Sony Alpha A7R III vs Sony Alpha A9
- Full frame
- 42 megapixels
- Sony E
-
64
Overall -
46
Imaging -
88
Features -
73
Size -
0
Price
- Full frame
- 24 megapixels
- Sony E
-
50
Overall -
24
Imaging -
81
Features -
74
Size -
0
Price
Sony Alpha A7R III vs Sony Alpha A9: a Complete Review and Comparison
Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
The goal of this overview is to provide a detailed comparison of two popular camera models from Pro Mirrorless category, introduced by Sony. We are going to take a closer look at the technical and physical characteristics, features, and performance. The models we are going to assess and compare in this review are Alpha A7R III and Alpha A9. Both products that we are going to review are equipped with the same type of sensor - BSI-CMOS. However, they have different resolution. Thus, Sony Alpha A7R III comes with a 42.0 MP BSI-CMOS sensor, while the Sony Alpha A9 features a 24.0 MP BSI-CMOS sensor.
Now, before we can move on to our comparison, let's take a moment to look at the key characteristics of Sony Alpha A7R III and Sony Alpha A9.
Sony Alpha A7R III Key Features:
- 42.0 MP Full frame BSI-CMOS sensor
- ISO 100 - 32000 (Expands to 50 - 102400)
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- 3″ Tilting Screen
- ViewFinder: Yes
- 10.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- Video: 3840 x 2160 (30p, 25p, 24p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 24p), 1440 x 1080 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
- Built-in Wireless: Yes
- Dimensions: 127 x 96 x 74 mm
- Weight: 657 g
- Environmental Sealing: Yes
- Built-in GPS: No
- Replaced Sony A7R II.
Sony Alpha A9 Key Features:
- 24.0 MP Full frame BSI-CMOS sensor
- ISO 100 - 51200 (Expands to 50 - 204800)
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- 3″ Tilting Screen
- ViewFinder: Yes
- 20.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- Built-in Wireless: Yes
- Dimensions: 127 x 96 x 63 mm
- Weight: 673 g
- Environmental Sealing: Yes
- Built-in GPS: No
Being a newer model, Sony Alpha A7R III substituted Sony A7R II.
Why is Sony Alpha A7R III a better choice than Sony Alpha A9
| Timelapse Recording | No vs No | Creative shooting |
| Sensor Resolution | 42.0 MP vs 24.0 MP | 42.9% more pixels |
| Sensor Area | 861.6 mm2 vs 847.28 mm2 | 1.7% larger pixel area |
| Weight | 657 g vs 673 g | 16 g lighter |
| Dxo Color Depth | 26 vs 24.9 | Better color depth |
| Dxo Dynamic Range | 14.7 vs 13.3 | Better dynamic range |
| Dxo Low Light Iso | 3523 vs 3517 | Better High ISO performance |
What are the key reasons to pick Sony Alpha A9 over Sony Alpha A7R III
| Continuous Shooting | 20 fps vs 10 fps | 10 fps faster |
| Number Of Focus Points | 693 vs 425 | 268 more focus points |
Key PROs of Sony Alpha A7R III and Sony Alpha A9
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes | Easy control of camera functions |
| Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ | Large display |
| Screen Resolution | 1,440k dots | 1,440k dots | High resolution screen |
| Screen Type | Tilting | Tilting | Help viewing and changing settings easily |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic | Better framing and control |
| Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
| Sensor Resolution | 42.0 MP | 24.0 MP | Bigger prints and more details |
| AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes | Yes | Very handy for portraits |
| Microphone Port | Yes | Yes | High quality audio recording option |
| Headphone Port | Yes | Yes | Better video control |
| Storage Slots | 2 slots | 2 slots | Extra Storage Slots |
| Bracketing | Yes | Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
| Continuous Shooting | 10.0 fps | 20.0 fps | Nice continuous shooting |
| Image Stabilization | Yes | Yes | Built-in stabilization |
| Flash Sync Port | Yes | Yes | Port for Flash Sync |
| Environmental Sealing | Yes | Yes | Shoot at tough conditions |
| Battery Life | 650 shots | 650 shots | Big number of frames with a single charge |
Key CONs of Sony Alpha A7R III and Sony Alpha A9
| Timelapse Recording | Yes | No | No timelapse recording |
| Built-In Flash | No | No | No built-in flash |
Sony Alpha A7R III vs Sony Alpha A9: Comparing Two Models By Physical Characteristics
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Sony Alpha A7R III and Sony Alpha A9 from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Sony Alpha A7R III is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 16g less than the Sony Alpha A9. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Comparing Sony Alpha A7R III and Sony Alpha A9 by the type of Sensor and Resolution
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Sony Alpha A7R III and Sony Alpha A9 any different in terms of sensor type?
