Sony a9 Specs and Scores
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General
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Sony a9
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Brand | Sony |
Model | a9 |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2017 |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | April 19, 2017 |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless |
Camera Size | |
Camera Weight |
The Sony a9 receives a solid score of 80/100 for its general specifications. Announced on April 19, 2017, and released later that year, this mirrorless camera entered the market with a launch price of $4500. Measuring 127 x 96 x 63mm and weighing 673g (1.48lbs), the a9 maintains a compact and lightweight design. Considering its release date and specifications, the Sony a9 remains competitive in today’s market, offering a balance of performance and portability.
Sony a9 Overview and Optics
The Sony a9 receives an optics score of 81/100. This camera features a 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, which allows for high-resolution images. The Bionz X processor ensures efficient processing and image quality. With a shooting speed of 20 frames per second, the Sony a9 excels in capturing fast-moving subjects.
The camera’s DXOMARK sensor score of 92 confirms its excellent performance in various lighting conditions. The Sony FE lens mount accommodates a wide range of lenses, offering versatility to photographers. In addition, the built-in image stabilization contributes to sharp images, even in challenging situations. The 3:2 aspect ratio is standard for most photography applications.
The Sony a9’s optics specifications prove its competitiveness in today’s market. It delivers high-quality images, fast shooting speeds, and versatile lens options, making it a top choice for photographers seeking optimal performance.
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Optics
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 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 |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | 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 |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  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. | 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 |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 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 |
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 |
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 |
Viewfinder Resolution | 3,686,400 dots |
Sony a9 Video Performance
The Sony a9 has a video score of 56/100. This camera can record videos with a maximum resolution of 4K and dimensions of 3840 x 2160. The highest video frame rate offered is 30fps. However, the camera lacks built-in time-lapse functionality.
In the current market, the Sony a9’s video capabilities are decent but not exceptional. Many competing cameras now offer higher frame rates and additional features. The absence of built-in time-lapse functionality is a drawback for some users.
The Sony a9 provides satisfactory video performance for casual users, but professionals may find it lacking in certain aspects. It remains a reliable option but may not be the top choice for dedicated videographers.
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Video
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Sony a9
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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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Sony a9 Features and Benefits
The Sony a9 boasts a feature score of 83/100, showcasing its impressive capabilities. Among these features, the camera has a 3-inch screen size with a resolution of 1,440,000 dots, ensuring sharp and clear image previews. The touchscreen and flip screen functionalities make it user-friendly and versatile for various shooting situations.
In terms of connectivity, the Sony a9 is equipped with both WiFi and Bluetooth, making it convenient for photographers to transfer images and control the camera remotely. However, it does not have a GPS feature, which may be a drawback for some users who require geotagging capabilities.
Considering the current market, the Sony a9 holds its ground with a solid set of features that cater to the demands of modern photographers. The combination of high-resolution screen, touchscreen, flip screen, and wireless connectivity make it a strong contender in today’s competitive camera landscape.
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Features
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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. |  |
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 |
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" |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 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 a9 Storage and Battery
The storage and battery of the Sony a9 receive a score of 65 out of 100. This camera has two memory card slots that accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, with compatibility for UHS-II. In terms of battery life, the Sony a9 lasts for 650 shots using the NP-FZ100 battery type. However, it lacks USB charging functionality.
Compared to other cameras in today’s market, the Sony a9’s storage capacity and battery life are adequate but not exceptional. The dual memory card slots and UHS-II compatibility provide flexibility and faster transfer speeds, while the battery life falls within the standard range for mirrorless cameras. The absence of USB charging might be a drawback for some users seeking a more convenient charging method.
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Storage and Battery
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) |
Dual Memory Card Slots |  |
Battery Type | 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 |
USB Charging |  |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |
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.' | 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.' | 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' | 3517 |
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Scores
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User Scores
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B&H photo video |
Sony a9 Alternatives
Do you want to know how the Sony a9 compares to its competitors? Have a look at the most popular comparisons for this camera below:
- Canon EOS R5 vs Sony a9
- Sony a7 III vs a9
- Sony a9 vs a9 II
- Sony a6600 vs a9
- Canon EOS R7 vs Sony a9
- Sony a7R IV vs a9
Sony a9 FAQ
Does the Sony a9 Have Built-in Image Stabilization?
Yes, the Sony a9 features a 5-axis in-body image stabilization system, which helps to reduce camera shake and improve image sharpness in both stills and video recording.
Does the Sony a9 Support 4K Video Recording?
Yes, the Sony a9 supports 4K video recording at 30fps, providing high-resolution and detailed footage for both professional and casual videographers.
What Size Sensor Does The Sony a9 Have?
The Sony a9 is equipped with a full-frame 24.2MP Exmor RS CMOS sensor, offering excellent image quality and low-light performance.
Does the Sony a9 Have a Dual Memory Card Slot?
Yes, the Sony a9 features a dual memory card slot, allowing for more storage capacity and the ability to separate file types or use one card as a backup.
Does the Sony a9 Have a Touch Screen?
Yes, the Sony a9 has a 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD, which provides intuitive control and easy navigation of the camera’s settings and features.
Does the Sony a9 Have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?
Yes, the Sony a9 is equipped with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, enabling wireless transfer of images and remote control of the camera through compatible devices.
Does the Sony a9 Have GPS?
No, the Sony a9 does not have built-in GPS. However, you can still geotag your images using the PlayMemories Mobile app on a connected smartphone.
Is the Sony a9 Weather Sealed?
Yes, the Sony a9 features a durable magnesium alloy body and is weather-sealed to protect against dust and moisture, ensuring reliable performance in various conditions.
Does the Sony a9 Have a Built-in Flash?
No, the Sony a9 does not have a built-in flash. However, it has a multi-interface shoe that supports a variety of external flashes and accessories.