• 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 10.2 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 51,200

Buy From

Differences

Sony A9 advantages over Panasonic GH5S

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.93 vs 4.51 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Longer video battery life
    105 vs 60 minutes
    Capture more video
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 650 vs 440 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Thinner
    63 mm vs 87 mm
    Thinner
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 10.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    20.0 fps vs 11.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    20.0 fps vs 12.5 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    240 vs 120 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/16000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Panasonic GH5S advantages over Sony A9

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Less expensive
    $1798 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
  • Slower slow-motion
    240 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    600 vs 364 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Both provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Both provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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.

  • Excellent video quality; Very good high ISO performance; Cinema 4K & UHD video up to 60p; Full HD up to 240p; 10-bit internal video recording; Tons of features & options for advanced/pro videographers.

  • 10MP resolution is limiting for still photos; No in-body image stabilization; Slower AF than GH5; Buffer clearing could be faster; No 6K Photo features due to sensor resolution.

The Competition

Compared to Sony A7R II

Sony A9
Sony A7R II
  • $3147
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen
  • $2898
  • 35mm
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More pixels
Panasonic GH5S
Sony A7R II
  • $1998
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $2898
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

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
Panasonic GH5S
Leica SL (Typ 601)
  • $1998
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic GH5

Sony A9
Panasonic GH5
  • $3147
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
Panasonic GH5S
Panasonic GH5
  • $1998
  • 4/3
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Panasonic G9

Sony A9
Panasonic G9
  • $3147
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1065
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
Panasonic GH5S
Panasonic G9
  • $1998
  • 4/3
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1065
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Sony A9 II

Sony A9
Sony A9 II
  • $3147
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • $4498
  • 35mm
  • Newer
Panasonic GH5S
Sony A9 II
  • $1998
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $4498
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Compare Other Cameras?