Sony A9 IIFrom real comments

Name: Sony A9 II
Rating: 3 (14 reviews)

Verdict distilled from 14 mentions across 2 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment67%

PROS 67%

CONS 33%

Rank based on 14 mentions across 2 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

You need class-leading AF speed and reliability for sports/wildlife
You're upgrading from an A7 series, A6xxx, or another brand
You value connectivity features like FTP and voice memo for fast-paced pro work

What users love

Exceptional autofocus performanceKey factor0 mentions

Strongly positive

Skip this if...

You already own an original A9 and don't need the modest upgrades
You need higher resolution for wildlife/bird cropping work
You require rugged build, better sealing, or CFExpress card support

What users complain about

Same sensor as original A9Notable0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choiceBest value

1Budget

Nikon Z5 II

Outstanding ValueStrong Autofocus PerformanceExcellent Image Quality and ColorRising Price Compared to Original Z5Video Compression Artifacts and Rolling ShutterAutofocus Tracking Inconsistencies

Nikon Z5 II

Outstanding Value

Strong Autofocus Performance

Excellent Image Quality and Color

Rising Price Compared to Original Z5

Video Compression Artifacts and Rolling Shutter

Autofocus Tracking Inconsistencies

2Mid

Fujifilm X-T1

Distinctive color rendering / X-Trans II sensorExcellent with vintage and manual-focus lensesTactile dial-based controlsSingle SD card slotDimmer EVF than newer bodiesLower megapixel count limits cropping flexibility

Fujifilm X-T1

Distinctive color rendering / X-Trans II sensor

Excellent with vintage and manual-focus lenses

Tactile dial-based controls

Single SD card slot

Dimmer EVF than newer bodies

Lower megapixel count limits cropping flexibility

3Mid

Nikon Zf

Autofocus performanceFun and emotional shooting experienceImage quality and low-light performanceErgonomics require an added gripHeavier than expectedLimited retro-styled lens lineup

Nikon Zf

Autofocus performance

Fun and emotional shooting experience

Image quality and low-light performance

Ergonomics require an added grip

Heavier than expected

Limited retro-styled lens lineup

4Premium

Sony A7R IV

Exceptional 61MP Resolution

Sony A7R IV

Exceptional 61MP Resolution

5Mid

Nikon Z6 II

Excellent Z-mount lensesImage quality & color scienceImproved autofocus performanceAwkward Auto ISO and menu workflowIncremental upgrade over original Z6No flip-out/articulating screen

Nikon Z6 II

Excellent Z-mount lenses

Image quality & color science

Improved autofocus performance

Awkward Auto ISO and menu workflow

Incremental upgrade over original Z6

No flip-out/articulating screen

6Mid

Panasonic GH5 II

Autofocus improvements for videoBuilt-in live streamingStrong value at discounted pricingAutofocus still lags competitorsUSB power bank compatibility issuesMenu system requires adjustment

Panasonic GH5 II

Autofocus improvements for video

Built-in live streaming

Strong value at discounted pricing

Autofocus still lags competitors

USB power bank compatibility issues

Menu system requires adjustment

7Budget

Fujifilm X-M1

Distinctive color rendering

Fujifilm X-M1

Distinctive color rendering

8Budget

Olympus OM-D E-M10

Compact, travel-friendly systemFun, characterful shooting experienceOutstanding image stabilizationLimited autofocus for actionOlympus pricing and company uncertaintyNo weather sealing

Olympus OM-D E-M10

Compact, travel-friendly system

Fun, characterful shooting experience

Outstanding image stabilization

Limited autofocus for action

Olympus pricing and company uncertainty

No weather sealing

9Premium

Sony A7R V

Versatile tilt/flip screenImproved autofocus and trackingImproved IBIS and low-light performanceSensor readout largely unchangedBattery grip fitment issuesNot ideal for fast-action/wildlife shooters

Sony A7R V

Versatile tilt/flip screen

Improved autofocus and tracking

Improved IBIS and low-light performance

Sensor readout largely unchanged

Battery grip fitment issues

Not ideal for fast-action/wildlife shooters

10Premium

Nikon Z9

Strong, adaptive autofocus for wildlife/sportsRugged build and comfortable ergonomicsExceptional battery lifeAutofocus struggles in specific scenariosLarge size and weightEVF resolution criticized by some

