Introduction

Ease of Use

The Sony Alpha A9 II offers 43 improvements to the original A9 model, with most of them being pretty minor changes that are predominantly aimed at professional sports photographers and photojournalists.

At first glance the external control layout looks much the same as before, but take a much closer look and you'll notice some subtle differences.

These include a slightly larger, deeper handgrip that accomodates more fingers and offers greater security, a larger, more prominent AF-ON button, a more refined, a more tactile multi-selector joystick, the welcome addition of an exposure compensation dial lock button, and a new position for the rear control dial.

They may sound like relatively small changes, but collectively they add up to make the Sony A9 II a slightly more refined, slightly more enjoyable camera to use than than the original A9.

Rear of the Sony A9 II

Sony have also listened closely to their existing base of pro photographers and beefed up the weather-sealing of the Alpha A9 II. The doors for the battery compartment and memory card slots now use a double-sealed sliding mechanism, rather than being hinged, which should help to beef up the camera's dust and water durability.

Interestingly, Sony have also finally reversed the orientation of the dual card slots (both supporting UHS-II), with Slot 1 now more logically at the top, and Slot 2 more logically at the bottom, a small but very welcome change that makes a lot more sense.

One of the biggest improvements to the new A9 Mark II is the ability to shoot continuously at up to 10fps when using the mechanical shutter, which is about 2x the speed of the original A9, making it more adaptable in certain artificial lighting conditions that can negatively affect the electronic shutter.

Talking of artificial light, there's also a brand new anti-flicker mode that automatically detects and adjusts for the presence of fluorescent or other artificial lights to prevent exposure and colour anomalies from appearing in the final image, as well as exposure and colour inconsistency between continuous shots.

Top of the Sony A9 II

Note that flicker-free shooting is not available during electronic shutter, BULB exposure, or movie recording, and only 100 Hz and 120 Hz flicker is detected.

Both of these changes make the Sony A9 II better-suited to shooting indoors, which should please the sports photographers at next year's Olympic Games in Tokyo.

As should the raft of improvements that Sony have made to this camera's connectivity options. The original Alpha A9 was already a well-connected camera, but Sony have listened carefully and really beefed-up this aspect of the new version.

Chief amongst the changes is an upgraded built-in 1000BASE-T Ethernet terminal, 10x faster than the 100MB/s one on the A9. Similarly, the USB Type-C port has been upgraded to the latest, fastest 3.2 Gen 1 standard and the wi-fi connection now supports dual 2.4/5GHz.

Tilting LCD Screen

Up to 10 sets of camera settings can be stored in a memory card, with saved settings able to be read by other cameras of the same model.

Other new features that will please pro photographers include the ability to attach a 60 second long Voice Memo to an image with automatic transcription into text, enhanced remote shooting via the Remote Camera Tool 2.1 software, and you can save up to nine different FTP settings.

The Sony A9 was already a fantastic camera at auto-focusing, but Sony have managed to improve things here too. Real-time AF tracking has been added, and newly optimised AF algorithms provide even greater AF precision and performance than before.

For videographers, real-time Eye AF for humans and animals is now available when shooting both 4K video and stills.

It's also now possible to choose the colour of the focus frame to suit your needs, move the focus frame even when the shutter release or the AF-ON button are half-pressed, and use the LCD touchscreen for touch-tracking whilst looking through the viewfinder.

The Sony A9 II In-hand

A new low vibration shutter design and improvements to the in-body stabilization means that the A9 II offers improved image stabilization of 5.5 stops, up from 5 stops on the A9. The new shutter also boasts an impressive life-span of at least 500,000 shutter cycles.

The digital audio interface has been added to the camera’s Multi Interface Shoe, enabling the new ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone or XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit to be connected directly to the Sony A9 II for better audio recordings.

Finally, Sony have even been able to improve the battery life, albeit only slightly, with the A9 II now capable of recording 690 shots using the LCD screen and 500 when using the EVF (up from 650 and 480 on the previous model).

We're now going to direct your attention to our detailed Sony A9 review if you want to learn everything else there is to know about the new A9 II.

Once you've read that, come back here to see sample images and videos from the Sony A9 II, plus our final verdict.

Image Quality

All of the sample images in this review were taken using the 24 megapixel Extra Fine JPEG setting, which gives an average image size of around 12Mb.

The Sony A9 II produced images of outstanding quality during the review period.

The Sony A9 II has an extensive and very usable ISO range of 50-208800. ISO 50-6400 is virtually noise-free, while ISO 12800 and 25600 produce more than acceptable results, and even ISO 51200 and 102400 are OK for emergency use.

The RAW samples illustrate just how much processing the camera does by default, though, as they're much noisier at all ISO values than their JPEG counterparts.

