Featuring an unprecedented global shutter system, the Sony α9 III is a game changer, capturing fast-moving subjects with absolutely no image distortion and preserving split-second moments in stunning detail.

The α9 III features a never-before-seen full-frame stacked 24.6 MP 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 distortion. Combined with a maximum shutter speed of 1/80000 second (1/16000 second during continuous shooting), the α9 III is a game changer for professional photography.

Blackout-free, 120fps continuous shooting

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 120fps with full AF/AE tracking, all without viewfinder blackout, and its highly advanced AI processing unit recognizes subjects with astonishingly high precision and reliability.

Preserve split-second moments

At 1/80000 second, 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) 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

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. 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 120fps. This significantly improves image quality, from offering higher colour gradation and more realistic colour reproduction to reducing image noise. 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. 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.

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.

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 120fps 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.

Real-time Recognition AF

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 759 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.

Match AF tracking response to subject movement

Whether the subject is moving, still or changing speed, AF tracking can keep track. Simply select a setting [Stable], [Standard], and [Responsive], depending on the speed of the subject and shooting scenario.