Sony A9 vs Canon 1Dxii vs Nikon D5 | Flagship Epic Shootout Review | Which Camera to Buy

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In this Epic Shootout Michael reviews the Sony A9, Canon 1DXii and Nikon D5 Flagship cameras.
Michaels Full Camera Tutorial Line Up: www.michaelthemaven.com/products/
Sony's Recommended Focusing Settings: support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/w...
The Maven Nation Podcast - Trust me guys....its GOOD! :) : itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
Michael approved, Affordable Travel Tripod:
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* Michael The Maven is a participant in the B&H Photo affiliate program that provides an advertising commission if you purchase through these links.
Sony A9: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
Canon 1DXii: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
Nikon D5: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
Curious to Test before Buying? Check out Lensprotogo.com! MAVEN10 will save you 10% at checkout! www.lensprotogo.com/rent/prod...
01:04 - Intro
4:06 - Lenses Used
05:30 - Sports Shooting
16:05 - Low Light Focusing
16:45 - Video Focusing
18:06 - Dynamic Range
22:27 - High Portrait ISO
23:48 - Moire Test
24:12 - Thermal Test
24:53 - Rolling Shutter
25:24 - Real World Video
29:07 - Portrait Test
32:10 - Ergonomics
32:11 - Conclusion
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Many of Methodologies: www.michaelthemaven.com/?postI...
On the 400 2.8 Prime: It appears this is in a rumor stage only, and sources disagree if this is a f2.8 or f4. It was my personal error to say it has been officially announced, and for that I apologize! Apparently I read an article about 2 other lenses being officially announced, and the 400 2.8 being rumored, so I misunderstood. Sorry guys! On the other hand, I believe Sony is just too smart to not be working on a 400 Prime, whatever aperture it is, here are some of the rumors:
petapixel.com/2017/05/16/sony...
Music for the opening is by Alex Bess (One of the best!) and was licensed through Audiojungle.nt: audiojungle.net/item/inspirin...
PRIVACY and DISCLOSURE:
* Michael The Maven is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com
* Michael The Maven is a participant in the B&H Photo Video affiliate program that provides an advertising commission if you purchase through our links.
* If you purchase something from my affiliate links, I will get a small commission with no extra cost to you.
* Everything stated here is my opinion, and I sometimes make mistakes. I will never recommend a product I do not either use, truly love or think would be the best fit for the situation (often determined by budget).

[@paradesos]

This is the first time I manage to watch a 45 min review. One of the best on KZbin. Thank you

[@beavertown2006]

Finally someone makes one of the most wanted review, this needs to appear in big webpages such as Dpreview and so on. Well done you!

[@abhishijack]

No other video on youtube takes more efforts than yours does. Hats off and respect.

[@MMaven]

+Abhishek Shah thank you my friend. I need to find a way to be faster. Appreciate your support

[@mariuszkedzior1541]

Michael The Maven Hi. I'm guessing your are video owner ? if Sun blow was on purpose ok. but if not use nd filter 10 or more at drone , please. Thanks

[@nosignal7156]

Thanks for the amazingly thorough testing Michael. I pretty much agree with you the A9 is a diamond in the rough, and a sign of many more great things to come.

[@MrDomq22]

That 1dx buffer is literally out of this world, dude.

[@MMaven]

+Domenic Quarato isn't it funny how Canon published a 170 RAW buffer depth and it's really a 940 functional depth with a good card? I've never seen anything like it

[@MrDomq22]

Michael The Maven totally unnecessary, but still just an amazing marvel of technology.

[@MMaven]

I feel like the 1DXii is the camera all Canon users want because they just didnt hold anything back at all.

[@town3]

Yeah I shoot Sony and i was like HOLY#$%@ !!!!! LMBO

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

I bet you were like HOLY &^%$

[@bwest6275]

As someone who is looking into a used a9 in 2021, I truly appreciate you making this comparison video. Superb!

[@rdpete]

2022, same... portrait test alone, 8 for A9, 4 for 1DXii

[@lumberjack3008]

Repeating this test with the new Sony A9 Firmware would bei great!

[@andyyoon7853]

Thank you Michael! 10 years wow! Your epic shootout series is my favorite and it's the best review you can find on youtube. You compare usually 2 competitive cameras from the different company to let the viewer see the difference in performance and image quality and I believe it's most accurate because you use consistent method to test cameras.

[@sunnysree]

I have been looking an epic comparison between these cameras around the world, finally you did that ........collecting such expensive cameras and doing epic shootouts is a great job . Hats off Michael you are phenomenal.

[@TrekCZ]

Thank you for mentioning and showing artifacts in Sony raw files, many reviewers would not even mention it to not to be bad with Sony.

[@MMaven]

+TrekCZ you bet! I try to talk about everything I find, good or bad. It's something I've seen in the past abc wanted to know if it was fixed. It wasn't. Hopefully Sony is listening

[@gilmsu]

I am writing this comment with my toes because I'm still using my hands to clap this awesome video. Best review EVER. 3 years ago I decided which APS-C brand buy after one of your vídeos.

[@MMaven]

+GIL MSU thank you Gil for your support- I appreciate it

[@AbhijeetSawant1]

This is by far the most detailed comparison I've seen till date. You've put in lot of efforts. Thanks 🍻

[@XS2K3K4K]

Man, congrats this is the best comparison video and I watched a lot of them about these cameras, can't wait for the next one!

[@DaveDugdaleColorado]

Thanks for all the tests! Interesting the a9 had 8/12 top picks from me on the portrait color test. I think Sony is constantly changing their color science.

[@MMaven]

You bet Dave- You are one of the few people who knows exactly what is involved. Sonys colors are definitely improving, not as orangey as usual.

[@town3]

Dave Dugdale Looking up and down Michaels thread the Sony did well in the portrait test surprisingly and yes Sony is definitely changing their color science but it seem to be discreetly. I have been noticing it a little at a time through different cameras but mainly in the A9, the colors are much more like Canon on the A9. Having the FS7,A7S2,A7R2 and now the A9. The colors changed the most with the A9 but yet not a lot of people are talking about it, some have but not a lot. Thank you Dave and Michael for all of your outstanding work you do for the photography community.

[@BrentRivers]

Dave, what is your WB setting, Ambient or White? I'm always interested in the color science discussions....we can get whatever color we want out of these cams with a few custom tone curves. I don't see it as an issue with any of them as long as they are consistent from body to body for multi cam work.

[@DaveDugdaleColorado]

The next time I have an a9 and a Canon camera, perhaps I will "steal" your format of the blind test with the results at the end, I think it would be fun to see if I get similar to what happened to me with your test. I really think Sony is slightly changing their color science on each camera slowly over the years.

[@minoltaking5417]

Dave Dugdale Already better than Canon, in my opinion. Canon color tends to be over saturated.

[@andytang4138]

The best review video for those 3 cameras ever

[@promtlphotography6187]

The work quality and amount of effort you put on your videos deserve a LOT of respect! Thank you!

[@MMaven]

+PROMTL PHOTOGRAPHY thank you my friend

[@obayedh]

An unbiased comparison so far I have watched - this is the best IMHO. Thanks much Michael for all of your hard works. A fantastic job indeed. Compliments from Vancouver Island, Canada :)

[@alightbulb5528]

wtf amazed by the sheer quality of this video, entertaining, educational and brilliant, even though all three cameras are far out of my price range. good work and keep it up 🙌. you just earned yourself a new sub

[@MMaven]

+a light bulb thank you so much! You have excellent taste for quality :)

[@alightbulb5528]

Michael The Maven ha thanks for replying

[@ZaberAnsaryOfficial]

Holy Shit. Ive been waiting for this and searching for thiis for months now. Max yuryev made one with the D5, it was great but This is something else... A ThreeSome... Made by Michael The Maven. I'm so gonna watch full 44minutes of it. I'm confident he did justice to the cameras.

[@nyambe]

Michael hits on some great points too. Beyond specs, how many of us are shooting NFL, NBA, FIFA games and getting payed for it? makes you think

[@MMaven]

Zaber Ansary thank you for your support! I wish I could make them faster, but I can't lol!

[@longrider9551]

This guy (michael) is the best camera reviewer hands down

[@DaveSincere]

This is CLEARLY the best camera COMPARISON I've ever seen. So in depth, so detailed... Love it.

[@MMaven]

+DaveSincere thank you Dave! I appreciate it

[@angelicagray7382]

Do not stop making videos man, you're doing it great! I can see the hard work in each video, I'd to have such a nice teacher like you, really good video

[@finalfox33]

Great comparison! I like your metaphor "2 apples and 1 orange", exact and precise!

[@jeffluo9591]

you CAN access the FN menu in the A9, while the buffter is clearing.

[@damaster692]

Hes a Nikkon Fanboy .

[@stevensager9990]

thank you so much I've never seen such a great detailed camera comparison. I really appreciate the countless hours it took to produce.

