Sony Alpha A9 III Mirrorless Camera
About This Item
- Unprecedented imagery from the world’s first1 camera with global shutter full-frame image sensor
- Blackout-free, 120 fps continuous shooting with full AF/AE tracking
- Preserve split-second moments with maximum shutter speed of 1/80,000 second


A new movement
Featuring the world’s first1 full-frame image sensor with a global shutter system, the Alpha 9 III is a game changer, capturing fast-moving subjects with absolutely no image distortion and preserving split-second moments in stunning detail.
The next capture era starts now
The α9 III features the world’s first1 full-frame stacked 24.6 MP2 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 1/80,000 second (1/16,000 second during continuous shooting)3, the α9 III is a game changer for professional photography.
(1) Pixel area
(2) Hi-speed signal processing circuit
(3) Image processing engine
Blackout-free 120 fps 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 tracking3, all without viewfinder blackout, and its highly advanced AI processing unit recognizes subjects with astonishingly high precision and reliability.
Preserve split-second moments
At 1/80,000 second4, 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)5 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.
Pure full-frame potential



(1) Standard
(2) Composite RAW

[1] Yaw [2] Roll [3] Pitch


Blackout-free shooting
Enjoy an uninterrupted view through the blackout-free viewfinder, even during fast-paced continuous shooting—a game changer for shooting sports and other fast-moving subjects. What’s more, the distracting time lag that is usually associated with EVF viewing has been reduced to a minimum, so that fleeting moments can be captured with confidence.
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 second10, 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
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 second12, it’s available in any file format up to 120fps3 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.
Continuous Shooting Speed Boost
temporarily boosts the shooting speed while shooting bursts, ensuring you capture all the action. This is beneficial when shooting sports and other fast-paced activities when the timing of the key moment can be roughly predicted.
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 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
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.
Customizable focus area
Keep what you need in focus, with XL and XS focus area spot sizes added to the line-up. XS can be useful when shooting wildlife and trying to avoid focusing on foreground branches, for example. You can also create a custom focus area of specified size and even vertical aspect ratio if necessary. For example, at a track event where the participants are lined up side-by-side, setting the AF frame to a custom horizontal format could make it easier to focus on the leading runner.
Shooting responsibly when using face registration
The face registration feature involves the use of biometric data. You are responsible for your collection and use of such data, and compliance with applicable local law. For more details, please visit the website below.
Endless expression
Flash sync at all shutter speeds
With a compatible flash unit from Sony (such as the HVL-F60RM2 or HVL-F46RM)5, the α9 III can perform full flash synchronization right up to the maximum 1/80,0004 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.
Flicker-free shooting16
The global-shutter image sensor exposes all pixels simultaneously, so flicker cannot occur within a single image, but may appear between frames. To reduce this type of flicker, Anti-flicker Shooting or Hi frequency flicker-free shooting (Var. Shutter) functions can be used.
(1) α9 III (2) Rolling shutter image sensor
Global shutter eliminates flash banding
The α9 III’s advanced image sensor is equipped with a global shutter system that exposes and reads out all pixels at once, eliminating exposure differences that can arise, for example, when shooting alongside press photographers covering an event. This eradicates the issue of “flash banding” that is common in cameras that use a rolling shutter system.
Full-quality, full-frame movies
Intuitive operation, high reliability
Uniquely flexible tilting monitor 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, robust22, 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 color gamut and ample brightness for clear, easy viewing.
New front Custom button
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, you can assign the Continuous Speed Shooting Boost function to the front button to allow instant speed boost when shooting bursts.
Excellent viewfinder specs and performance
The 9.44 million-dot (approx.) OLED viewfinder includes 0.90x23 magnification with a 41 ° FOV for a clear, wide view, and an updated structure that results in a 25 mm high eyepoint24. 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)25. 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.
Streamlined workflow
Improved group display
Workflow efficiency gets a drastic boost thanks to image groups. Images taken at up to 120fps3 in continuous bursts can be defined as “groups,” making it easier to 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 are retained after the images are imported into a computer editing application
Built-in Wi-Fi for FTP and smartphone transfers plus PC Remote tethering
Built-in Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11ac) with 2×2 MIMO support allows high-speed data transfer, enabling the α9 III to transfer data up to twice as fast as its predecessor. 5 GHz28 communication offers maximum speed and stability, essential for news and sports shooters who need to deliver immediately, as well as for studio environments. The simple in-camera interface makes it easy to transfer still and movie data via an FTP server, Wi-Fi, fast-wired LAN, or USB tethering with a smartphone.
Clearer voice memo recording
Add clear voice memo metadata to still images through a dedicated voice memo microphone that’s built into the camera’s rear panel, close to the user’s mouth for better recording quality. Voice memos can be transferred to an FTP server along with the corresponding images, allowing the photographer to communicate effectively to the editor. The photographer can also use the Transfer & Tagging (Ver. 1.9 or later) mobile application to convert the voice memos to text29
Multiple IPTC presets
IPTC (International Press Telecommunications Council) metadata can be added to still images, with the α9 III capable of internally storing up to 20 presets that can then be quickly selected when needed. This can be extremely useful at multi-sports events, for example, where different IPTC information is required for different competitions.
Shooting for a better future
Sony’s goal: zero environmental footprint
The Sony Group “Road to Zero” project aims to achieve a zero environmental footprint. To achieve that goal, we continue to refine every stage of our camera and accessory manufacture and distribution cycle to minimize environmental stress, from development through production to packaging and transport.
Recyclable non-plastic packaging materials
Sony is transitioning to the use of non-plastic packaging materialsthat provide ample protection against shock and impact. Plant-based non-woven fabrics are used for product bags. All of this helps to minimize environmental stress.
Recyclable non-plastic packaging materials
Sony is transitioning to the use of non-plastic packaging materialsthat provide ample protection against shock and impact. Plant-based non-woven fabrics are used for product bags. All of this helps to minimize environmental stress.
Creators’ Cloud
Creators’ Cloud is a platform that supports creative work from shooting to production by combining advanced Sony camera technology with cloud-based AI. It’s also a place for discovery and collaboration with other creators around the world. Explore web, mobile, and PC-based apps providing efficient solutions that integrate cameras with shooting and production apps and services.
Resource: https://electronics.sony.com