My dream specs... what do you think??? -24MP Full-Frame Exmor XR Stacked BSI CMOS Sensor -BIONZ XR & AI Processing Unit -40fps Electronic Shutter -No mechanical shutter -3.2" 4-Axis Multi-Angle Touchscreen LCD -A7RV Autofocus system -6K60p, 4K120p 10-bit 4:2:2 internal -Focus Breathing Compensation -Focus Map -up to 8-Stop 5-Axis SteadyShot Image Stabilization from the A7RV Price Around $4799

I like the mechanical shutter. I had a Z9 and even with the ability to fine tune the shutter speeds, you'd still wind up in situations with banding. The mechanical shutter provides a get out of jail free card in those scenarios. Basically, I just want an A7IV with a stacked sensor and 4K60 no crop. Same 33 megapixels. If they give me that with even just 20 FPS, I'm in. Two CF Express Type A cards.

The Sony A1 on a small body it's perfect imo, having small and powerful cameras its great, for me that I shot wildlife and I own an A9, the size and weight is great.... I can't imagine holding something a size and weight of a brick attached to a lens that extends like other brands do... Sony bodies and the lenses are just amazing.... I would change sensor to something between 30 and 40 mph with no AA Filter and in the rest of the things, I agree, great video :D

I'm here after A9 III GLOBAL SHUTTER.... Sony exceeds expectations as always!!!

Totally agree with get rid of mechanical shutter, I have two A9ii and don't use mechanical shutter.

Hmmm when will you be putting up your final review for the A7RV? Because I watch your initial review of A7RV when it was release which is 3 months ago. Any update or findings or thoughts?

You perfectly captured my thoughts on the state of Sony sensors and the decisions made on the design of the A1, A7RV, etc. I have purchased every single model in the A7R series since 2013 with the exception of the A7RV. I felt that Sony’s sensor technology has stalled since the A7RII. The 43MP sensor is my favorite for dynamic range and clean output at higher ISOs. But I did run into of issues of banding when using silent shutter. I think the next revision - the A7R III was great because it addressed battery life and improved autofocus. The A7RIII is still my favorite model in the R series. I was hoping that they would address this with a faster scanning sensor, but they released A7R IV with the higher resolution 61mp sensor that scanned even slower than the previous model with significantly more noise because of the higher resolution. The successor to this is the A7R V. This camera comes with the latest processing chips, AF technology and video features, but is severely hobbled by the same old recycled, slow scanning 61mp sensor. It really doesn’t make any sense for owners of the A7R IV as an upgrade. I think that an updated A9 series with lower resolution and much faster scanning stacked would be an ideal camera too, much like the Canon R3. Sony also needs to work on robust weather sealed bodies and lenses. So after waiting since 2017 for a meaningful update, I decided to give other manufacturers a look. I just purchased the Fujifilm X-H2S with its stacked sensor and its 26MP resolution at $2500. This is the perfectly balanced and engineered camera and at a reasonable price. The stacked sensor is very fast and I am using electronic shutter with confidence. I did notice that the AF was faster and more accurate than my A7RIII, making it a really nice upgrade. In addition the video quality exceeds all the Sony bodies with the exception of the A7SIII. I also really like Fujifilm’s film simulations, the JPEGs/HEIF files look great out of camera. The X-H2S body feels really robust and Fujifilm’s weather sealed bodies and metal WR sealed lenses inspire confidence in inclement weather. My Sony bodies are now used primarily for landscape photography, though I am thinking of flipping them for a GFX100S with its weather sealed bodies and lenses. Unfortunately it means letting go of my beloved 35mm 1.4 GM.

Thanks!

I really hope the a9iii will NOT have the same old 24MP sensor but move up to around 33MP to allow for a little more room for cropping and nice and sharp oversampled 6K60p footage which should be no problem at all in terms of processing if the Z9 can handle 8K60p RAW internally. 33MP should also not be too much to still allow for good burst speeds so 33MP really is the sweet spot imo!

I would agree with your a9iii specs But I would like to see it aimed at wildlife photographers & more stills orientated with 33mp 20-30fps, no shutter, twin CF Express, I would love to see a Sony with a slot for CF Express B type card as they are cheaper, larger capacity and twice as fast as the type A, (probably slot 1 CF Express type B and slot 2 UHS2 SD card) maybe classed as a prosumer camera instead of a pro flagship as there are millions of consumer photographers out there with less money that the pro`s with money to burn, who would love a really good wildlife camera. I for one would get rid of my Nikon D500 for such a camera as that would be the perfect wildlife tool for prosumer photographers on a smaller budget than the cost of the a1. Now that`s a dream!

I agree and have been waiting/wanting an a9iii. I have two A9 bodies and absolutely love this series. I have no need for 50+MP cameras (portrait/wedding photographer) 30fps 24mp Mech and electronic shutter (indoor events/light flicker) Sony A7Rv autofocus

It's kind of interesting going back and watching this after the A9III was released, 120 FPS

I used to think this way that with the A1 out, there is no point for a future a9-iii now. But after using the A1, i really think Sony does need to release an a9-iii. 50 mp is great but its too much data for my gigs. I shoot a lot of wedding and event gigs where i can easily capture 2,000+ photographs. Even though 50 mp gives you a lot of cropping room, they can take forever to load and forever to process. And then i would have to buy more frequent hard drives to handle all that data. that's why Sony releasing a future a9-iii will help me greatly in this department. Keep it at 30 mp sensor as I feel that is the sweet spot. Even though I have gone entirely electronic shutter, I still prefer to have a mechanical shutter as an option and safety to be there. I capture portraits with flash and when im outside, I will need that 1/1,000 sync speed to beat out the sun or else i'll have to use ND filters. Today, I love using the E-shutter a lot because its very quiet making me feel like a ninja moving around the rooms and that I can capture 5 fps photographs easily. I want that stacked CMOS sensor to avoid Jello or rolling shutter effect. And with a smaller megapixel sensor, I'm sure the a9-iii can easily hit 60 fps to 240 fps. I don't want to get an a9-ii because it is overpriced at $4,500 usd as I do think it needs to be brought down to $3,000 usd to fit its age. A9-ii is also outdated as the technology has greatly improved ever since its released date. I hope this year Sony will make an A9-iii announcement for it would be the next big sports & action camera that is needed.

For me, Sony has to improve in software features just as much as in these hardware aspects. They're slowly adding features like focus stacking (still not in camera, but it's there now) and breathing compensation, but they're lacking features other brands had for years. I'm talking things like pre-shutter buffering, exposure touch control or live exposure and the like. Let me make clear, Sony is NOT behind in the game they're playing, especially when it comes to video profile settings in the picture profiles, but a lot of what makes cameras appealing, when sensors change so little in quality aside from speed because of the CPU, software features and processing power are the things that separate models the most now. Looking at Fuji, we got a lot of exciting JPG color profiles (film simulations) that have a distinct look that's more than just "vivid" or "neutral". Just as Panasonic, they also can be changed a lot by adding grain, chrome effects or even shifting colors. Canon, Nikon and Fuji all feature pre-shutter buffering to some extend. Canon has made hardware patents for shutter buttons with feedback and their R3 eye AF while some other cameras have gone so far to record RAW video internally as software features. I know not everyone needs everything and not everything is fitting every camera, but I want to see everyone stay competitive. And if Sony wants to keep doing so, I expect - and hope - we see a lot of software improvements coming up. Starting with simple things like improving the touch interface, over simplifying the menus again after adding a lot of stuff, to full blown features like said pre-shutter buffering.

