Sony A9 detailed and extensive review
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- Опубліковано 9 сер 2017
- An extensive and detailed field test and hands on review of the Sony A9 camera. Lots of sample images and video.
More reviews, how-to and behind the scenes notes at maartech.com
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Best video settings for the Sony A9: • Sony A9 Best Video Set...
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I am not sponsored or compensated by any manufacturer, I have not accepted payment to review this or any product. Even if a product was provided at no cost to me, I don’t allow the provider to review the script or video prior to posting.
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I encourage you to visit and support your local photo/video retailer. - Наука та технологія
I've spent many hours searching UA-cam for camera reviews, and happened upon yours by accident. You're the best. You are head and shoulders above the others for the way you compress a huge amount of detail in an engaging way. Fantastic work Maarten.
How nice to hear that you've found me, and that you've taken the time to post such a kind compliment. Thank you very much.
I've seen a billion videos... this is by far the best review I've seen on this camera. fair and unbiased
How nice of you to say, thanks!
I just got the a9 today, and I already knew where to go for the best tutorial on UA-cam. Job well done!
I appreciate your support and your kind words, thanks!
when any new camera comes out, the very detailed review from your channel is what I have been waiting for :)
That's very kind of you to say, thanks for your comment.
Thoroughly enjoyed your review. Just the facts and very eloquently delivered. Great stuff!
It's very kind of you to say, thanks for taking the time to comment.
Maarten, I really enjoy your reviews! Keep them coming in the future!
Much thanks for them!
Thanks for your kind words, they are appreciated.
Yet another exceptionally good review! You sir, are one of the BEST in this business.
Thank you!
That is very kind of you to say - thanks for taking the time to comment.
As always, informative and very good reviews. A pleasure to follow you.
Thank you for your kind words, always appreciated.
Solid in-depth review. Great job!
That's very kind of you to say, thanks for commenting, always appreciated.
Thank you very much for the review, this is my first DSLR, my last camera was a Nikon P1000 bridge camera, your review is helping me to navigate through the complexities of this camera.
Glad it was helpful! Always nice to know that viewers appreciate my videos.
Once again Maarten you have given me all the information I need before making the purchase. I am tempted to hang on to see what happens in September when Sony make their announcement of the new line up, hopefully there will be an a9ii amongst the new releases. As always a fantastic video, many thanks :)
Always nice to read kind words from my viewers, thanks for taking time to comment.
wow you are the most detailed reviewer ive ever come to see..thanks sir..
Very kind of you to say, thanks!
Very nice review. Very thorough. Now I have a good understanding of this camera. Thank you.
Always nice to hear that my goals for a video have been met. Thanks for the kind words.
Fantastic review as always!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
A pleasure to review your kind words and emojis. Thank you.
Maarten - thank you for an entertaining & insightful review. Appreciate your command of English as always :)
It was a pleasure to read your comment - thanks for the kind words.
One of the best reviews of the a9. 👍
A pleasure to read your kind words, thanks!
Maarten Heilbron And you're welcome.
Great review Maarten!
I appreciate your kind words, thanks.
Coincidentally, your review just came out on time for my view as I am going to pick one in a few hour time. I test-driven an A9 before and I have no doubt it in capability. Your reviews regardless of makes and models are always enjoyable to watch.
So happy to hear that you appreciate my videos, thanks for taking the time to comment.
What about audio when filming @24 fps still frames....still frames can't record audio....how this can be solved. ?
If you need audio, you'll need to use a separate audio recorder - there are lots of options, including your phone.
Very concise and enjoyable review I agree with all your comments and as a professional photographer shooting beauty and fashion.....I just can't wait till the a9R comes out
Thanks for your kind words. I hope that this comes to pass.
I think your closing words nailed it. Can't justify buying it, but I lust after it. Hopefully the stacked sensor and the improved AF will trickle down to other cheaper ILC E mount cameras soon.
Thanks for the review; very informative as usual.
Lust - that's a word I should have used. I too am waiting patiently for the trickle down. Thanks for the kind words.
i would say after seeing your video i switch from 1dx mk ll to A9 ,,,,,,,,,,,, and subscribed to your channel
best decision ever !
keep it coming :)
I appreciate the kind words, thanks for commenting and subscribing.
I’m doing the VFX for the next Jumanji and will be using this camera (2 of them actually) for reference images and witness cameras. Your review was great and convinced me it was the right call. Oh, and I’m Canadian and work for Sony!
Wow! Thanks for watching, so glad to hear that my video was useful for you.
