• 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 72.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony A9 advantages over Canon G1X Mark III

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.93 vs 3.72 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Fast startup
    ~1.20 vs 2.1 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer video battery life
    105 vs 85 minutes
    Capture more video
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 650 vs 200 shots
    Capture more photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More dots on screen
    1440k vs 1040k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    20.0 fps vs 9.3 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    364 vs 23 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    20.0 fps vs 9.4 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    240 vs 16 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon G1X Mark III advantages over Sony A9

  • Less expensive
    $999 vs $2999
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/250 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Lighter weight
    399g vs 673g
    Lighter weight
  • Less shutter lag
    0.12 vs 0.22 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Both provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Both provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • New sensor offers incredible performance; Excellent image quality at low & high ISOs; Very good dynamic range; Phenomenal 20fps burst speed & deep buffer; Very good battery life for a mirrorless; 4K video; Dual card slots.

  • Slow buffer clearing; Only one card slot is UHS-II compatible; Touchscreen underutilized; No lossless RAW compression option; No 4K/60p option.

The Competition

Compared to Leica X-E (Typ 102)

Sony A9
Leica X-E (Typ 102)
  • $3147
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $1534
  • APS-C
  • Internal flash
  • Higher max flash sync
Canon G1X Mark III
Leica X-E (Typ 102)
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1534
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony A7R II

Sony A9
Sony A7R II
  • $3147
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen
  • $2898
  • 35mm
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More pixels
Canon G1X Mark III
Sony A7R II
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2898
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Leica SL (Typ 601)

Sony A9
Leica SL (Typ 601)
  • $3147
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Built-in GPS
  • Top deck display
Canon G1X Mark III
Leica SL (Typ 601)
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Fujifilm X70

Sony A9
Fujifilm X70
  • $3147
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Canon G1X Mark III
Fujifilm X70
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Sony A9 II

Sony A9
Sony A9 II
  • $3147
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • $4498
  • 35mm
  • Newer
Canon G1X Mark III
Sony A9 II
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $4498
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
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