Sony a9 (in late 2019) Review Part 2 | 4K

Sony a9 (in late 2019) Review: Part 2 | Photographer Dustin Abbott takes a look at the Sony a9 years after its release and its new position in the market after firmware updates and reduced prices. Should it be an option for you? He covers sensor and video performance along with a recap of features and reasons to consider the a9...or some other camera. read the the Text Review: bit.ly/a9review | Visit the image gallery: bit.ly/SonyA9Ga... | Purchase the Sony a9 Camera @ B&H Photo bhpho.to/2HyWIyt | Amazon amzn.to/2B4NAjh | Amazon Canada amzn.to/2peQkbn | Amazon UK amzn.to/2M7XPcY | Amazon Germany amzn.to/2VHbDOP | Ebay bit.ly/Sonyalpha9
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My filming setup: Sony a7R III: B&H Photo: bhpho.to/2D6ibNO or Amazon: amzn.to/2CNxOvH | or | Sony a9 @ B&H Photo: bhpho.to/2HyWIyt or Amazon: amzn.to/2s1vYE0
Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 RXD @B&H Photo: bhpho.to/2FA00la or Amazon amzn.to/2G2kaEr
Lights: Rotolight AEOS @B&H Photo bhpho.to/2IK7mqV | Genaray Contender @B&H Photo: bhpho.to/33HbGNM | and Aputure AL-MW: bhpho.to/2N3MtZV
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Keywords: Sony a9, ILCE-9, Sony Alpha 9, Sony A9, Review, Sony, Dustin Abbott, Review, Autofocus, Sony a7RIII, Sony A7RIV, Sony a7R IV, a9, Tracking, Sports, Hands On, Video Test, Portrait, Video, Image Quality, ISO Performance, Real World, Comparison, VS, Sensor Test, Sample Photos, Sports

[@alanstanway6118]

Really good to see the comparative results for over exposed images, the majority of reviewers always emphasize the under exposure latitude of all sensors and yet for very many (particularly less experienced) users, they don't appreciate that over exposure is always harder to pull back and correct. I'm not into upgrading my gear so nobody is going to benefit from my bank balance, but I always appreciate informed reviews and that's why I subscribe!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's true. Highlights remain the unconquered territory for dynamic range.

[@Hangs4Fun]

Solid follow up review Dustin. I was tired of backpacking both my a9 and a7R3, and sold my a7R3 and was preparing to sell my a9 in prep for the a9 Mark II. I though for sure it was going to be a 36MP update with improved weather protection. 24MP isnt quite enough for my landscape work, but 36MP would have been more than sufficient. Once the a9 Mark II was released I started rethinking my whole strategy. I still wanted to get down to one primary camera for backpacking, but 24MP and the dynamic range (compared to a7R3 or a7R4) was just a bit shy of my requirements. My solution, I have decided to stay with my a9. Paired with my 24GM, it is a beautiful video camera. Then my 100-400GM captures what I need for wildlife, my 16-35GM for landscapes, and my 24GM for astro (I mostly do filming and photography in wilderness). To address the resolution shortcomings, I just shoot 3 wide pano's in portrait with a 50% overlap. I basically get back to the 40MP range. And to address the dynamic range, I just go to either a 3 or 5 shot bracket. In some cases I even do both, shooting brackets for the dynamic range and pano's in portrait to increase resolution for printing. Would be easier obviously to do this in one shot, but not carrying another body in deep wilderness (size and weight savings), and not having 2 different workflows (I used to shoot SLog2 with my a7R3). However, the negatives are that I no longer have a backup body with me, and I use my Osmo Pocket now when capturing video when I'm using the a9 to photograph (where I used to be able shoot video with either body when one was the photography camera). Anyway, thanks for the work you put into these videos. Great stuff

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I too would have been much more tempted by an a9II in the 36MP range.

[@unloadedone]

Just traded in my a7III for one of these and love it. I was worried it would be too long in the tooth to get into in 2021 but I was wrong. Still, plenty of life left in this camera. Great long term review.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Absolutely right. Sony really breathed new life into the a9 with the firmware updates.

[@stefan_becker]

Thanks for the great video! I own both the A7r IV and the A9. And even though it's got a much lower resolution than the A7r IV, it's definitively my favorite camera. It's simply blazingly fast and does not get in the way when taking pictures. I also like the look of the images a lot.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yeah, it's weird, but the a9 images are just a little more appealing for some reason.

