With the release of the Sony A9 III mirrorless camera, Sony has once again established itself as a frontrunner in the rapidly developing field of photography. Priced at $5,999, this full-frame camera is set to redefine the way we capture both stills and video.
The A9 III’s standout feature? A groundbreaking global shutter that fixes the dreaded rolling shutter problem, ensuring unparalleled image quality and performance. The A9 III comes equipped with a stacked 24.6-megapixel sensor, succeeding its predecessor, the A9 II, which was released four years ago. What sets this new camera apart from the rest is its innovative global shutter.
Unlike most mirrorless cameras on the market, including the Canon R5, Panasonic GH5, and Nikon Z9, the A9 III does away with the rolling shutter, which captures images row by row, often resulting in distortion. The global shutter exposes every pixel simultaneously, delivering distortion-free stills and video.
But what does this technological leap mean for photographers and videographers? Let’s delve into the impressive specs that the A9 III offers.
Video Capabilities: One of the most striking features is its ability to shoot 4K video at 120 frames per second (fps) with no crop. This is a game-changer for videographers who demand top-notch video quality without compromise.
High-Speed Photography: The A9 III also boasts 120fps 14-bit RAW shooting for up to 192 frames with real-time autofocus, ensuring that you never miss a critical moment. It’s a dream come true for sports and action photographers.
Versatile Flash Sync: The camera allows flash synchronization at any shutter speed, offering creative flexibility to photographers who rely on external lighting for their work.
Lightning-Fast Shutter Speed: With a maximum shutter speed of 1/80,000 (1/16,000 during continuous shooting), you can freeze even the fastest moving subjects with precision.
Pre-Capture Feature: The A9 III introduces a one-second pre-capture function that anticipates the action and captures 120 frames before you even press the shutter button. This ensures you never miss that decisive moment in your photography.
Custom Shutter Button Function: Another handy feature is the custom button function that lets you temporarily boost the shutter speed during continuous shooting. This means you can adjust settings on the fly without lifting your finger off the shutter button.
However, it’s important to note that while the global shutter eliminates rolling shutter issues, it may not perform as well in low light conditions and may not provide as much dynamic range. The A9 III’s spec sheet claims it can capture images at up to 51,200 ISO, but Sony made no specific claims about low-light performance during the product announcement.
Sony has consistently prioritized speed in its A9 lineup over higher resolution or extreme low-light capabilities, and the A9 III continues that tradition. This camera is designed for professionals who need the fastest speeds and the ability to capture critical moments without compromise.

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To put it into context, the A9 II had once been Sony’s flagship camera, ideal for professional sports photography with its blackout-free continuous 20fps shooting and a 24.2-megapixel sensor. However, the A1, launched in January 2021, left the A9 II in the dust with even faster performance, higher megapixels, improved focusing speeds, and a new processing engine. The A9 III now revives the legacy of speed for professional photographers, aiming to outpace its rivals.
While we’re eager to put these impressive specs to the test when we get our hands on a review unit in the coming months, the Sony A9 III is set to hit the market next spring with a price tag of $5,999.
In conclusion, the Sony A9 III camera is a breakthrough in the world of professional photography, tackling the rolling shutter problem head-on with its innovative global shutter technology. With a host of impressive features that cater to both photographers and videographers, this camera is poised to make a significant impact in the industry.
Whether you’re capturing high-speed action or creating cinematic masterpieces, the Sony A9 III promises to be a game-changer, combining speed and precision in one exceptional package. Stay tuned for the official release next spring, and prepare to witness the future of professional photography.
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