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Sony Announces A9 III, 300mm f2.8 G Master Lens
7 November 2023
Sony has announced this spring will bring the Alpha 9 Mark III, a full-frame mirrorless camera with a global shutter, a 300mm f2.8 G Master lens and firmware updates during an early morning presentation today.
Here's the half hour presentation followed by our notes of the highlights:
A9 III
The A9 III, with a redesign body that fits the hand more comfortably, can shoot 120 fps with no blackout at the press of a button and with a maximum shutter speed of 1/80,000 second.
The global shutter, which reads all a sensor's exposure data at the same time rather than following a shutter across the sensor also delivers zero distortion, 8.0 EV of in-body stabilization and syncs with even third-party strobes at any shutter speed.
The shutter button has moved from the top of the camera to the front of the grip, where it also appears on the optional vertical grip, a more comfortable position. With the vertical grip, battery performance has been increased 15 percent by using both batteries simultaneous instead of in sequence.
The 2K-dot 3.2-inche rear screen is fully articulated with a tilt-out cradle like the A7R V. The 9.44M dot OLED viewfinder can refresh at full resolution at 120fps and with a reduced resolution at 240fps.
Sony said the A9 III will be available in the spring for %5,999. Adorama and B&H will start accepting pre-orders on Nov. 8 at 9 a.m.
LIGHTWEIGHT TELEPHOTO
The company also introduced a 3.23 lbs. FE 300mm f2.8 GM OS5 prime with two XD linear motors to keep up with the A9 III. It balances at the mount with the A9 III attached without the optional vertical grip.
Sony said the 300mm will be available in the spring for %5,999 as well. Adorama and B&H will start accepting pre-orders on Nov. 8 at 9 a.m.
FIRMWARE UPDATES
Sony also announced forthcoming firmware updates to the A7S III and the A1. In addition to breathing compensation, the A7S III gets DCI 4K capture. IPTC and FTP workflow enhancements are also on the way as soon as March 2024.
All three cameras will also support C2PA authentication metadata, the company said.
Sony Electronics Releases the Alpha 9 III; the World's First Full-Frame Camera with a Global Shutter Systemi
The next-generation Alpha 9 III captures all decisive moments with up to 120 frames per second high-speed shooting, distortion-free and blackout-free images and flash sync at all shooting speeds
SAN DIEGO -- Sony Electronics has introduced the Alpha 9 III camera equipped with the world's firsti full-frame global shutter image sensor.
The newly developed global shutter image sensor exposes and reads all pixels simultaneously, unlike a rolling shutter sensor that records images sequentially from the top row of pixels to the bottom. The impressive global shutter full-frame image sensor enables the camera to shoot at burst speeds up to 120 frames per second with no rolling shutter distortion or camera blackout. This innovative sensor is combined with Sony's most advanced AF (autofocus) system to date -- boasting AI autofocus with up to 120 times AF/AE focus calculations per second. With the added ability to sync flash at all shooting speeds, the Alpha 9 III opens up a new world of possibilities for professional photographers to capture every decisive moment.
"The Alpha 9 III full-frame camera is a landmark achievement for the industry," says Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics. "Designed with the needs and demands of professional photographers in mind, every single update to this camera -- from the sensor to even the size to the button layouts and menu functions -- has been made to address specific input and feedback from our community. We have listened and are thrilled to bring the new capabilities of the Alpha 9 III to market -- -capabilities which allow photographers to capture things they've never been able to capture before." Cheng continued, "For professionals everywhere, they can achieve even more dynamic expressions when the Alpha 9 III is combined with our rich lineup of lenses, in particular with the new 300mm f2.8-GB Master OSS -- the world's lightestii large-aperture telephoto lens."