I think they should have the same body but with the new flip screen or just add the additional buttons on the left side as its very handy and look cool then people will know its an a9 but also have the s&q and video button under main dial

It's good to see how Sony's lineup stacks up now that Canon and Panasonic are busy revving their lines. Canon's R6ii / R8 strategy is interesting. Take a really high speed sensor for your more pro series body (40 fps electronic shutter, full frame 4k60) and re-use that in a cheaper offering. You might lose some revenue with people choosing the cheaper body, but sensor development costs $$$$$, so being able to multi-purpose one across the line is beneficial. So I definitely think the new a9iii should have that much faster sensor you're suggesting. 33mpix stacked - no shutter as you've said. This is the sports photographer camera for use with big lenses, so depart from the usual body and put it in a Canon R3 style body with integrated vertical grip. Then re-use that same sensor for a refreshed a7cii, to take Canon on with an answer to the R8/R6ii. The market is expecting 4k60 full frame, so re-using the a7iv sensor doesn't compete with Canon. And with the faster sensor, completely drop the shutter from the a7cii, making it cheaper and lighter. All Sony's future cameras should have an open-gate video mode too, as Panasonic does. Improves stabilisation options, better supports mixed/vertical media.

Hello Dan, thanks for sharing your view. Noticing that most users of the a9 series are wedding photographers, I think we might need a shutter and move away from that 24mpx that all a9 series have had. a900,a99, a99II, a9 and 9II. For the new a9III, I would like a 33mpx sensor and more robust and steadier body. Also, If Sony can bring back the front dial as well that would be awesome. - Thank you!

Full sensor open gate video is the big one for me. 16:9 is too vertically constrained for action sports - 3:2 would be ideal.

“40FPS with virtually no rolling shutter.” How do you like 120FPS with actually no rolling shutter?

Not sure I would agree to get rid of the shutter. `I want the max sync speed with flash and mechanical shutter will allow that. I think the A1 can sync twice as fast with mechanical over electronic . A sync speed of 1/500 would be amazing

You still need mechanical for strobe, ocf, and a bunch of other situations though

I would think the A1ii should have a built in battery grip while the a9iii can keep the same body

The major reason I never pulled the trigger on getting a Sony A1 was because for that much money the flip screen was necessary in my opinion. Plus I don’t want 50 megapixel bursts for what I do. I still rock the Sony a9 and I love it. It still focuses blazing fast for how old it is. I use it for all my action sports that I take photos of. But I cringe when I show somebody the back of the screen. It just looks terrible. I just tell them to look inside the viewfinder. I think the Sony a9iii should get the a7iv sensor but stacked so it can do 30 fps 33 megapixel, raw files. Put a flip out screen on it, and give us 4K 120fps and I would be a happy man. And I would still prefer using UHS-II cards then those stupid cfast type A cards that are almost $200 for 80 gigs. No I don’t want that if they were going to use type B cards then yes, I could handle that.

I shoot sports mainly soccer. I can't really imagine what you would need 40fps for? Most of the times I dial my A1 from 30fps to 20 fps cause I still get the perfect shot and have to cull less and move less pictures from my card to my Mac. I don't know if there are many people out there in the need of 40fps?

My dream camera would be a A1 mk2 with a Full size pro body. Around 75mp so the medium raw would be 30+ mp. Uncompressed medium raw. 30 fps with electric shutter/ 20 mechanical.

its gonna be tough, because the a1 used right now, is about the same as that $4799 price tag... I think that new flip screen thing from the a7r5, ai chip would be cool, but im not sure, what else they could do to make us buy an a9iii. the a9iii could possibly be my dream camera, but im not sure lol. Money talks and an a1 might just be what I get since the used market price would be about the same lol. ive been holding off on used a9ii's but some go for like $2000 which is a pretty good price, even with the old tech imo

The a9iii should be that full on sports/journalism camera. Big body big battery super fast and great low light decent video specs.

I process the video from my Sony A7 IV with the Topaz Video AI program, achieving excellent video stabilization and an absolutely smooth full-frame picture at 59.94 FPS (having converted the video using this program from 29.97 FPS).

Agree that the back LCD is crap on Sony cameras. Sony should have the best LCD in all their camera models, regardless of price point.

