Sony Alpha a9 II vs Nikon Z9
Sony Alpha a9 II Black 2017
Nikon Z9 Black 2021
What Buyers Say
Sony Alpha a9 II Black 2017
The Sony A9II is overwhelmingly praised for its blazing-fast autofocus, high burst rates, and excellent low-light performance, making it a favorite among wildlife and sports photographers. Users note a rare focus lock issue that can cause blurry shots, but it's infrequent and easily fixed. Some wish for more megapixels and additional video features, but overall, it's seen as a versatile and reliable workhorse.
Pros
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- 20 fps burst shooting
- Excellent low-light performance
- No blackout EVF
- Great tracking for wildlife
Cons
- Occasional focus lock issue
- Only 24 megapixels
- Lacks picture profiles for video
- Expensive compared to A7RIV
Nikon Z9 Black 2021
The Nikon Z9 is widely praised as a flagship mirrorless camera that delivers outstanding image quality, blazing-fast autofocus, and robust build quality. Enthusiasts and professionals alike appreciate its continuous firmware updates, which have added valuable features and refined performance. While some users note its substantial weight and learning curve, the overwhelming consensus is that it is one of the best cameras available, offering exceptional versatility and reliability.
Pros
- Excellent autofocus speed and accuracy
- Superb image quality and color
- Robust build and weather sealing
- Long battery life
- Continuous firmware updates
Cons
- Heavy and bulky body
- Steep learning curve
- High price point
- Requires new Z-mount lenses for full benefit
Scores
Specifications
| Sony Alpha a9 II | Nikon Z9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | CMOS | Stacked CMOS |
| Size | full-frame | full-frame |
| Megapixels | 24.200000762939453 MP | 45.70000076293945 MP★ |
| ISO Range | 100 | 64★ |
| Processor | BIONZ X | EXPEED 7 |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | ||
| AF Type | Phase Detection: 693Contrast Detection: 425 | Phase Detection: 493 |
| Eye AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Animal AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Subject Detection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 20 fps | 30 fps★ |
| Burst (Electronic) | 20 fps | 120 fps★ |
| Max Shutter | 1/32000 | 1/32000 |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 8K★ |
| 4K FPS | 30 fps | 120 fps★ |
| 1080p FPS | 120 fps★ | 100 fps |
| 10-bit | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Log Profile | ✗ | ✓★ |
| RAW Video | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Codec | XAVC S, AVCHD | ProRes 422 HQ, H.265 |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3" | 3.2"★ |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 3.7M dots | 3.7M dots★ |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.68 kg★ | 1.16 kg |
| Battery Life | 500 shots | 700 shots★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB | USB-C 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1 | USB-C |
| HDMI | Micro-HDMI | HDMI Output |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
Sony Alpha a9 II Black 2017
- Strong build (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong af (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong battery (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Below average affordability (17th percentile)17th %ile
Nikon Z9 Black 2021
- Strong build (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong video (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong battery (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Below average affordability (9th percentile)9th %ile
Verdict
Scores 98 overall, wins 9 of 10 usage categories and 12 of 33 specs.