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Sony a7 III vs Sony a9
Comparison

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery

Sony a7 III

Sony A7 III camera
90%

Sony a9

Sony a9 Camera image
Winner!
91%
Sony a7 III
vs
Sony a9
Price
Brand
Sony
Sony
Model
a7 III
a9
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2018
2017
Announcement Date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
February 27, 2018
April 19, 2017
Camera Type
Mirrorless
Mirrorless
Camera Size
Camera Weight

Sony a9 vs a7 III Specs

If you’re looking to decide between the  Sony a9 vs a7 III cameras, you’re in for a tough decision. Both cameras are extremely high-performing mirrorless camera options. The a9 is our winner on scores alone, but it’s an extremely close call. Choosing the better camera for you requires a more detailed look. Before making your final decision, make sure to read through all the specs below to get a clearer picture of which camera is the best fit for your needs.

Image
91%
Sony a9
Expect excellent results with this full-frame mirrorless camera, boasting lightning-fast speed and stunning image quality.
Badge

If you’re looking for an advanced mirrorless camera, both the a7 III and a9 are superb choices. Other high-performing cameras in the Sony Alpha series include the a7R V, a7R IIIa7S III, a6600, a9 II, and the flagship Sony a1. These cameras range from entry-level to professional-level, and all feature Sony’s advanced mirrorless technology.

The Sony a9 is a relatively new product, released in April 2017. It is still considered an advanced camera in Sony’s Alpha series, with the latest in mirrorless camera technology. The a9 is a full-frame, interchangeable-lens camera that is designed for professional photographers and videographers. It has a 24.2 megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor and a BIONZ X image processor. It also features a 4K video recording capability and a 5-axis image stabilization system.

The Sony a7 III was released in 2018, making it about a year newer than the a9. It is the third generation of the a7 series, with the previous models being the a7 and a7 II.

So, is the Sony a7 III or Sony a9 the one for you? Ultimately, the best camera for you is the one that serves your needs best. Read on for the entire Sony a9 vs a7 iii specs comparison. We hope it helps you with your decision!

Optics
Optics
87%
88%
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24.2 MP
24.2 MP
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/ 8000 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
Video
Video
56%
56%
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.
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 Ver. 2.0, MP4
Features
Features
67%
70%
Built-in 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 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.
Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
60%
55%
Memory Card
SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
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.
750 shots
650 shots
USB Charging
DXO Mark Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
DXOMARK overall sensor score.
96%
92%
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
24.9 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
13.3 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
3517
Scores
Main Features
84%
N/A
Extra Features
72%
N/A
Construction and Durability
67%
N/A
Handling and Ergonomics
67%
N/A
Value for Money
110%
N/A
Total Score
81%
N/A
User Scores
B&H photo video
N/A
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