[@kostaskonstantinidis7318]

You definitely have to give a lot of credit to Sony for what they have done over the past couple years. I am one of those that until the a7r2 I was criticizing Sony a lot, but with a7r3, a73 and a9 Sony made me change my opinion (and I have "played" a lot with many colleagues photographers Sony's). Now I can say for sure that if I wasn't so heavily invested on Canon glass I would be very seriously thinking going to Sony when I decide to upgrade my 5dm4 and 5dm3 (which of course is nowhere in the near future). Oh and great stuff as usual Dustin! Keep up the good work!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Your early feelings pretty much mirror my own. The a9 was really the beginning of Sony getting their act together and producing a cogent camera and not just a tech platform.

[@edash360]

With the Sigma MC-11 Canon lenses perform verrrrry nicely indeed on something like the a9!

[@pumpingiron1975]

Thank you sir! As always - very informative and useful.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad to help out.

[@kersakdave]

Hi Dustin! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us! Your videos/reviews are always super informative. I recently got into motorsports and aviation photography so the A9 sounds like a brilliant option for them. Would it still be a good investment in 2024? I would do some portraiture here and there, too, so I wonder if the A9 could serve as a do-it-all kind of camera. Thank you and keep up the great work!

[@michaelcahn]

Great review! Just went from A7iii to A9 and the video is really good straight out of the camera. I’m not missing the hlg as much as I though I would. And with the incredible 20 fps bursts you can create really rich video.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's pretty awesome, for sure.

[@theboogieknight8279]

Do you find the video quality much different to the A7 III? How is the tracking in video mode?

[@michaelcahn]

@@theboogieknight8279 The tracking is outstanding and the lack of rolling shutter puts it at another level from the a7iii.

[@michaelcahn]

@@onlyonestinger Standard. no plus 2. I do all my adjusting in post.:)

[@madfox7777]

Thanks for the added detail in your up-to-date review. I've been trying to sort out the differences between the a9 and the a7iii as a sports camera and this has been very helpful

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's fantastic, as it was my goal in doing it.

[@zenza7120]

Same page. And besides dxomark scores, this is, i think, the only source for iq comparison.

[@madfox7777]

@@zenza7120 I got both in the end, but the a9 is the one I use 99.9% of the time.

[@kian8382]

Stacked sensor design is a way to speed up the sensor readout, and by doing that some sacrifice in dynamic range has to be made.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That seems correct to me.

[@LeslieIanRamos]

WOW! This will save me from upgrading my A9 as a wedding photographer here in Alberta. Thanks!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad to help out.

[@drawab1]

the most well deserved Subscribe i have ever given to a channel. because of this well constructed review i have cancelled my direction which was either A7iii or A7riii and now i will look for an A9. Big thanks sir.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure

[@drawab1]

@@DustinAbbottTWI BTW i just got one for 2150 Euros ( 2250 ish USD ) . U have great influence among ur viewers. Thanks and keep the quality work . U R an inspiration.

[@anthonyhervey8681]

I just ordered my A9 yesterday on sale for $2998. Thanks for the review! I’ll be adding this to my A7III. Thanks for the comparison and pointing out each cameras strengths.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a good price.

[@RoadsAndReels]

Me too! Amazon prime day 😎

[@jan-hendrikbussmann4644]

Like the first part of this review, again wonderful work that is just a joy to watch. I would like to ask a (dumb) video-related question: an external recorder will not help with the missing color profiles, right? An HDMI output signal is not something RAW, but already processed by whatever the camera considers its standard color profile? I did go back to watch the part with the cat a couple of times. If that is your cat, invite it to more of your videos, please :-)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The cat is mine. His name is Ferrari. And no, unfortunately an external recorder will only record what the camera puts out. It can't create a flat LOG-type profile.

[@kane01337]

Great stuff Dustin, really liking the lighting on your shot - is that the AEOS ? looks nice and soft yet slightly warm, nice!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes, it is the AEOS along with fill from the Genaray Crux and with the Genaray Beacon on the backdrop.

[@nomad0714]

Hi Dustin, Timely video and well done to show dynamic range with the over and under exposure recovery. I just bought the A9 on Ebay in mint condition (less than 1000 shutter count) and it was a steal. Well below the $3000 mark so there are deals out there. I’ll be selling the A73 as this will replace it. I also have the EOSR for video but will replace it when the R5 comes out with pricing. Like you, I have some native lenses but also have a lot of EF lenses and glad to know they work on the A9. I don’t see any of the shortcomings to be a hinderance with the work I do. Thanks for a great review!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Good for you. When using the a9 to its strengths, there really aren't any cameras quite like it.

