Sony has announced the Alpha 9 Mark III with a 24MP global shutter alongside the Sony FE 300mm F2.8 GM lens.
The Alpha 9 III camera is available for pre-order Nov. 8, 2023 for a suggested retail price of $5,999.99 USD and $8,299.99 CAN. The estimated European price for the camera body only is approximately €7,000/£6100.
A new VG-C5 vertical grip is also available for pre-order Nov. 8, 2023 for a suggested retail price of $399.99 USD and $549.99 CAN. The estimated European price is €450/£390.
The FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS lens will be available for pre-order starting November 8, 2023 with shipping starting in February 2024, for a suggested retail price of $5999.99 USD and $8199.99 CAN. The estimated European price is approximately €6700 / £5800.
Preorder: Sony FE 300 F2.8 GM Lens
At: B&H Photo | Amazon
Sony also announced new firmware updates for the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III full-frame. The new software will provide both models with some of Sony’s latest imaging technologies including the highly requested Focus Breathing Compensation feature, IPTC and FTP workflow enhancement, and C2PA format support. The firmware will also update the Alpha 1 with Relay Playback, and the Alpha 7S III with DCI 4K 24.00P shooting format. The camera software update will be available in Spring 2024.
Sony A9III
Key Features
- 24.6MP 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 (limited to 16,000 shooting continuous).
- Exmor RS image sensor with global shutter system
- BIONZ XR™ image processing engine boosts overall processing speed by up to 8x
- Composite RAW Shooting reduces noise
- Advanced optical 5-axis image stabilization detects and correct camera shake
- Blackout-free shooting for uninterrupted view during fast-paced shooting
- Up to 120 AF/AE tracking calculations per second
- Never miss a moment with Pre-Capture
- Continuous Shooting Speed Boost rapidly increases frame rate to capture the action
- Real-time Recognition AF identifies and tracks subjects even if face/eye obscured
- Reliable recognition of a wider range of subjects
- Wide, fast, precise autofocus and tracking
- Match AF tracking response to subject movement
- Customizable focus area to match the subject
- Flash sync at up to 1/80,000 shutter speed vastly expands creative possibilities
- Flicker-free shooting compensates for interference from artificial lighting
- Global shutter eliminates flash banding
- 4K movies free of rolling shutter with high resolution and detail
- 4K 120p without cropping for the first time in an α body
- S-Cinetone™ for a cinematic look without the need for color grading
- Breathing compensation for consistent angle of view when focusing
- Dynamic active Mode stabilisation
- Auto Framing keeps the subject in a prominent position when shooting movies
- Uniquely flexible tilting monitor for enhanced shooting flexibility
- New front Custom button provides easier operation while holding the grip
- QXGA 9.44 million dot viewfinder with up to 240fps refresh rate
- Dual CFexpress Type A /SDXC/SDHC compatible media slots
- Optional VG-C5 Vertical Grip
- Rugged reliability for challenging environments
- Robust and durable
- Shading curtain closed on power-off
- Ergonomic grip design
- Improved group display
- Built-in Wi-Fi for FTP and smartphone transfers plus PC Remote tethering
- Clearer voice memo recording
- Multiple IPTC presets
- Dedicated Still/Movie/S&Q dial for flexible hybrid operation
- Anti-dust system increases dust removal efficiency
- 1000BASE-T Ethernet for fast communication
- USB Type-C® connector supports SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps (USB 3.2)
- Touch operation during shooting and playback
- UVC/UAC support for high-quality webcam applications
- USB PD (Power Delivery) supports fast charging
The Alpha 9 Mark III will be available in Spring 2024 for $5,999.99 US.
Early First Impressions
These first impressions are all from the launch event.
Sony A9III Forum & Facebook Group
If you are looking for further help and advice on the A9III or would simply like to share your photos and videos, then please head over to our friendly Forum. If you prefer Facebook then I also run the new Sony A9III Shooters Group.
Sony FE 300 F2.8 GM Lens
Sony also announced the FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS. It weighs 1470g (51.9oz) which makes it the lightest in its class and the same weight as the original 70-200mm F2.8 GM.
The 300mm F2.8 GM OSS has two XD linear motors to allow it to focus fast enough to work with the a9 III.
The FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS will also be available in Spring 2024 for $5,999.99 US.
Early Reviews
Preorder: Sony FE 300 F2.8 GM Lens
At: B&H Photo | Amazon
Thank you for your diligent gathering of reviews, Tim. It makes going through them all much easier.
Looks like we may have to wait a bit fro the reviews of the A9III – that is going to be a monster to review!
Cheers Tony. Hopefully we will see some more real world reviews of the A9 III soon. I expect Sony will have collected a lot of useful feedback from the launch event and may possibly want to make a few tweaks before letting them loose with all the usual reviewers.