Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
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✓ WINNER
 86
SCORE
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 82
SCORE
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| General | ||
| Brand | Sony | Sony |
| Model | a1 | a9 II |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2021 | 2019 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
26/01/2021 | 03/10/2019 |
| Camera type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 129 x 97 x 81 mm | 129 x 96 x 76 mm |
| Camera weight | 737 g | 678 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
50.1 MP050 | 24.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
8640 x 5760 | 6000 x 4000 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
24 x 35.9 | 23.8 x 35.6 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
Full Frame | Full Frame |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
30 fps045 | 20 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Sony FE | Sony FE |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Dual Bionz XR | Bionz X |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
320003003280000 | 512003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
5030200 | 5030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
1024003003280000 | 2048003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
3200080032000 | 3200080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
7590300 | 6930300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✓ | ✓ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Electronic | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | 943718409900000 | 368640009900000 |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
8K | 4K |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
7680 x 4320 | 3840 x 2160 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
120 fps | 30 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✗ | ✓ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
LPCM 2ch(48 kHz 16bit), LPCM 2ch(48 kHz 24bit), LPCM 4ch(48 kHz 24bit), MPEG-4 AAC-LC 2ch | XAVC S, AVCHD |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✗ | ✗ |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
✓ | ✓ |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✓ | ✓ |
| Screen type | LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✓ | ✓ |
| Screen size | 3" | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
14400001150001500000 | 14400001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
✓ | ✓ |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
✓ | ✓ |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✓ | ✓ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✓ | ✓ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | SD,CFexpress Type A (UHS-II compatible) | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) |
| Dual memory card slots | ✓ | ✓ |
| Battery type | NP-FZ100 | NP-FZ100 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
530 shots1505000 | 690 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✓ | ✓ |
The Sony a1 outperforms the Sony a9 II with a score of 86/100 compared to 82/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share similar dimensions, with the a1 measuring 129 x 97 x 81mm and the a9 II at 129 x 96 x 76mm. They were released in 2021 and 2019, respectively, with the a1 priced at $6499 and the a9 II at $4500.
The Sony a1 excels with its higher score, reflecting its superior performance and features. It offers photographers an advanced and versatile camera that justifies its higher price point.
On the other hand, the Sony a9 II is lighter at 678g, compared to the a1’s 737g, making it more convenient for those who prioritize a lightweight camera. Additionally, its lower price point makes it an attractive option for those on a tighter budget.
Taking all factors into consideration, the Sony a1 is the winner for those seeking top-notch performance and features, while the Sony a9 II caters to photographers who value a lighter camera and a more affordable price.
The Sony a1 outperforms the Sony a9 II in optics, scoring 89/100 compared to the a9 II’s 82/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, Sony FE lens mount, and image stabilization.
The a1 surpasses the a9 II with its 50.1 megapixels, which is significantly higher than the a9 II’s 24.2 megapixels. This difference allows the a1 to capture more detail and produce higher resolution images. Additionally, the a1 boasts a faster shooting speed of 30 frames per second, compared to the a9 II’s 20 frames per second, enabling it to capture fast-moving subjects more effectively. The a1 also features a more advanced dual Bionz XR processor that enhances its overall performance, and its DXOMARK sensor score of 98 further highlights its superior image quality.
In contrast, the only advantage of the a9 II over the a1 is its lower price, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, this cost-saving comes with compromises in image quality and performance.
Considering the specifications, the Sony a1 emerges as the superior camera in terms of optics. Its higher megapixel count, faster shooting speed, advanced processor, and better DXOMARK sensor score contribute to its higher overall optics score. While the a9 II may appeal to those seeking a more affordable option, the a1’s superior performance and image quality make it the clear winner in this comparison.
The Sony a1 outperforms the Sony a9 II in video capabilities with a score of 86/100 compared to the a9 II’s 70/100. Both cameras share some common video specifications, such as 4K video resolution and built-in time-lapse functionality. However, the a1 surpasses the a9 II in other aspects, making it the superior choice for video performance.
The Sony a1 offers a maximum video resolution of 8K, while the a9 II only provides 4K. This difference in resolution means that the a1 can capture significantly more detail in video, providing higher quality footage. Additionally, the a1 has a maximum video dimension of 7680 x 4320, which is twice the size of the a9 II’s 3840 x 2160. This larger dimension allows for more flexibility in post-production cropping and scaling.
Another advantage of the Sony a1 is its higher maximum video frame rate of 120fps, compared to the a9 II’s 30fps. This higher frame rate enables the capture of smooth slow-motion footage, providing more creative possibilities for videographers.
The Sony a9 II does have one advantage over the a1 in having built-in time-lapse functionality. This feature allows users to create time-lapse videos without the need for additional equipment or software. However, this advantage may not be significant enough to sway users who prioritize overall video performance.
Considering the superior video resolution, dimensions, and frame rate of the Sony a1, it is the clear winner in terms of video capabilities. The Sony a9 II may have built-in time-lapse functionality, but it falls short in other areas compared to the a1. For those seeking the best video performance, the Sony a1 is the recommended choice.
The Sony a1 and Sony a9 II both have a feature score of 83/100, making them equal in this aspect. They share common specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, 1,440,000-dot screen resolution, touchscreen functionality, flip screen capability, and the absence of GPS. Additionally, both cameras are equipped with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity.
The Sony a1 excels in certain areas, such as its higher resolution sensor, faster continuous shooting speed, and 8K video capabilities. These features make the Sony a1 a more versatile and powerful camera for professional photographers and videographers who require top-notch performance in various shooting scenarios.
On the other hand, the Sony a9 II has its advantages as well. It features a more efficient autofocus system, longer battery life, and a lower price point. These factors make the Sony a9 II a more attractive option for photographers who prioritize autofocus performance, longer shooting sessions, and affordability.
Both cameras have their merits and drawbacks, and the choice between them largely depends on the specific needs and budget of the user. The Sony a1 is better suited for those who require high-resolution images, faster shooting speeds, and 8K video capabilities. The Sony a9 II, however, is ideal for photographers who prioritize autofocus performance, battery life, and a lower price point.
The Sony a9 II wins in storage and battery with a score of 79/100, while the Sony a1 scores 73/100. Both cameras share common specifications, such as two memory card slots, compatibility with the NP-FZ100 battery type, and USB charging capability.
The Sony a9 II outperforms the Sony a1 in battery life, offering 690 shots compared to the a1’s 530 shots. This extended battery life allows for more shooting time without having to replace or recharge the battery. However, the a1 accepts both SD and CFexpress Type A memory cards (UHS-II compatible), providing more flexibility in storage options.
On the other hand, the Sony a9 II only accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards (UHS-II compatible). Despite this limitation, the a9 II still has an edge in storage and battery performance due to its longer battery life.
In the storage and battery comparison, the Sony a9 II emerges as the better choice, mainly because of its superior battery life. However, potential buyers should also consider the Sony a1’s additional memory card compatibility when making a decision.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Sony a1 or the Sony a9 II:
