Sony A9 Mark III Mirrorless Camera

First Full-Frame Global Shutter Mirrorless Camera

The a9 III by Sony marks the debut of the world's initial full-frame mirrorless camera equipped with a global shutter. This innovation represents a significant advancement over the traditional rolling shutter technology that has been in use for many years. The global shutter allows for virtually instantaneous and synchronized capture of all 24.6MP, eradicating issues like skew and other artifacts commonly associated with rolling shutters. Moreover, it outperforms mechanical shutter technology in every aspect, rendering the physical shutter redundant in the a9 III.

Never Miss a Moment

In addition to the sensor's core technology, the a9 III introduces new features that unlock the camera's full potential. One such feature allows users to configure the camera to start buffering images when the shutter button is half-pressed, with an adjustable setting between 0.05-1.0 seconds. These buffered images are then saved to the memory card upon full shutter press. Thanks to the Speed Boost and the strategically positioned C5 button near the grip on the camera's front, users can swiftly switch between their standard continuous shooting frame rate and a faster one to ensure they capture the perfect shot. Photographers will have the flexibility to choose from various frame rates, with options going up to 120 fps.

Professional Quality Video

Global shutter technology in the a9 III provides substantial advantages for video production, completely eliminating shutter and banding artifacts. Beyond this, the a9 III offers a range of noteworthy video enhancements compared to its predecessor. It excels at capturing and downsampling the entire 6K image area, resulting in impressive UHD 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. Additionally, it has the capability to record 4K at a remarkable 120 frames per second with no cropping.

Ergonomic Body Design

The introduction of the new Alpha-series cameras brings about subtle adjustments and refinements aimed at enhancing the system's ergonomic usability. The a9 III incorporates a number of these updates:

What is a Global Shutter?

Global shutter is a photographic technique that captures all image data simultaneously, distinguishing it from conventional shutter systems that progressively initiate and conclude exposure across the sensor. This method offers various advantages, including the elimination of the common rolling shutter distortion observed in videos and with slower electronic shutters. Another significant benefit is its compatibility with flash synchronization at virtually any shutter speed. In this context, the duration of the flash burst sets the limit, rather than the time required to close the shutter, which in turn determines the shortest duration for full sensor exposure. For instance, Sony asserts that the a9 III can sync at all shutter speeds, including ultra-fast ones up to 1/80,000 second.

Furthermore, a global shutter effectively eliminates the banding issue that can arise with progressive shutters when capturing images under flickering lights. Since the entire image is captured at precisely the same instant, there is no discrepancy in the recording of different phases of a light's flicker cycle across different parts of the image. While exceptionally high shutter speeds may capture the refresh cycle of an LED signboard, any resulting artifacts are attributed to the LEDs themselves, as the camera faithfully records a single moment in time.

Key Features

* World's First Full-Frame Global Shutter: Captures all 24.6MP simultaneously, completely eliminating skew and rolling shutter artifacts.

* Blistering 120 fps Continuous Shooting: Capture split-second action with uncompromising speed, precision, and zero blackout.

* Pre-Capture Buffering: Records images 0.05 to 1.0 seconds before the shutter is fully pressed, so you catch the decisive moment even if you react late.

* Unrestricted Flash Sync: Syncs with compatible flashes at virtually any shutter speed up to an incredible 1/80,000 second.

* Pro-Grade 4K Video: Records UHD 4K up to 60p (oversampled from 6K) and 4K 120p with absolutely no crop.

Benefits

* Zero Distortion: Shoot fast-moving subjects like sports, birds in flight, or motorsports without the skewed lines caused by traditional electronic shutters.

* Flicker-Free Results: Global shutter technology completely eliminates banding issues when shooting under artificial and flickering lighting.

* Enhanced Ergonomics: Features a refined grip and a conveniently placed custom C5 button on the front for instantly switching frame rates on the fly.

* Seamless Hybrid Workflow: Delivers top-tier performance for both high-speed stills and professional video production, making it a true hybrid powerhouse.

Specifications

Sensor: 24.6MP Full-Frame Global Shutter CMOS
Maximum Continuous Shooting: 120 fps
Video Resolution: UHD 4K up to 120p (4K 60p oversampled from 6K)
Maximum Flash Sync Speed: 1/80,000 second
Pre-Capture Settings: 0.05 - 1.0 seconds adjustable
Customisable Controls: Dedicated front C5 button

FAQs

1. What is a global shutter and why does it matter?

Unlike a rolling shutter that scans the sensor line by line, a global shutter captures the entire 24.6MP image simultaneously. This completely eliminates rolling shutter distortion, skew, and banding under flickering lights.

2. Can the Sony A9 III shoot 4K video without a crop?

Yes, the A9 III can record UHD 4K video at up to 120 frames per second with absolutely no sensor crop, as well as 4K up to 60fps oversampled from 6K.

3. How does the pre-capture buffering work?

When you half-press the shutter, the camera begins buffering images. Once you fully press the button, it saves the images captured in the preceding 0.05 to 1.0 seconds, ensuring you catch unpredictable action.

4. What is the maximum flash sync speed?

Thanks to the global shutter, the A9 III can sync with compatible flashes at virtually any shutter speed, up to an astonishing 1/80,000 second.

5. Is this camera suitable for professional sports and wildlife photography?

Absolutely. With 120 fps continuous shooting, zero blackout, and advanced autofocus, it is purpose-built for capturing high-speed, unpredictable subjects.

How to Use / Care Instructions

Keep your sensor clean by always turning the camera off before changing lenses in dusty or windy environments.
Pair the camera with high-speed CFexpress Type A memory cards to fully utilise the 120 fps burst shooting and 4K 120p video recording capabilities.
Customise the front C5 button to your most-used feature, such as a temporary continuous shooting speed boost, for rapid adjustments while keeping your eye to the viewfinder.

Best Seller	No
Camera Series	Sony Alpha
Pixels	24.6 Megapixel
Video Recording	Yes
Continuous Shooting	Up to 120 fps at 24.6 MP
Audio Recording	Yes
Live View	Yes
Screen Coverage	100%
Brands	Sony
Cashback Enable	No
Wi-Fi Enabled	Yes
Product Weight	1.000000
External Battery Charger	No
HDR Mode	No
Face Detection	No
Panoroma Mode	No

Sony A9 Mark III Mirrorless Camera

World’s First Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera with Global Shutter