Folge Micro_Tech_Lab auf Facebook Folge Micro_Tech_Lab auf Twitter change language  change language  662

Sony’s Alpha 9 III mirrorless high-speed professional camera opens up new possibilities for microscopy work

Microscope images of moving objects or specimens can now be captured with less effort and more clarity and precision

With the introduction of a global shutter in the Alpha 9 III, Sony has set a milestone for this class of cameras, making it the world’s first camera with a global shutter full-frame image sensor. This technology allows the Alpha 9 III to capture high-speed continuous shots at up to 120 frames per second (fps) at full resolution. Compared to other special-purpose cameras, the recommended retail price of € 6,900 is remarkably affordable.

The global shutter enables the camera to read out the data from the entire image sensor at once, offering significant advantages when capturing moving objects or specimens. Previously, cameras typically employed rolling shutters, which were prone to distortions and motion blur because the image sensor was read out line by line.

Particularly when performing demanding tasks, such as microscope observations in the medical field using surgical microscopes (dentistry, neurosurgery, ophthalmic surgery) or slit lamps (ophthalmology), slight movements by patients or equipment are almost inevitable. At higher microscope magnifications, achieving good image quality often proved to be quite challenging. This blurring caused by movement or vibration is usually the main reason for poor image quality, which, thanks to the global shutter of the Sony Alpha 9 III, is now a thing of the past.

With our LM microscope adapters, the camera can be attached to virtually any microscope. Each adapter features high-quality adjustment optics for optimum image quality and field of view. We offer adapter solutions that work on phototubes as well as eyepiece tubes.

Sony Alpha system camera digital adapter mounting on the microscope microscope camera

Below are the key features of the Sony Alpha 9 III:

Until now, traditional DSLRs and mirrorless cameras read out their sensors line by line. This type of image capture is called rolling shutter. The rolling shutter sensor scans line by line, meaning the top of the frame is recorded slightly earlier than the bottom. This slight lag can create blurring and distortions.

Microscope camera: Description Rolling shutter read out line by line
Rolling shutter: the image sensor data is read out line by line

The Sony Alpha 9 III is the first full-frame camera equipped with a global shutter image sensor. In contrast to a rolling shutter, a global shutter reads out every pixel of the entire sensor simultaneously, thereby eliminating the rolling shutter issues described above.

Microscope camera: Global shutter: Image sensor is read out at once
Global shutter: the data from the entire image sensor is read out at once

This new feature requires a massive amount of processing power to manage the vast amounts of data generated by the camera within extremely short time frames. To achieve this, the camera utilises advanced sensor technology and an additional processor (AI processing unit) alongside its powerful dual BIONZ XR image processing engine. According to the manufacturer, this setup enables up to 120 fps high-speed shooting (14-bit RAW), making the Alpha 9 III an excellent choice for slow-motion footage.

The Alpha 9 series also introduces a highly flexible 8.1 cm TFT touchscreen, which can be tilted over four axes. This allows for ergonomic operation, even when the camera is mounted high up on the microscope.

The Alpha 9 III is able to capture 4K movies at up to 60 fps with 6K oversampling. Without oversampling, it can record 120 frames in 4K. The global shutter for video is a game-changer, eliminating any distortions or visual anomalies.

The Alpha 9 III is also highly effective in low light conditions. With “only” 24 megapixels spread across a large full-frame sensor, each pixel has more surface area to gather light. This increases the dynamic range, as the sensor can capture a wider range of light levels. Additionally, larger pixels generally produce less noise.

The Sony Alpha 9 III is not only a great fit for the professional areas of photomicrography outlined above. Its global shutter sensor also brings amazing speed and unique advantages for sports and action photography (slow-motion clips, burst shots, etc.), making it a true all-rounder for all types of photographic work.

Conclusion: With the Alpha 9 III, Sony has set a new benchmark in camera technology. The camera’s many advanced features bring substantial benefits to microscope photography, allowing users to significantly enhance the quality of their images.

07.06.2024

Photography: 

Fitting the microscope to digital single-lens reflex (DSLR), mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras (MILC ), digital single-lens mirrorless (DSLM) or C-mount cameras is easy with our LM digital SLR adapters, which feature a plan achromatic optical system. Our products make it possible to capture top-quality microscope images. To help you select the adapter that is right for your camera, we have set up an online configurator on our website. You can also email us – ideally with attached photographs of your microscope.

Modern DSLR and single-lens mirrorless (DSLM) offer the latest technology and are generally very well suited for microscopy applications. Most of them can be controlled remotely via PC/Mac. Because of their high sales volumes, they offer an excellent price/performance ratio compared to special-purpose microscope cameras.

Features of top DSLR and single-lens mirrorless cameras (DSLM):
- Large, powerful full-frame sensors (36 x 24 mm)
- Sensor resolution of 61 megapixels or 240 megapixels with Pixel Shift technology
- High light sensitivity (ISO 400,000+)
- Extensive dynamic range (up to 15 aperture stops/f-stops)
- Short exposure times (1/8000 second) up to 1/32,000 seconds using the digital shutter
- 4K Ultra HD  or 8K Ultra HD video function
- Live video capture on external monitors in ultra HD quality

In most cases, these cameras are significantly more powerful than microscope cameras with smaller sensors (1/2" or 2/3"). On our website you will find our current camera recommendations and a camera ranking which is specifically tailored to microscopy applications.