Sony has presented “Light Speed” which is the first commercial video for the new Alpha 9 III. However, this marvelous video was not shot on the Alpha 9 III, but on other Sony cameras (BURANO, and VENICE 2). Why?
Sony Alpha 9 III: Indeed a game changer
Yesterday, Sony introduced the Alpha 9 III which is the world’s first full-frame camera with a global shutter system. The a9III is one of the most advanced mirrorless in the market. Regarding video, it downsamples the full 6K to 4K (up to 120 fps with no crop), records 10-bit 4:2:2 internally, outputs 16-bit raw via the full-size HDMI port to a compatible external recorder, has S-Log3, S-Cinetone, and more. Make sure to read our article on the launch of the camera here. Unfortunately, as far as we know, no sample/test footage was released regarding the camera’s video capabilities. This is strange, as Sony works meticulously when launching such a game-changer camera. Sony should release some videos demonstrating the ability of the Alpha 9 III. In fact, Sony published a short film titled “Light Speed” especially for the launch of the a9III. That is an awe-inspiring video. Nevertheless, the video was not shot on the new camera.
“Light Speed” – The Alpha 9 III video
As explained, Sony Alpha Films presented “Light Speed”, featuring Sony Alpha 9 III. “Every once in a while, something comes along that changes what you thought was possible. Introducing the next chapter in imaging technology, the Sony Alpha 9 III” Sony said by describing the video. Indeed, that is an imposing piece of commercial video, made by professional and passionate filmmakers. The truth is that “Light Speed” is one of the best videos we’ve ever seen related to the introduction of a new camera. Watch it here:
NOT shot on the Alpha 9 III
When viewing the video for the Alpha 9 III, you might think that the video was shot entirely on the Alpha 9 III. However, this is not the case. After a short investigation, we revealed that, according to the filmmakers, the video was shot on other Sony cameras like VENICE 2, and BURANO. There might be a few scenes shot on the a9iii though (mainly the stills sequences). BTW, the glass is the Masterbuilt lenses. We wonder why the main commercial film for the launch of the new Alpha 9 III was not shot on the Alpha 9 III. The camera is capable enough for this. We mean, a Hollywood mega-budget film was shot on a less advanced camera (FX3), so why hasn’t the team utilized the a9III? That was the best opportunity to demonstrate the global shutter capabilities of the Alpha 9 III, as many of the shots of “Light Speed” are fast-paced action shots which GS can constitute as a main advantage, even over more high-end cinema cameras. Moreover, many viewers were confident that this film was shot entirely on the a9III. Let us know your thoughts on this one.
Product List
Here are the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers.
- Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera
I’m starting to get a sinking feeling regarding the video-specific features of the a9 III. As in, why hasn’t Sony released a more detailed spec sheet? What is their dynamic range estimate (and, yes, I expect an inflated figure, but at least if Sony is consistent, we’ll be able to infer a more realistic DR relative to, say, the FX3’s). Can the camera record in 6K rather than just using the sensor to oversample for 4K? What is the maximum usable ISO? Can it do true 24p? Are shutter angles finally supported?
Many potential reasons but what immediately comes to mind is that entire feature sets of the camera weren’t ready and so to meet deadline they couldn’t wait for a workable unit. Bad look. The idea that you’d shoot a camera release video on anything other than the camera in question is bizarre. Now a PR nightmare for Sony as they try to roll this out.
I bet that there will be a new Venice 2 sensor block with this sensor in it coming. 6k 120fps or higher.
No suprise to be honest.
1. Only A9 III they had are pre-production unit, to much risk that somethings goes wrong
2. There was a big mystery ofer its annoucement, so less people knew and work with it – better for big suprise (this is probably why no one really knows, and there wasnt even specific rumors week before annoucement)
3. Experts who work on top profesional commercials, have to know they gear and know what gear is capable off. Also better for workflow, and at the end – for final effect. I would be surprised if they will give to them mysterny new gear, with new sensor and just let them “do something” with it.
4. … plus many more reasons. Mostly, becouse I expect that Sony were focus to releas cool and impressive video, not by showing capabilities of global shhuter itself.
Yet, it would be good (Much better for PR reasons) if at least part of it were from a9 III, but probably they didnt expect anyone will notice it.
Anyway – this is beggining of revolution in mirrorless world, even if sensor from A9 III is “not as good” as we expect from that commercial. But more sensors will come, also from other brands I believe.