Sony Alpha 9 III – Reviewed

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Disclaimer: I am not a professional photographer. My review is based on the ease of understanding as a layperson and also how I perceive the shots have turned out. The photographs used in this review are purely shot by me and there is absolutely no editing involved. What I managed to shoot is what I would use. Of course, I do take into account to pick and choose the best photos of the thousands that I have managed to capture. So, let’s buckle down and get on with it.

When our dear EIC, Sal, messaged me to ask if I wanted to review the new Sony Alpha 9 III camera, my first reaction was, “sure, why not?” Then I read up on it and was like, “are you sure? This is a professional camera???” However, I was still game to try. Especially since this is not the first Sony camera that I have tried. Read my previous two reviews on the ZV-1 II here and the A6700 here. Side note: I finally bought my own ZV-1 II and I am SO excited to use it.

Sony Alpha 9 III – the details!

The Alpha 9 III is available on Sony’s website and in-stores. The Alpha 9 III is on sale for a whopping SGD$8,299 inclusive of a free Sony Digital Workshop course. This online bundle will be available until 30th June 2024.

Let’s watch the product launch video!

So what exactly makes the Alpha 9 III different from every other camera on the market? The Alpha 9 III has the world’s first global shutter system which basically translates to the camera’s capability to capture fast-moving subject with no image distortion. This would be especially helpful to sports and wildlife photgraphers.

The Alpha 9 III also comes with blackout-free, 120fps continuous shooting. Thsi ensures that the viewfinder would not be blacking out whilst shooting. The AI processing unit would also continue to recognise the subject with high precision and reliability.

Let’s continue with the specifications of the camera:

The Initial Test

Sony has also kindly loaned us two lenses for me to use together with the Alpha 9 III; the SEL2470GM and the SEL1224GM. The SEL2470GM is the standard zoom lens (more info here) while the SEL1224 is the wide-angle lens (more info here).

I first decided to put the global shutter system to the test at the initial try. Since I was at home, my go-to for this was the LRT that would pass by. I used the SEL1224GM and focused on this specific spot. I pressed the shutter buttonm when the LRT appeared at the first tree, only releasing it after the LRT has gone beyond the second tree.

At this initial shot, I was already in awe by the sharp quality of the photo. I took a moment, especially on my laptop, to scrutinise the fact that there doesn’t to be any pixelated spots. In fact, the colours came out pretty true to life. The shadows and the contrast really makes this photograph outstanding (to me, lol).

Moving on to the actual shot; in the few seconds that it took for the LRT to move from one end to the other, the Alpha 9 III managed to capture 252 photographs. Here’s a folder full of the shots when I imported the photos from the camera to my phone.

Another thing to note is that Sony has the Creator’s App which I have raved about previously. It certainly makes importing photos that you have shot to your phone much easier. There’s also the remote function, which I have not yet explored but will be trying in the near future (on my own ZV-1 II yay).

These were the four photographs out of the 252 that were shot. While I could see that the photos did not have any major movement blurriness, it was still not as sharp as I was expecting. (Am I probably using this wrong?) The letters “SMRT” were definitely not sharp but am I expecting too much?

So to put this to further testing; I went to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

I went to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve one overcast Tuesday morning. Since I went alone, I did not venture too deeply into the Mangrove Reserve. I started from the Visitor’s Centre, went down to the Little Heron Deck and walked all the way to Eagle Point. I mainly used the SEL2470GM throughout my time there except for when I was at the Eagle Point, when I switched to the SEL1224GM.

In my research of the videos and reviews of the Alpha 9 III, the phrase from one youtuber stuck to me. He said, “Think twice before buying this camera as this is truly worth the money if you are a sports or wildlife photographer.” So, that’s what I wanted to try and shoot, wildlife.

In the approximately one and half hour that I was there, I managed to capture about 4000 photos. This is mostly due to the fact that I took alot of burst shots. I am happy to report that Sony’s claim of blackout-free, continuous shooting is 100% fact. I managed to capture multiples of a single subject. However, I am still trying to figure out their global shutter speed as some photos of moving subjects did come out blurred.

So let’s get on to it!

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve – SEL2470GM Lens

First up, I took a landscape shot from the Little Heron Deck. Initial setting was incandescent which made the photograph come out blue, before I changed it to cloudy and then, it pretty much looked true to life. There were abit of clouds across the border while I was there and it made the whole horizon looked so mysterious.

Next, I chanced upon the Pink-Necked Green Pigeon (I had to google for its name). Disclaimer: the only editing here was the cropping of the picture so that the bird is more in focus.

There was some miniscule movement at the start before it flew away. The burst shots managed to capture the head movements perfectly with no blurriness. However, it was a different matter when the bird flew. Take a look. Disclaimer: the only editing in the video was to stitch the 4 pictures together and the next, to crop the photo.

Honestly though, I don’t think you should say that Sony’s claims are unfounded because I am not a professional photographer. As a professional or even if photography is a serious hobby of yours, I do believe you’d be able to make it work.

Next up, a gallery of my “best shots”.

So, here’s a short story about the next two photos. I saw a flower (or maybe it’s a fruit?) that looked so outrageously stunning against the shadows. Of course, I had to take a couple of shots of it. Then, satisfied with it, I turned and nearly shrieked because I was face-to-face with this particular animal chilling on the fruits of a tree. Thank goodness I had great self-control else I would have scared it off, lol.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve – SEL1224GM lens

I simply had to try get that iconic photo of the Eagle Point using Sony’s wide-angle lens. I have to admit though, I understand why photography is such an expensive hobby. You truly need to be passionate because not only are these equipments hella expensive, they were friggin’ HEAVY. You have my utmost respect for being willing to lug around these cameras and lenses.

The Conclusion

Dear Sony, here’s my utmost heartfelt note to you; you guys are doing a bangin’ job of producing cameras of superb quality. The fact that I, as a layperson, not even an amateur, managed to capture superior photographs; it’s just a testament to how well you guys are making your cameras.

The Sony Alpha 9 III is really a professional level camera. As I was capturing the wildlife at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, a part of me was wondering what kind of lenses would a professional be using to capture those brilliant photos that we so often see.

I can’t wait to see what else you guys come up with! Thank you for giving this person the chance to review such a wonderful camera. Professionals, give the Alpha 9 III a chance and be prepared to be blown away.

About Post Author

Siti Hajar, Writer (Lifestyle)

Occasional writer here. Full-time mother in real life.

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Siti Hajar, Writer (Lifestyle)

Occasional writer here. Full-time mother in real life.