Sony A9 III vs. A9 II
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Sony A9 III vs. A9 II: What’s New & Which is Best for You?

When the Sony A9 II was unveiled in 2019, it was obviously intended to set new standards for sports and wildlife photography. It delivered speed and accuracy, making it a reliable camera for professional use. Most recently, the Sony A9 III has arrived with remarkable features. But you might be wondering if the Sony A9 III is worth the upgrade, or if the A9 II is still capable in the present day. Lets analyse them both, with a critical eye, to find out which camera fits your photography needs.

First impressions and quality.

A Quick Look at the Sony A9 II.

The Sony A9 II is easy to handle and is built like a tank. It has a durable feel, but is a little more heavy than many Sony mirrorless cameras. It offers comfort for long shooting sessions. The button layout feels intuitive, but still needs dedicate some time to get used to it. 

The Sony A9 II was designed for professional photographers for intense use. Also, it is weather sealed. It can handle severe weather pretty well, but no camera is 100% sealed. A good practice is to use some cover if you use it for a significant time in the rain.

The Sony A9 III has a step up in design?

Users’ feedback was taken into consideration when the A9 III was created. The improved grip helps balance the larger lenses, especially for lengthy sessions.

Sony managed to reduce its weight; it has 617 g, including the battery, which is 61 g lighter than the Sony A9 II. The buttons feel more spaced with better feedback. The weather sealing is slightly better than the A9 II, which could make a difference if you are a wildlife photographer.

Autofocus and image quality.

The A9 II speed and precision.

A sure thing, at 20fps burst mode, the Sony A9 II is blazing fast. With 693 phase detection points, the A9 locks onto moving subjects with superb performance. Also, the real time eye autofocus is a huge help. It feels like this A9 II is made for sports and wildlife photographers.

While the Sony A9II does remarkably well in most of the shots, it struggles in low light environments. This can be frustrating if you are shooting indoors. It starts showing its age when compared to the newer Sony models.

Is the Sony A9 III faster, sharper, and better?

Sony A9III has an improved burst rate of 30fps. Also, with the improved autofocus, it feels like you can follow a needle in a haystack. The improved speed and accuracy are a major upgrade for sports and wildlife photography.

The A9 III comes with improved image quality and low light performance. It is sharper and crisper with more accurate colours.

Sony A9 III vs. A9 III video performance.

A9II is not videographer’s dream.

The Sony A9 II video quality is decent, but obviously it was intended for stills, not for video. The limited video capabilities, like 4K 60 fps, make it less attractive for content creators.

A surprising upgrade for the A9 III.

The A9 III takes the video features seriously, offering 4K 60fps. The A9 III smoother footage and the improved colour science make it a smart pick for hybrid shooters.

Battery life and connectivity.

Both cameras are ready for sessions.

Sony A9 II and A9 III will give you around 500 to 700 shots on a full charge. But if you push the A9 III to its limits, with 4K recording, you should expect a reduced battery life. Good practice is to carry some extra batteries with you. Especially if you are planning to shoot all day long.

Sony A9 III connectivity takes it to the next level.

The A9 III includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which are great if you want to transfer images on the go. It can be a game changer if you are a journalist who needs to send the files quickly. The A9 II isn’t slow, but the A9 III has a powerful advantage with its connectivity upgrades.

Is the Sony A9 III worth the upgrade?

Sony A9 II has a more comfortable price (£1,900 used and £4,000 new), but it’s still pricey for some of us. It provides excellent speed and image quality, making it a great option if you are on a limited budget and you want a serious camera.

In contrast, the Sony A9 III comes with a price tag of £6,000 new and £5,200 used. Is worth the investment if you value its features, like autofocus, speed, video, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Which Sony mirrorless camera is right for your needs?

Choose the Sony A9 II if:

  • You want a budget pro level camera.
  • Your main focus is still photography.
  • you prioritise durability.
  • You can compromise on 4K video.

Choose the A9 III if:

  • You need to transfer images on the go.
  • The money is not a concern.
  • Stills and videos are part of your work.
  • You need the fastest focus.

If you are into comparing the A9 with the other Sony models, please check our reviews on the  Sony A7R V and Sony A7S III. You will see how these cameras compare in resolution and low light capabilities. Understanding the full lineup can help you make a more informed decision. For more specifications from Sony, you can visit its official Sony website.

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