Sony has made a name for itself in the mirrorless camera market, with its A9 and A1 series representing the pinnacle of its technology. The A9 II and A1 are Sony’s flagship full frame mirrorless cameras aimed at professional photographers and videographers.
But with both commanding premium prices, how do you decide which is right for you?
In this in-depth comparison, we’ll examine the key differences and similarities between the Sony A9 II and A1 across factors like image quality, performance, video specs, autofocus, design, and price.
By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of which camera is the better fit for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Specs | Sony A9 II | Sony A1 |
| Sensor Resolution | 24MP | 50MP |
| Sensor Type | BSI stacked CMOS | BSI stacked CMOS |
| Continuous Shooting | 20fps | 30fps |
| AF Points | 693 PDAF | 759 PDAF |
| Image Stabilization | 5-axis IBIS | 5-axis IBIS |
| Max Video Resolution | 4K 30p | 8K 30p |
| Card Slots | 2x SD | 1x CFexpress A, 1x SD |
| Battery Life | 500-710 shots | 430-530 shots |
| Current Price | $4000 | $6000 |
Overview Of The Sony A9 II
Released in 2019, the Sony A9 II is an evolution of the original groundbreaking A9. It retains the same 24MP sensor, but gets an upgrade to the BIONZ X image processor which brings improved autofocus and increased buffer depth. The design gets a slight refresh with a thicker grip and newer menus, but remains similar to the A9.
Key specs include:
- 24MP full frame stacked CMOS sensor
- Up to 20fps continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking
- 693 phase detect AF points covering 93% of the frame
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS)
- 4K 30p video with S-Log3 and HLG
The A9 II is designed for speed and accuracy. The stacked sensor enables blackout-free shooting at up to 20fps – perfect for sports, action, and wildlife. The 693 PDAF points acquire focus quickly and tenaciously on moving subjects. All this makes the A9 II a favorite among pros who need to consistently nail the decisive moment.
Overview Of The Sony A1
The Sony A1 represents a new class of mirrorless camera, pushing specs and performance to the bleeding edge. Released in 2021, it takes everything that made the A9 II great and dials it up a notch. The headline features are:
- 50MP stacked back-illuminated CMOS sensor
- 30fps continuous shooting with AE/AF tracking
- 759 phase detect AF points covering 92% of the sensor
- 8K 30p and 4K 120p video with 10-bit 4:2:2 color
- Dual CFexpress Type A/SD card slots
With its higher resolution 50MP sensor and 30fps burst shooting with a huge buffer, the A1 is built for speed combined with maximum detail. It leverages the latest in sensor and processor technology to enable 8K video with minimal crop, along with advanced features like 10-bit internal recording and 16-bit RAW output over HDMI. Simply put, no other mirrorless camera can match the A1’s performance envelope.
Image Quality
One of the biggest differentiators between the two cameras is resolution and sensor design.
The A9 II uses a proven 24MP stacked CMOS sensor. While not having the ultimate resolution for cropping, 24MP is more than enough for the majority of uses. Dynamic range is wide at 14.5 stops and noise handling is excellent even up to moderately high ISOs. The BSI (backside illuminated) design increases light gathering ability for better low light performance.
By comparison, the A1 brings a brand new 50MP stacked sensor with BSI. This gives you over twice the resolution of the A9 II for more flexibility cropping and printing large. Dynamic range sees an improvement to 15 stops. Being a newer generation sensor, high ISO noise is better controlled despite the higher pixel density.
For most users, the 24MP of the A9 II will be sufficient. But if you need maximum resolution in addition to speed, the A1 delivers that in spades.
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Performance
Both cameras use Sony’s latest processors – the BIONZ XR in the A1 and BIONZ X in the A9 II. This gives them blazing fast performance that outstrips most other mirrorless cameras.
The A9 II can shoot at 20fps with continuous AF/AE. The buffer depth is excellent, allowing over 1000 lossless compressed RAW images before slowing down. This level of speed and deep buffer makes capturing fast action a breeze.
Yet, the A1 manages to take things further with 30fps continuous shooting with AF/AE. Burst depth is even bigger at around 500 lossless compressed RAW images. The speed allows you to nail moments other cameras would miss.
For most sports and action shooters, the performance of both cameras will seem incredible. But if you want the absolute fastest frame rates, the A1 delivers.
Autofocus
Sony’s autofocus system has become industry leading in terms of speed and accuracy. Both the A9 II and A1 inherit these advances for exceptional focusing performance.
The A9 II has 693 phase detection points covering 93% of the sensor area. Focus locks on quickly to subjects and reliably tracks them even at up to 20fps. Sony’s tenacious Real-Time Tracking AF mode excels at staying glued to moving subjects while ignoring distractions.
Meanwhile, the A1 has even more AF points at 759 while covering 92% of the frame. It uses the latest subject detection algorithms for enhanced Real-Time Eye AF performance. This allows it to instantaneously find and focus on human or animal eyes even when faces are partially obscured.
For most purposes, the AF systems are evenly matched. But the A1 does have an edge in tracking ability, particularly for eyes. So if you shoot portraits or need pinpoint eye focus when shooting erratic sports like birds in flight, the A1 is the better choice.
Video Features
Both cameras offer good video features, but the A1 is far more advanced, offering 8K resolution and 120fps at 4K.
The A9 II can shoot oversampled 4K 30p video without pixel binning or crop. This produces very detailed footage by utilizing the full sensor readout. You also get flat S-Log3 and HLG (hybrid log gamma) profiles for increased dynamic range and post production flexibility.
The A1 takes video to another level, enabling 8K 30p recording along with 4K 120p – a first for mirrorless cameras. It also supports 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording for over a billion colors. Other advanced features include 16-bit RAW video output over HDMI, Active Mode image stabilization, and fast sensor readout to eliminate rolling shutter.
For most hybrid shooters, the video quality from the A9 II will be excellent. But videographers needing next-generation specs like 8K or buttery smooth slow motion will want the A1.
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Design
Physically, the two cameras share a similar design ethos as high-end mirrorless cameras. The bodies are robust, with extensive weather sealing and large hand grips. Controls are oriented towards photographers needing quick access to drive modes, AF settings, white balance, and more.
The A9 II body represents an evolution of earlier Sony cameras. Updates include a deeper grip for better handling and improved weather sealing. The menus have been reorganized for easier navigation. Dual SD card slots offer flexible storage options.
The A1 gets subtle tweaks like a taller viewfinder hump and relocated video record button. A highlight is the addition of a second CFexpress Type A slot, which enables incredible write speeds. This complements the SD slot nicely. The body itself is a bit larger and heavier overall.
For most users, either camera will feel excellent in hand and offer intuitive, configurable controls. The A1 offers the advantage of dual fast CFexpress card slots versus the slower SD cards in the A9 II.
Battery Life
One area where the A9 II pulls ahead is battery life. It is CIPA rated for 500-710 shots per charge depending on use of the EVF or rear LCD. This longevity allows you to shoot all day or several days without needing to swap batteries.
The A1 has a higher power draw from its sensor, processor, andstabilization system. Battery life drops to 430-530 shots per charge with general use. While still decent, you’ll likely want to carry 1-2 extra batteries for all-day shoots.
For pros who shoot long events like weddings or sports matches, the A9 II’s longer endurance can be a significant advantage. The A1 may require carrying extra batteries as backup to get through a full workday.
Price And Value
As Sony’s flagship cameras, neither model is cheap. But the A1 is priced notably higher than the A9 II.
At launch the A9 II retailed for around $4500 USD body only. Now over 3 years old, it sells for closer to $4000. At this price point, you’re getting incredible performance and autofocus in a pro-level body.
Meanwhile the A1 launched for an eye-watering $6500 making it one of the most expensive mirrorless cameras ever. Even a couple years into its lifecycle, it still sells for over $6000.
At this premium price, the A1 does offer cutting-edge features like 50MP resolution, 30fps drive speed, and 8K video. For pro photographers who need the absolute best specs, the A1 represents the state-of-the-art for mirrorless cameras.
For many others, the A9 II offers comparable real-world performance and focusing for thousands less. Unless you truly require the added resolution or video capabilities of the A1, the A9 II offers better value.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, the Sony A1 is superior to the older A9 in essentially every way – resolution, speed, AF performance, and video specs. The A1 uses newer generation tech to outperform the A9, which is now discontinued.
At high ISOs, the A1 shows about a 1 stop advantage over the A9 II. Its backside illuminated sensor design and newer processing allows it to shoot up to ISO 32000 with low noise. The A9 II is very capable through ISO 12800, but shows more noise at its top ISO of 204800.
For many photographers, yes, the A1 may be overkill. With 50MP resolution and features like 30fps drive and 8K video, it offers far more than what’s needed by non-professionals.
The A9 II provides similar performance and focusing at a much lower price. But for pros who need the cutting edge, the A1 delivers virtually unmatched specs.
Sony discontinued the original A9 after just 2 years likely due to low sales volume. It retailed for $4500, while the improved A9 II cost nearly the same.
Most buyers were going for the newer A9 II, making the original A9 redundant in Sony’s lineup. Production ended once stock depleted around 2020.
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Conclusion
So which model is the right choice for you? Here are some recommendations based on common photographer profiles:
- For sports, action, and wildlife shooters who don’t need ultra high resolution, the A9 II is ideal. Its 20fps drive speed, deep buffer, and excellent AF covers the needs of most pros at a great price.
- For portrait, wedding, and fashion photographers who want high resolution files, improved dynamic range, and next-gen eye AF, the A1 is the better fit. Its 50MP sensor enables more cropping flexibility along with class-leading image quality.
- Videographers needing advanced features like 8K recording, 10-bit 4:2:2 color, or 120fps slow motion will want the A1. These specs simply can’t be matched by any other camera near its price.
- Photographers on a relatively tight budget should look at the A9 II. You still get pro-level performance and excellent image quality for thousands less than the A1.
- For those who desire (or need) the cutting edge camera with all the latest tech, the A1 is the obvious choice. Sony put everything they had into it, and no other mirrorless camera can match its power.
Ultimately, both are amazing cameras. The A9 II represents a better value for many photographers who don’t require 50MP or 8K video. But professionals who need every last bit of resolution, speed, and video capability will feel the A1 is worth its premium price.
Either way, you can rest assured knowing you have one of the most technologically advanced mirrorless cameras in the world.