Best Camera channel on UA-cam
That is very kind of you to say, thanks for commenting.
omg.. excellent review. its enjoyable to watch.
That's very kind of you to say, thanks for commenting.
Great review!
How kind of you to say - thanks!
Thank you ,very nice and useful tips about this great camera.I like your contents
That's very kind of you to say, thanks for commenting.
Amazing!! This was really informational. If not for the price, I would switch!
Thank you for your kind words, appreciated.
`Excellent review thanks
Thanks, your kind words are appreciated.
Top notch review as always, Maarten. Just wanted to point out that your 70-200 FE F4 lens that you used for golf only goes up to 15fps, not 20fps.... perhaps using a 20fps rated lens would have rendered more shots of the ball being hit than what you got with 70-200 F4. Sony has a list of 20fps lenses on its site, which is not that many. I own A9. Most of my FE lenses are 15fps only (28FE, 55FE, 24-240FE are all 15fps lenses). My only 20fps lens is 85FE. Thank you again for your review.
Thank you for the kind words, and thanks very much for this detail, which I missed. The Sony page regarding this issue is here:
support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/www/support/ilc/products/ilce9/continuousshooting/en/index.html?id=spt
Looks like an amazing camera. Very good review! I live very close to K-W. I also noticed Elora in there!
Thanks, I appreciate the kind words - and yes, thanks to Dianne and Rob, we were able to do some shooting in the K-W and a little cycling around Elora.
very nice review maybe the best out there
Thank you - kind words are always appreciated.
Very useful and well presented video. I would love to see an updated version with the latest firmware and information on the Real Time Tracking and Eye AF tracking which I believe are available on firmware v6
I appreciate your kind words, thank you. Great suggestion, but I'm not sure Sony Canada still has an A9 in the media loaner pool. For details on how the feature works on other Sony models, check my review of the A6100 ua-cam.com/video/h48hMeB6sS4/v-deo.html
Awesome review, subscribed... excited to see your review of the newly released A7RIII :D
I appreciate the kind words - Sony says my review unit should be here next week.
Looking forward to it! I am really thinking of jumping from Nikon because of the A7Riii!
If you're a long-time Nikon user, I'm not sure that I'd be switching - but let's see when I get the A7R III.
Lost all of my Nikon gear so I will be starting from scratch. There are so many good things about the A7Riii like reduced weight, reduced size, IBIS, better EVF, and Eye AF that the Nikon D850 doesn't have.... plus Nikon support and pricing is so awful where I am at that it would be crazy not switch.
Only downside I see at this point is the entry cost to glass and that there are less choices, but given the use I have in mind, its a hit I am willing to take at this point.
That's just me tho... I am locking up the ye' ol credit card away until I see your review :D
Thanks for the awesome review. I have a D850 and a 5Dmrk4. Seriously considering selling all of my gear and buying this and some GM glass.
Always nice to know my videos are appreciated. Thanks for the kind words.
Another great review. It would be interesting to see you compare the Sony A9 with the Leica SL. Now that would be a comparison that I would really like to see ?
I am still going with my Nikon DSLRs , but mirrorless cameras are certainly moving forward.
Thank you for your kind words - I would like to see that comparison too, but I've not been able to get any traction with Leica to borrow a camera.
Excellent and very extensive review. Thank you. Made me want to own the Sony A9, but I'm not rich enough... If I owned it, I would use your review as a manual. Any chances you do a similar extensive review of the A7RII ?
I appreciate your kind words, thanks. Hmmm ... well, as I said, hopefully those technologies and advances will trickle down soon. I should have reviewed the A7RII, but somehow it passed me by - next time.
Great review. I hope the a7iii will have this focusing system. I only need 5 fps to shoot sport.
A pleasure to read your kind words, thanks! I share your hopes.
Are you sitting chess? Lol
great review, the side tabs- replace with something like the doors on the rx10m4 should ok. and will you make a comment/review on the latest updates from sony?and maybe they are listening.
Thanks, I appreciate the kind words. There's only one take-away that Sony should have from my review, and my menu rant (ua-cam.com/video/pPSIaIn1mys/v-deo.html) and that is that they need to work with customer experience and usability engineers to revision their menu system.
This is an excellent review. I am thinking if I should get this one or the RX10 III for traveling. What are your thoughts?
Depends on wallet, size ... maybe this will help: ua-cam.com/video/9WiJQF0JXIE/v-deo.html
Wow, this was worth the ~40 day wait. It's still outside my price range but I am really interested in getting one. May be lesser featured A7III will have a price within my budget. Thank you sir!