The long exposure photograph was excellent, with the maximum shutter speed of 30 seconds and the Bulb mode offering lots of scope for creative night photography.

The effective Dynamic Range Optimizer function extracts more detail from the shadow and highlight areas in an image, without introducing any unwanted noise or other artifacts.

The High Dynamic Range mode combines two shots taken at different exposures to produce one image with greater dynamic range than a single image would produce. It only works for JPEGs and for still subjects, but does produce some very effective results.

The various Picture Effects quickly produce special looks for your JPEG files that would otherwise require you to spend a lot of time in the digital darkroom, while the Creative Styles provide a quick and easy way to tweak the camera's JPEG and Raw image output.

Noise

There are 13 ISO settings available on the Sony A9 II. Here are some 100% crops which show the noise levels for each ISO setting for both JPEG and RAW formats.

JPEG	RAW
ISO 50 (100% Crop)	ISO 50 (100% Crop)
ISO 100 (100% Crop)	ISO 100 (100% Crop)
ISO 200 (100% Crop)	ISO 200 (100% Crop)
ISO 400 (100% Crop)	ISO 400 (100% Crop)
ISO 800 (100% Crop)	ISO 800 (100% Crop)
ISO 1600 (100% Crop)	ISO 1600 (100% Crop)
ISO 3200 (100% Crop)	ISO 3200 (100% Crop)
ISO 6400 (100% Crop)	ISO 6400 (100% Crop)
ISO 12800 (100% Crop)	ISO 12800 (100% Crop)
ISO 25600 (100% Crop)	ISO 25600 (100% Crop)
ISO 51200 (100% Crop)	ISO 51200 (100% Crop)
ISO 102400 (100% Crop)	ISO 102400 (100% Crop)
ISO 204800 (100% Crop)	ISO 204800 (100% Crop)

File Quality

The Sony A9 II has 3 different image quality settings available, with Extra Fine being the highest quality option. Here are some 100% crops which show the quality of the various options, with the file size shown in brackets.

Extra Fine (12.9Mb) (100% Crop)	Fine (5.9Mb) (100% Crop)
Standard (4.18Mb) (100% Crop)	RAW (23.9Mb) (100% Crop)

Long Exposures

The Sony A9 II's maximum shutter speed is 30 seconds and there's also a Bulb mode for even longer exposures, which is excellent news if you're seriously interested in night photography. The shot below was taken using a shutter speed of 30 seconds at ISO 100.

Dynamic Range Optimizer

D-Range Optimiser (DRO) is Sony's solution to improve shadow detail in photos taken in contrasty light. There are 5 different levels and an Auto option.

Off	Level 1
Level 2	Level 3
Level 4	Level 5

High Dynamic Range

High Dynamic Range Optimiser (HDR) is Sony's solution for capturing more contrast than a single exposure can handle by combining two exposures into one image. There are 6 different EV settings and an Auto option.

Off	1EV
2EV	3EV
4EV	5EV
6EV

Creative Styles

There are 13 Creative Style preset effects that you can use to change the look of your images. They can be applied to both JPEGs and Raw files.

Standard	Vivid
Neutral	Clear
Deep	Light
Portrait	Landscape
Sunset	Night Scene
Autumn Leaves	Black & White
Sepia

Picture Effects

The Sony A9 II offers a range of eight creative Picture Effects, which can only be selected when JPEG is set as the image quality option.

Off	Toy Camera
Pop Color	Posterization
Retro Photo	Soft High-key
Partial Color (Red)	High Contrast Mono
Rich-tone Mono

Sample Images

This is a selection of sample images from the Sony A9 II camera, which were all taken using the 24 megapixel Extra Fine JPEG setting. The thumbnails below link to the full-sized versions, which have not been altered in any way.

Sample RAW Images

The Sony A9 II enables users to capture RAW and JPEG format files. We've provided some Sony RAW (ARW) samples for you to download (thumbnail images shown below are not 100% representative).

Sample Movies & Video

Product Images

Conclusion

The new Sony Alpha A9 II is faster, more refined, more durable and more versatile than the two-year-old A9 camera that it succeeds, making it simply a better tool for the professional sports photographers and photojournalists that it's even more clearly aimed at.

With Sony busy adding new, longer lenses in the two years since the original A9 was released, it's never been a better time to use a Sony Alpha camera for professional use, giving Canon and Nikon even more to worry about.

Both of those imaging giants are also busy preparing their own flagship camera for next year's Olympics, but interestingly both are sticking to their DSLR-guns with the imminent launches of the EOS-1D X Mark III and the D6 respectively.

For now, the new Sony A9 II is a compelling option for pro users, with Sony introducing a wide range of relatively minor, but collectively major, improvements to a flagship camera that was already a real speed demon.

They've clearly been listening very closely to their pool of pro users and ambassadors to deliver a camera truly worthy of the Olympic Games that it will be used at next year.

Ratings (out of 5)
Design	5
Features	5
Ease-of-use	4.5
Image quality	5
Value for money	4.5

Main Rivals

Listed below are some of the rivals of the Sony A9 II.

Review Roundup

Reviews of the Sony A9 II from around the web.

Specifications

News

The new Sony A9 II full-frame mirrorless camera offers significantly enhanced connectivity and file delivery, continuous shooting at up to 10fps with mechanical shutter, evolved AF performance with newly optimised algorithms, a re-designed build to enhance durability and operability, and more.

The Sony A9 II will ship in the UK, US and Europe in October 2019, priced at approximately £4800 / $4500 / €5400 respectively.

Sony Europe Press Release

Sony Introduces A9 II Adding Enhanced Connectivity and Workflow for Professional Sports Photographers and Photojournalists

Sony today announced A9 II (model ILCE-9M2). The latest model from Sony’s acclaimed line-up of α™(Alpha™) full-frame interchangeable lens cameras has been created specifically to support working professionals in the fields of sports photography and photojournalism.

The new A9 II builds on the impressive legacy of the original A9, maintaining ground breaking speed performance including blackout-free continuous shooting[i] at up to 20 frames per second[ii] with Auto Focus and Auto Exposure tracking, 60 times per second AF/AE calculations[iii] while incorporating even more functionality driven directly from the voice of professionals.

“The voice of our customers is absolutely critical to Sony – we are always listening,” said Yann Salmon Legagneur, Director of Product Marketing, Digital Imaging, Sony Europe. “The A9 II is the direct result of countless feedback sessions with agency, sports and news photographers since the launch of the original A9. We’ve added connectivity and network capabilities that drastically improve the professional workflow, while also making subtle adjustments to design, interface and processing power that complete the user experience. Complemented by our extremely versatile E-mount system – with 55 native lenses introduced at this point, including the super-telephoto 600mm and 400mm G Master™ series lenses – this new camera is a tool unlike any other for professionals either in the field or on the field.”

Raising the Bar for Built-in Connectivity in the Professional’s Workflow

The A9 II includes an in-built 1000BASE-T Ethernet terminal, enabling gigabit communication for high-speed, stable data transfer operations. Additionally, File Transfer over SSL or TLS encryption (FTPS) is supported for increased data security and PC remote (tether) shooting performance is improved, with decreased release time lag and reduced live view screen delay when using the ‘Remote Camera Tool’ desktop application[iv]. The speed of the camera’s built-in wireless LAN functionality has also been increased, adding a stable and fast 5 GHz (IEEE 802.11ac)[v] band, in addition to the 2.4 GHz provided in the A9. IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards are all supported.

Designed to improve the speed of news agencies’ workflow, the A9 II features a new Voice Memo function that allows spoken information to be attached to images in the form of voice memos that can be replayed when the images are reviewed. The voice data can also be included with images sent to an editor, giving them important information needed for effective editing. Alternatively, a field photographer can also use the ‘Transfer & Tagging add-on’ “Imaging Edge™” application[vi] to transfer voice tags with the images to their mobile device and have the voice memos automatically[vii] converted to text and added to the JPEG images in the form of IPTC metadata[viii]. All of this can be done automatically or manually, selectable by the photographer.

By combining wireless voice / image transfer and automatic voice to text conversion with the ability to auto transfer images with attached voice memos via FTP, it is possible to shoot and transfer the results to an FTP server without ever having to operate a smartphone. FTP settings within the app can also be sent to a camera via Bluetooth®, allowing for a faster workflow.

The Platinum Standard for Speed and Auto Focus Performance

The new A9 II shares the same acclaimed 35mm full-frame stacked 24.2 MP[ix] Exmor RS™ CMOS image sensor with integral memory as the original A9, giving it the same unmatched speed performance and outstanding image quality. The new model can shoot continuously and completely silently[x] at 20 fps for up to 361 JPEG images[xi] or 239 compressed RAW images[xii], with no viewfinder blackout, allowing the photographer to follow the subject and action with no interruption to the EVF during picture taking. For times when mechanical shutter is preferred or required, the new A9 II has been improved to shoot at up to 10 fps, about 2x the speed of the A9.

The camera is able to function whilst continuously calculating Auto Focus and Auto Exposure at up to 60 times per second, with newly optimised AF algorithms that provide notably enhanced AF precision and performance, ensuring that even the most erratic subject motion, often experienced in sports, is captured with high precision. Also useful for sporting events, the camera now offers an anti-flicker[xiii] shooting mode that automatically detects and adjusts for the presence of fluorescent or artificial lighting to maximise image quality.

