Sony a7R III vs a9 Comparison
Sony a7R III
Sony a9
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Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Model | a7R III | a9 | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2017 | 2017 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | October 25, 2017 | April 19, 2017 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Sony a7R III takes the lead with a score of 83/100, while the Sony a9 follows closely at 80/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and were released in 2017. They share similar dimensions, with the a7R III measuring 127 x 96 x 74mm and weighing 657g, and the a9 measuring 127 x 96 x 63mm and weighing 673g.
The a7R III has the advantage of a lower launch price of $3200 compared to the a9’s $4500. This makes it more budget-friendly while still offering excellent performance. The a9, on the other hand, is slightly slimmer in depth but weighs more. This difference may not be significant enough to sway buyers in either direction.
In comparing these two cameras, the Sony a7R III stands out as the better option due to its lower price and slightly lighter weight, while maintaining similar specifications to the Sony a9.
Sony a7R III vs a9 Overview and Optics
The Sony a7R III emerges as the winner in optics with a score of 84/100, a slight edge over the Sony a9’s 81/100. Both cameras share several common specifications, including a CMOS sensor, Bionz X processor, full-frame sensor size, Sony FE lens mount, and image stabilization.
The a7R III outperforms the a9 in certain aspects, most notably in megapixels and sensor performance. It boasts 42.4 megapixels, providing higher resolution and more detailed images compared to the a9’s 24.2 megapixels. Furthermore, the a7R III has a DXOMARK sensor score of 100, reflecting its superior image quality and low-light performance, while the a9 scores 92 in this category.
On the other hand, the Sony a9 offers advantages in shooting speed, capable of capturing 20 frames per second (fps) compared to the a7R III’s 10 fps. This makes the a9 more suitable for fast-paced action and sports photography, where rapid capture is crucial.
In terms of optics, the Sony a7R III stands out as the better choice for photographers seeking higher resolution and better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Meanwhile, the Sony a9 excels in shooting speed, making it a better option for those who prioritize capturing fast-moving subjects. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the photographer’s specific needs and preferences.
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Optics
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Sony a7R III
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Sony a9
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 42.4 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. | 7952 x 5304 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. | 24 x 35.9 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. | 32,000 | 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. | 102400 | 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. | 425 | 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 | 3,686,400 dots | 3,686,400 dots |
Sony a7R III vs a9 Video Performance
The Sony a7R III and the Sony a9 both have a video score of 56/100, indicating no difference in their video capabilities. Both cameras share several common specifications, including a maximum video resolution of 4K, video dimensions of 3840 x 2160, and a maximum video frame rate of 30fps. Additionally, neither camera has built-in time-lapse functionality.
Despite having the same video score, there are areas where one camera may excel over the other. However, based on the provided specifications, no clear winner emerges in terms of video capabilities. Both cameras have the same maximum video resolution, dimensions, and frame rate, which are essential factors in determining video quality.
The Sony a7R III and the Sony a9 both lack built-in time-lapse functionality, which could be a drawback for some users. However, this missing feature does not affect the overall video capabilities of either camera, as they both still perform equally well in other areas.
Given the equal video scores and identical specifications, it is safe to say that the Sony a7R III and the Sony a9 offer comparable video performance. Users can expect similar results when filming with either camera. As such, the decision to choose one camera over the other should be based on other factors, such as price, personal preference, or additional features not related to video capabilities.
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Video
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Sony a7R III
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Sony a9
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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 Ver. 2.0, MP4 | XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4 |
Sony a7R III vs a9 Features and Benefits
The Sony a7R III and the Sony a9 both receive a feature score of 83 out of 100. These cameras share several specifications, making them quite similar in terms of features. Both cameras have a 3-inch screen size, a screen resolution of 1,440,000 dots, a touchscreen, a flip screen, WiFi, and Bluetooth. However, neither camera has GPS capabilities.
The winning camera, the Sony a7R III, is better in some aspects. It offers a higher resolution sensor at 42.4 megapixels, compared to the Sony a9’s 24.2 megapixels. This allows the a7R III to produce more detailed images, making it suitable for landscape and portrait photographers. Additionally, the Sony a7R III has a better dynamic range, providing more flexibility in post-processing and better handling of high-contrast scenes.
On the other hand, the Sony a9 has its own advantages. It boasts a faster continuous shooting speed of 20 frames per second, compared to the a7R III’s 10 frames per second. This makes the a9 more suitable for sports and action photography. The a9 also features a more advanced autofocus system with 693 phase-detection points, ensuring faster and more accurate focus tracking.
Taking these points into consideration, the Sony a7R III is the better choice for photographers who prioritize image quality and dynamic range, while the Sony a9 is better suited for those who require fast continuous shooting and superior autofocus capabilities. Despite having the same feature score, each camera excels in different areas, catering to the specific needs of different types of photographers.
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Features
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Sony a9
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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. | 1,440,000 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 a7R III vs a9 Storage and Battery
Comparing the Sony a7R III and the Sony a9 in terms of storage and battery reveals a tie, with both cameras scoring 65/100. The similarities between the two models are evident, as each camera offers two memory card slots, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards with UHS-II compatibility. Additionally, both models have a battery life of 650 shots and utilize the NP-FZ100 battery type. Neither camera has USB charging capabilities.
In this comparison, neither camera outperforms the other, as their storage and battery specifications are identical. Both the Sony a7R III and the Sony a9 provide the same level of convenience and functionality in these areas. Consequently, there is no clear winner or loser in this category, as both cameras meet the same storage and battery standards. This makes the choice between the Sony a7R III and the Sony a9 a matter of personal preference and other features outside the storage and battery category.
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Storage and Battery
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Sony a9
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) | 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. | 650 shots | 650 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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Photography Genre
Graded from the first-hand experience of one of our writers |
Sony a7R III
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Sony a9
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Beginner Friendly | 
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Portrait | 
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Landscape | 
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Sports and Action | 
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Street | 
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Value for Money | 
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Sony a7R III
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Sony a9
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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.' | 26 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' | 3523 | 3517 |
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Scores
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Sony a7R III
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Sony a9
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Sony a7R III vs a9 – Our Verdict
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Sony a7R III or the Sony a9:
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User Scores
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Sony a7R III
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Sony a9
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B&H photo video |
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