Sorry to keep you waiting, but thanks for the kind words. I too am hoping for a more affordable model with some of these features.
i wish to have an a9 this christmas :))
You have mistakenly addressed your comment to me. You must have meant to sent this to Santa.
I have read all your Fuji videos, as always they are excellent. Just purchased a Sony A7111 and have a question if I may.
On the Fuji xt3 you can set a menu item called “Instant AF Setting to afs or afc.
I set this to AF-S so when I am in Manual Focus mode, I can press my AF- On button which auto focuses, then locks focus when I release the AF-On.
I find this excellent to quickly focus in Manual focus mode then press the shutter to take the picture only without refocussing taking place, because focussing by the shutter is decoupled due to setting AF-On.
My question is can I do the same on my Sony A7111 and if so, how do I set this up.
Sorry its a bit long winded, many thanks in anticipation.
Sony models have no such feature - when you're in manual mode the focus engine isn't available. Thanks for your kind words, they are appreciated.
I am proud owner of the Sony A9, it's the best camera ever made, still, it's too big. Today I had an Olympus Stylus Epic mju-II film camera in my hands, and exactly this is the compact full frame camera size I am after: I want the powerhouse of an A9 in the size of a mju-II. I am not sure, if Sony is ever making something like that, but anyhow, great review.
Thanks for your thoughts. I'm sure a camera with the A9's features in a smaller size would overheat like crazy - still, I share your desire. It's not so much the size of the sensor that drives the size - it's the lenses.
I think a camera can be too small however. With a big lens on the front, you need something to hold on to otherwise your hand gets sore/feels like you might drop it all.
Thanks for adding this point - that's certainly true.
Your reviews are very comprehensive, you do a very good job! 👍 However I am kind of lost when it comes down to choosing a camera system as you seem to like every camera. Price aside, what camera would you buy for travel and environmental portraits between the Fujifilm X-T2 and the Sony A9 ? Thank you 😄
Thanks, your kind words are appreciated. Every camera has something to like - I try to pint out the positive and the negative, or at least the functions that don't work as I expect. The only downside of the A9 (except for some operational quirks) is its price - and I'd take it along with some nice G Master lenses if I won the lottery. Until then, I would (I did) take the X-T2, if you're shooting video, also get the battery grip.
I am fortunate enough to have both the Fuji and the A9, and to tell you the truth, lately my Fuji has been on the shelf. I love the battery life on A9 too, while rated at 600 shots, you really get 3,000 shots or more routinely. I would need to carry and use 8 Fuji batteries for each Sony A9 battery. It is remarkable that Sony went from the worst battery in industry (my former A7RII would eat through batteries at 150 shots per battery) to the best mirrorless battery in industry in just one generation.
Thanks for those real world observations - I noted that too, that if you're shooting with burst, it's very easy to exceed the CIPA number for battery consumption.
Great video thanks you for so much detailed insight! Have a quick question. How do you get 120fps setting to show..? You mention it doesn't work in intelligent auto mode but I can't work out how to get it to show still..
Is your camera set to PAL? In PAL the setting is 100fps. 120 is available in NTSC mode.
Maarten Heilbron ah yes my camera is set to PAL. Thank you very much for replying and pointing this out! Really appreciate your help and knowledge. Cheers
always happy to help
Maarten Heilbron Hi Maarten, I've noticed that when comparing AF speed between using the back button AF-ON to just using AF with Shutter at the half press and basing this on single point AF I have found that the shutter is much faster and more reliable and more comparable to my Canon 5Diii back button speed. BT when using the back button on the a9 there is a bit of focus breathing even if you keep on the same spot you are focusing on and don't move the camera. Every time you press the back button it breaths out momentarily to refocus whereas the shutter focusing just stays on. Is this normal? Have you seen this on your trials? I find it a slight down side as I'm very used to fast working using the old standard of focus recompose of the single point AF. Have always found this very quick and reliable in my work and like using back button but on the a9 this difference is making me have to use the shutter more rather than the back button as that breathing affect can take just that the too long when I need to recompose straight away and not wait.
An interesting observation - I didn't notice that, potentially because I didn't use the backfocus much. And as the camera is now back at Sony I can't verify. I have noticed that some brands don't recheck the focus (breathe) when you press the focus button and others do - I find it slightly disconcerting when they don't, but it's certainly useful when you're recording video.
you can reach most of the settings via fn button when clearing the buffer
Thanks for the tip.