Features of the Alpha 9 III Full-Frame Camera
A New Dimension of Still Image Performance Created by the World's Firsti Global Shutter Image Sensor
The Alpha 9 III is equipped with the newly developed, world's firsti global shutter full frame stacked CMOS image sensor with approximately 24.6 effective megapixelsiii and built-in memory. Combined with the latest image processing engine BIONZ XR, the Alpha 9 III achieves blackout-free Continuous Shooting Speed with AF/AE trackingiv of up to approximately 120 fpsiv. The Alpha 9 III is supplied with high-density focal plane phase detection AF. A designated AI processing unit uses Real-time Recognition AF to recognize a wide variety of subjects with high precision. By combining high-speed performance of up to 120 fps with highly accurate subject recognition performance, it is possible to easily photograph scenes and moments that cannot be seen with the naked eyeiv. The AI processing unit in the Alpha 9 III supports movies as well as still photography with accurate subject form and movement recognition. The Real-time Recognition AF and Real-time Tracking provide a significant improvement in human eye recognition performance, allowing the camera to automatically recognize, track and focus on the eyes of a specified subjectv. The Alpha 9 III is equipped with 8.0 stopsvi of optical 5-axis in-body image stabilization, allowing for high-quality image rendering.
Shutter speed is freed from the limitations of conventional mechanical shutter image sensors and achieves a maximum shutter speed of 1/80,000 second (1/16,000 second during continuous shooting)vii, making it possible to capture at high speed without any distortion. When a compatible Sony flashviii is attached, such as the HVL-F60RM2 and HVL-F46RM (sold separately), it is possible to synchronize the flash and take pictures at all shutter speeds up to 1/80,000 secondvii. Previously, if the user released the shutter at a speed faster than the flash's synchronization speed, the amount of light would drop sharply, but with the full-speed flash synchronization function, it's now possible to photograph scenes that could not be easily captured with conventional technology. Also, when shooting stills or movies under LED lighting, the Hi Frequency Flicker function can significantly reduce high-frequency flicker problems by allowing the shutter speed to be finely adjusted to match the flicker frequency while viewing the monitor.
The Alpha 9 III features selectable release lag modes which allows the user to prioritize release lag or viewfinder/monitor displayix. The newly developed Pre-Capture function allows the camera to continuously record up to one second before the shutter is released, making it easy to capture moments that would otherwise be missed. When selected, the Continuous Shooting Speed Boostx function allows for the user to change to a faster, preset speed set by the user at any time during shooting and enhanced burst stamina ensures that important moments are reliably captured due to a large buffer memory and increased overall system speed allow up to approximately 390 Fine JPEG imagesxi to be captured in one continuous 30 fpsxii burst.
Customizable focus areas have been expanded to include from XS to XL in addition to the previous S, M and L sizes. The Preset Focus/Zoom function allows preset focus and zoom settings to be memorized in the camera for quick recall when neededxiii. In addition to the existing custom white balance frame size, the user can now select other sizes as needed which allows for fine white balance adjustment after an image has been composed. The Alpha 9 III has upgraded features such as the latest AF algorithms to achieve high AF precision down to light levels as low as EV-5 in AF-S mode (ISO 100 equivalent, f2.0 lens), AF tracking for continuous shooting at f22xiv and a composite Raw shooting function that gives the ability to combine multiple consecutive images into a high-quality composite.
Advanced Video Performance Without Distortion
The global shutter image sensor provides distortion-free image expression for videos as well as still images. For example, the user can shoot images of nearby scenery from a fast-moving vehicle such as a car or fast-moving subjects with ease. This camera is the first in the Alpha series to be able to record 4K 120p high-frame-rate video without cropping, allowing the user to shoot at the angle of view intended. It is also possible to shoot high-resolution 4K 60p videos with 6K oversampling.
The Alpha 9 III has S-Cinetone, a unique Sony feature which can create a cinematic look straight out of the camera without post-processing. S-Cinetone was created through the development of the VENICE high-end cinema camera and makes human skin tones and subjects stand out beautifully, creating natural highlights. The Alpha 9 III has the latest video performance including rich gradation performance and S-Log3 and when in Log shooting mode, it can reflect and display the user's favorite imported LUT (lookup table). The Alpha 9 III is compatible with the mobile app "Monitor & Control" for video creators.
