Today Sigma Japan launched a teaser for a new November 16 announcement. I am 100% sure this is related to the new Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 (listed here at BH). So they will “only” announce the full specs and pricing. According to my source this lens will go on sale on December 7 for €1699. That’s €200 more than the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8.
Finally a second source confirmed Sony will announce the new A9III today. This makes it more credible that also the specs I posted are probably right. So this is what we will get today:
Let’s throw in some wild idea: Casey Neistat will be at the NYC Sony event. He is probably there to celebrate the 10 years of Sony Full Frame. But some were speculating that Sony would also announce a second camera because Neistat is surely not a sports photographer. Indeed Sony has registered two high end cameras in China (one is the A9III). But I do speculate that this second camera will be announced in January. Still, on paper you can hope Sony surprises us with something special today…some kind of celebratory 10 year model or whatever you wish :) To not miss any of this exciting stuff a kind reminder to subscribe my networks!
I had no time to double and triple check this rumor. But one source told me that the Sony A9III will shoot 120fps with no blackout! That’s four times the frame rate of the Sony A1 flagship camera!
Rumor roundup:
Many trusted sources confirmed today we will get the Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM
Only one trusted source told me the A9III would be launched today (24MP Global Shutter and 120fps). So either he is wrong for the first time or few have seen the camera and that’s why we got little info.
But multiple sources told me A9III would be announced within the November-January timeframe, so if my trusted source about the timing of today’s announcement is wrong the camera will be surely announced within January anyway.
Today 2pm London time Sony will surely announce the 300mm f/2.8 GM and likely also the A9III (24MP Global Shutter). A side from my rumors here are some official tidbits shared by Sony:
There is a special page at Sony Japan that says: “We will be holding a special event where you can pick up and experience the latest mirrorless α and lenses“
The Sony Japan page shows a 3D dotted map teaser image (see below) while the Sony US teaser (on top) shows a horizon.
Personal note: Anxiety of this Sony A9III rumor mill run!
Unlike all the other previous rumors where I have correctly leaked camera info over the last three years, this announcement is completely different. Sony is being very tight lipped about this new camera!
Although I’m sure the A9III is the next camera Sony will announce…. I have only received confirmation from a trusted source that it will be announced today.
That’s why I got a bit cold feet… because I didn’t have a chance to double and triple confirm it from other trusted sources. So let’s hope I’m right this time too…. but emotionally I have panic attacks at the idea that the A9III might not be announced today but in early January instead.
Just sharing my human troubles! Fingers crossed that I’m right on this one too. In that case, this one source deserves a bunch of bottles of wine…while If I feel I should give you a wine whenever you come visit me on the Dolomites ;)
P.S.: Regarding the 300mm GM lens, I’ve gotten a lot of confirmation from sources…I’m calm and bulletproof here!
The very important info I can share today is that the Sony A9III will be the first sports/wildlife photographer with Global Shutter!
It will use a newly developed Sony 24Mp sensor made specifically for that use. Sony did not increase the resolution to the A9II because the global shutter design requires an immense readout speed as all pixels are readout once. To keep frame rate at a high level they could not increase the resolution.
This is a dream come true for any professional as for the first time you can track fast subjects without having to worry about crazy distortion. You will not loose any single frame…and this alone will be a killer feature that will mark a big gap with the competition.
Global shutter have the downside of lower frame rate and lower image quality compared to Rolling Shutter sensor. But Sony apparently found a way to solve both limitations! In my video on top I dig into the detail of this tech.
Summary, on November 7 Sony will announce (live stream video here on SAR at 2pm London time):
Sony A9III with 24MP global shutter sensor
Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM
Maybe also a new A1 firmware update
UPDATE: More global shutter benefits. Jamieson Dean pointed out to some more benefits:
Those commenting about distortion don’t understand the real benefits of global shutter; it will essentially eliminate banding and flicker issues with all tricky lighting. It will also completely negate any need for a mechanical shutter, and likely give ridiculously high flash sync. Theoretically, one could also shoot photo and video at the same time but that likely won’t be included
I am out at work and will be back in 4-5 hours. All I can say is that I finally got first confirms A9III info. And the camera will have a “world’s first feature on any professional sports/wildlife photography camera“. So be sure to be online at 12:00 London time to not miss the info ;)
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