[@megadeth-ft4td]

Great video Michael. Your reviews are the most objective on youtube. Please keep it that way in the future too. Thanks for including the video tests too which is what i was looking for.

[@saintly007]

Hi Micheal, for the Canon 1DXii, Mjpeg codec, didn't Canon mention that you can take a clip from the video and save it as a 8.8 MB jpeg file which can printed out on any size photo ranging from 4X6 up to 36X48?

[@sanketjadhav4751]

It’s sad how much efforts he puts into these videos and gets only 250k views and just 3k likes you deserve much more mickey keep it up 👍🏾👍🏾

[@kennethwilliamsinc]

tech technically I agree. His reviews are pretty solid.

[@cahteerk]

This is the most reliable camera review I've ever seen! Very systematic.

[@jonathanerickson554]

This camera comparison is exactly what I was looking for in regards to my research. Thank you!

[@kundason7546]

except for you choosing the wrong setting on the autofocus test of the A9 ..this is probably the best review i have ever came across . PERIOD. and i do mean best review among reviews from any other product..not just cameras. kudos for such a thorough down to business review. this channel should definitely be on a much higher ranking .

[@duhbiyung]

great video! on the iso sharpness test, i think the a9 wins because it is 24mpx vs 20 on the other cameras, which results in sharper image on the same crop..

[@MMaven]

+duhbiyung yes- it's true &I also think the BSI sensor is helping it a little bit

[@247th]

Your video editing is getting more epic as well. Great video Mike!

[@hknsah]

Quality of your work is really at another level. keep up the great work Michael!

[@ryanrobinson6321]

You picked the worst autofocus setting for the A9. I own 2. You need to shoot differently. Let the A9 choose. Set up the wide area, center zone, or expanded point. The medium flexible spot SUCKS for sports. The autofocus test needs to be redone.

[@pimukrak8316]

I agree with you, Sony would have yielded better result. Only Michael was meant to have the same focus setup on all 3.

[@MMaven]

Ryan Robinson I appreciate the comment. It's possible, however not all 3 cameras have that ability and therefore that test would not be apples to apples- it's one of the challenges of doing these tests, finding common abilities in the focusing. Nikon has the 3D setting, but it too isn't always perfect, and others would argue any dropped frames couldn't be counted as it would be out of the shooters hands. These are the challenges I face with these tests, no matter how careful I am, yes, there are still many other ways to test. Question for you as an A9 owner: do you see the issue of missed focus as you rack in?

[@voyageruno8938]

Daniel Spaniel feeling butthurt bevande what you call turd is better than the priecier competition ha?

[@ryanrobinson6321]

Michael The Maven I forgot to mention this comparison was well done. I very much enjoy these videos. That said, you have a good question with rack focus with wide/area modes. I will run a few experiments and get back to you. I use these cameras (switched from 1DX) for weddings and they have been phenomenal with focus. Granted, weddings are not sporting events. Thanks for the response!

[@MMaven]

+Ryan Robinson you bet! I wish I had the time and resources to test every setting on every mode. I would love to hear from another A9 user because it's even possible just my one copy has an issue, you know? Please let me know what you learn

[@abdullahalammar7291]

the D5 had the most pleasing colors for me in 11 out of 12 images in the portrait test. in the past, canon used to have the most saturated skin tones, not any more.

[@trekgod3]

I had a big smile on my face when you did the buffer test on the 1dx ii

[@dsu2002]

Excellent youtube video - one of the best, impartial, professionaly made comparison video.

[@24Steevy]

You can reach most of the settings via Fn button while clearing the buffer

[@MMaven]

+24Steevy it's true! I'm hoping Sony will fix the menu issue with an update. I think it has to do with how jpeg files are processed, but it doesn't make sense for the menu to be locked out, they should lock the processing features inside the menu if it's an issue.

[@kavan82]

I wish I could give more than one like to this awesome video.

[@AlecKinnear]

Thank you for your hard work Michael. This video is still useful in 2021. I was particularly interested in the autofocus comparison.

[@alexkasyan2555]

First of all I would like to thank you for taking time and creating such a clear, instructive and detailed comparison of the 3 cameras. In my opinion you made one of the overall best camera reviews I have watched on KZbin. Your approach to this comparison helps photographers like myself see what would the best gear be for the type of work we do. A big thank you!

[@MMaven]

+Sea Lion thank you my friend!

[@preethamkonda5011]

nicely done plse do a video similarly for sony a6300 vs 6500 vs nikon d7500 vs canon 80d plse

[@nihalkp3687]

Can you please test the a9 after the firmware update?

