CameraReview

Sony a7 III vs Sony a9 II — Which Is Better?

Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over

Sony a7 III
Sony
Sony a7 III
Mirrorless · 24.2 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
81
SCORE
$1,419
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✓ WINNER
Sony a9 II
Sony
Sony a9 II
Mirrorless · 24.2 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
82
SCORE
$3,429.40
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General
Brand SonySony
Model a7 IIIa9 II
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20182019
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
27/02/201803/10/2019
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 127 x 96 x 74 mm129 x 96 x 76 mm
Camera weight 650 g678 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24.2 MP05024.2 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6000 x 40006000 x 4000
Sensor type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
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 35.623.8 x 35.6
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Full FrameFull 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.
10 fps04520 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 FESony FE
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Bionz XBionz 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.
3:23:2
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
1003020010030200
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.
512003003280000512003003280000
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.
50302005030200
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.
20480030032800002048003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30440803044080
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.
8000800320003200080032000
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.
69303006930300
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.
ElectronicElectronic
Viewfinder dots 235929609900000368640009900000
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.
4K4K
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.
3840 x 21603840 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.
30 fps30 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.
XAVC S, AVCHDXAVC 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 LCDLCD
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.
921600115000150000014400001150001500000
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 / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG DuoSD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible)
Dual memory card slots
Battery type NP-FZ100NP-FZ100
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
750 shots1505000690 shots1505000
USB charging

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sony a7 III vs a9 II – Our Verdict

Sony a7 III vs a9 II Comparison image.

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: