Review: Sony A9 specs

At its launch in 2017, the full-frame Sony A9 astonished pro mirrorless camera photographers with its astounding 20 frames-per-second shooting capability and shutter speeds of up to 1/32,000sec. This rapid-firing ability is thanks to the camera’s 24-megapixel stacked CMOS sensor. So, how does it work?

The A9’s CMOS sensor features four parts in its stacked structure—a pixel area, an integral memory, a Hi-speed signal processing circuit and a BIONZ X image-processing engine. In essence, it includes processing circuitry closer to the pixels and has a built-in memory to deliver all of the image data to off-board processors at a rate they are more than able to work with. The BSI design means that the light-sensitive section of each pixel is closer to the surface of the sensor, thus the sensor is better at collecting light near the corners. In general terms, it delivers great low-light shooting ability and sharper pixel-level imagery.  

With that top shooting speed of 20fps, with AF and AE tracking, the Sony A9 is firmly in the domain of sports and wildlife photographers—a sector previously dominated by Canon and Nikon. You can buffer up to 240 RAW or 362 JPEGs. When you add in the top shutter speed of 1/32,000sec, with the near-silent electronic shutter, it’s clear this camera is capable of capturing the fastest-moving sports, animals and birds.

The autofocus system features 693 on-sensor phase-detection points, which cover 93% of the image areas frame, plus 425 contrast-detection autofocus points. The ‘Fast Hybrid AF’ system on the camera means you get a combination of accurate focus tracking of fast-moving subjects, via phase detection, and accurate reading of still subjects, via contrast detection. The autofocus system also offers real-time tracking of subjects and real-time Eye AF, which offers fast and efficient tracking of eyes when shooting.

To ensure steady shooting, the A9 has a built-in five-axis stabilisation system, which uses the stabilisation unit, gyro sensors and algorithms to help to achieve a five-stop shutter speed advantage—even when hand-holding the camera. This means you can shoot with slower shutter speeds without any fear of camera shake in your still pictures. The Live View monitor image is also stabilised so that you can compose images easily when shooting a fast or erratically-moving subject.

The standard ISO range is 100-51,200, but this can be expanded to ISO 50 and up to a maximum of ISO 204,800. This means you can shoot in almost any light condition while retaining fine details in pictures. Although, it should be noted that the top ISO available for stills with the silent electronic shutter is 25,600.

On the rear of the camera, there’s a 3-inch [7.5cm], adjustable TFT LCD touchscreen with a 1.44million dot resolution. The screen can be tilted up by approximately 107 degrees and down by approximately 41 degrees. Such a large screen is great for reviewing both still images and video footage. Touchscreen control enables you to adjust autofocus settings, including selecting the focus point, when you’re in any of the autofocus area modes. The camera’s spec also includes 4K video shooting—oversampled from 6K capture—at 30p, built-in WiFi with NFC and Bluetooth connectivity and a ‘My Menu’ system with up to 72 assignable functions.

It’s rare that a camera immediately removes the barriers in existing camera specifications, but the Sony A9 is one of this rare breed. However, these high specs may be above the shooting requirements of many non-pro photographers. So, if your planned shoots don’t need such a high-spec model, your budget could be better spent elsewhere. This camera is clearly made for advanced photographers, people primarily earning money from their photography, or wildlife and sports photographers—if that sounds like you, then the Sony A9 is well worth considering.