Sony a9 III vs a9 II

Sony has unveiled the Alpha 9 III (a9 III), the highly anticipated successor to the impressive a9 II mirrorless camera. With groundbreaking features like a global electronic shutter and blackout-free shooting at 120 fps, the a9 III represents a major technological leap for mirrorless cameras. In this comparison preview, we’ll explore how the capabilities of the pioneering a9 III stack up against its predecessor to help you decide if it’s time to upgrade.

The biggest improvements include faster continuous shooting, enhanced subject tracking, 8K-derived video capabilities, and better image stabilisation and ruggedisation. While the a9 II is no slouch, the a9 III sets a new standard for speed, consistency and distortion-free image quality.

Sony a9 III vs a9 II: Which Camera Should You Buy?

Quick Overview of Key Specs

Before we dive in, let’s briefly highlight some of the biggest features of each model:

Sony a9 III

• 24.6MP global shutter sensor
• Blackout-free shooting up to 120 fps
• 1/80,000 sec flash sync speed
• 759 phase detect AF points
• Enhanced subject recognition

Sony a9 II

• 24MP sensor with anti-distortion shutter
• Continuous shooting up to 20 fps
• 693-point phase detect AF system
• 5-axis in-body image stabilisation
• 4K 30p video recording

Sony a9 III vs a9 II Pricing

With a £2,000 premium, the a9 III commands a hefty upgrade cost. Let’s see how their specs compare to help determine if it’s justified.

Sony a9 III – £6099 UK for camera body only

Sony a9 II – £4199 UK for camera body only

Detailed Comparison

Now that we’ve covered the key specs and pricing, let’s dive deeper into comparing these two impressive cameras…

Sony A9 II Overview

The Sony a9 II is a high-end full-frame mirrorless camera designed for professionals capturing action. It packs a 24MP stacked CMOS sensor and BIONZ X processor for fast performance up to 20 fps with AF/AE tracking using the mechanical shutter.

This speed is supported by 693 phase-detection AF points covering 93% of the image area for reliable subject tracking. 5-axis in-body stabilisation provides up to 5.5 stops compensation with compatible lenses. The a9 II records oversampled 4K 30p video and provides extensive connectivity options in a rugged yet slim weather-sealed body. Dual UHS-II SD card slots, large capacity battery, and customisation for sports make the a9 II a versatile choice for photojournalists, event shooters and more.

Key Features

• 24MP Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor
• BIONZ X processor
• Mechanical shutter up to 20 fps continuous shooting
• Electronic shutter up to 30 fps continuous shooting
• 693-point phase detection AF system
• AF/AE tracking for bursts
• 5-axis in-body image stabilisation, 5.5 stops compensation
• 4K 30p video with full pixel readout
• Rugged, weather-sealed magnesium alloy body
• 3.0” tilting touchscreen LCD
• 3.7M dot OLED electronic viewfinder
• WI-FI, Bluetooth, Ethernet, HDMI, PC Sync connectivity
• Dual UHS-II SD card slots
• NP-FZ100 battery up to 710 shots per charge
• Extensive customisation for sports/action

See a Sony a9 II Review.

Sony A9 III Overview

The Sony a9 III takes the performance of the acclaimed a9 series to new heights. This groundbreaking mirrorless camera is built around a 24.6MP stacked Exmor RS sensor and BIONZ XR processor enabling capabilities unmatched by any other full-frame model.

The flagship a9 III offers continuous shooting at a blistering 120 fps free of blackout and distortion thanks to its global shutter design—a first for full frame. Enhanced subject tracking reliably acquires focus on erratic subjects with 759 phase detection points covering over 95% of the image area. The rugged, pro-oriented body provides up to 8 stops of 5-axis stabilization for handheld shooting. With breakthrough innovations in every area, the a9 III sets a new benchmark in speed, precision and consistency.

What Are the Key Differences Between the Sony a9 III and a9 II?

When considering whether to upgrade from the a9 II to the new a9 III, there are several important factors that set these two models apart:

Image Sensor:

• a9 III: New 24.6MP stacked Exmor RS sensor with global shutter enables blackout-free bursts up to 120 fps.
• a9 II: 24MP stacked sensor with anti-distortion shutter provides continuous shooting up to 20 fps.

Shutter/Sync Speed:

• a9 III: 1/80,000 sec max shutter speed, 1/80,000 sec flash sync speed due to global shutter.
• a9 II: 1/32,000 sec max shutter speed, 1/250 sec flash sync speed with mechanical shutter.

Processing Power:

• a9 III: Upgraded BIONZ XR processor, up to 8x power of previous gen.
• a9 II: BIONZ X processor provides impressive capabilities but lower processing power.

AF System:

• a9 III: 759 phase-detect points, enhanced subject recognition and Eye AF capabilities.
• a9 II: 693 phase-detect points, excellent subject tracking but not as advanced.

Video Capabilities:

• a9 III: 4K 120p, 10-bit 4:2:2 capture, S-Cinetone profiles.
• a9 II: 4K 30p, 8-bit 4:2:0 capture, S-Log2/3 profiles.

Sony a9 III vs a9 II – Image Quality & Low Light Performance

When it comes to image quality and low light capabilities, the a9 III and a9 II have key differences that impact performance. Let’s compare the sensor resolution, processing, ISO range, and stabilization between these models.

What Should Be Your Choice For Image Quality, Sensor And Resolution:

• a9 III: 24.6MP resolution
• a9 II: 24MP resolution

With its slightly higher resolution sensor, the a9 III provides a small bump in image quality potential.

✅ For overall image quality and resolution, the a9 III takes the lead.

What Would You Choose For Image Processing:

• a9 III: Upgraded BIONZ XR processor
• a9 II: Previous generation BIONZ X processor

The enhanced processing power of the BIONZ XR gives the a9 III an advantage for image processing tasks.

✅ For image processing, the a9 III comes out on top.

What Should Be Your Choice For Low-Light Performance:

Low-light performance is a key consideration.

• a9 III: Native ISO 100-51,200, exp. to ISO 50-204,800
• a9 II: Native ISO 100-51,200, exp. to ISO 50-204,800

Given the identical ISO range, both cameras should deliver comparable low-light performance.

However, the a9 III’s faster processing may provide some advantage in noise reduction at high ISOs. More testing is needed to fully compare.

✅ For low-light performance, it’s a tie between the a9 III and a9 II.

What Should Be Your Choice For Image Stabilisation:

• a9 III: 5-axis IBIS rated to 8 stops with supported lenses
• a9 II: 5-axis IBIS rated to 5.5 stops with supported lenses

With its improved stabilization rating, the a9 III has an edge for handheld shooting.

✅ For image stabilisation, the a9 III comes out on top.

Sony a9 III vs a9 II Image Quality & Low Light Summary:

Both the a9 III and a9 II deliver impressive image quality and high ISO performance. However, the a9 III gains some key advantages:

• The a9 III’s 24.6MP resolution provides a small bump over the 24MP a9 II.
• The upgraded BIONZ XR processor enables enhanced image processing.
• The ISO range is identical, but faster processing may give the a9 III an edge.
• Improved 5-axis IBIS on the a9 III benefits handheld shooting.

While both cameras offer excellent image quality, the a9 III pulls ahead thanks to its higher resolution, faster processor, and upgraded stabilization.

⭐ For overall image quality and low-light performance, the Sony a9 III is the preferred choice.

Sony a9 III vs a9 II – Continuous Shooting & Autofocus Performance

When capturing fast action, continuous shooting rate and autofocus performance are critical. Let’s see how the a9 III and a9 II compare in these areas.

Continuous Shooting Rate

• a9 III: Up to 120 fps blackout-free shooting
• a9 II: Up to 20 fps anti-distortion shooting

The a9 III’s global shutter enables astonishing continuous shooting speeds of up to 120 fps with no viewfinder blackout or distortion. This empowers you to capture fast action like never before and ensure nothing is missed.

✅ The a9 III’s dramatically faster burst shooting gives it a big advantage.

Autofocus System

• a9 III: 759 phase-detect points, enhanced subject recognition
• a9 II: 693 phase-detect points, excellent tracking

With 150+ additional AF points covering more of the frame, the a9 III focuses reliably on subjects anywhere in the scene. Upgraded tracking recognizes more animals, people, and vehicles.

✅ The a9 III pulls ahead with broader AF coverage and improved subject recognition.

Sony a9 III vs a9 II Burst Shooting & AF Summary:

While both deliver impressive capabilities, the a9 III’s blackout-free 120 fps bursts and sophisticated AF system provide a decisive advantage for capturing peak action moments with precision and consistency.

⭐ For continuous shooting rate and autofocus performance, the Sony a9 III comes out on top.

Sony a9 III vs a9 II – Video Comparison

Let’s take a deeper look at how the video capabilities of the a9 III and a9 II stack up.

Maximum Video Resolution

• a9 III: 4K 120p, 10-bit 4:2:2
• a9 II: 4K 30p, 8-bit 4:2:0

With high bandwidth 10-bit 4:2:2 encoding, the a9 III provides more flexibility for adjusting colours in post. And the 4K 120p resolution enables silky smooth slow motion.

✅ The a9 III offers higher quality 4K video overall.

Recording Time Limit

• a9 III: Unlimited (based on temperature)
• a9 II: 30-minute continuous limit

The a9 III eliminates the 30-minute ceiling for continuous recording under typical conditions. This makes it much better suited for shooting events, weddings, and documentaries over long periods.

✅ For recording time, the a9 III comes out on top.

Summary

While both offer impressive video, the a9 III’s 4K 120p 10-bit capture and unlimited recording give it a decisive edge for professional videography.

⭐ For video capabilities, the Sony a9 III is the superior choice.

Let me know if you would like me to expand on any of the video specification comparisons in more detail.

Sony a9 III vs a9 II – Physical Design & Connectivity

Let’s explore how the a9 III and a9 II compare in terms of their physical attributes and connectivity options.

Body Design and Ergonomics

• a9 III: Redesigned deeper grip and refined button layout
• a9 II: Excellent grip and control layout

The a9 III’s redesigned body provides a more secure handhold, with improved button access that reduces hand strain over long shoots. This better suits the camera’s ultra-high speed capabilities.

✅ For body design, the a9 III pulls ahead.

Rear LCD Screen

• a9 III: 3.2″ fully articulating touchscreen, 2.1M dots
• a9 II: 3.0″ tilting touchscreen, 1.44M dots

With a higher resolution and more flexible vari-angle design, the a9 III’s LCD gives a more vivid composition and playback view. This aids in working from challenging positions.

✅ For rear LCD, the a9 III is superior.

Storage Media

• a9 III: Dual UHS-II SD + CFexpress Type A slots
• a9 II: Dual UHS-II SD slots

The a9 III’s addition of a CFexpress Type A slot enables blistering write speeds up to 800 MB/s for extended bursts of uncompressed files.

✅ For storage, the a9 III provides a decisive advantage.

Size and Weight

• a9 III: 5.38 x 3.88 x 3.38 in, 1 lb 8.8 oz
• a9 II: 5.07 x 3.84 x 3.05 in, 1 lb 7.4 oz

While close in size, the a9 III is slightly larger and heavier than its predecessor. This supports its deeper grip and more robust build.

✅ For size and weight, the a9 II retains a small edge.

Battery Life

• a9 III: Approx. 530 shots (LCD)
• a9 II: Approx. 500 shots (LCD)

The larger capacity battery in the a9 III extends shooting life compared to the a9 II for longer sessions in the field.

✅ For battery life, the a9 III wins.

Sony a9 III vs a9 II Physical & Connectivity Summary:

Both the a9 III and a9 II offer excellent physical handling and connectivity, with each model having strengths.

• The a9 II retains a smaller and lighter footprint for portability.
• The a9 III excels in areas like grip, LCD, storage, and battery life.

Your choice will depend on your specific priorities – whether portability, handling comfort, display quality, card speed, or battery life matters most.

⭐ While the a9 III generally wins on features, both models have compelling physical traits suiting different needs and shooting styles.

Sony a9 III vs a9 II – The Verdict

After a detailed comparison, it’s clear both the a9 III and a9 II are extremely capable cameras aimed at professionals. However, the a9 III brings some truly game-changing technologies.

The most revolutionary upgrade is the global shutter, which completely eliminates rolling shutter distortion. This enables unprecedented capabilities like blackout-free bursts up to 120 fps, 1/80,000 sec flash sync, and banding-free image capture.

For photographers needing this level of speed and distortion-free quality, the a9 III represents a giant leap forward. Enhanced subject recognition AF, 10-bit 4K 120p video, and 5-axis stabilization expand creative opportunities.

Meanwhile, the a9 II remains highly competent with excellent image quality, continuous shooting up to 20 fps, and robust video features. Its smaller footprint provides an advantage in portability.

Should You Upgrade to the a9 III?

For a9 II owners, upgrading may be the hardest to justify given the high cost. However, professionals regularly capturing fast action will benefit tremendously from the advantages. The improvements add up to a radically different shooting experience.

For those choosing between the models, the a9 III certainly warrants the premium for photographers needing next-level speed and consistency. It stretches the limits of what’s possible with mirrorless cameras today.

And there you have it!

We hope this guide proves useful, and if you’re considering purchasing either the Sony A9 II or A9 III, you’re well-equipped to make an informed decision.

Feel free to explore our other articles, such as comparisons between the Sony A7C II Vs A7IV, Sony A7C Vs A7C II and Sony A6700 Vs A7IV for more insights into Sony’s extensive camera range.

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