Nikon Z9

Strong, adaptive autofocus for wildlife/sports

Rugged build and comfortable ergonomics

Exceptional battery life

Autofocus struggles in specific scenarios

Large size and weight

EVF resolution criticized by some

You are here

31Premium

Sony A9 II

Exceptional autofocus performanceSame sensor as original A9

Sony A9 II

Exceptional autofocus performance

Same sensor as original A9

Autofocus
1. Nikon Zfarrow_upward11
2. Nikon Z6 IIarrow_upward9
3. Sony A7R Varrow_upward9
Ibis
1. Sony A7R Varrow_upward6
2. Nikon Z5 IIarrow_upward5
3. Olympus OM-D E-M10arrow_upward5
Image quality
1. Nikon Z6 IIarrow_upward10
2. Nikon Zfarrow_upward10
Color rendering
1. Fujifilm X-T1arrow_upward11
2. Nikon Z5 IIarrow_upward7
Ergonomics
1. Nikon Z6 IIarrow_upward8
2. Nikon Zfarrow_downward9
Compact size
1. Olympus OM-D E-M10arrow_upward8
2. Fujifilm X-T1arrow_upward4

Overall Impression

The autofocus system is the standout feature, recalculating 60 times per second. Multiple commenters highlight the AF and exposure recalculation running three times faster than the 20fps burst rate as genuinely impressive, calling the AF 'second to none' and describing eye AF in video as amazing. Sports and wildlife shooters especially praised the snappier tracking versus the original A9, with one calling it 'so much better' than a Canon 1DX III after switching systems.

Many feel the upgrade is too incremental over the original A9. Numerous commenters note the same 24MP sensor, same EVF, same 20fps speed, and same SD card slots as the first-gen A9, dubbing it 'A9 1.5' or a firmware update in an A7R IV body. Several A9 owners said they see no reason to upgrade, and some were hoping for a 36MP sensor that never materialized, leaving them disappointed despite liking the camera overall.

Ergonomics, connectivity, and workflow refinements are welcomed by pro users. Sports photographers appreciated smarter connectivity like FTP, voice memo, colored focus brackets, and improved anti-flicker handling, along with dual UHS-II card slots and a new processor. Some also noted improved ergonomics over the original A9. These practical, workflow-oriented upgrades matter more to working pros than raw spec bumps like megapixels or burst rate.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?

center_focus_strongExceptional autofocus performanceKey factor

6 mentions

Strongly positive

Commenters repeatedly praise the AF system recalculating 60 times a second, three times faster than the burst rate, calling it 'second to none' and a genuine clincher. Users switching from Canon found it dramatically better for sports and wildlife tracking.

@amdenis

You CANNOT compare the A9 and A9II cameras for fast motion pro acquisition needs, as I am sure you have found out by now. Especially with the recent firmware update. I got rid of my 1DXIII this past month (and a lot of glass), because the A9II is just SO much better. It only matters if you do high end wildlife or sports. But for that, nothing currently comes close!

smart_display

August 24, 2020

@photographerjonathan

The A9ll focusing system is second to none. And even though it might not have the ultimate video camera specs. Having eye auto focus in video is an amazing feature. I know Canon has the new 1Dx and Nikon will have a new D6 but Personally i would never buy one of them. They are trying to incorporate mirrorless technology into them. Only Canon and Nikons mirrorless tech is way behind Sony with there focusing for fast moving object like sports or birds. And the DSLR is yesterday. And mirrorless used to be the future. But now it is today. And now the big boys who used to laugh at Sony. Are now working there asses off to try to catch up. And neither company has pro sports glass for there mirrorless systems. So i guess Sony is the one laughing now. But as someone who started with Nikon. And then moved to Canon. And now Sony. I am rooting for Nikon and Canon to get there act together. And catch up.

smart_display

January 11, 2020

@71Enno

I own this camera since two months beside my A7RIV, A7III, A6400 and RX100VA...and I can commit your opinion 100%...this camera is insane! 👍💯 I love this camera!

smart_display

January 10, 2020

@tokyojerry

\" Autofocus and exposure are re-calculated 60 times a second. The top burst rate is 20 frames a second so the camera is thinking 3 times faster than it can shoot.\" \n\nIn a nutshell, this is the clincher. That is pretty impressive. I've had Sony cameras in the past to include the A7, A6000, and NEX7 earlier on back. These days I am more into the humbler M4/3 cameras and looking to soon obtain the recently announced Olympus E-M5 Mark-III. I think Sony makes excellent cameras and after all, they are the 'king of sensor' technology manufacturing not just for themselves but OEM-ing to other manufacturers as well. The thing that drives me to M4/3 these days at my age is size, weight, bulk issues versus full-frame cameras Between Panasonic, Olympus, and 3rd party makers, there is a much wider range of lenses to choose from at reasonable prices. I often debate in my mind though, whether or not to return to Sony. But if I did I would need to justify what for. Some swear by FF sensors as being the 'holy grail'. Also, I am not a high-speed sports shooting enthusiast (for now anyway) and see the size, bulk, weight factors as well as the ergonomics and control access of M4/3 important. Also, Olympus already has 60fps capability with an electronic shutter in their E-M1 Mark-II. The new and cheaper E-M5 Mark-III will have trickle-down technology from the E-M1 Mark-II but at a cheaper price. Olympus' touch screen technology along with Panasonic also is some of the best in the industry, not just to establish a focal point as is the case on Sony cameras I may still wind up getting a Sony sooner or later anyway. The AF technology is surely attractive.

smart_display

November 2, 2019

warningSame sensor as original A9Notable

8 mentions

Frequently criticized

Many commenters were disappointed the A9 II kept the identical 24MP sensor, hoping for a 36MP bump for better cropability, especially for wildlife and bird photography.