[@nomad0714]

Hi Dustin, 100% agree with you. Thank you for putting the hard work on these videos that we get free tuition on!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome

[@MichaelGakuran]

Great reviews! I was wondering exactly many of the things you addressed in these video series (am an a7r3 owner and unhappy with AF tracking, and do not want 61mp in a7r4). I'm still on the fence, but have a few questions: 1) Do you think the a9 will continue to receive firmware updates in 2020 or only a9ii receive them going forward? 2) Why do you think Sony has still refused to add picture profiles even after 3 years? I agree that it isn't because the camera couldn't support it technically. 3) What settings do you use for video in the a9 in order to maximise potential when colour grading? Thanks in advance for any extra help!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi Michael, I would suspect that support will start to fade for the camera now that the a9II is released. Fortunately it is fairly mature now. I would be surprised if they add profiles at this point, though that is still the most obvious feature that surely could be added via firmware. As for your final question, I do very little color grading on my footage for my channel. I try to get things set up right in advance so I can use footage without the time required to do grading.

[@MichaelGakuran]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks! One final question - do you think the a9ii is actually an a9 1/2? That is to say, a camera rushed out to meet the needs of the Olympics, and that we might see the true successor in the a9iii this/next year? Just curious as to what you think :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I very much doubt that. Within three years, yes, but probably not sooner.

[@mavroioa]

Great stuff, as always Dustin! I am about to upgrade from my very old gear and I am torn between A9 ii and A7r iv. I know they are different cameras and it would be ideal if the A9 ii had 32 or 36 megapixels, but unfortunately, this is not the case... I am not a sports or wildlife photographer but mostly travel, street and landscape photographer. I think it would be helpful using the A9ii"s great autofocus ability on my trips but I am not sure if 24 megapixels are enough for the landscape part... Your thoughts and suggestions would be highly appreciated.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It sounds like you are more of a target for either the a7RIII or a7RIV. The a9II has incredible autofocus capabilities, but they are overkill if you aren't shooting sports or fast action. Buy the camera that best suits your actual needs.

[@ionamtab]

Dustin, I found your channel via a recommendation from Gerald Undone to check out your review of a lens, he said you did a great job and he was right. On to the a9. You made this video almost 3 years ago now. I am a hobbyist at best, but I’ve got a talented niece who is pretty amazing at gymnastics. A used Sony a9 is much more in my budget than a used Sony a9ii. Is the a9 still a good investment for sports photography in the latter half of 2022? I enjoy your videos, thank you for sharing your knowledge with the world on KZbin. Subscribed

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think if you can find a good bargain on one, the a9 remains a good sports camera.

[@ionamtab]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you. Praying for you.

[@Pilot7826]

Dustin, you think it’s worth upgrading to the A9II from the RIII if you only shoot portraits and occasional events like concerts and weddings?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would say no, if those are what you shoot. The strength of the a9 series is the amazingly tracking abilities and burst rate, and if you don't need that, then it isn't worth the investment.

[@Pilot7826]

Dustin Abbott Thank you

[@colephotoworks1485]

I currently own the A7R3 and A7R2 do a lot of portraiture work, but was considering either upgrading to the A7R4 or buying a used A9 and keeping the other cameras. My daughter is starting to do more Cheer competitions, and I was wondering if the A7R4 or A9 would be a better option to do both. The R3 is ok for action, and I actually don't know if the new R4 would be that much better, but was wanting some opinions on what might be the best option for me since I want to do more sports relatated images .

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

If you are happy with the a7RIII for your portrait work, go with the a9. It gives you a serious advantage for tracking action. That's the combo I'm personally using right now.

[@colephotoworks1485]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank you so much!! Love your channel also, and I m going to order the A9 today, I think that would give me the best of both worlds and hopefully future proof me for at least a few years lol

[@colephotoworks1485]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank you so much!

[@kiranbhundia7528]

Hi Dustin still wondering if I should get the A9 or Sony A7r4

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I can't answer that question for you, but I have produced a lot of videos on both lenses that should help you shape your decision.

[@Alpa6c]

Yes

[@heybrook819]

It’s very true that the a9 has compelling color than other Sony cameras.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a little strange, but does seem to be true.

