Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 Review
In this comprehensive Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 review, we will cover the most important aspects of company's newest Compact System Camera, including key features, body and handling, performance and image quality. You can also find the additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the A9.
The Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 is a camera designed for enthusiast photographers that was revealed to the public on 04/15/2017 and is equipped with an 35mm sensor. When it comes to the price(buy Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 from Amazon), the Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 costs $3,498.00 for body-only and joins company’s 35mm camera line up with a 24.2MP CMOS sensor.
The combination of 24.2-MP sensor and latest image processing engine in a compact and affordable body is bound to be a tempting prospect for both new and existing users. Before going into the details of the Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 view, let's take a quick look at a summary of the features list. Then we can look deeper to the main features such as build quality, handling, ergonomics, performance and image quality.
| Introduction and Key Features | Body and Handling | Performance and Image Quality | Conclusions | Questions and Answers (FAQ) |
Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 - Key Features
Let's take a look at the features of this Compact System Camera at a glance before going into the Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 review. In this way, you get a preliminary idea. Check it out!
Sensor
24.2-megapixel 35mm CMOS
ISO
AUTO, ISO 100 - 51200, expandable to ISO 50 - 204800
AF System
Fast Hybrid AF: Wide (693 points (phase-detection AF), 25 points (contrast-detection AF)) / Zone / Center / Flexible Spot (S/M/L) / Expanded Flexible Spot / Lock-on AF (Wide / Zone / Center / Flexible Spot (S/M/L) / Expanded Flexible Spot)
Video
4K UHD up to 3840x2160 (30p/25p/24p)
Shutter speed
1/32000 - 30 sec
Continuous Shooting Speed
20.0 frames per second
Connectivity
Wi-Fi
NFC
Bluetooth
Dimensions
5.0 x 3.8 x 2.5 in. (127 x 96 x 63 mm)
Weight
23.7 oz (673 g) includes batteries
Continue reading... Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 Full Specifications
Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 - Body and Handling
Compared with the predecessors, The Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 has a deeper grip, as well as an improved texture. You can certainly notice the larger area for your hand between the lens and grip, and this makes the camera more comfortable to hold. The dimensions of the A9 are 5.0 x 3.8 x 2.5 in. (127 x 96 x 63 mm) and the camera weighs 23.7 oz (673 g) includes batteries for body-only.
Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 - Viewfinder
The A9 has a EVF / LCD viewfinder. The viewfinder has 0.78x magnification, which is a 35mm equivalent of 0.78x magnification. The 3.0-inch 1,440,000 dots (360,000 px) LCD screen feels solid and looks good with good colour and clear text. The LCD has an articulating screen which is useful for shooting at awkward angles, as well as being useful for video work. The touch-screen is very responsive, making it quick and easy to change settings and you can use it to scroll through the menus and change settings.
Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 - Battery
The camera uses the Proprietary battery. It is backward compatible and offers 480 shots per charge according to CIPA ratings. As usual with CIPA ratings, you may get many more than this with better use of LCD and OVF combination.
Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 - Memory Card Slot
By default, the Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 doesn't come with a memory card. Some retailers put together bundles that do include one, but chances are that you'll need to pick up an SD card separately.
Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 supports dual card slots. You can use MS PRO Duo / SD / SDHC / SDXC type memory cards. The technical difference between those two specifications are in the filesystem they're formatted with, but the practical difference is that cards 32GB and smaller will be labeled SDHC and cards 64GB and larger will be labeled SDXC.
Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 - Connectivity
On the side, you'll find Multi-Terminal Micro USB (with remote support), Type-D Micro HDMI, 1000Base-T Ethernet, 3.5mm Microphone and Headphone Jacks, Sync Terminal. The camera can output clean HDMI, in case you want to record video to an external recorder. For sending captured images the camera offers Wi-Fi , NFC and Bluetooth. When it comes to GPS we have to say the camera has built-in support.
Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 - Performance and Image Quality
Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 - AF System
The AF system of the Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 is Fast Hybrid AF: Wide (693 points (phase-detection AF), 25 points (contrast-detection AF)) / Zone / Center / Flexible Spot (S/M/L) / Expanded Flexible Spot / Lock-on AF (Wide / Zone / Center / Flexible Spot (S/M/L) / Expanded Flexible Spot). This is ideal for working with long lenses and teleconverters. The low-light working range of the autofocus system is rated for +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps.
Autofocus system of the A9 includes metering modes like 1200-zone Evaluative Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot, Spot Standard/Large, Entire Screen Avg., Highlight.
Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 - ISO Sensitivity
Native ISO sensitivity range of Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 starts from 100 to 51200. The camera’s full ISO rates are as follows AUTO, ISO 100 - 51200, expandable to ISO 50 - 204800.
Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 - Video Features
The Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 can record 4K UHD video at up to 3840x2160 (30p/25p/24p). However, since it’s captured from a 3840 x 2160 pixel area at the centre of the sensor, it a provides a detailed footage. The camera is also capable of Full HD video (1920 x 1080) capture at up to 60 fps. The A9 can create movies right in the camera.
Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 - Conclusions
The Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 is a great all round performer, which is well-suited to a range of photography subjects that the average enthusiast is likely to tackle. The camera is also smaller and lighter, arguably making it a better option for traveling.
If you regularly shoot in low light environments or high ISO speeds, and want to be able to record 4K UHD video, then the Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 will be a great choice.
Overall, the Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 is a great all-round enthusiast camera for those looking for their next step up Mirrorless with excellent image quality, and reliable performance.
What is the sensor technology found in the A9?
The camera comes with an 35mm image sensor and is a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor).
What is the native ISO sensitivity range of the A9?
The camera has a native ISO sensitivity from 100 to 51200.
What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with flash?
The A9's flash sync speed is 1/250.
What is the buffer size for RAW and JPEG shooting?
Buffer size for RAW is approximately 240, while the JPEG shooting is 364.
What battery does Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 use?
The camera uses the Proprietary, which is a NP-FZ100 Lithium-ion rechargeable.
What is the battery life of Sony Alpha ILCE-A9?
Shoot all day and well into the night with up to approximately 480 shots per charge (CIPA standard).
Notes About Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 Review
Specific assessments of the cameras should be instructive in revealing the technical characteristics of the cameras. For example, in practice, the Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 review should convey various details about usage, response, and overall viewing quality to the user. User comments, such as those found on Amazon, can sometimes give information about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.
As users, you should pay attention to the reviews made by experts. That's why we find it important to include the correct and expert opinions on the Sony Alpha ILCE-A9 review.