected to a computer, Remote Camera Tool can be used to change camera settings and shoot images.

Built-in Wi-Fi for FTP and smartphone transfers plus PC Remote tethering

Built-in Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11ac) with 2x2 MIMO support allows high-speed data transfer, enabling the α9 III to transfer data up to twice as fast as its predecessor. 5 GHz communication offers maximum speed and stability, essential for news and sports shooters who need to deliver immediately via FTP, as well as for studio environments.

Two CFexpress Type A compatible media slots

As well as UHS-I and UHS-II SD cards, the α9 III’s media slots support CFexpress Type A cards. These are ideally suited to high-speed continuous still shooting at up to 120fps and provide high write speeds to quickly clear the buffers of cameras that generate high volumes of still image and movie data. The α9 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.

Sony’s cloud services 

Sony’s cloud services support shooting through to production. The Creators’ App mobile application allows users to remotely control the camera and transfer stills and movies straight to the device. For editing, Sony’s Creators’ Cloud provides access to a range of useful production support tools. Master Cut (Beta), for example, uses camera metadata and cloud AI to efficiently create rough movie edits, while Ci Media Cloud makes it easy for teams to cooperate on production. Get further inspiration from the networking service Discover, which brings creators together, helps them promote their activities, and provides access to useful articles about Sony Ambassador shooting and production methods, alongside other invaluable advice.

Relay Playback of images

If memory cards are in both slots, images can be played back sequentially from one slot to another, without needing to manually switch the playback card target.

Cloud upload (camera direct) function

“Cloud direct upload” function allows for uploading images directly from the registered camera to the Creators’ Cloud.Software update (ver. 2.00 or later) is required.

FTP workflow enhancement

Auto FTP transfer optional settings are added: [1] ’’Protected images only” option is added to Auto FTP Transfer target selection screen. [2] ’’Protect image in FTP transfer” option is added to FTP Transfer function. [3] Interruption of Auto FTP Transfer queue for single images manually set as a priority. SFTP (secure file transfer protocol) is supported. Software update (ver. 2.00 or later) is required.