[@Canada151337]

Well Dustin, once again you're doing a great job of helping me lighten my wallet! 🤣 Excellent review, i'm a budding hobbyist hoping to supplement my income with photography on the side and I've been thinking between the a9 vs the a7iii and it seems like the a9 is just a better long term investment. Buy once, cry once as they say! I've found what I believe to be a good deal, and I think i'm going to go ahead with the transaction! This will fill the holes that my a7rii is not optimal for! Cheers!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I've been accused of emptying a few wallets along the way... :)

[@akshaytalari9351]

Sir we need a9 mark2 iso performance and dynamic range video plzz

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'll have to see when Sony has a loaner available for me. Maybe in June or July.

[@pyroBlastM]

Can I ask you what means 4 stop of recovery?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I assume you are talking about shadow recovery? If so, that means that shadows are underexposed by four stops, and then you recover that information in post by using the "shadows" slider or something similar.

[@pematamang9268]

I think Sony will release Sony A7IV soon. Sony weather sealing is not advance than Canon 1Dx mark II..

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I wouldn't be surprised to find the gap between the a9II release and the a7IV release similar to what they did with the a9 and a7III, which would indicate that late 2020 will be the earliest we see it.

[@bjoernoswald2473]

11:03: Now the Canon A 7 r iii is a great contender... yeah if canon ever came up with an A 7 r iii that sure would be a great contender haha :-)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Ooops.

[@bjoernoswald2473]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I like that you saw my post and answered at all haha :-) Thanks for your content btw!

[@turnanewleaf1]

we know what you mean though... Great review!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome.

[@cii1072]

Thanks for the very informative reviews Part I & II. A lot of good information and things to think about. At this point, however, I've decided to sit tight and wait awhile. I can't see getting the A9 or A9II with 24 MP at those prices. Sony needs to get an improved resolution before I will buy. Thanks.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You get to vote with your wallet :)

[@1slkss]

You have to compare these against other flagship cameras to understand what you are really getting. Look at the Nikon D5 20.8MP @ ~$6000 or the Canon 1DX II 20.2MP @ ~$5500. In the pro flagship line up its a bargain comparatively for what you get.

[@steb0ne]

@@1slkss Exactly!

[@giacomolugari108]

Dear Dustin, Did u notice some difference in term of sharpness between A9 file and A7iii file? I saw around the web the A9 has less sharpness.. I found a good opportunity for buying a well used A9 but sometimes I shot landscape and I do not want loose sharpness. Today I shot with Fujifilm Xt3. Thank you for your beautiful work! Giacomo

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I found the a9 to produce very sharp images.

[@davidzielinski4443]

dude i love your videos but its not the canon a7r3 at 11:11

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

LOL - this is true :)

[@Djk0t]

Dustin Nice video thank you and happy new year. I did some research and saw that the a9 has the exmir rs sensor. I don’t think this sensor exists in any other camera than the a9’s right?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's probably correct, though unfortunately it isn't quite as good as the sensor in the a7III or a7C in some measures.

[@Djk0t]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you. The reason I ask is that my wife uses fuji, and wants to go to full frame. I remember that you mentioned that in a7r4 that the colors got a bit better. So in your opinion which of the a7c a7r2 , 3 , 4 or a9 is closer for a fuji user with no adjustments? Thank in advance.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would say the most recents (C or RIV). The a9 is also quite good.

[@Djk0t]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank you very much

[@subirthapa8542]

Hi Dustin, This was a good Review once again. How is the High ISO performance vs A7R3 when the images are not downsampled? and The ISO comparison between A73 till 6400 side by side if you have it, Nice Content :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I do have those comparisons but can only share so much for the sake of time. At native pixel level the a9 will look better because noise is less obvious.

[@subirthapa8542]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Sure , Thank you again

[@samhartwig4640]

I sold mine bought the a9ii. Better feel more stable autofocus but I don’t shoot video

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I have no doubt that the a9II is better. The question for many people will be if it is $1000-1500 better.

[@samhartwig4640]

Dustin Abbott I would say no, I just shoot for fun but I will say the ergonomics are way better which u know from using the R4.

[@Stefan1968ful]

@@samhartwig4640 Then better buy the Sony A7R4 as backup camera - a way better deal.

[@samhartwig4640]

Stefan1968ful I did. Love it. Great for macro and landscape stuff

[@Stefan1968ful]

Sam Hartwig Me too. And it’s Great for Wildlife.

[@Oxydus1]

People love to pixel peep!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's true of many, for sure