Update: More Sony Alpha a9 Reviews, Videos and Sample Images

Sony a9 and a7R II Real World Comparison by DC Watch
Sony a9 and a7R II Real World Comparison by DC Watch

The Sony Alpha a9 (Amazon/B&H Photo/Adorama) reviews now started today. Currently there are several great reviews, video reviews of Sony Alpha a9 around the web. And you can also take a look at sample images of Sony Alpha a9 below:

Reviews:

Sony a9 First Impression Review by DigitalTrends:

The A9 is unequivocally a professional camera, with a $4,500 price to match. It’s overkill for consumers, but that doesn’t mean they should dismiss it. The breakthrough technologies of the A9 could trickle down to the A7-series or even less expensive cameras. We wouldn’t be surprised if an APS-C stacked sensor is in the works (we know Sony is already working on a stacked sensor for smartphones), bringing more speed to Sony’s A6000-series. As an analyst alluded to us, the A9 may be impressive, but Sony isn’t done yet. And that’s a good thing for photographers of all stripes.

Sony a9 shooting experience from dpreview:

No real surprises; the files from the Sony a9 look to be, on the whole, very good, as is the autofocus performance, even when shooting at the full 20fps burst speed. Note though that continuous e-shutter shooting (anything above 5 fps) does drop the camera into 12-bit mode, so expect decreased dynamic range in Raws when shooting (electronic) bursts.

Of interest is an analysis of Raw noise vs the a7R II – we took a look at Raw files at ISO 25.6k files of the same scene run through dcraw. They indicate only a slight advantage (possibly within the margin of our error) to the a9 compared to the a7R II when viewed at common output size (SNR of 3.4 vs 3.7 between the a7R II and a9, respectively, for a similar patch). Physics predicts this: for two sensors of similar technology, it’s sensor size that matters most (especially with gapless microlenses). Don’t expect less noise in Raw on the a9 in normalized comparisons against the a7R II. Images to come.

Sony a9 Review – Early Hands On Preview by luminous-landscape:

The a9 is surely the beginning of a new line of cameras from Sony that will only grow from here and hopefully fast. I love good gear. I have owned and invested in a Sony system for some years now and look forward to adding the a9 to my inventory as well as the 100-400mm lens. Sony has proven many things in the last few weeks. They listen, they understand, and they deliver what is asked for. Now if they could only find someone to help them fix their menus. Hey, Sony, I’m volunteering!

Bottom line, I’m putting my money on Sony. Can’t wait unit the a9r arrives. I am excited to see what will be announced next.

Sony a9 Review by PCMag:

The a9 stands alone in its class in the mirrorless world—nothing else has as big of a sensor or shoots so quickly. I’m going to hold off on giving it a rating until I’m able to properly test it, both in the lab and in the real world. It’s shipping at the end of May, but pre-orders are available now. If you’re invested in the system and have been patiently waiting for a camera like this, I feel confident enough to say that you’re safe to order one now. But if you’re on the fence, you may want to wait until review models are out there and I can really put it through its paces.

Video Reviews:

Tony Northrup: Sony a9 Review: Is the HYPE real? vs a7R II, Canon 1DX II, Nikon D5, D500

Kai W: Sony a9 Hands-on First Look

TheCameraStoreTV: Using The Sony A9 To Shoot A YouTube Episode (Hands-On)

Max Yuryev: Sony A9 Review pt.2 – Photos + 4K & 120FPS Video – AMAZING AF

LearningCameras: Sony A9 Review – A First Look at Sony’s Flagship Alpha Sports Camera

Gordon Laing: Sony Alpha a9 Review

Steve Huff: The Sony A9 Files: MY IMAGES of Fast Action Sports, and I have never shot sports!

Sample Images: