In 2023, Sony released the A9 III, a fast full-frame mirrorless camera with 24 megapixels. This camera is great for sports and wildlife photography. In contrast, Nikon launched the Z9 in 2021, a 45-megapixel full-frame mirrorless camera. The Z9 is an all-rounder, excelling in both photos and videos. Let’s compare the Sony A9 III and Nikon Z9 to help you decide which one is right for you.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Sony A9 III | Nikon Z9 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2023 | 2021 |
| Megapixels | 24.6 | 45.7 |
| Sensor Type | Stacked Exmor RS CMOS | Stacked BSI CMOS |
| Processor | Dual BIONZ XR | EXPEED 7 |
| Shutter Speed (Max) | 1/80,000th second (electronic, firmware update expected) | 1/32,000th second (electronic) |
| Video Resolution | 6K oversampling for 4K 60p and 4K 120p (no crop) | 8K UHD at 60p, 30p, 24p (no crop), 4K up to 120p |
| Video Recording | 10-bit 4:2:2 S-log3/S-Cinetone, Dynamic Active Mode | 10-bit color, 4:2:2 sampling, ProRes 422 HQ and H.265 codecs |
| Autofocus Points | 759 on-sensor phase detection (95% coverage) | 493 phase-detection (100% frame coverage) |
| Low-Light AF Capability | -5EV | -9EV (Starlight mode) |
| Subject Recognition | Humans, animals, birds, insects, airplanes, cars/trains | Humans, dogs, cats, birds, vehicles |
| IBIS | 5-axis, up to 8 stops, Dynamic Active Mode | 5-axis, up to 6 stops |
| Design | Compact, ergonomic | Larger with integrated grip, weather-sealed |
| Global Shutter | Yes | No |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier, similar with grip attachment |
Design Comparison
The Sony A9 II maintains a familiar design consistent with previous Sony Alpha cameras. It adheres to the principle of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” staying true to the successful design formula of its Alpha predecessors.
In contrast, the Nikon Z9 adopts a distinctive approach by incorporating an integrated grip with duplicated vertical controls reminiscent of D-series DSLR cameras. As a result, the Z9 is initially larger and heavier than the A9 III. However, attaching a vertical battery grip to the Sony camera significantly reduces their size and weight differences.
Both cameras boast complete weather sealing, as expected from models designed for professional use.
Performance Showdown
The Nikon Z9 is equipped with a 45.7-megapixel stacked BSI CMOS image sensor and the latest EXPEED 7 processor. In contrast, the Sony A9 III features a stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor with a resolution of 24.6 megapixels and incorporates two of the latest BIONZ XR processors. Notably, these BIONZ XR processors provide eight times more processing power compared to the BIONZ X processor found in the previous A9 II.
If resolution is a critical factor in your decision-making, the Z9 is the superior choice due to its nearly double the megapixel count.
Both camera models employ a stacked CMOS sensor with integral memory. This design enhances image quality through higher pixel numbers compared to conventional CMOS sensors and contributes to increased imaging speed for faster burst shooting. The stacked CMOS sensor also improves low-light imaging capabilities, making these cameras well-suited for various shooting conditions.
The significant distinction between them lies in their sensor technology. The A9 III employs the world’s first-ever 35mm full-frame global shutter image sensor, whereas the Z9 follows a more conventional progressive sensor design.
Unlike the Z9, which reads out the sensor line by line, the global shutter in the A9 III allows for an instantaneous readout of the entire sensor in one go.
This distinction carries several crucial advantages. The global shutter virtually eliminates rolling shutter effects in video, preventing movement distortion when the subject moves quickly across the frame. Additionally, it minimizes flicker and banding issues under artificial lights while providing an exceptionally high shutter speed of 1/80,000th second.
Shutter Speed Capabilities
The Z9 boasts a rapid electronic shutter, providing a maximum shutter speed of 1/32,000th second. However, the A9 III takes it further with an even more impressive 1/80,000th shutter speed for stills.
It’s worth noting that the maximum shutter speed for the A9 III is currently 1/16,000th second when set to any burst shooting mode, including the Low setting. However, through a firmware update, this is expected to change to 1/80,000th second in March 2024.
Video Features
The Z9 provides UHD 8K video recording at 60p, 30p, and 24p without any crop, and it supports 4K up to 120p, utilizing the entire frame with no crop factor. Additionally, it allows for 4K UHD video oversampled from 8K when recording in the 30p, 25p, and 24p modes, enhancing sharpness and detail. Internal recording with 10-bit color and 4:2:2 sampling is supported through the ProRes 422 HQ and H.265 codecs.
The A9 III incorporates 6K oversampling for distortion-free 4K 60p and 4K 120p without cropping. It supports 10-bit 4:2:2 S-log3/S-Cinetone, featuring Dynamic Active Mode stabilization, breathing compensation, and the availability of custom LUTs.
Autofocus Systems
The Sony A9 III’s autofocus system features 759 on-sensor phase detection points, covering about 95% of the image area and capable of focusing down to -5EV.
This AF system can identify humans based on their pose, eyes, and face. Even if the person’s head is turned away from the camera, AI deep learning ensures accurate detection of human subjects.
Furthermore, the AF system can recognize various subjects, including animals, birds, insects, airplanes, and cars/trains. Notably, it can now focus on helmets within the car/train category, identify the eyes of grazing and small animals, and more effectively pinpoint the eyes of various bird types while also recognizing bird bodies.
The Nikon Z9 has a 493-point phase-detection autofocus (AF) system featuring 405 auto-area AF points covering 100% of the frame. Notably, it demonstrates impressive focusing capabilities in low light, achieving focus in levels as dim as -9EV when utilized in Starlight mode.
This AF system excels at tracking various subjects, including humans, dogs, cats, and birds—even those in flight. It also includes monitoring vehicles, encompassing planes, trains, bicycles, and motorbikes.
Moreover, the AF system demonstrates an innovative feature; if a driver wears a helmet, it will prioritize and lock onto it, ensuring that the most crucial subject remains in sharp focus.
In-Body Image Stabilization
Both cameras feature 5-axis optical in-body image stabilization that corrects for pitch and yaw shake. The Nikon Z9 is equipped with a five-axis in-body image stabilization system that provides up to 6 stops of compensation. This system is particularly effective when paired with select Z-series lenses that feature their built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) system.
In contrast, the A9 III takes a step further with a newly redesigned stabilization unit, offering an impressive eight stops of in-body stabilization. This makes it the most capable Alpha camera in terms of stabilization.
Additionally, the A9 III introduces two electronic stabilization modes for video recording. The special Active Mode enhances stabilization for handheld movie shooting by leveraging the BIONZ XR processors. For even greater compensation, albeit with an increased crop factor, the new Dynamic Active Mode improves stabilization by over 30% compared to the standard Active Mode.
Final Verdict: Sony A9III vs Nikon Z9 – Which Should You Choose?
Deciding between the Sony A9 III and the Nikon Z9 depends on whether you value the former’s unique global shutter technology and your preference for size and handling. Otherwise, these cameras are closely matched in terms of features and capabilities.
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So, that was all about the Sony A9III vs Nikon Z9. These watches have a lot to offer! What do you think? Let us know which one you are getting in the comment section below.