In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Sony Alpha A7R III features a 42.0 MP Full frame sized BSI-CMOS sensor and boasts of a Bionz X processor . Sony Alpha A9, in its turn, comes with a 24.0 MP Full frame sized BSI-CMOS sensor and BIONZ X processor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Sony Alpha A7R III and Sony Alpha A9 by the size of their sensors.
Sony Alpha A7R III and Sony Alpha A9 are identical by this indicator, as each feature a sensor of the same size. Thus, both cameras will provide the same level of control in terms of the depth of field if you use them with the same focal length and aperture.
For Which Fields Of Photography Are Sony Alpha A7R III and Sony Alpha A9 Suitable?
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Sony Alpha A7R III and Sony Alpha A9 in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
| Photography Type | Sony Alpha A7R III | Sony Alpha A9 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait Photography |
|
|
| Street Photography |
|
|
| Sports Photography |
|
|
| Daily Photography |
|
|
| Landscape Photography |
|
|
Sony Alpha A7R III for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (42 MP)
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
- Image Stabilization
- Face Detection Focusing
Disadvantages:
No Significant DisadvantagesSony Alpha A9 for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (35.6 x 23.8 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (24 MP)
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
- Image Stabilization
- Face Detection Focusing
Disadvantages:
No Significant DisadvantagesSony Alpha A7R III for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Image Stabilization
- Large Full frame(35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
Disadvantages:
- Big size (127 x 96 x 74 mm)
Sony Alpha A9 for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Image Stabilization
- Large Full frame(35.6 x 23.8 mm) sensor
Disadvantages:
- Big size (127 x 96 x 63 mm)
Sony Alpha A7R III for Sports Photography
Advantages:
- Environmental Sealing
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
- Big Number of autofocus Points (425)
- Nice Low Light ISO (3523)
- Big size (127 x 96 x 74 mm)
Disadvantages:
- Slow Continuous Shooting (10.0 fps)
- Small battery life (650 shots)
Sony Alpha A9 for Sports Photography
Advantages:
- Fast Continuous Shooting (20.0 fps)
- Environmental Sealing
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
- Big Number of autofocus Points (693)
- Nice Low Light ISO (3517)
Disadvantages:
- Small battery life (650 shots)
Sony Alpha A7R III for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Wireless Connectivity
- Video is available
Disadvantages:
- Big weight (657 g)
- Big size (127 x 96 x 74 mm)
- No Built-in Flash
Sony Alpha A9 for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (35.6 x 23.8 mm) sensor
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Wireless Connectivity
- Video is available
Disadvantages:
- Big weight (673 g)
- Big size (127 x 96 x 63 mm)
- No Built-in Flash
Sony Alpha A7R III for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (42 MP)
- Good Dynamic Range (14.7)
- Environmental Sealing
- Live View
- RAW Support
- Nice Low Light ISO (3523)
Disadvantages:
No Significant DisadvantagesSony Alpha A9 for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (35.6 x 23.8 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (24 MP)
- Good Dynamic Range (13.3)
- Environmental Sealing
- Live View
- RAW Support
- Nice Low Light ISO (3517)
Disadvantages:
No Significant DisadvantagesComparison of Sony Alpha A7R III vs Sony Alpha A9: Final Verdict
Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Sony Alpha A7R III or Sony Alpha A9, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Sony Alpha A7R III and Sony Alpha A9 here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Sony Alpha A7R III deserves a higher Total Score than the Sony Alpha A9. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
Sony Alpha A7R III vs Sony Alpha A9 Table Of Technical Specs
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
| Sony Alpha A7R III | Sony Alpha A9 | |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand | Sony | Sony |
| Model | Alpha A7R III | Alpha A9 |
| Announced | Oct 25, 2017 | Apr 19, 2017 |
| Body Type | SLR-style mirrorless | SLR-style mirrorless |
| Sensor | ||
| Sensor Type | BSI-CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full frame | Full frame |
| Sensor Dimensions | 35.9 x 24 mm | 35.6 x 23.8 mm |
| Sensor Area | 861.60 mm2 | 847.28 mm2 |
| Sensor Resolution | 42.0 MP | 24.0 MP |
| Max Image Resolution | 7952 x 5304 | 6000 x 4000 |
| Max Native ISO | 32,000 | 51,200 |
| Max Boosted ISO | 102,400 | 204,800 |
| Min Native ISO | 100 | 100 |
| RAW Support |  |
|
| Lens | ||
| Manual Focus | |
|
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Number of Lenses | 83 | 83 |
| Focal Length Multiplier | 1x | 1x |
| Macro Focus Range | ||
| AutoFocus | ||
| AF Touch | |
|
| AF Continuous | |
|
| AF Single | |
|
| AF Tracking | |
|
| AF Selective | |
|
| AF Center | |
|
| AF Multi Area | |
|
| AF Live View | |
|
| AF Face Detection | |
|
| AF Contrast Detection | |
|
| AF Phase Detection | |
|
| Number of Focus Points | 425 | 693 |
| Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | n/a |
| Screen | ||
| Screen Type | Tilting | Tilting |
| Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ |
| Screen Resolution | 1,440k dots | 1,440k dots |
| Live View | |
|
| Touch Screen | |
|
| ViewFinder | ||
| ViewFinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| ViewFinder Resolution | 3,686k dots | 3,686k dots |
| ViewFinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| ViewFinder Magnification | 0.78 | 0.78 |
| Photography Features | ||
| Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | 30 s |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 s | 1/8000 s |
| Continuous Shooting | 10.0 fps | 20.0 fps |
| Shutter Priority | |
|
| Aperture Priority | |
|
| Manual Exposure Mode | |
|
| Exposure Compensation | |
|
| Custom White Balance | |
|
| Image Stabilization | |
|
| Built-in Flash |  |
|
| Flash Range | 0 | 0 |
| Flash Modes | Auto, Fill-flash, Slow Sync, Rear Sync, Red-eye reduction, Wireless, Hi-speed sync | Flash off, Autoflash, Fill-flash, Slow Sync., Rear Sync., Red-eye reduction, Wireless, Hi-speed sync |
| External Flash | |
|
| AE Bracketing | |
|
| WB Bracketing | |
|
| Exposure Modes | ||
| Multi-Segment | |
|
| Average | |
|
| Spot | |
|
| Partial | |
|
| AF-Area | |
|
| Center Weighted | |
|
| DxO Sensor Scores | ||
| DxO Sensor Score | 100 | 92 |
| DxO Color Depth | 26.0 | 24.9 |
| DxO Dynamic Range | 14.7 | 13.3 |
| DxO Low Light ISO | 3523 | 3517 |
| Video Features | ||
| Video Resolutions | 3840 x 2160 (30p, 25p, 24p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 24p), 1440 x 1080 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p) | n/a |
| Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Video Formats | MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S | MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264 |
| Microphone Port | |
|
| Headphone Port | |
|
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless Connectivity | |
|
| HDMI | |
|
| USB | USB USB 3.1 Gen 1(5 GBit/sec) | USB 2.0 |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental Sealing | |
|
| Water Proof | |
|
| Dust Proof | |
|
| Shock Proof | |
|
| Crush Proof | |
|
| Freeze Proof | |
|
| Weight | 657 g | 673 g |
| Physical Dimensions | 127 x 96 x 74 mm | 127 x 96 x 63 mm |
| Battery Life | 650 shots | 650 shots |
| Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery Model | NP-FZ100 | NP-FZ100 |
| Other Features | ||
| Self Timer | |
|
| Timelapse Recording | |
|
| GPS | ||
| Storage Type | Two SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II support on one) | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II compatible) |
| Storage Slots | 2 | 2 |
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