As the biggest manufacturer of camera sensors, it comes as no surprise that Sony is also one of the most innovative manufacturers of cameras. And while early Sony DSLRs followed a more traditional approach, since the Alpha series was launched in 2006 its cameras have taken a much more groundbreaking approach. The Sony Alpha 9 is the company’s flagship model designed for high-speed sports and action shooting. This mirrorless camera sits beside three other models and the Sony Alpha 99 II – a full-frame DSLR style camera with a fixed translucent mirror.
Mirrorless cameras offer photographers a true alternative to traditional DSLRs, and while shooting with one or the other comes down to size, weight, features and personal preference, the Sony system has quickly established itself as the most popular full-frame mirrorless option for all types of photographer.
The Sony Alpha 9 joins the Alpha 7 series using the same lens mount but heading the line-up as Sony’s flagship model. The current roster includes the Alpha 7 II with its 24-million-pixel sensor and perfect for general shooting, the Alpha 7R II at 42-million pixels for highly detailed high-resolution images, and the high-ISO master Alpha 7S II, which is aimed at video and high ISO shooting with its incredibly sensitive 12-million-pixel sensor. As the fourth camera using the Sony E-Mount, the Alpha 9 is a testament to Sony’s commitment to producing high-quality full-frame mirrorless cameras suitable for all types of photography. The Alpha 9 is a sports photographer’s dream and is aimed at competing directly with professional flagship DSLRs from the likes of Canon and Nikon.
The Sony Alpha 9 is an absolute powerhouse and features a 24.2-million-pixel full-frame stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor, ram dedicated to autofocus and the latest Bionz X processor. This combination allows for shooting speeds of up to 20fps with no viewfinder blackout and continuous autofocus. Plus, the huge buffer allows for 241 compressed raw frames or 362 JPEGs to be shot in a single burst. And then there’s the 5-axis in-camera image stabilization.
Price: £4,499
