Features
New full-frame stacked CMOS sensor with integral memory
α9 is the mirrorless camera that delivers next-generation high-speed performance far exceeding SLRs. It’s equipped with the world’s first 35mm stacked CMOS image sensor with integral memory for 20 times faster overall readout speed. This 24.2MP image sensor achieves high sensitivity of up to ISO 204800 (extended) with the design of back-illuminated structure. (1) Pixel area (2) Integral memory (3) Hi-speed signal processing circuit (4) Image processing engine
High-speed BIONZ X image processing engine
Achieving processing speed beyond the previous model, BIONZ X image processing engine is optimised for speed to reliably capture fast-moving subjects and realise continuous shooting of up to 20fps. Due to the newly developed image-processing algorithm, you can capture high-quality images with less noise all across the sensitivity range while maintaining natural details.
20fps continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking
A combination of groundbreaking high-speed full-frame Exmor RS CMOS sensor and high-speed BIONZ X processor enables 20fps continuous shooting without a break for as many as 362 shots. Thanks to the capability of displaying subjects nearly as naturally as they appear in reality, EVF lets you “sync” your intentions with camera behaviour.
AF tracking sensitivity adjustment
When shooting stills, the sensitivity with which autofocus will follow subjects that move outside the focus area can be adjusted in 5 steps. Select “5” (most sensitive) when focusing successively on subjects at varying distances, or “1” (least sensitive) to keep focus on a main subject when other subjects are moving between the main subject and camera, for example.
Blackout-free shooting
Thanks to the non-mechanical electronic shutter system, you can observe the reality of what you’re shooting through the electronic viewfinder even during continuous shooting, without blackout interruption that typically occurs among optical viewfinders due to up-and-down mirror motion. Enhanced speed of the image sensor eliminates distracting EVF display lag in continuous shooting, so that you can compose images with natural comfort, like seeing scenes with your own eyes. (A) Blackout-free shooting (B) Shooting with blackout
AF/AE calculations up to 60 times/sec.
AF/AE is calculated up to 60 times per second and virtually uninterrupted not only while composing but also even releasing the shutter. You can depend on this continuous AF/AE — operated on the image sensor — to lock onto and track erratically moving subjects with significantly high speed, precision, and reliability. (1) AF/AE calculations (2) 60times/sec (3) 20 frames/sec
Fast shutter release at 1/32000 sec., achieved silently
Explore the advantages of a high-speed silent shutter that is fully digital — without a physical mechanism. A result of Sony’s image sensor innovation, this shutter achieves speeds up to 1/32000 sec., beyond the limits of mechanical systems.
Anti-distortion shutter
High curtain speed of the electronic shutter suppresses rolling shutter effect and shows excellent performance in capturing moving subjects during sports and other fast-moving activities. (1) Conventional electronic shutter (2) α9 electronic shutter
693-point focal-plane phase-detection AF
α9 brings you 693 phase-detection AF points in a high-density focal-plane AF system, providing distinctively wide and dense AF point coverage over approximately 93% of the image area. This enables more accurate, efficient, and reliable focus on subjects throughout the frame.
Always keep the eye in focus
Eye AF can capture intriguing facial expressions with enhanced accuracy through 30% improved precision of eye detection. This enhanced feature automatically focuses on and even tracks focus on a subject’s eye as the face moves or turns to a 3/4 view, extending your freedom to frame a great shot.
Precision AF effective down to EV-3 brightness
Low-light AF detection down to EV-3 at ISO 100 has been achieved. The precision AF system will function properly even when shooting dimly lit scenes. This opens dramatic new possibilities in low-light and night shooting.
AF/AE-tracking continuous shooting with A-mount lenses
The body’s 693-point focal-plane phase-detection AF provides wide-area coverage, fast response, and high tracking performance, not only for E-mount but also for A-mount lenses with use of a mount adaptor (LA-EA3). Continuous shooting of up to 10fps with AF tracking is possible.
Focus Area Registration function
Frequently used focus area can be memorised and recalled via custom button assignments for fast, convenient one-push access when needed. This can be handy when the ideal focus point changes often, for example, with a tennis stroke. In addition to the focus point, the focus area can be set as required for optimum focus performance with the scene being photographed.
