If you’re in the market for a high-performance camera, deciding between the Sony a1 II and the Sony a9 III might not be straightforward. Both cameras bring innovative features, but their strengths cater to different needs.
Coming to you from Jared Polin of Fro Knows Photo, this detailed video compares the Sony a1 II and a9 III. The a1 II, Sony’s flagship, is all about resolution, offering a 50.1-megapixel BSI stacked CMOS sensor with dual Bionz XR processors. This sensor prioritizes image quality over speed, making it an excellent choice for those who need detailed stills. On the other hand, the a9 III boasts a 24.6-megapixel BSI stacked CMOS sensor with a global shutter. This technology eliminates issues like banding and warping, even under challenging conditions like flickering lights. It’s the first global shutter sensor in a camera of this type, emphasizing speed over resolution.
The a1 II shines in dynamic range and ISO performance, with a native ISO range of 100-32,000 expandable to 102,400. Meanwhile, the a9 III’s base ISO is 250, slightly higher than usual, which leads to some trade-offs in dynamic range. However, the a9 III’s speed is unmatched, capturing up to 120 frames per second in 14-bit uncompressed raw. This makes it ideal for action shooters who can’t afford to miss critical moments. The A1 II, while slower at 30 frames per second, compensates with features like oversampled crop modes for extended reach and detail.
Both cameras support pre-capture, allowing you to buffer frames before fully pressing the shutter, a lifesaver for fast-moving subjects. The a9 III provides up to one second of pre-capture at 120 frames per second, while the a1 II offers similar functionality. These capabilities make both cameras suitable for capturing fleeting action, but the a9 III edges out for speed.
In video capabilities, the a1 II leads with 8K UHD recording at 30 frames per second, oversampled from 8.6K. It also supports 4K at up to 120 frames per second with minimal compromises. The a9 III, while limited to 4K, features distortion-free video thanks to its global shutter, making it a reliable choice for fast-moving scenes. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Polin.
