Sony Alpha A9 II vs Sony Alpha A9 III
Sony Alpha A9 III has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. the Alpha A9 III is better for beginners, wildlife, vlogging.
Choose the Alpha A9 II for
- a lighter body (678g vs 702g)
- a lower price (from £1,189)
Choose the Alpha A9 III for
- more resolution (24.6MP vs 24.2MP)
- faster bursts (120fps vs 20fps)
- faster sensor readout (≈0ms vs ≈6ms)
- stronger video (4K 120p)
- a newer design (2023)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Alpha A9 II | Alpha A9 III |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 24.2MP | Full frame, 24.6MP |
| Mount | Sony FE (full frame) | Sony FE (full frame) |
| Released | 2019 | 2023 |
| Burst | 20 fps | 120 fps |
| Readout | ≈6 ms | 0 (global) ms |
| Max ISO | 51,200 | 25,600 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 4K 30p | 4K 120p |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 678 g | 702 g |
| Battery | Sony NP-FZ100 | Sony NP-FZ100 |
| Card slots | 2× SD (UHS-II) | 2×CFexpress A/SD |
| New price | No longer sold new | £5,699 |
| Used at MPB | £1,189–1,419 | £2,999–3,189 |
| Native lenses in our database | 105 (82 third-party) | 105 (82 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | Alpha A9 III |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | About equal |
| Landscape | About equal |
| Wildlife & animals | Alpha A9 III |
| Sports & action | About equal |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| Vlogging & video | Alpha A9 III |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
Both cameras use the Sony E / FE mount, so lenses move between them. They share the same battery (Sony NP-FZ100).
Alpha A9 II compatible lenses → · Alpha A9 III compatible lenses → ·
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sony Alpha A9 II better than the Sony Alpha A9 III?
It depends on your priorities. The Alpha A9 II offers a lighter body (678g vs 702g), a lower price (from £1,189); the Alpha A9 III offers more resolution (24.6MP vs 24.2MP), faster bursts (120fps vs 20fps), faster sensor readout (≈0ms vs ≈6ms).
Which is better for video, the Alpha A9 II or the Alpha A9 III?
The Alpha A9 III is stronger for video: Alpha A9 II records 4K 30p, Alpha A9 III records 4K 120p.
Which is cheaper, the Alpha A9 II or the Alpha A9 III?
The Alpha A9 II costs No longer sold new new and from £1,189 used at MPB; the Alpha A9 III costs £5,699 new and from £2,999 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Sony Alpha A9 II lenses on the Alpha A9 III?
Yes. Both use the Sony E / FE mount.