Sony a7 III vs a9 II Comparison
Sony a7 III
Sony a9 II
Price | |||
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Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Model | a7 III | a9 II | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2018 | 2019 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | February 27, 2018 | October 03, 2019 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Sony a9 II comes out ahead with a score of 82 compared to the Sony a7 III‘s 81. Both cameras share key features, being mirrorless systems with similar dimensions and weight. The a9 II, released in 2019, offers better performance due to its higher score.
Despite the a9 II’s superior score, the a7 III remains a strong contender, especially for those seeking a more affordable option. However, the a9 II’s higher score reflects its enhanced capabilities, making it the winner in this comparison.
Sony a7 III vs a9 II Overview and Optics
The Sony a9 II wins in the optics comparison with a score of 82/100, just one point ahead of the Sony a7 III, which scores 81/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including 24.2 megapixels, a CMOS sensor type, Bionz X processor, full-frame sensor size, Sony FE lens mount, and image stabilization. However, there are differences that set them apart.
The Sony a9 II outperforms the a7 III in shooting speed, offering 20 frames per second (fps) compared to the a7 III’s 10 fps. This makes the a9 II a better option for capturing fast-moving subjects and action photography. Despite having a lower DXOMARK score for the sensor (93) compared to the a7 III’s 96, the a9 II still manages to provide better overall performance in optics.
On the other hand, the Sony a7 III has a higher sensor DXOMARK score, which means it can potentially deliver better image quality and dynamic range. This could be beneficial for photographers who prioritize image quality over speed.
Taking these factors into account, the Sony a9 II stands out for its faster shooting speed, making it more suitable for action and sports photography. However, the Sony a7 III is not far behind, with its higher sensor DXOMARK score, which may appeal to photographers who prioritize image quality. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on individual preferences and the specific needs of the photographer.
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Optics
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Sony a7 III
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Sony a9 II
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24.2 MP | 24.2 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 6000 x 4000 px | 6000 x 4000 px | |
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. | 23.8 x 35.6 mm | 23.8 x 35.6 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame | Full Frame | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 10 fps | 20 fps | |
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. | Bionz X | 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 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) 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. | 51,200 | 51,200 | |
Minimum 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. | 50 | 50 | |
Maximum 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. | 204800 | 204800 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 30 s | |
Maximum 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. | 1/ 8000 s | 1/ 32000 s | |
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. | 693 | 693 | |
In-body Stabilization 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 Resolution | 2,359,296 dots | 3,686,400 dots |
Sony a7 III vs a9 II Video Performance
The Sony a9 II and the Sony a7 III are head to head in terms of video capabilities. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as 4K max video resolution, 3840 x 2160 max video dimensions, and 30fps max video frame rate.
Both cameras have the same max video resolution, dimensions, and frame rate, indicating that they perform similarly in these aspects.
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Video
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Sony a7 III
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Sony a9 II
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K | 4K | |
Max Video Dimensions 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. | 3840 x 2160 px | 3840 x 2160 px | |
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. | 30 p | 30 p | |
Time-Lapse 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. | XAVC S, AVCHD | XAVC S, AVCHD |
Sony a7 III vs a9 II Features and Benefits
The Sony a9 II wins the features comparison with a score of 83/100, while the Sony a7 III scores 81/100. Both cameras share numerous specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size, touchscreen capabilities, flip screen, and the absence of GPS. Additionally, both cameras are equipped with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity.
The Sony a9 II surpasses the Sony a7 III in screen resolution, boasting a remarkable 1,440,000 dots compared to the a7 III’s 921,600 dots. This advantage provides a9 II users with a clearer and more detailed image when reviewing photos or navigating the camera’s menu.
On the other hand, the Sony a7 III does not outperform the a9 II in any specific feature. Both cameras have similar specifications, and their differences are minimal. The a7 III’s lower score does not imply any superiority in its features compared to the a9 II.
Considering the feature scores and shared specifications, the Sony a9 II stands as the better option due to its higher screen resolution. This advantage contributes to an enhanced user experience when reviewing images and navigating menus. While the Sony a7 III does not surpass the a9 II in any particular aspect, it remains a solid choice for those seeking similar specifications at a potentially lower price point. The choice between the two cameras ultimately depends on the user’s preferences and needs.
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Features
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Sony a7 III
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Sony a9 II
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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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 Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 921,600 dots | 1,440,000 dots | |
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 |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Sony a7 III vs a9 II Storage and Battery
The Sony a9 II outperforms the Sony a7 III in storage and battery, scoring 79/100 compared to the a7 III’s 68/100. Both cameras share common specifications, such as having two memory card slots, supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, and utilizing the NP-FZ100 battery type.
The a9 II surpasses the a7 III with its UHS-II compatibility, allowing for faster read and write speeds. Additionally, the a9 II offers USB charging, providing users with more flexibility and convenience when recharging their camera.
However, the a7 III holds a slight advantage in battery life, offering 750 shots compared to the a9 II’s 690 shots. This difference may be beneficial for extended shooting sessions without access to power sources.
Despite the a7 III’s longer battery life, the a9 II remains the superior choice for storage and battery capabilities, mainly due to its UHS-II compatibility and USB charging feature.
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Storage and Battery
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Sony a9 II
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) | |
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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. | 750 shots | 690 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Sony a7 III
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Sony a9 II
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 25.1 bits | 25 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 14.7 EVs | 14 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 3722 | 3434 |
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Scores
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Sony a7 III
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Sony a9 II
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Main Features | N/A | ||
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Extra Features | N/A | ||
Construction and Durability | N/A | ||
Handling and Ergonomics | N/A | ||
Value for Money | N/A | ||
Total Score | N/A |
Sony a7 III vs a9 II – Our Verdict
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Sony a7 III or the Sony a9 II:
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User Scores
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Sony a7 III
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Sony a9 II
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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