• 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • ISO 80 - 102,400

Buy From

Differences

Sony A9 advantages over Sony A7S III

  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Sony A7S III advantages over Sony A9

  • 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
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 8.40 vs 5.93 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Newer
    4 years vs 8 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Higher-res screen
    480k vs 360k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.90x vs 0.78x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Higher extended ISO
    409600 vs 204800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

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
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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
  • NFC
    Both provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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

  • 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.

The Competition

Compared to Sony A7S II

Sony A9
Sony A7S II
  • $2995
  • 35mm
  • Touchscreen
  • Fast startup
  • $2398
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
Sony A7S III
Sony A7S II
  • $3348
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $2398
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive

Compared to Leica SL (Typ 601)

Sony A9
Leica SL (Typ 601)
  • $2995
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Built-in GPS
  • Top deck display
Sony A7S III
Leica SL (Typ 601)
  • $3348
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Built-in GPS
  • Top deck display

Compared to Sony A7R III

Sony A9
Sony A7R III
  • $2995
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $2204
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • High resolution composite
Sony A7S III
Sony A7R III
  • $3348
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $2204
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • High resolution composite

Compared to Sony A9 II

Sony A9
Sony A9 II
  • $2995
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • $4498
  • 35mm
  • Newer
Sony A7S III
Sony A9 II
  • $3348
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $4498
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • More pixels

Compared to Canon R6

Sony A9
Canon R6
  • $2995
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • Thinner
  • $2149
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Sony A7S III
Canon R6
  • $3348
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2149
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect
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