Recall Custom Setting during Hold
Memorised exposure settings (shutter speed, aperture, AF area, etc.) can be assigned to custom buttons for temporary recall while the button is held. For example, if you shoot sports in a stadium, you might want to quickly capture a shot of the scoreboard, requiring a temporary change in exposure, and then go back to the action.
High-resolution Quad-VGA OLED Tru-Finder
See your subject with a bright image for natural, seamless shooting. Quad-VGA OLED Tru-Finder has approx. 3686k-dot high resolution with 0.78x finder magnification, corner-to-corner clarity, and ZEISS® T* Coating to reduce reflections. Display mode at high 120fps refresh rates provides a smooth image with minimal display blur when shooting moving subjects. Fluorine coating is applied on the outmost lens for improved protection from dirt.
Body-integrated 5-axis image stabilisation
The body-integrated image stabilisation system is fine-tuned to compensate accurately for 5-axis camera shake that can compromise handheld shooting. This gives you extremely high performance in both stills and movies, whether you're shooting at longer focal lengths, in close-ups, or at night. Camera shake compensation is equivalent to using a 5.0-stop faster shutter speed, allowing stable determination of composition at times of capturing subjects in high-speed motion. Real-time effects can be monitored via live view. (1) Yaw (2) Pitch (3) Roll
Dual slots for convenient data management
Two media slots are provided for you: one for SD cards and one for SD/Memory Stick cards. Lower card slot supporting UHS-II type cards is available for fast transfer speed. Still or movie data can be simultaneously recorded to both cards for backup, or RAW/JPEG images or stills/movies can be recorded to different cards. Data can also be copied between cards.
FTP transfer via LAN terminal on the camera body
Using a new terminal for wired LAN connection, you can conveniently transfer still image files to a specified FTP server for viewing and management as needed. A wired LAN connection gives you the highest possible transfer speeds for large image files — an ideal solution for studio photography. Moreover, since FTPS (File Transfer Protocol over SSL/TLS) is supported, image files can be encrypted with SSL or TLS while being transferred, assuring a higher level of security.
Renewed operability and My Menu
Set up your camera for peak performance and instant ability to capture unique moments. My Menu allows menu items to be registered for instant recall, and you can also create your own original custom menu to suit your needs. In addition, custom button assignments let you customise the camera interface to perfectly match your individual shooting preferences. Up to 72 functions can be assigned. Moreover, stacked drive mode and focus mode dials provide fast access, AF-ON button offers a handy means to activate autofocus by simple pressing when shooting stills or movies, and multi-selector can be used as an efficient way to shift AF points.
3.0-type 1440k-dot LCD screen
Take charge of α9 performance with this 3.0-type LCD touch screen, featuring 1440k dots for enhanced resolution and detailed viewing. Convenient Touch Focus feature also allows you to freely choose an area of focus by simply touching on the LCD screen. The screen tilts as much as 107° upwards and 41° downwards for flexible hold and framing.
Location Information Link via Bluetooth
Location Information Link makes the most of α9 capabilities. The camera can be paired with PlayMemories Mobile app installed on a compatible mobile phone or tablet device to acquire location data, record it on still images, and correct camera date/time and location settings. PlayMemories Home application can be used on a personal computer to organise imported still images on a map.
File Name Setting for easy organisation
Customise the first three characters of a file name on the camera. While the name starts with “DSC” by default, you can change and register three characters of your choice. This helps photographers manage files easily, especially when working with multiple cameras during assignments.
One-touch remote & One-touch sharing
Use one-touch remote to turn a smartphone or tablet into a viewfinder/remote control. One-touch sharing transfers photos/videos to your device for SNS sharing. Just install a PlayMemories Mobile™ app via Wi-Fi to your NFC-enabled Android device, and then touch the device to the camera to connect them. If you don’t have NFC, use QR code compatibility to pair the devices.
Support for uncompressed 14-bit RAW format
For RAW recording, 14-bit RAW output and 16-bit image processing help preserve maximum detail and produce images of the highest quality with rich tonal gradations. The 14-bit RAW (Sony ARW) format ensures optimal quality for later image adjustment (via Image Data Converter or other software).
