Sony Reveals Fastest Mirrorless Camera Yet

2023.11.07

In a special Live-Stream presentation earlier today, Sony unveiled a revolutionary Full-Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera that delivers speed above all. This new camera takes the top-of-the-line spot for action photography in the Sony mirrorless lineup.

The third-generation Sony Alpha A9 III reworks the original design and super-charges it with a completely new 24 Megapixels Exmor RS Stacked Full-Frame CMOS sensor. The sensor incorporates 759 Phase-Detection AF points that work down to -5 EV with a highly sensitive surface that gives it a base sensitivity of ISO 250. It reaches ISO 25600 normally and this range extends both ways to span ISO 125-51200. The sensor is mounted top-notch 5-axis image-stabilization system that delivers a best-in-class 8-stop efficiency.

All of the above are great specifications expected from a modern digital camera. The new Sony Alpha A9 III adds a new Global Shutter with instant read-out to these capabilities. This lets it read all pixels simultaneously, which only two other cameras can do, yet the A9 III is significantly faster than any other Full-Frame. It is able to capture images at up to 1/80,000 of a second, which is 10X faster than the A9 II and 30% faster than the Canon EOS R3. Only a handful of mirrorless cameras with APS-C sensors, such as the Fujifilm X-H2 reviewed here, can capture images more than twice as fast, up to 1/180,000s actually. The more important aspect of the A9 III speed is its continuous drive that can sustain 120 FPS for up to 192 RAW files at 14-bits. This speed extends to maintaining a full second of prebuffering to ensure that any precise instant can be captured.

Sony revisited design and ergonomics to create a camera that is familiar and more comfortable to photograph with. Even the grip has been reshaped. There are now a total of 4 control-dials on the Sony A9 III, so hopefully all three exposure parameters can be controlled directly simultaneously and the fourth dial can change another parameter or Exposure-Compensation. There is an 8-way focus joystick at the back, plus the rear dial tilts in all 4 cardinal directions for navigating the menu system. The front adds a custom button where previous models did not have one.

The Sony Alpha A9 III boasts a best-in-class viewfinder and display. The 9.4 Megapixels 0.64" OLED EVF shows a huge 0.9X magnification, has 100% coverage and refreshes at 120 FPS in Full-Resolution. A lower resolution mode provides a 240 FPS refresh option. An essential Eye-Start Sensor automatically switches between the EVF and a 3.2" Touchscreen LCD mounted on a 4-axis hinge. This makes it possible to both tilt and rotate to make photographers and videographers happy.

The high-speed Exmor RS sensor in the Sony A9 III also excels at video capture. It can record 4K Ultra-HD video at 120 FPS by downscaling from the entire focus area. Internally videos can be stored with 10-bit 4:2:2 All-Intra encoding, while the full 6K sensor feed in 16-bit RAW can be output via HDMI. The camera packs stereo audio inputs and output as 3.5mm mini-jacks, while its digital Multi-Interface Hot-Shoe accepts 4-channel audio. There is also support for 4K streaming over USB at 30 FPS.

Instant read-out makes it possible to capture video at up to 120 FPS without any rolling shutter issues. While the A9 III does not have a mechanical shutter, it features a curtain to reduce chances of sensor dust. This is a great help. When it is insufficient, the A9 III provides a typical cleaning mode that vibrates the shutter to shake dust off. Unexpectedly, the new sensor has an Anti-Alias Filter, something that most high end models do away with. This may have been done in favor of video.

This Full-Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera is weatherproof and built upon a magnesium-alloy chassis to make it durable. Sony managed to make the Alpha A9 III impressively light, weighing in at just 617 grams! This includes dual memory card slots, both which accept either CF Express Type A or SDXC UHS-II memory. The camera is powered by a proprietary Lithium-Ion battery that is expected to deliver 400 shots-per-charge.

Availability of the Sony Alpha A9 III is scheduled for Sping 2024 for $6000 USD or $8300 CAD. It will be possible to pre-order this camera tomorrow, so go ahead and check Adorama and B&H Photo to reputable sales.

• Digital Camera