Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
|
✓ WINNER
 86
SCORE
|
 80
SCORE
|
|
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand | Sony | Sony |
| Model | a1 | a9 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2021 | 2017 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
26/01/2021 | 19/04/2017 |
| Camera type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 129 x 97 x 81 mm | 127 x 96 x 63 mm |
| Camera weight | 737 g | 673 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
50.1 MP050 | 24.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
8640 x 5760 | 6000 x 4000 |
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 | 23.8 x 35.6 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
Full Frame | Full 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. |
30 fps045 | 20 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 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. |
Dual Bionz XR | 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 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
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. |
320003003280000 | 512003003280000 |
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. |
5030200 | 5030200 |
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. |
1024003003280000 | 2048003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
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. |
3200080032000 | 800080032000 |
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. |
7590300 | 6930300 |
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. |
Electronic | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | 943718409900000 | 368640009900000 |
| 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. |
8K | 4K |
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. |
7680 x 4320 | 3840 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. |
120 fps | 30 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. |
LPCM 2ch(48 kHz 16bit), LPCM 2ch(48 kHz 24bit), LPCM 4ch(48 kHz 24bit), MPEG-4 AAC-LC 2ch | XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4 |
| 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 | 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 dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
14400001150001500000 | 14400001150001500000 |
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,CFexpress Type A (UHS-II compatible) | 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. |
530 shots1505000 | 650 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✓ | ✗ |
The Sony a1 outperforms the Sony a9 with a score of 86/100 compared to the a9’s 80/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share similarities in size and weight, with the a1 measuring 129 x 97 x 81mm and weighing 737g, and the a9 at 127 x 96 x 63mm and 673g.
The a1 excels with its more recent release in 2021 and a higher launch price of $6499, indicating advanced features and technology. On the other hand, the a9, released in 2017, is more budget-friendly with a launch price of $4500.
While the Sony a1 offers improved performance and the latest technology, the Sony a9 provides a more affordable option without compromising on quality. Therefore, the choice between the two depends on individual preferences and budget considerations.
The Sony a1 outperforms the Sony a9 in optics with a score of 89/100 compared to the a9’s score of 81/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, Sony FE lens mount, and image stabilization.
The Sony a1 excels with its 50.1 megapixels, significantly more than the a9’s 24.2 megapixels. This higher resolution allows for greater detail capture and larger print sizes. Additionally, the a1 has a faster shooting speed at 30 frames per second (fps), compared to the a9’s 20 fps. This makes the a1 more suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects and action scenes. The a1 also features a more advanced dual Bionz XR processor, resulting in faster processing and improved image quality. Furthermore, the a1 boasts a higher DXOMARK sensor score of 98, indicating better overall image quality and low-light performance than the a9’s score of 92.
On the other hand, the Sony a9 still offers respectable optics performance with its 24.2-megapixel resolution, 20 fps shooting speed, and Bionz X processor. While not as advanced as the a1, these features make the a9 a reliable option for various photography needs.
Considering the differences in specifications, the Sony a1 emerges as the superior camera in terms of optics. With its higher megapixel count, faster shooting speed, improved processor, and higher DXOMARK sensor score, the a1 provides better image quality and performance. However, the Sony a9 remains a viable option for photographers who do not require the advanced features of the a1 and seek a more budget-friendly alternative.
The Sony a1 outperforms the Sony a9 in video capabilities with a score of 86/100 compared to the a9’s 56/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as the lack of built-in time-lapse functionality. However, the Sony a1 boasts superior video features that contribute to its higher score.
The Sony a1’s most significant advantage is its maximum video resolution of 8K (7680 x 4320) compared to the Sony a9’s 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution. This difference allows the a1 to capture more detail, resulting in higher-quality videos. Additionally, the a1 supports a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, while the a9 only reaches 30fps. The higher frame rate enables the a1 to produce smoother, more fluid video footage, especially when capturing fast-moving subjects or creating slow-motion effects.
Despite its lower score, the Sony a9 still has some strong points. Its 4K video resolution is adequate for most users, providing high-quality footage suitable for various purposes. Moreover, the a9’s lower maximum video frame rate of 30fps may be sufficient for general use, particularly for those not focused on fast-action or slow-motion videography.
The Sony a1 clearly excels in video capabilities, with its higher resolution and faster frame rate making it a superior choice for videographers seeking top-notch performance. On the other hand, the Sony a9’s 4K resolution and 30fps frame rate are suitable for everyday use and may be sufficient for those not prioritizing advanced video features. Ultimately, the a1’s superior video performance justifies its higher score, while the a9 remains a viable option for users with less demanding video requirements.
The Sony a1 and the Sony a9 both receive an identical feature score of 83 out of 100. This score reveals that the two cameras possess many similar specifications and capabilities.
Both the Sony a1 and the Sony a9 have a 3-inch screen size, a screen resolution of 1,440,000 dots, and touchscreen functionality. Additionally, both cameras feature a flip screen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth capabilities. These shared specifications make both cameras highly competitive and appealing to photographers and videographers alike.
Despite their equal feature scores, the Sony a1 surpasses the Sony a9 in certain aspects. The a1 offers faster continuous shooting, higher resolution, and advanced video capabilities, making it more suitable for professional photographers and videographers who require top-of-the-line performance.
On the other hand, the Sony a9 has a longer battery life and a more affordable price point, making it a better option for hobbyists and semi-professional users who prioritize battery life and budget-friendly options.
Considering these factors, the Sony a1 is a better choice for professionals who need advanced features and high-performance capabilities. The Sony a9, with its longer battery life and lower price, is a more suitable option for enthusiasts and semi-professionals who prioritize value for money. While both cameras have identical feature scores, their individual strengths cater to different user needs and preferences, making each camera a solid choice depending on the photographer’s specific requirements.
The Sony a1 outperforms the Sony a9 in storage and battery with a score of 73/100, compared to the a9’s 65/100. Both cameras share common specifications, such as two memory card slots and the NP-FZ100 battery type. However, there are crucial differences that set them apart.
The a1’s advantage lies in its compatibility with both SD and CFexpress Type A memory cards, providing greater flexibility in storage options. Additionally, the a1 offers USB charging, making it more convenient for charging on-the-go.
On the other hand, the Sony a9 offers a longer battery life, with 650 shots compared to the a1’s 530 shots. This may be beneficial for extended shooting sessions. Nevertheless, the a9 lacks USB charging capabilities.
In comparing storage and battery, the Sony a1 takes the lead due to its versatile memory card compatibility and convenient USB charging feature. However, the Sony a9’s longer battery life may be attractive to some users.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Sony a1 or the Sony a9:
