Sony a9 vs a9 II Comparison

The Sony a9 II outperforms the Sony a9 by a slight margin, scoring 82/100 compared to the a9’s 80/100. Both cameras share common specifications, such as being mirrorless, having the same launch price of $4500, and similar dimensions. The a9 II’s advantages include a more recent release year (2019) and improved features, which contribute to its higher score.

However, the Sony a9 still has its merits. With a slightly lighter weight of 673g compared to the a9 II’s 678g, it offers a minor advantage in portability. Despite these differences, both cameras deliver impressive performance, making them strong contenders in the mirrorless camera market. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities.

Sony a9 vs a9 II Overview and Optics

The Sony a9 II narrowly outperforms the Sony a9 in optics with a score of 82/100 compared to the a9’s 81/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including 24.2 megapixels, a 20 fps shooting speed, a CMOS sensor, a Bionz X processor, full-frame sensor size, a Sony FE lens mount, and image stabilization.

The Sony a9 II’s slight advantage comes from its higher DXOMARK sensor score of 93 compared to the Sony a9’s score of 92. This difference means that the a9 II has slightly better image quality and improved low-light performance. The a9 II’s higher score also reflects its advancements in autofocus performance, which allows for better tracking of subjects and faster focus acquisition.

On the other hand, the Sony a9 does not have any significant advantages over the a9 II in terms of optics. Both cameras share the same core specifications, and the a9 II’s improvements are incremental rather than groundbreaking.

Taking these factors into consideration, the Sony a9 II is the better option for those seeking superior image quality and autofocus performance. However, the difference between the two cameras is minimal, and the Sony a9 remains a strong contender in the full-frame mirrorless camera market. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to individual priorities and budget constraints, as both cameras offer exceptional performance in their respective categories.

The Sony a9 II outperforms the Sony a9 in video capabilities, with a video score of 70/100 compared to the a9’s 56/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as 4K max video resolution and 3840 x 2160 max video dimensions. They also have the same max video frame rate of 30fps.

However, the Sony a9 II has an advantage over the Sony a9 with its built-in time-lapse functionality. This feature allows users to create stunning time-lapse videos without the need for additional equipment or software, making it a more versatile tool for videographers. The higher video score of the a9 II is a result of this additional feature, which enhances its overall video performance.

On the other hand, the Sony a9 does not offer any significant advantages in video capabilities over the a9 II. Both cameras have the same max video resolution, dimensions, and frame rate, which means that the a9 cannot outperform the a9 II in these areas. The lower video score of the Sony a9 is due to its lack of built-in time-lapse functionality, which limits its versatility for video projects.

Taking these factors into account, the Sony a9 II is the clear winner in terms of video capabilities. Its built-in time-lapse functionality gives it an edge over the Sony a9, making it a more versatile and powerful tool for videographers. Meanwhile, the Sony a9 falls short in comparison, offering no significant advantages in video performance. Therefore, for those looking to prioritize video capabilities, the Sony a9 II is the better choice among the two cameras.

The Sony a9 and Sony a9 II both have a feature score of 83 out of 100, making them equally matched in this aspect. Both cameras share several identical specifications, which include a 3-inch screen size, 1,440,000-dot screen resolution, touchscreen functionality, flip screen, and the absence of GPS. Additionally, both cameras come with WIFI and Bluetooth capabilities.

Despite the same feature score, the Sony a9 II has a few advantages over the Sony a9. One such advantage is its improved ergonomics, making it more comfortable to hold and operate for extended periods. The a9 II also features a better weather sealing, providing more protection against dust and moisture, which is essential for outdoor photography. Furthermore, the a9 II has an upgraded autofocus system, ensuring faster and more accurate focusing in various shooting conditions.

On the other hand, the Sony a9 also has its merits. It is a lighter camera compared to the a9 II, which can be a significant factor for photographers who prioritize portability and reduced weight. Additionally, the Sony a9 is more affordable than the a9 II, making it a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features.

Taking these points into consideration, it is clear that the Sony a9 II provides some advantages over the a9, particularly in terms of ergonomics, weather sealing, and autofocus capabilities. However, the Sony a9 remains a viable option for those who value a lighter camera and a more affordable price point. Both cameras offer a solid set of features, making them suitable choices depending on individual preferences and priorities.

The Sony a9 II outperforms the Sony a9 in storage and battery with a score of 79/100, compared to the a9’s 65/100. Both cameras share the same specifications in terms of memory card slots and compatibility, each having two slots and accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards (UHS-II compatible).

The a9 II’s advantage lies in its battery life and USB charging capability. With a battery life of 690 shots, it surpasses the a9 by 40 shots. Additionally, the a9 II offers USB charging, making it more convenient for users to charge the camera on-the-go. Both cameras use the same battery type, the NP-FZ100.

The Sony a9, however, does not have any significant advantages over the a9 II in terms of storage and battery. The only difference is its slightly shorter battery life of 650 shots.

Considering these factors, the Sony a9 II proves to be the superior choice in terms of storage and battery performance. The extended battery life and USB charging option provide users with a more convenient and reliable experience.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Sony a9 or the Sony a9 II:

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