I want a9iii news so bad

Now it feels like RIP A1 😂 A9iii is insane

interesting sony a9 III.

I’ve had similar dreams of an a9III, but since I use flash, no shutter would be a deal breaker for me.

Sony has to have a a93 to compete with canon for the action photographers. It needs a modest resolution increase to 30-33mp like a A 74. I agree with you to skip the mechanical shutter and I’m fine with 20-30fps. I also don’t need more video options either and would prefer to keep the price down. I have an A1 and agree with you it’s still top dog…for now. But not everyone can afford $7k for a body and those that do may want a backup at a cheaper point. The A92 is ok if it was $2,500 today and like you I can’t believe Sony sells any of these at $4,500. I hope Sony is listening and watching what the competitors have done.

I hope the specifications that the A9III brings are as below -24MP Full-Frame Exmor XR Stacked BSI CMOS Sensor -BIONZ XR & AI Processing Unit -AI Based Real-Time Tracking AF System -Human,Animal and Bird Eye AF, AF Assist -Human, Animal, Birds, Insect,Bike, Motorcycle, Car, Train and Aircraft AF -759-Point, Fast Hybrid AF, Real-Time Eye AF -Anti-Dust Shutter Mechanism -Focus Breathing Compensation -Focus Map -6K60p, 4K120p 10-bit 4:2:2 internal -Internal 6K30p, 4K60p ProRes 422/HQ/LT 4:2:2 -4K60p 16-bit RAW Output, S-Log3/S-Cinetone -9.44m-Dot OLED EVF with 240fps refresh rate -Zero Blackout Viewfinder -3.2" 4-Axis Multi-Angle Touchscreen LCD -New Video Display Layout -Creative Looks and Soft Skin Effect -up to 8-Stop 5-Axis SteadyShot Image Stabilization -Extended ISO 100-204800, 40fps Electronics Shutter Shooting with AF/AE Tracking -Dual CFexpress Type-A/SD Card Slot -5GHz MIMO WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC Price Around $4999

the a9iii would need picture profiles.. my only request..

Still waiting on that updated A1 review

built in vertical grip could be cool as well

I think Sony would release the A9III as a competitor to the Canon R5 (or a successor of the current Canon R5) which means this cannot be 24MP, and need to include 8K. Such an A9III would allow the A1 to move to a higher level from where it is now.

I would prefer a bit more resolution. For me I think the A74 hits the resolution sweet spot.

No bro. Not 4k crop. No more of that. Oversampling from here on out. 6k 120. 8k 60. 4k 240.

I think the next camera they will announce will be A7CII... or something stupid ZV something with bigger sensor...

it is going to be more interesting with 33mp stack ;) the old 24mp one is not that great against bright light with this awful banding in the flares from the phase detect sensors on the chip reflecting sometimes. All the 24mp models have it.

A build-in grip would be nice. Otherwise, it's gonna be $500 plus whatever their asking price because add-on grip is almost a necessity.

Yes, the a9II is something like four grand brand new… but because of how far Sony’s moved beyond it, it’s just not worth that now. That’s why you can find them used for the cost of a brand new a7IV… but again, due simply to the new tech in the a7IV, I think that’s a better buy considering the cost is the same. My point is this: I don’t think Sony would have to adjust the price much - if at all.

Make the Sony A9III a pure photo camera without video, and therefore perhaps also make it cheaper 🙂

33mp would be perfect

A9III must be same spec as the Canon R3 + some new stuff...

As above but with a water resistant IP rated body

What I would like Sony to do is: Take the A7Rv body design, make it 10mm wider to allow more room between grip & Lens, 10mm taller so your little finger had something to grip, make the rear display screen a 3.2" 3.6 million dot high resolution, keep the 50 m.p. BSI Stacked sensor, and put in 2 x CF express "type-B" card slots. Sony should remember, mass adoption will win out just like it did with VHS over Betamax!

Hummm, how about Red?