[@alexanderjack5937]

I like the quality, value, and effort you put into this amazing video!! This man is amazing!!

[@maximme]

thanks you are the ONLY reviewer who test camera AF according to Sports photographer requirements

[@alex_knight]

I own the 1Dx mark ii it's a beast for sports photography! Battery is way better than manual states, shot 7000 raw and jpg simultaneously and still had power for more!

[@MMaven]

+Alex Knight complete beast

[@suzesiviter6083]

Yeah keep justifying to yourself why you bought a camera with less features and poorer picture quality than one at half price LOL.

[@henrymerrilees9066]

Suzy Siviter presumably Alex had purchased the camera before the a9 release and/or it didn’t make sense to make the switch as one would have to sell all of their lenses etc. and given they are shooting 1dxii I would assume that they aren’t on kit lenses. As a Sony shooter, I can tell you that you can make up the cost difference pretty quickly with the more expensive Sony glass.

[@suzesiviter6083]

Henry Merrilees: Agree except you have neglected to comment on the excellent adaptors available to convert between Cannot to the A-Mount, Jason Lanier has reviewed them across a wide range of Canon lenses, very speedy focusing.

[@henrymerrilees9066]

Suzy Siviter I believe you meant e mount but anyways, I own both a metabones and sigma adapter and as usual comparability is a nightmare. There is no guarantee that any of the features of the lenses will work at all and focusing is slower. A pro photographer can not afford these issues.

[@pixlheart2369]

Ive choosen the d5 9/12 times as the best, and the rest the Sony ^^' The skin tones just seem to be more natural and warm

[@terryanderson6753]

As always another excellent break down of three really good camera's. Well done Michael!

[@AdaneEdmund]

As usual great informative and unbiased reviews. Keep up the splendid work, I often wait for your reviews before purchasing one camera over another.

[@thisis5123]

hey Michael. Very nice job. Wow. I feel If i say anymore it will only detract from my statement. I'm a 5D4 user, I'm mainly a wildlife shooter but I do other things too. Yesterday at my local camera store I used a D5 for the first time. Wow, the shutter on it feels like nothing i've ever felt ( I've never used a 1dxii). Do you personally feel the shutter on the 1dxii feels as "good and solid" as the D5? I just remember it have a solid feel sound wise, but at the same time, only feeling a slight downward inertia that was ultra buttery smooth. It was like nothing I had ever felt before. especially feeling that downward momentum with no "clacking" or "CHUNK!" sound my 5D4 makes. Do you think the 1DXII would give that same awesome shutter feel that the D5 does? I own a brand new 600 f/4 and I would like to stay with Canon if at all possible, but shutter feel is something that matters to me a lot actually.

[@MMaven]

This Is Yes, but maybe a touch more loud and authoritative

[@thisis5123]

Michael The Maven awesome. I’ll have to check it out. The store didn’t have a 1dxii, only the D5. Thanks.

[@sunnysree]

Everytime I look this channel ..... I literally notice for the number of subscribers, I don't know why copy cat vloggers have more subs ......you are an epic person you make world class exclusive videos . I think you should be having 1M subs .

[@MMaven]

Thank you for your kind words Sri! I appreciate your support!

[@DuncanDimanche-sreview]

I fully agree !

[@MsAndreas1977]

Your channel for camera testing is far the best. Allways looking forward to it. 👍.

[@MMaven]

+andreas bjuvegård thank you Andreas!

[@gebagia]

Total respect for your in-depth analysis of the above cameras. Another epic shootout review of yours played an important role on my decision to buy my X-T2. Thank you very much for your hard work.

[@JetBen555]

Personally I just cant wait for 1DX Mk3 Vs D6(?) Vs A9 Mk2 Im pretty sure that Canon and Nikon are coming up with new flagship sometime soon and then I wouldnt be surprised if Sony respond shortly after.

[@minusinfinity6974]

Yeah we will definitely be seeing D6 and 1DXIII in time for the 2020 Olympics. Canon and Nikon won’t have a mirrorless camera that can touch the A9 for a at least 2-3 years, let alone the A9 II which might pop up also next year. The Nikon D500 was almost enough for me to sell my 1DX, the A9 made the decision easy. AF of the A9 is for the most part best I’ve ever used. Not perfect for sure, but for a first effort up against pro cameras that have been refined over 6 or more generations damn amazing.

[@olec.salomonsen9716]

Ehh.. Why are you using a slow memory card for the A9? A full buffer clears in 34seconds with the right memory card. And you do know that you can access most menu items through the Fn button/menu? You can add the important features you would need to access through Fn.

[@MMaven]

There are reports the write speed is variable depending on how full the card is - which is really strange, but yes the pipeline speed is much slower than the actual write speed of the camera regardless. Even still, a 34 second clear time is still 6x longer than the other two, its just too slow. Sony should have gone with XQD cards. (BTW- the card I used is incredibly fast).

[@chirag4]

Sony will bring out a more matured A9 Mark-II with Dual XQD Card Slots, one year before the Olympics 2020. The A9 is only for trial & testing, experimenting, before the big games. Sony doesn't want to play all its cards now and kill the suspense, and is holding back a few features for the next-gen product, but by then, Canon & Nikon could launch 1Dx3 & D6 (or D5s)

[@minoltaking5417]

Probably A9R will have XQD, just wait... "Silent agreement" between them about, Sony gives Nikon ahead start for XQD, only for 2 year max before Alphas. But........ Sony wouldn't ever give Nikon the IBIS. *Smart Decision from Sony*

[@lemesindong]

You should stfu, even with 34 seconds buffer clear, its still 10 times longer than nikon and canon

[@chirag4]

thanks m p

[@cchristopher1sd]

I am a Sony shooter but I appreciate all the work you did on this video. It is nice to know what all the manufacturers are doing and if there are any issues I need to be aware of.

[@MMaven]

+Christopher S thank you Christopher - this is what I'm going for so I appreciate it

[@imprintimage]

Your comparison videos are always EPIC. Best on youtube!

[@EstebanMartinez45]

The Canon 900 photos..Are you shure that was Raw and no Jpeg ?????

[@themjian]

In real world usage out in the field, Canon bodies, starting from entry level Rebels, always far exceeds the printed specs. Nikon are generally true to the specs. And Sony, always behind its printed specs.

[@martyhegr2713]

I shoot night time football with a Nikon D4. My business partner shoots with a Canon 1DX. His daughter is in theater so he also has a need to shoot silently. He sold his 1DX and purchased a Sony A9 that supposedly could handle both. The short of the story is , he can no longer shoot the night time sports without renting back his old camera. Some of these high school games have very poor lighting and late in the game, we are up to 10,000 ISO and f/2.8. Your test only has one body running. We find that regardless of the focal point(s) settings, when you go above 5,000 ISO and have "multiple" objects moving in the screen, the A9 severely hunts to lock on the subject and with 22 moving bodies, at 10,000 ISO, by the time that it finds the focus the action is already done. It is to much of a struggle to even try anymore. It is great for the silent shooting in the theater. But, very low light sports is not something the A9 can handle.

[@anthonyc1883]

Marty Hegr Check out the Instagram account of murphyracey. He shoots lots of nighttime football and has captured lots of peak, low-light action up to 20,000 ISO. Of course, there's no way of knowing what he'd get with a Canon 1Dx MkII but he is producing excellent work with his A9.

[@bribribri888]

really really good comparison between the flagship cameras, more than I expected at all, it's a long video, but I watched every minute without skipping and enjoy it very much. Excellent work Michael, I'm impressed.

[@MMaven]

+Brian Yeung thank you Brian for your support

[@SkyBlue1031]

Your comparison test was really helpful, thank you! Your information is very concise and clear, well presented.

[@JgHobley]

Great test! I'm a sports shooter mainly covering football and motorsport and use Nikon D4s bodies. I've also used a Canon 1DX MK2 and also loved it. One massive problem I see with the Sony is ergonomics. It looks awful but I haven't tried on. I'm sure it'll be a good seller but NOT at the price it launched at. Nikon and Canon have had great success in previous incarnations of their pro bodies, Sony hasn't. IMO they have launched a camera to try to compete with the big boys with no lenses to match 400mm f2.8 etc. and when they do, will pro Nikon and Canon shooters change over? Not a chance.

[@MMaven]

Jon Hobley great comment, it's hard to say without the right lens lineup. I think if Sony continues to improve and innovate, fix the rough edges, get the right lenses...Nikon & Canon could be in trouble.

[@ObelixCMM]

I don't think they will switch all gear for Sony, but I can see lots of them adding A9 as specialty camera for silent shooting, high speed, video, remote camera...

[@JgHobley]

I was very lucky to be invited to Sony's factory in Osaka back in 2006/7 (I think) when they released the A200/A300/A330 cameras and the A9oo full frame bodies. At that time they were making 8 70-200 f2.8 G lenses, by hand, every day for the worldwide market. I really cannot believe they will be making a lot more per day now. And, as for the big pro lenses like the 300mm f2.8 and 400mm f2.8, I'm sure these will be 2-3 a month. I think Sony has set a benchmark if nothing else to Canon and Nikon that mirrorless will sell and, with the right design and specification as well as accessories to back up the system could be the future. I'm not sure if LCD monitors are good enough yet for a pro tog yet but I remember 3 years ago, they were only around a million dot screens. When they get to 5m+ and far better refresh rates, more togs would consider changing. It will be interesting to see what Canon and Nikon bring out to offer serious competition to the mirrorless market. I will have a guess that given a few years Sony will stop making high-end cameras and will concentrate on their sensor part of the business. Just a thought...

[@suzesiviter6083]

Jon Hobley: Good on you!, you stick with your outdated camera whilst that nerdy guy at the side of you with the A9 is capturing every moment with his 20fps and selling the killer shots. You are a martyr my friend!.

[@denissyk2004]

wrong SD card for A9

[@huliboy4727]

the most thorough review I've come across. appreciate the work. thanks

[@MouhammedAliM]

I'm really surprised about how this video does not have 40 mill views you really helped me out thx

[@HatefYaminiOnline]

Ryan Robinson is right. The response, "It's possible, however not all 3 cameras have that ability and therefore that test would not be apples to apples," only makes Ryan's point stronger. A shootout is trying to find out which one outguns the rest. A shootout isn't trying to determine parity. On the contrary, if the Sony wins because it can do something the other two cannot, then the Sony wins. Period. It doesn't matter how it wins as long as it can shootout the others.

[@MMaven]

+Hatef Yamini uh...yeah but it didn't outshoot the others. You might want to actually watch before commenting. If the A9 cannot beat the other two in all aspects, it's not a DSLR killer. My comment was in regards to the multiple variables involved in what was suggested. Pro NFL and NBA shooters don't use the auto "wide" mode, they actually select an area to focus on believe it or not. This is the fun of social media- there will always be those who will simply say they know more despite evidence presented, yet they offer absolutely no proof. With that in mind, I'll eagerly await your own Shootout.

[@HatefYaminiOnline]

Fair enough Michael. You're looking at more than just autofocus.

[@donaldcole1510]

Hatef Yamini but that's true of all three. They all have something the others don't do as well. I prefer nikon glass and iso the best. Which is why I don't jump. The near 50 mp sensor on the 850 is another reason. What kinda shooter are you is the question. I think Nikon's are superior in my realm and I have shot all three

[@MestreMur]

To be honest Sony A9 was best... ****Camera****: low light, high ISO, noise control at high ISO, best Dynamic Range, more FPS, silent shooter, portrait trivia Sony A9 was at least 9 first option and 3 second option...The 24mp and eyes focus is a huge difference... Sony A9 with eyes focus, better low light focus and small size / low weight is the best option for wedding, street, architecture, landscape and also a great one for sport (your setting was not the optimum for front tracking)... For wedding, street and architecture/landscape options and portrait we don't have any lens selection problem (Sony/Zeiss, Sony GM, Sony G, Zeiss Batis, Zeiss Loxia, Zeiss Otus, Zeiss Milvus and all Canon, Nikon and Sigma lens. ****Video****: I don't have nothing to say, this Sony A9 is the only professional video camera of them... ****GREAT REVIEW****!

[@alanwillis5509]

Spot on Gustavo, I was the official photographer at the World flying disc championship. During the 7 days I took nearly 5,000 photographs and almost 100 videos, using the 70-200 GMaster for stills and the 28-135 G power zoom for videos on the A9. 99% were in focus. Weather conditions were very bad. The camera was a joy to use. Although video is great on the A9, Sony are holding back. EG: no picture profiles, and face recognition does not work with 4K. I can live with that. I will not be able to afford the S and R versions or the 4 & 500mm prime lenses when they materialise.

[@DuncanDimanche-sreview]

alan willis The face doesn't work in 4K when you have an hdmi cable hooked on the A9. At least that's what happens with the A6500

[@minoltaking5417]

Gustavo Ulloa TRUE

[@alanwillis5509]

Spot on!

[@nikonprofessional5286]

Nope, two weekends ago, a wedding reception guest had the A9 and I was using my D5, we talked and shared a little as he's also a pro. His A9 was having some problems with hunting fucus in low-light. Performance was pretty darn good, but you'll miss a lot of the action unless the venue is well lit due to low light- low contrast focusing problems. I'm keeping an eye on the A9, but it's not ready for the work I personally do yet! We stood side by side and did a tiny shootout just with the focus speed.

[@MikeQuintero_]

This review is one of, if not the most informative and comprehensive on these three cameras. Being a sports shooter, the information you've provided is invaluable. Thank you Michael.

[@MMaven]

Finally a sports shooter comments! Thank you Michael!

[@DuncanDimanche-sreview]

THE BEST review side by side I have ever seen !

[@sennoevers249]

i think th e 1dx mark 2 is still the best option because of the dual pixal autofocus and because of canons color science. sony just doesn't keep up

[@yashwantjamdade4710]

In my scores 1st a9 2nd d5 and 3rd 1d in portraits I am totally surprised

[@panwspanialy]

WOW respect for the deep content and hard work in this video. Very non bias review!

[@nagual2335]

This video is a dream come true! you rock Michael. Canon color science and gamma curves is still number 1. A9 is getting there but not just yet. Thank you

[@NewsMoto]

Used the Sony A9 in a motorcycle race. It's a big negative for me! I have been bursting stills on some laps and taking 120fps videos on other laps. The menu lockout it a big deal! I missed a lot of shots, crashes and wheelies! I can't even turn off the camera! Took me about 3-5 minutes to use the camera again! In sports, that's a lot of missed shots! And the lack of native tele prime is a deal breaker. 1DXii stays in my hybrid sports kit!

[@suzesiviter6083]

Then dont fill up your buffer, its a massive buffer anyway compared with the others, your gripe is more about deficiencies in your own technique than that of the camera.

[@henrymerrilees9066]

The 400 2.8 is on it’s way

[@iforgotmyusername0]

Dat 1DXII BUFFER THOUGH........

[@kenjiburtley2088]

The 1DX Mark II buffer is crazy !!! Love that camera, will get one soon.

[@roymayh3819]

Absolutely excellent and super detailed and clear review. Kudos for that.

[@avinashrai11141]

900 frames of burst is just insane.

[@MMaven]

+avinashrai11141 it was crazy. And remember the published spec was 170 lol

[@avinashrai11141]

Michael The Maven I thought d5 has deepest buffer but I was totally wrong and autofocus was surprise too considering inconsistency of Sony s9 and accuracy of d5.

[@alanwillis5509]

I have owned the A9 since 25th May. So it's not a surprise my score was. Sony 31, Canon 26, Nikon 18. I use the Sony for Sport wildlife, and portraits. Never had a focus problem. I have no issue with the current lens line up. Long prime lenses will have a price tag beyond my income. After 3 months with the A9 I could no longer live without, Eye focus, Face recognition, Silent shooting, No black out, Manual focus Zoom, peaking, and Zebra. I love the excellent auto focus, and quality of the video. I use less manual focus with the A9 than, any camera I have, previously owned. I love the small light weight, but then I have small hands, and my largest lenses are the 70-200 GMaster and the 28-135 G power zoom. I switched from Nikon to Sony, finding it works for me, and have no regrets.

[@syborn1]

Mike- I've been watching your videos for years and I respect and value your assessments.. Thank You for all your hard work and please keep it going. Thank You.

[@MMaven]

+Neil Sy thank you my friend

[@sarahsmith6136]

Thank you Michael for this great tutorial. So very helpful 😁

[@jeffluo9591]

I get 100% hit rate with my A9 + 100400GM shooting incoming bicycle rider, with face detection on.

[@cantbsdave]

He didn’t use the correct focus mode for that software version (3.1). The new 5.0 software is far better with all focus modes

[@fangbifxx]

WTF that Canon buffer!!

[@MMaven]

+emily jolie it was shocking

[@janohaluska6117]

It has smallest RAW files (18MB) and 18*12 = 216MB/s => which is lower than card write speed threshold Sony has 23MB*20fps = 460 MB/s => which is much higher than card can theoretically wrote (300MB/s) It is easy to be the fastest, when doing half the job...

[@minusinfinity6974]

Well the 1DXII does 14fps not 12fps, and the RAW files are much larger than 18MB, not sure where you got that. My 1DX files are around 23-25MB, these should be around 10% or so larger.

[@bobdriscoll3310]

I actually said that out loud when I realised it was still going!

[@juan2osteo]

great job, thank you for all of your excellent videos you bring to us

[@tomaso101]

Thank you Michael for another excellent video. You and Max Yuryev are doing the best comparisons.

[@gamecollectorbr]

For me: if it is not in focus, is uselless. Nikon D5 hands down.

[@MMaven]

I hear you brother!

[@jamesskintauy6773]

D500 hands down :)

[@mak_9000]

Less keepers though, due to slower shutter. look at 8:33

[@wiraphotography7805]

Yeah thats right. What a waste a shutter count. LOL

[@ehtcom]

mak 9000, less keeper sure, but we all know the best photo's are going to be the ones out of focus.

[@rajdeeppal5653]

canon 1DX Mark II 👌👌👌👌

[@iforgotmyusername0]

rajdeep pal that buffer!

[@town3]

I'm a Sony A9 shooter but that Canon was very nice, I see why it's their flagship. Nice and I went to sleep and woke up and that buffer was still going lol.

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

Haha the buffer song

[@1969zl1vette]

Color rendition is definitely flat compared to the D5 and A9.

[@JePeVePe]

agree, but.... the sensor is getting dirtier, way more then even my 5DmkIII... You can get oil on the sensor, after hefty uses..

[@ANKITKHARADI5168]

One of the best camera comparison i have ever seen...Keep going.

[@nightcoder5k]

Very well thought-out comparison video. Thank you!

[@LenaSchlmerSndergaardAngioni]

You have to use the right settings for sport on th a9, you didn't. A retest should be taken.

[@MMaven]

We did many many tests with it, but as always there are many other ways to test it. If you really believe you can make it work better than what I demonstrated, I'd love to see that! Thanks!

[@LenaSchlmerSndergaardAngioni]

obviously you missed one...

[@MMaven]

The test was to see if the A9 could replace the 1DXii and D5, which Professional NFL and NBA shooters use. Pro Shooters for those sports wouldn't turn target acquisition over to the camera, so again, that was the basis and it stands. I can always make a video showing when & why the WIDE setting is an unwise focus mode. Would you prefer that?

[@bozziovai]

instead of posting thru words your complain, how about you make a video of your own on which right settings should be used on the a9 for sports .... do the test yourself and show it to us ..

[@invictusathletics3825]

Why dont you lock the focus on her when she is running with the a9?

[@soundknight]

So the SONY will be able to shoot more frames per second out of focus than the others?

[@photofreaks718]

Ultimately you get more in focus shots than the other two. So at least there's that.

[@baljitphotography]

Hats off to you for your professional, non-opinionated approach to camera testing. You let the camera occupy centre stage, unlike some other 'reviewers' who confine the camera to the wings.

[@Setright230]

Guys I’m new to your channel been canon shooter long time and went for the 1D x mk2 useing a 128 scandisk c2 with a 64 unma gold back up. card. I am so happy with the camera in all my shooting from sports to wildlife and general photography all over as I have some nice canon lenses over the yrs and parts ie flashes extenders remotes. It was great to see your reviews. As I’m in Australia and veterans pensioner that wanted the best I could get in full frame for variety shooting video is more for bits of new stuff. I just feel while had my lenses and was a film shooter for yrs. the 1D X mk2 is just fantastic feel with great variety as was doing lots of Quicksilver pro surfing events and Indy car racing and such. The 7D I had which I’ve kept lol for a basic back up. But I’m so happy with it. Your reviews are great. But of course spending big money I just had to stay eith canon and Sony I guess has it’s pros. But I’d rather get a drone later to get video unusual stuff to add to my I call therapy. As with my problems ptsd being big. I’m just happy that I did go 1DXmk2 as shoot In raw all the time so cheers for the look at them. But I’m really happy with my final choice. Cheers 🇦🇺👍 ( small question do you have any of your training DVDs to go with the canon 1D mk2 out yet. Also not sure if can get them for or to Australia. As really enjoyed the few videos I’ve seen as a new person to your channel. Keep up great work. 👍

[@MihaiTilea]

Canon fps is like watching porn.

[@minoltaking5417]

Just a year ago, If you said a Mirrorless can compete with Super Class FF DSLR, People will laugh at you. A9 is worthy to be *The World Camera of The Year 2017-2018*

[@photofreaks718]

Finally finished your video Michael. Nicely done!

[@vbs8099]

Great work on the review Michael !!!

[@drvish]

1Dx sounds like a dieing Diesel engine.

[@rcanoli99]

wow, so glad I found this video - thank you so much for all your work - nearly everything I want to know as a sports shooter. The one AF test I didn't see was tracking erratic movement, eg. shooting tennis, where players routinely change direction in a split-second, or dancers on a stage in low-light. I wonder if you think it's worthwhile to test the AF this way. In any case thank you again and I look forward to watching more of your videos!

[@Bo_Hazem]

44 minutes felt like nothing! One of the best reviews ever! I should check the review about the cam I'm looking for, the a7s II.

[@dannycastro1826]

What a awesome and informative video!! Thank you Michael!