GROUP TEST
issues with a global shutter is that it can reduce dynamic range and offer lower sensitivity. For example, the standard ISO range is 250-25,600 rather than the 100-51,200 on the older A9 II. Additionally, when shooting for maximum dynamic range, the S-Log3 setting gives a relatively high base ISO of 2000. Therefore, you’ll need ND filters to bring the aperture under control in bright conditions. In use, the camera is simply incredible at shooting fast-moving subjects. Full-size stills at 120fps are frankly insane, and being able to select the exposure you want when shooting with flash makes this camera worth every penny. Portrait shooters who want shallow depth-of-field with flash, without resorting to ND filters, will rejoice. The only downside is the relatively low pixel count – you can’t crop as much as on a 50-megapixel camera. That hurts its TIPA stills rating. For video, the absence of rolling shutter artefacts is another huge benefit, as is the lack of banding when used under artificial lights – especially the older ones found in many amateur sports arenas. But the dynamic range is definitely lower and there’s more noise in low light. It’s easier to see this in stills but is there in video, too. If this isn’t an issue for you, the A9 III could be the best camera you have ever owned for shooting action, letting you capture images its rivals simply can’t.
in the camera for speedy recall. In addition to the existing custom white balance frame size, you can now select other sizes for fine white balance adjustment after an image has been composed. The A9 III features Sony’s latest four-axis, multi-angle touchscreen LCD monitor as well as an electronic viewfinder with a 9.44-million-dot Quad XGA OLED – exactly like the flagship A1 II. It also includes five-axis in- body image stabilisation with eight stops of shake reduction and focus breathing compensation, inherited from the latest Sony A7R V. Like the A1 II, if you want a deep grip with more battery power, add on the optional grip. For video colours, the S-Cinetone gamma and S-Log3 are included. In Log mode, you can apply imported user LUTs. Additionally, the camera is compatible with the Monitor & Control mobile app. The older A9 models had a slightly cut-down selection of video specifications, but the new version is much better. It offers 4K video up to 120fps with no crop and can also record 10-bit 4:2:2 internally using All-Intra encoding for maximum quality. What’s more, it can output 16-bit Raw via the full-size HDMI port to an external recorder. You might be wondering why the A9 III gets this super-shutter technology while the A1 II doesn’t. That’s because the resolution of the sensor is lower, and one of the key
cap. It’s a camera aimed at sports and wildlife image makers, and they’re lapping it up. For video, the A9 III is the first Sony mirrorless to record 4K at 120fps with no crop. It also captures high-res 4K/60p with oversampling from the 6K sensor, delivering truly amazing quality. The new sensor and processor enable Sony’s latest AI-driven AF, performing up to 120 AF/AE focus calculations per second. The A9 III’s stacked CMOS sensor boasts 24.6 megapixels and built- in memory, combined with the latest Bionz XR image processing engine. This also powers the phase detection AF, while a designated AI processing unit uses real-time recognition algorithms to identify a wide variety of subjects when shooting video or stills. Like the A1 II, the AI processing unit provides an improvement in human eye recognition and tracking. Human pose estimation technology detects not just eyes but also body and head position, enabling the AF to lock onto and track a subject even if they’re facing away or their face is covered. The AF system works in light levels as low as -5EV in AF-S mode. It really is excellent: the best Sony has ever made. There are customisable focus areas that have been expanded to include XS to XL instead of the previous S, M and L sizes. The Preset Focus/Zoom function allows focus and zoom settings to be memorised
ACTION STATIONS Fast sports are where the A9 III excels. Menus can be customised to suit individual needs
THE VERDICT
TIPA RATING Video image quality: 81 Photo image quality: 73
You will instantly know if this is the camera you’ve been waiting for. Great handling and video spec pales into insignificance compared to what a global shutter can do for your work. And that’s predominantly for shooters who focus on speed, from sports to wildlife. Thanks to its stunning autofocus, this camera will help many improve their work. Of course, there is the factor of low- light performance and, for stills, lower resolution than some cameras. But the 4K video is fantastic, and the 120fps in 4K with no crop is new to Sony and will make some moviemakers take a lot of interest. It’s a unique camera that does things none of its rivals can. If you can make use of these benefits, it’s the best pick for you.
HOW IT RATES Features: 9 Global shutter but no internal Raw Performance: 9 Incredibly fast frame rates and no video skewing Handling: 9 Same as the flagship A1 II Value for money: 9 Cheaper than the flagship and some rivals PRO MOVIEMAKER OVERALL RATING: 9/10 The only full-frame mirrorless with a global shutter Pros: No more bendy verticals, no upper flash sync Cons: Not the very best stills quality
More information
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