The advanced focusing system in the new A9 II is comprised of 693 focal-plane phase-detection AF points covering approximately 93% of the image area, as well as 425 contrast AF points. This Fast Hybrid Auto Focus system achieves extremely fast and accurate performance, ensuring all fast-moving subjects are accurately captured. Additional notable focusing capabilities include Real-time Eye AF with right eye / left eye selection, Real-time Eye AF for animals[xiv] – augmented with a new algorithm, Real-Time Eye AF for movie[xv], Real-time Tracking,[xvi] selectable focus frame colour, Touch Pad focus point control while using the viewfinder and more. AF can continuously track even in continuous shooting is greater than F16[xvii], providing further accuracy for shots that require slower shutter speeds.

Refined Build and Operability

Upgraded BIONZ X™ image processing engine gains maximum benefit from the sensor’s fast readout speed. Processor works with front-end LSI to enhance speed in AF/AE detection, image processing, face detection and accuracy, and more

Upgraded dust and moisture resistant[xviii] design to meet the needs of professionals in even the most challenging outdoor conditions. Stronger sealing provided at all body seams as well as the battery compartment cover and media slot

Latest image-processing algorithm reduces noise in the medium-to-high sensitivity range while improving subjective resolution and image quality

5-axis optical in-body image stabilisation system that provides a shutter speed advantage of 5.5 steps[xix]

Improved grip configuration for even greater comfort and sure hold. Compatible with Sony VG-C4EM Vertical Grip

Improved button design and feel. Increased diameter and feedback of the ‘AF-ON’ button; a refined multi-selector joystick design; an exposure compensation dial lock button and a redesigned shape and new position for the rear dial

Redesigned shutter mechanism to suppress even the slightest movement that can cause image blur. Tested for durability in excess of 500,000 shutter cycles[xx]

USB Type-C™ connector that supports fast USB 3.2 Gen 1 data transfer

Dual media slots that are both compatible with UHS-I and UHS-II SD cards, allowing higher overall capacity and faster read/write speeds

Digital audio interface has been added to the camera’s Multi Interface Shoe™ (MI Shoe) enabling the new ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone or XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit to be connected directly to the MI Shoe for cleaner, clearer audio recordings

Sony A9 II - Pricing and Availability

The A9 II will ship in Europe in October 2019, priced at approximately £4800 / $4500 / €5400.

For full product details on the A9 II, please visit: https://www.sony.co.uk/electro...

A variety of exclusive stories, videos and exciting new content shot with the newest cameras and other Sony α products can be found at https://www.sony.co.uk/alphauniverse. Sony’s European photography hub is available in 22 languages and details product news, competitions and an up-to-date list of Sony events in each country.

[i] Electronic shutter mode. Display updating will be slower at slow shutter speeds

[ii] “Hi” continuous shooting mode. At of 1/125 sec. or higher. In AF-C mode the maximum continuous frame rate will depend on the shooting mode and lens used. A software update may be required for some lenses. Visit Sony’s support web page for lens compatibility information

[iii] At shutter speeds of 1/125 sec. or higher. The number of AF calculations will depend on the lens used

[iv] Version 2.0 or later required. For more information on the new application updates, please visit the ‘Remote Camera Tool’ website at

https://support.d-imaging.sony...

[v] Models sold in some countries/regions support IEEE 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz) wireless LAN only. 5 GHz communication may be restricted in some countries and regions

[vi] Version 1.1 or later required. Ver.1.1 will be released in October 2019. For more information on the new application updates, please visit the ‘Transfer & Tagging add-on’ website at https://sony.net/ttad/

[vii] Only available in regions where Google services are available. Voice Memo exceeding 50 seconds cannot be converted to text

[viii] “IPTC Metadata” is standards of metadata included in digital images formulated by IPTC (International Press Telecommunications Council)

[ix] Approximate effective megapixels

[x] Silent shooting is possible when Shutter Type is set to "Electronic" and Audio signals is set to "Off"

[xi] “Hi” continuous shooting mode, UHS-II memory card. According to Sony tests

[xii] “Hi” continuous shooting mode, compressed RAW, UHS-II memory card. According to Sony tests

[xiii] Only 100 Hz and 120 Hz flicker is detected. Continuous shooting speed may decrease. Flicker-free shooting is not available during electronic shutter, BULB exposure, or movie recording

[xiv] Stills only

[xv] This function does not track animal eyes

[xvi] “Tracking” in the menu

[xvii] When the camera [Aperture Drive in AF] is set to [Focus Priority], the aperture value can be set greater than F16. The continuous speed slows down.The compatible lenses are [SEL200600G][SEL35F18F][SEL400F28GM][SEL600F40GM]

[xviii] Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof

[xix] CIPA standards. Pitch/yaw shake only. Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA lens. Long exposure NR off

[xx] Sony internal tests with electronic front curtain shutter

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