@photographerjonathan

Is the battery grip just for the extra battery and the double grip, or is the camera speed and focusing performance improved with the battery grip ? I own an A7r lll, and I wish it had the A9ll focusing, I don't really want more mp like the 61 of the A7r 4. so I was hoping that the A9 ll was 30 or 36 mp just because I thought it would be the perfect camera. I want everything that the A9ll offers. except I would be happy with only 10 fps at 42mp. I want the A9 ll focusing. and the special sensor that has no image warping when silent shooting. not that 24mp is bad. personally I am holding on to my A7r lll for another year or two. maybe I will buy the A9 lll when it comes out. but I am wondering what Sony is doing now. because if you want to buy a new full frame model, you have a choice of 24mp or 61mp, and if you want something in the middle with 42mp you need to get an older model. so I am wondering if the A74 is going to maybe go up to 36mp or 41mp. to fill the gap. or will there ever be an A9r with an A9 type of sensor. but maybe 42mp that shoots only 10fps. personally I would've been happier if the A7r4 stayed at 42mp, but had a new improved sensor, and with all the other A7r4 improvements. and I am still hopeful for another firmware update for my A7r lll that ads some of the new things. like the colored focus points. and realtime tracking. but I have heard it is not possible with the A7rlll, but I am hoping that is not true.

smart_display

November 2, 2019

@sadenb

I think most people expected a 36 mp sensor with a 20 fps speed. I don't think people wanted even a bigger speed rate. They wanted a better megapixel sensor and a better LCD screen.

smart_display

November 2, 2019

@Stefan1968ful

There is no hype with the Sony A9 Mark II. I perceive here more a great level of disappointment about this camera. Personally, my recommendation is to buy the Sony A9 Mark I at much lower price and get for the delta a nice lens. It is in my opinion simply the better deal and the Sony A9 Mark I is already superb. The A9 Mark I is basically delivering 95% of what the A9 Mark II does in terms of features & functions (sure, we can argue about this). Adjusting the Autofocus 60 times in a second is already what the A9 Mark I does, you don't need an A9 Mark II for that. The 20 fps is the A9 Mark I also offer. Just it does not have 10 fps with mechanical shutter what is an advantage in case you use flash. I am deeply into Wildlife, for my setup it was more important to get as 2nd body a high MP camera like the Sony A7R4 due to the ability to crop in more what is key for Wildlife. The Sony A9 Mark II would not have given me any advantage in this regard and the speed of the A9 Mark I is already more than enough. I was expecting simply some more MP on the A9 Mark II, not higher speed. So no, I won't consider the A9 Mark II. And let me make the prediction that as long the A9 Mark I is delivered by Sony, the sales numbers of the A9 Mark II will not be that good. We all try to save money and you won't spend it on something what will not give you something in return you need or really feel.

smart_display

November 1, 2019

@stacybehrens7152

I own the A9 and I’m sure the A9ii is a great camera with some nice improvements. But the improvements are manifestly quite modest over the first gen model. And most of the big problems are still there (terrible menus, horrid network connectivity, etc) The sensor is the basically the same, the autofocus was already amazing, the 20fps speed is the same, the ergonomics are better but not hugely so, so one has to ask who this camera was aimed at? \n\nI think few A9 owners are going to upgrade to the A9ii. The people who will buy it are people who are new to the A9 and either moving up from an A7 series or A6X00 series or who are coming over from another brand. A9 owners mostly have no reason to upgrade and I don’t see the modest improvements in the A9ii enticing a lot of people who weren’t already interested in getting an original A9. The biggest feature of the A9ii seems to be that it has made the A9 much more affordable. The A9ii is clearly better but is is $1000 better than the A9? I’m not convinced it is and I’m clearly not the only one.

smart_display

November 1, 2019

Sony A9 IIchat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

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What users lovefavorite_border

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What users complain aboutheart_broken

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Who wins on what

Autofocus

Ibis

Image quality

Color rendering

Ergonomics

Compact size

auto_awesomeOverall Impression

Sony A9 IIFrom real comments

Buy this if...

What users love

Skip this if...

What users complain about

Overall Impression