Sony a9
Sony · Mirrorless · 24.2 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| 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 | 127 x 96 x 63 mm |
| Camera weight | 673 g |
Optics81/100 | |
About the OpticsThe Sony a9 receives a solid score of 80/100 for its general specifications. 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 OpticsThe 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. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 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 |
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 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  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. | 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 |
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 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 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. | 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 |
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. | 2048003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 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. | 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. | 6930300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |  Yes |
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 dots | 368640009900000 |
Video56/100 | |
About the VideoThe 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. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  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. | 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. | 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. | No |
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 |
Features83/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe 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. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | No |
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. |  Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
| 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. |  Yes |
| Screen size | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 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. |  Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |  Yes |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  Yes |
Storage & Battery65/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe 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. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) |
| Dual memory card slots |  Yes |
| 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 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |