Sony Releases the Alpha 9 III: World's First Full-Frame Camera with Global Shutter System

November 7, 2024 — Sony today releases the Alpha 9 III, the world's first full-frame image sensor camera with a global shutter system, representing a revolutionary advancement in professional photography technology.

The Alpha 9 III features Sony's newly developed 24.6-megapixel full-frame stacked CMOS image sensor with global shutter, eliminating rolling shutter distortion and enabling unprecedented shooting capabilities for professional sports, wildlife, and action photographers.

Revolutionary Global Shutter Technology

The global shutter system captures the entire image simultaneously, eliminating the rolling shutter effect that can cause distortion when photographing fast-moving subjects. This breakthrough technology ensures that every pixel is exposed at exactly the same moment, delivering distortion-free images even when capturing the fastest action.

This technology is particularly crucial for professional sports photographers who need to capture split-second moments with absolute precision, ensuring that even the fastest athletes and vehicles appear sharp and undistorted.

Unprecedented Speed and Performance

The Alpha 9 III delivers continuous shooting at up to 120 frames per second with full autofocus and auto-exposure tracking, making it the fastest full-frame camera ever produced. This incredible speed is made possible by the global shutter system combined with Sony's advanced BIONZ XR image processing engine.

Key performance features include:

• 120 fps continuous shooting with full AF/AE tracking
• Pre-capture function that records images before the shutter is fully pressed
• Real-time tracking with advanced AI-based subject recognition
• Silent shooting at all speeds with no mechanical shutter sound

Professional Video Capabilities

The global shutter system also revolutionizes video recording, enabling 4K 120p recording with no rolling shutter artifacts. The camera supports various professional video formats including 4K 60p 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, making it an ideal choice for both photography and videography professionals.

Additional video features include S-Log3 and S-Cinetone color profiles, providing filmmakers with the flexibility to achieve their desired look in post-production.

Advanced Autofocus System

The Alpha 9 III features Sony's most advanced autofocus system to date, with 759 phase-detection AF points covering 95% of the image area. The system includes real-time tracking for humans, animals, and vehicles, with improved AI-based subject recognition that can distinguish between different types of subjects and maintain focus even in challenging conditions.

The camera's autofocus performance is enhanced by the global shutter system, which provides consistent exposure and focus across the entire frame, even during high-speed continuous shooting.

Professional Build and Reliability

Built for professional use, the Alpha 9 III features a robust magnesium alloy body with extensive weather sealing. The camera includes dual memory card slots supporting CFexpress Type A and SD cards, ensuring reliable storage for high-speed continuous shooting.

The camera features a high-resolution 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen and a 9.44-million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder, providing photographers with clear, detailed views of their subjects and settings.

Pricing and Availability

The Sony Alpha 9 III will be available in December 2024 for approximately £5,999 / €6,999.

This revolutionary camera represents a significant leap forward in professional photography technology, offering capabilities that were previously impossible with traditional rolling shutter sensors. The global shutter system opens up new creative possibilities for photographers working in sports, wildlife, and action photography.

For more information about the Sony Alpha 9 III, visit the official Sony Alpha 9 III product page.