Sony a9
Sony

a9

$4,499~
MSRP (prices vary)
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Released: May 26, 2017
Full-Frame
Sensor
24.2MP
Resolution
4K
Max Video
IBIS
20fps
Burst
693
AF Points

Who the Sony a9 is for

The Sony a9 is a 24.2MP full-frame mirrorless camera, geared toward fast action and wildlife.

  • Sony's first stacked-sensor sports camera, a 24MP body with blackout-free 20 fps shooting.
  • Fast readout for minimal rolling shutter, with deep AF coverage and tracking.
  • Built for professional sports and wildlife in a compact full-frame body.

Best for

  • Action, sports and wildlife — 20fps burst with subject-detection AF.
  • Video and filmmaking — 4K up to 30p, 10-bit internal and Log.
  • Low-light and events — a large full-frame sensor and ISO to 51,200.

Keep in mind

  • Video is capped at 29 minutes per clip.
  • Not weather-sealed — take care in rain and dust.

How the Sony a9 compares to other Sony E Full-Frame cameras

Every figure below is measured against the 25 Sony E Full-Frame cameras in the catalogue, so you can see where this camera actually sits rather than reading its spec sheet in isolation.

SpecThis cameraWhere it lands
Weight673g (1.48 lb)11th heaviest of 25
Price (MSRP)$4,499joint 7th most expensive of 25
Resolution24.2MPjoint 10th lowest of 25
4K frame rate30pjoint 10th slowest of 23

What Full-Frame means in practice

A full-frame sensor at 24.2MP gives the shallowest depth of field of the three formats at any given framing and aperture, and the most sensor area to gather light with. That is the physical reason full-frame bodies tend to be the larger and heavier option: the lenses that cover the format have to be bigger too.

Video and stabilisation

4K tops out at 30p, which covers standard delivery but leaves no room for slowing footage down. 10-bit recording internally means colour survives grading rather than banding when pushed. A log profile is available, which trades a flat-looking file for latitude in post.

In-body stabilisation steadies any lens mounted on it, including primes with no stabilisation of their own.

Full Specifications

Imaging

Sensor TypeStacked CMOS
Sensor SizeFull-Frame
Image ProcessorBIONZ X
Effective Resolution24.2 MP
Lens MountSony E

Exposure Control

ISO Range (Native)50 – 51200
ISO Range (Extended)25 – 204800
Mechanical Shutter1/8000
Electronic Shutter1/32000
Flash Sync Speed1/250
Built-in FlashNo

Still Image Capture

Continuous Shooting20 fps

Video Capture

Max Resolution4K
8K Recording
4K RecordingUp to 30p
1080p RecordingUp to 120p
10-bit InternalYes
Recording Limit29 min
Log ProfilesS-Log3 / HLG
Built-in MicStereo
Headphone JackYes
Mic InputYes
HDMI OutputMicro (Type D)

Focus

Phase Detect Points693
Contrast Detect Points425
Low Light AF-3 EV
Eye AFYes
Animal AFYes
Vehicle AFNo

Viewfinder

EVF TypeOLED
EVF Resolution3.69M dots
EVF Magnification0.78x

Monitor

LCD Size3"
LCD Resolution1.44M dots
LCD TypeTilting
Touch ScreenYes

Interface

Wi-FiWi-Fi 5
Bluetoothv4.2
USBUSB-C 3.1 Gen 1
Memory Card Slots2x SD UHS-II
GPSNo

General

Price (MSRP)$4,499
Body MaterialMagnesium Alloy
Dimensions126.9×95.6×63.0 mm
Weight673g (1.48 lb)
Weather SealedNo
In-Body StabilizationYes
Battery Life (EVF)650 shots
Battery Life (LCD)840 shots
Battery TypeNP-FZ100

Upgrade Guides

Is the Sony a9 II worth upgrading to?Is the Sony a9 III worth upgrading to?

Find Lenses for the Sony a9

Browse Sony E-mount lenses filtered for the Sony a9 specifically.

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