Sony A9 specifications
Sensor 24.2MP full-frame Exmor RS CMOS (35.6 x 23.8mm)
Focal length conversion on lens 1x
Memory 2 x SD card slot (1 x UHS-II, 1 x UHS-I)
Viewfinder OLED EVF, 3,686k dots
Max video resolution 4K UHD 3,840 x 2,160
ISO range 100-51,200, expandable to 50-204,800
Autofocus Hybrid AF, 693 phase-detection AF points, 25 contrast AF
Max burst rate 20fps (electronic shutter), 5fps (mechanical shutter)
Screen Tilting 3-inch touchscreen, 1,440k dots
Shutter speeds 30-1/8,000 sec, Bulb, 30-1/32,000 sec (electronic)
Weight 673g (body only, with battery and memory card)
Dimensions 127 x 96 x 63mm
Power supply NP-FZ100 lithium-ion battery (supplied)
Lab results
We use Imatest and DxO Analyzer hardware and software to test cameras for their colour accuracy (colour error) signal to noise ratio (the amount of noise in the images) and dynamic range (their ability to capture detail in very bright and dark areas). We also pick three rival cameras to test them against.
Colour error
We pitched the Sony Alpha 9 against three high-speed pro rivals: the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II, the Nikon D5 and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II. In the colour error test, the Alpha 9 was just beaten by the Canon.
Signal to noise ratio
These cameras are evenly matched here. Again, the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II was a narrow winner, while the Olympus and its smaller sensor lagged a little behind.
Dynamic range
Despite its newer sensor, the A9 does not have the best dynamic range here. At low or medium ISO settings, both the Canon and the Olympus are a tad better.
