This mechanism-free camera can deliver a-class-above performance conventional mechanical SLRs have only sought. For example, this system realizes a totally blackout-free viewfinder while conventional systems can only try to reduce blackout time. A high-speed, vibration-free, silent Anti-Distortion shutter vastly extends the range of shooting situations while a mechanical system can only aim for lower vibration and quieter shutter release sound. α9 provides continuous tracking of moving subjects for foolproof AF/AE while traditional SLRs can only challenge such AF/AE performance improvements. Moreover, α9 allows its viewfinder to show not only images of the subject — available on conventional systems — but also the final image of a shot. Now, thanks to a new image sensor that superbly manages all these roles, you can surpass all expectation with α9.
Note: This camera is equipped with electronic and mechanical shutters. The features described in this section are primarily related to electronic shutter operation.
Driving force for full-electronic revolution
Innovative full-frame stacked CMOS sensor with integral memory
α9 liberates you from the limits of conventional SLRs that rely on mechanical systems. First1 to use high-speed stacked design, its 24.2-megapixel2 full-frame image sensor temporarily stores large-volume data in the integral memory for overall 20 times faster readout speed3. The combination of CMOS sensor and enhanced BIONZ X image-processing engine brings you true digital freedom.
[ Stacked back-illuminated structure with integral memory ]
(1) Pixel area (2) Integral memory (3) Hi-speed signal processing circuit (4) Image processing engine
High-speed continuous shooting at up to 20fps
Groundbreaking full-frame Exmor RS CMOS sensor and BIONZ X processor team up for 20fps continuous shooting4 with AF/AE tracking. Stunning high-speed performance and ample buffer let you capture the decisive moment.
Blackout-free shooting
Non-mechanical electronic shutter eliminates blackout with typical SLR mirror action. An uninterrupted view of the subject is available even during shutter release, with 60fps live-view capability and minimal display lag in continuous shooting.
(A) Blackout-free shooting (B) Shooting with blackout
AF/AE calculations up to 60 times/sec.
Light directly reaches the image sensor without mechanical interruption. An ingenious fusion of mirrorless construction and new speed-enhancing technologies provides AF/AE at the full-frame focal plane.
(1) AF/AE calculations (2) 60times/sec (3) 20 frames/sec
Electronic shutter speeds up to 1/32000 sec.
Electronic shutter speeds up to 1/32000 sec.7 far surpass mechanical shutters for a new imaging expression. You can also maintain shallow depth of field without an ND filter, even under bright conditions.
(A mode 1/20000 sec. F8.0 ISO 1000)
No noise distraction
An anti-distortion8 electronic shutter allows silent shooting9 without mechanical mirror and shutter noise. It’s ideal for sports and subjects that demand quiet operation, greatly expanding camera versatility
No unwanted vibration
During SLR shooting, mirror shock and shutter release shock cause subtle vibration. α9, however, has a vibration-free electronic shutter that can keep the camera stable, for razor-sharp images.
4D FOCUS: Stunningly wide coverage
693. Remarkable number of phase-detection AF points
The phase-detection points on the surface of an image sensor — 693 AF points — covers approximately 93% of the image area. High-precision performance assures your focus on subjects.
4D FOCUS: Fast AF speed
Fast Hybrid AF achieves rapid AF for full-frame photos
Capture fast-moving subjects with reliable rapid AF. The speed and accuracy of this Fast Hybrid AF System are further improved in combination with the enhanced BIONZ X image processing engine.
4D FOCUS: Steadfast tracking
Reliable subject tracking in motion
Uninterrupted AF and optimized AF algorithm dramatically enhance AF accuracy and tracking. Even during shutter release, constantly activated AF lets you continue tracking random subject motion.
Eye AF for more precise focusing
Eye detection — enhanced by 30%10 through improved face detection — keeps the subject’s eye in focus, even if the face is turned at an angle or partially shaded. Wide focal-plane phase-detection AF sensor shows its ability in challenging shots.
Reliable even in low light
Capture subjects with high AF precision down to light levels as low as EV-311 at ISO 100, due to the high sensitivity image sensor.
A-mount lens AF support
Focal-plane phase-detection AF system with 693 AF points functions reliably. Enjoy up to 10fps continuous shooting12with AF/AE tracking even when you use A-mount lenses13with a mount adapter (LA-EA3)14.
New CMOS sensor for imaging excellence
High sensitivity, a back-illuminated configuration, gapless on-chip lens architecture, and other Sony innovations deliver stunning images in a wide range of photographic situations. Standard ISO range is ISO 100-51200, expandable to ISO 50-20480015 with minimum noise.
Technology for high-quality images
Utilize high-quality imaging that unites all available image sensor technologies — including back-illuminated structure, gapless on-chip lens architecture.
[A] Conventional front-illuminated structure
[B] Stacked back-illuminated structure with integral memory
(1) Gapless OCL (2) Aluminum wiring layer (3) Light receiving surface
(4) Photodiode substrate (5) Copper wiring layer (6) Pixel area
(7) Stacked layer
BIONZ X enhanced speed image processor
Enhanced image processing combined with new front-end LSI reduces noise while improving detail depiction over a wide sensitivity range. Improved detail rendering enables lifelike texture reproduction.
Uncompressed 14-bit RAW
Uncompressed 14-bit RAW format is supported, and it or the current compressed RAW format can be selected as required. Uncompressed 14-bit RAW is a good choice in situations where the sensor’s wide dynamic range and fine gradation reproduction will benefit the images being captured.
(1) Image Sensor (2) Newly developed high-speed front-end LSI
(3) 16-bit image processing
Beautiful 4K imaging
High-resolution quality of 4K movies
Full-pixel readout with no pixel binning makes it possible to condense approximately 2.4 times17 the amount of data required for 4K (the equivalent of the amount of data required for 6K) into 3840 x 2160 4K output. This oversampling process plus full-frame pixel readout without binning results in the highest possible 4K movie image quality.
Efficient workflow and professional reliability
In addition to a magnesium alloy body that assures the camera’s all-around toughness and reliability, largely amplified versatile features enhance operability, supporting severe usage in professional photography.
Quad-VGA OLED Tru-Finder
The new high-resolution 3686k-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) shows a clear image with fine detail. The legendary ZEISS® T* Coating greatly reduces reflections. Smooth EVF images realized by 120fps18 frame rate even allow you to easily track a subject in fast motion. Fluorine coating on the outermost lens provides improved protection from dirt.
5-axis image stabilization
New body-integrated 5-axis image stabilization unit offers a 5.0-stop19 shutter speed advantage. The live-view monitor image is also stabilized, so you can compose images easily even when shooting a fast-moving subject. (1) Yaw (2) Pitch (3) Roll
Dual media slots
Use two slots — one for SD and one for SD/Memory Stick cards — to simultaneously backup still/movie data, save RAW/JPEG images to different cards, and copy between cards. Lower card slot supporting UHS-II type cards is available for fast transfer speed.