The problem with the A7iv is the autofocus. My best experience with sports is no more than 70% of sharp pictures at 6 FPS. Now that I have Sony glass, I wish Sony come up with a reasonably priced focus-able camera, be it APS-C or FF. If they don't, I'll register a big loss and probably go Canon.

I think that 6K 120fps is totally doable.

No mechanical shutter = no buy. I use a flash too often. It needs the A1’s mechanical shutter

33mp stacked sensor Better LCD better viewfinder 30fps raw No AA filter

I think you know something about the A9iii🤔😊

I would be fine with an electronic shutter only model if the price was under the current $4500. I think it would make sense to release an a9iii with a 33mp sensor like the a7iv. At this resolution, buffer shouldn't be an issue with this model of camera. In my opinion, a newly designed 24mp sensor would only make sense if it introduced significantly better dynamic range and high ISO noise performance compared to the a1/a7iv. I just don't see them doing that to compete with the a1/a7iv sensor image quality. But who knows, the a1 is still missing some of the newer software features that are available on the lower end models lol ...

Who the heck wants 40 fps? Maybe a few professional sports dude but damn

A7IV and A7RV are OBVIOUSLY crippled with their 10FPS. Let's stop giving them a pass. They are not competitive in this generation with their asking price and relative to the competition.

Sorry Sony. I have been waiting too long with love and loyalty. But if you r playing hard to get I am going to have to go elsewhere. It just another camera with good and bad like any other camera. Trust me on this. I am going to other company that can provide. Bye Sony. Thank you Dan for the info.

Not liking those sensor specs at all, and also, Nikon doesn't do 50MP at 20fps raw, but 45MP at 20fps raw. The a9iii certainly CANNOT reuse the same a9ii sensor, which is also the a9 sensor from early 2017. I have no idea why you would wish to reuse that old sensor. It needs to do at least 33MP like their new "basic" camera, and it can do 60fps if Sony wants to. Also, that a9 sensor, just like Nikon and Canon stacked sensors, has a big hit in IQ, with lower DR compared to non stacked sensors. The a1 on the other hand has no such compromise, so ideally Sony would reuse the a1 sensor tech but with fewer MP. About no mechanical shutter, yes I agree but only if the readout is way faster, like twice as fast. The Z9 would actually benefit a lot from having a mechanical shutter, as there's still a lot of banding with the e-shutter. It's because the e-shutter is not fast enough. But for an a9iii, yes it would be great to get rid of it in order to save costs.

How many more "flagship cameras" do we need?? I don't think, a flagship camera should be changed every 2-3 years. If this is the best that the brand can offer, then it doesn't make sense to have a new model every 2-3 years. Those cameras are soooooo expensive it doesn't make sense to buy one, and 2 years later to be outdated.

Does Sony have the worst display of any camera brand? Yes. Is it so bad that you can't show photos to people? That's pretty hyperbolic. It's "fine", just not great. Granted for the price of these cameras and don't being a display manufacturing, they should be great. I think one of two things is gonna happen with the a9III. Either Sony will raise the price 20-30% and provide most, if not all the specs mentioned or they'll tone down the video specs and keep similar pricing to the a9II. It'll be interesting to see which direction they go in.

funny watching this a year later after the real A9iii has been launched....."stick with the 25mp stacked sensor, get rid of the mechanical shutter & increase readout speeds & I really think Sony could hit 40fps....."

Because it hopefully will be cheaper for poor folk like me !

fast forward 8 months later... 4500??😂😂 hiw about 6 GRAND?!

BS

Sony has started to do what CaNikon used to do. Incredibly slow incremental upgrades, and then charging their victims extortionate amounts of wonga for the privilege. Luckily Canon and Nikon have super upped their game . Booyaaaah! Also Sony has the worst aftercare service, warranty is useless. Make sure you get the extended cover. You have been warned. The only thing they seem to be doing right, is taking care of their army of social media influencers 😅 its definitely working for them.