Enhanced P-TTL flash metering
Your compositions can benefit significantly from reflected light via pre-flash fired a moment before the main flash is precisely metered. Moreover, high-precision lighting control not easily affected by background conditions is provided mainly around the subject area, utilising distance data from the lens in use. The result is stable command of illumination that suppresses underexposure, which tends to occur with white clothing and walls, as well as overexposure that may affect lighting of black clothing and nightscapes.
Sync terminal
Compatible external flash units with standard sync terminals or cables can be directly connected for convenient flash synchronisation, enhancing photographic expression with flash shooting.
Tough magnesium alloy body
α9 body is built for solid reliability, steady handling, and durability in the field. Its internal structure and top, front, and rear covers are all made of strong, rigid magnesium alloy. Body strength and rigidity and robust lens mount give you a solid foundation for lens mounting and rugged use, even with large, heavy telephoto and movie lenses.
Reliable dust- and moisture-resistant design
Enjoy carefree shooting in tough environments, with comprehensive dust- and moisture-resistancemeasures that help guard against moisture and dust. Protection includes sealing around buttons, dials, media jack cover, and enclosure edges featuring tongue-and-groove joints for double shielding to tightly interlock panels and components.
High-resolution 4K movie recording
Capture outstanding high-quality 4K movies with this latest full-frame camera. Full-pixel readout without pixel binning for high-resolution 4K movies makes it possible to deliver detail-rich full-frame movies via the oversampling effect achieved by condensing approximately 2.4 times the amount of data required for 4K (6K equivalent) for 4K output (QFHD: 3840 x 2160). Furthermore, the high speed of the newly developed image sensor reduces the rolling shutter effect.
Improved Fast Hybrid AF for movie shooting
Keep images sharp and clear in shooting 4K movies. Fast Hybrid AF for movie recording has evolved and its AF area has been extended to nearly the same width as that for stills, enabling high-speed high-precision AF throughout the frame. Also, further reduction of speed at the “low” end of AF speed enables more pronounced slow focus effects.
XAVC S for high-bitrate recording
XAVC S format is used for 4K and HD recording. High bitrates of up to 100Mbps for 4K 30p (25p)/24p recording, and up to 50Mbps for full-HD 60p (50p)/30p (25p)/24p recording, ensure beautifully detailed movies with minimal compression noise. Since 100Mbps recording is possible even at the highest 120fps in full-HD, high-quality slow-motion sequences can be created during post processing.
Slow and Quick motion
Vary the pace of movie footage to enhance viewing interest and enjoyment. Instantly selectable via a dial, “S&Q” mode supports slow and quick motion, with frame rates from 1fps to 120fps (100fps) selectable in eight steps for up to 60x (50x) quick motion and 5x (4x) slow motion, recordable at Full HD (50Mbps) quality. You can “play with time” by compressing movement or extending a moment, and then accent ordinary footage with these interludes to add comic or dramatic emphasis.
Zebra functions
Simplify exposure with Zebra. Target video brightness from 0-109%, set +10% and -10% range, check zebra pattern for areas in range, and see minimum brightness to avoid blown-out highlights.
Capture One (for Sony)
Capture One Express (for Sony) is a free award-winning image editing software that provides high-end image quality RAW development, easy management of your image files, and powerful editing tools. Capture One Pro (for Sony) can be bought for even more editing tools and tethered shooting capability.
Works with iMovie and Final Cut Pro X
This product is compatible with Final Cut Pro X and iMovie.
Support for IPTC information
With camera software version 2.00 and later, the α9 is compatible with the IPTC photo metadata standard (XMP) widely used among photojournalists, enabling smooth post-shooting workflows. By using Sony’s new "IPTC Metadata Preset" software, you can save a preset file onto a memory card and register it to the α9 to include IPTC metadata in the image file.
New Imaging Edge software suite from Sony
Imaging Edge app suite can maximise image quality, improve production efficiency and help you finely adjust RAW-based images. Use its Remote app to remotely control shooting while monitoring scenes via live-view PC screen; Edit app to develop RAW data into high-quality photos; and Viewer app to view, rate and select photos from a list of shots.