Operability and Reliability for Professionals
Sony has listened to the voices of professional photographers and created operability and reliability that supports professional users. The shape of the grip is improved and ergonomically designed so that it can be easily held in the palm of the hand to avoid straining the user even when wearing a telephoto lens or using it for long periods of time.
The VG-C5 vertical grip (sold separately), provides the same operability and versatility as when shooting horizontally; the user can comfortably support long shooting sessions. The grip and shutter button area share the same design as the main body, allowing image capture without feeling uncomfortable, with the same operability as the camera. The Alpha 9 III is equipped with a 4-axis multi-angle LCD monitor that can be operated by touch, allowing for intuitive operation using the latest touch menu. The electronic viewfinder uses a 9.44 million-dot Quad XGA OLED and achieves high visibility with the same brightness as the Alpha 7R V and a magnification of approximately 0.90x. Also, a custom button is placed on the front of the camera and the continuous shooting speed can be changed by operating the custom button assigned with Continuous Shooting Speed Boost with the finger holding the grip, allowing for highly immediate operations. It supports professional photographers when shooting in all environments.
High-Speed Workflow and Scalability to Support Immediate Delivery
New features for the Alpha 9 III include a playback image filter that allows the user to efficiently select a large number of images using high-speed continuous shooting and a function menu that can be used even during image playback, strongly supporting professional workflows from shooting to delivery.
The "Playback Function Menu" can be assigned in advance, so the user can perform protection, smartphone transfer, File transfer protocol, etc. during image playback. The user can select images narrowed down with a playback filter and play them from the function menu, allowing for quick delivery of specific images. The camera has a dedicated microphone for voice memos on the back and by positioning the built-in microphone near the user's mouth allows clear recording of audio even in noisy environments. The recorded audio data can be transferred via FTP along with the images. The camera allows the user to set up to 20 presets from the International Press Telecommunications Council, an international consultative body in which news organizations from various countries participate.
The Alpha 9 III can transfer data up to twice as fast as the Alpha 9 II. 5 GHz communication offers maximum speed and stability for news and sports shooters who need to deliver immediately via FTP, as well as for studio environments. The Alpha 9 III allows stills and movies to be recorded to memory media in numerous ways including the two media slots that support CFexpress Type A cards as well as UHS-I and UHS-II SD cards.
It is compatible with the professional mobile application "Transfer & Tagging" which speeds up the image delivery workflow and the application "Remote Camera Tool" which allows remote shooting of PCs using wired LAN. Also, Sony plans to support a new version of Camera Remote SDK, a software development kit that allows remote camera operation and changing shooting settings, in Spring 2024.
In addition, the Alpha 9 III is scheduled to support functional enhancements such as FTP operability, relay playback and C2PAxv format support xvi through a camera software updatexvii.
Firmware Updates for the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III Models
In addition to the release of Alpha 9 III, Sony has announced new firmware updates for the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III full-frame mirrorless cameras xvii. 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 24P shooting format. The camera software update will be available in Spring 2024.
Pricing and Availability
The Alpha 9 III camera is available for pre-order Nov. 8, at a variety of Sony's authorized dealers, for a suggested retail price of $5,999.99 and $8,299.99 CAN.
The VG-C5 vertical grip is available for pre-order Nov. 8, at a variety of Sony's authorized dealers, for a suggested retail price of $399.99 and $549.99 CAN.
Sony Electronics Releases 300mm f2.8-GB Master OSS; the World's Lightest Large-Aperture Telephoto Prime Lens
Capture dynamic moments such as sports scenes with high agility and supreme image quality
SAN DIEGO -- Sony Electronics is pleased to announce the release of the world's lightest 300mm telephoto prime lens G Master (SEL300F28GM), a full-frame α (Alpha) E-mount lens with a maximum aperture of f2.8.
