Based on latest rumors and leaks, the upcoming Sony a9 III seems to be announced in next few weeks. Here’s an in-depth look at what we can realistically expect from the Sony a9 III based on rumors, Sony’s history, and the competitive landscape.
New Stacked CMOS Sensor
At the heart of any new camera is its image sensor, and this will likely be one of the biggest upgrades in the a9 III. The original a9 featured a 24.2MP stacked CMOS sensor, which allowed for incredibly fast readout speeds and enabled its blazing 20fps continuous shooting with no viewfinder lag. For the Mark III, rumors point to a completely new stacked sensor in the 30-40MP range. This matches what we’ve seen in other Sony lines like the a7R V (61MP) and would give a nice resolution boost while still optimizing the sensor for speed.
Along with more megapixels, we can expect further improvements to the sensor’s speed and readout capabilities. On-sensor phase detection AF points will likely increase from the a9 II’s 693 points, helping accuracy and coverage through the frame. Low light performance should get a bump as well, especially if the new sensor utilizes the latest technologies like the a7S III‘s Dual Gain Output. Overall, expect a sensor tailored for sports and action with bleeding-edge speed and AF features.
Next-Gen BIONZ XR Processor
To handle all that new sensor data, Sony will need to pair it with an upgraded processor. They will likely utilize their latest BIONZ XR, introduced in the a7S III and also used in the new FX3. This engine can process data 3x faster than the previous generation, enabling huge improvements in processing power. The BIONZ XR would allow the a9 III to harness the full potential of its new sensor and maintain blazing fast performance.
We can expect buttery smooth blackout-free shooting at up to 30fps, lightning fast sensor readout for minimal rolling shutter, and advanced features like 8K video recording and oversampled 4K video from the full sensor width. The BIONZ XR gives the a9 III tons of headroom to enable reliable performance even under the most demanding conditions.
Refined Body Design
While not a revolutionary change, the a9 III will surely receive design tweaks and refinements over its predecessor. We can expect improved weather sealing, perhaps introducing full magnesium alloy construction to match flagship DSLRs. The handgrip will receive subtle sculpting changes for better ergonomics, as we’ve seen with previous generations.
There are also rumors of a modest increase in resolution, possibly 1.6 million dots, for the EVF and rear LCD screen. These bumps will further polish the shooting experience and make reviewing images more pleasant.
Dual card slots will likely remain with one CFexpress Type A and one UHS-II SD. USB-C charging and other modern connectivity options will be included as well. In general, expect the a9 III body to retain core features while making iterative upgrades in critical areas like durability, comfort, and viewfinder/LCD resolution.
Enhanced Video Capabilities
With Sony’s close relationship between its photo and cinema lines, we can expect some of the video magic from the FX3 and a7S III to make its way to the a9 III. This likely includes 4K 60p with no crop, high-bitrate internal recording up to 4K 120p, S-Cinetone color profiles, and improved autofocus algorithms optimized for video.
The a9 III probably won’t get every bleeding-edge feature from the video-first cameras, but will represent a notable jump forward in its hybrid capabilities. Making the a9 series more video-friendly broadens its appeal to photojournalists, wedding shooters, and content creators who need top-tier performance for both stills and video.
Improved AF with AI Integration
Sony is class-leading when it comes to autofocus speed and accuracy, and the a9 II already focuses down to light levels as dim as -6EV. While the basics are already exceptional, the a9 III will push AF capabilities even further with the help of AI and machine learning. Sony is investing heavily in AI for autofocus, which will enable smart tracking of subjects with advanced recognition capabilities.
Real-time training of the AF system while shooting will keep focus locked tightly on subjects like birds in flight, soccer players mid-game, and race cars speeding by. Eye AF for humans and animals will likely see improvements too. The enhanced processing power of the BIONZ XR will help drive these AI and machine learning capabilities to new heights in the a9 III.
Better Stabilization
In-body stabilization has become table stakes for modern mirrorless cameras, and Sony’s current 5-axis system is extremely effective. However, competitors like Olympus now offer up to 7.5 stops of stabilization, while Sony remains at 5.5 stops. To compete, Sony will likely boost the a9 III’s stabilization to provide at least 6 stops of correction.
This spec bump lets them market it as an upgrade while staying competitive. Longer telephoto lenses will especially benefit from that extra half-stop of stabilization. Improving stabilization also hints at even higher resolution sensors coming down the road.
Dual Pro Media Slots
Right now, Sony remains stubbornly committed to its single Pro media slot configuration of one CFexpress Type A and one UHS-II SD. However, with the CFexpress Type A format now firmly established and prices dropping, the a9 III presents a golden opportunity for Sony to “give the people what they want” – two pro-level card slots.
This could mean dual CFexpress Type A slots or one CFexpress Type A and one CFexpress Type B. Dual slots with the latest protocols would allow uncompromising performance and redundancy. While not a sure bet, there is a good chance Sony will finally adopt dual Pro slots to stay competitive with the Nikon D6, Canon R3, and upcoming mirrorless rivals.
Opportunity to Lead the Pack
With its dominance in market share, Sony has some freedom to dictate pricing in the mirrorless space. The biggest potential disruption coming is Canon’s EOS R1, slated for release around the same time. If Sony wants to stay on top, it would be wise not to cede too much ground on specs or pricing.
Look for the a9 III to have a price tag around $4500, similar to the Nikon Z8. This lets them stay competitive for high-end action shooters. Expect cutting-edge performance and features rather than leaving room for others to claim technological superiority. After all, Sony is just hitting its stride while rivals are playing catch-up. The a9 III represents an opportunity to cement its status as the leader in mirrorless technology.
Conclusion
While Sony keeps product plans close to the vest, these rumored updates give a realistic picture of what to expect from the a9 III. Combine a new high-res stacked sensor, powerful BIONZ XR processor, refined body design, and bleeding-edge focusing with AI integration, and the a9 III looks poised to deliver a significant jump in speed, resolution, and accuracy for action photographers. If the rumors hold true, the a9 III will set the benchmark for mirrorless performance once again.