The anticipated FE 300mm f2.8-GB Master OSS lens has the high depiction performance and high-speed, high-precision AF (autofocus) which are the hallmark of G Master. The lightweight design of approximately 1470g (excluding tripod mount) and excellent weight balance allow the user to capture sharp, dynamic and decisive moments such as those of fast-moving sports or agile animals with handheld shooting. Paired with the Alpha 9 III full-frame camera that also launched today, high-speed continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking up to 120 frames per second is possible. Even subjects with complex and diversified movements can be tracked with high precision. It is an ideal match for lightweight camera bodies by reducing the load on the user, minimizing fatigue during long handheld shooting sessions. It is also compatible with an optional teleconverter, allowing the user to shoot in the telephoto range of up to 600mm (equivalent to 900mm when using with an APS-C camera).
"Ever since our announcement of the development of this lens in January of this year, we have received an overwhelming number of positive reactions from photographers around the world who are looking forward to its release," said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics. "By adding this 300mm lens to the already available E-mount 400mm and 600mm super-telephoto prime lenses, it supports a wide range of needs and shooting environments for professional and advanced amateur photographers."
Main Features of the FE 300mm f2.8-GB Master OSS
G Master Telephoto Lens that Captures Decisive Moments with High Resolution and Beautiful Bokeh
Incorporating Sony's cutting-edge technology, the G Master's high-resolution performance and beautiful bokeh makes the subject stand out clearly and capture decisive moments such as sports, news reports, events and wildlife photography. An innovative optical design that includes three Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and one ED glass element, effectively placed to suppress chromatic aberration and achieve high resolution and contrast across the entire frame. Outstanding resolution and contrast are maintained right out to the image edges, which also allows for more flexible cropping and editing.
The gorgeous, creamy bokeh is a hallmark of the G Master design and ideally complements the lens's 300mm focal length and f2.8 maximum aperture, allowing the use of narrow depth of field to make subjects stand out from the background. Each lens is individually calibrated during manufacture to optimize bokeh quality and has an 11-blade circular aperture mechanism that contributes to smooth rounded bokeh.
High-Performance AF that Captures Dynamic Moments and High-Speed Continuous Shooting with AE/AF Tracking up to 120 Frames per Second
The combination of two latest XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors and control algorithms provide high-speed, high-precision and low-vibration AF performance. When combined with the newly announced Alpha 9 III full-frame camera, high-speed continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking of up to 120 frames per second is possible. This allows dynamic subjects to be captured without missing a moment's opportunity, even when shooting scenes in which the subject moves quickly, such as sports or animals or scenes in which the subject moves erratically, such as at competitive events. The high AF performance is demonstrated even when the separately sold teleconverter is attached.
Exceptional Mobility and Comfortable Operability that Support Professionals in the Field
Extensive weight reduction measures make FE 300mm f2.8 GM OSS the lightest in its class, at approximately 1470g (excluding tripod mount) and has been designed with consideration to weight balance. The internal lens barrel uses durable magnesium alloy to achieve both high robustness and light weight. The weight is not concentrated at the front of the lens barrel, making it highly stable and allows for agile and accurate panning while shooting. In addition, MODE3, which provides enhanced viewfinder stability and optimizes the image stabilization algorithm, allows you to accurately capture dynamic scenes.
When used with the Alpha 9 III, the user can assign "preset focus" to the function ring that allows for an instant recall of focus to any pre-determined position. Furthermore, the lens features comfortable operability that supports professional shooting, including focus hold buttons placed in four locations that can be assigned to the favorite functions from the camera body making it ideal for any professional.
The FE 300mm f2.8-GB Master OSS has a dust and moisture resistant design along with fluorine coating to help prevent dirt and fingerprints to keep up with the needs of professional photographers.
Pricing and Availability
The FE 300mm f2.8-GB Master OSS lens will be available for pre-order starting Nov. 8 at a variety of Sony's authorized dealers with shipping starting in February 2024, for a suggested retail price of $5999.99 and $8199.99 CAN.