Firstly Thank you.
It is entirely my pleasure, thanks for the kind words.
Ok different camera's but which one do you prefer, this or the Z6/Z7? Greetings!
Well, they're barely different ... my wallet prefers the Z6, I prefer the Z7, my video producer prefers the Z6. Does that help?
This is the first time I've watched one of your videos and I enjoyed. Im a Nikon user, i have around 10 good lenses, and I was wondering if I can use them with a Sony camera (with AF capabilities) Is that possible?
And on the other hand, would you say this camera is the best mirrorless camera? I mainly shoot weddings, portraits, events..
thanks in advance
I appreciate the kind words. There are several adapters that can be used with non-e mount lenses, all of them are compromised compared to native lenses. Mostly the auto focus does work on the better (Sigma/metabones) ones.
What is best depends on your needs. This may be the best for some, and while I'd dearly love to own one, my current recommendation is the Fuji X-T2, which with the battery grip, provides an excellent mirrorless experience.
But why leave Nikon? What advantage do you see in going to mirrorless?
Maarten Heilbron Thanks for asking. Honestly the two main features I would like to have is an evf, so I can see how the shot looks like before hand, and the most important thing for me: silent shooting. I think the Nikon D850 has a silent mode but only in live view, which is good, but I'm not so excited about it. Any thought on that? Why would you use a mirrorless camera yourself?
Those are good reasons. Most mirrorless cameras (not all) do have a fully silent electronic shutter mode. I haven't had a chance to try the D850 yet - but remember that live view is just a DSLRs way of switching to mirrorless mode.
I use a mirrorless camera because they tend to be smaller and lighter (admittedly with the X-T2, not by much). Because I shoot mostly video, mirrorless cameras are the better option, as they don't have to move a mirror out of the way, they have an EVF (I find shooting with the LCD, particularly outside, to be awkward) and their primary focus/exposure system is available for video. DSLRs mostly have a secondary system used for liveview mode.
Maarten Heilbron Thank you sir for your time. I'm subscribing. If I can ask a difficult question to answer: would you buy a Nikon D850 and use live view for silent shooting, or for the same price a Sony a9 with an adapter for Nikon lenses? (Assuming that the a9 is the best mirrorless pro camera, which I don't really know) Thank you very much
Haven't had a chance to use the D850, so not in a position to say. The A9 might be best for some uses (sport photography) but not for others (video). I would hesitate to recommend any solution that includes a lens adapter for primary use.
There is a way to view the file numbers of the images (this is important for my job so I found it) - go into "View mode" and change it to folder view. What's annoying is there doesn't seem to be a way to change this as the default behavior..
What a useful tip! Thanks for sharing.
ny pointers as to why the A9II EVF would show so many artifacts ( purple blue moire ) and has so little resolution especially while half pressing the shutter during focusing?
I have no experience with the A9 II, sorry.
I have been watching your videos for 6 months
& finally bought my first ever camera; a sony a5000 yesterday
Its not a a9 but still its features & menus are overwhelming me as it is my first ever camera
& i found out that there is even a nex series sony review/walkthrough video but not a a5000
will you make a video for a5000?
Congratulations! It's probably a little late to think that's going to happen - I don't think Sony Canada ever had an A5000 to lend.
thanks for the reply.
In Bangladesh mirrorless aren't very popular yet; so the a5000+kit lens & a few other stuffs like a memory card & a bag was a good deal for 400$
& I got it in EMI,12 installments
It doesn't matter that if I have a a9 or not;
I like how you express your thoughts about the camera
keep up the good work; I never miss any of your videos
Thanks for the kind words - much of what you see about the A6000 will work on the A5000 as well.
Nikon and Canon must change over to the electronic viewfinder before they lose all their market share....This is the main difference where all the advanced features of Sony Camera's are born........Smarten up competition !
I think you'll find that an optical viewfinder does have advantages, and that many photographers have a very strong preference for it. And I think that Nikon, Canon and Sony all provide industry leading features as they introduce new models - no-one has a clear advantage.
5:29 I was sold on this camera when you said out of 2k images of figure skaters less than a dozen were not in focus.
I agree, that was an impressive result - and remember I was using the most basic AFC with wide setting - would be even better with lock -on, face and eye detect. Unfortunately skaters spend a lot of time facing away ...
I have the A7R2... should I upgrade to the A9 (putting money on the side)
I have no way to judge whether the differences in specifications between these two models will make an improvement to your photography needs. In my judgement, if the change is not clear to you, stay with the A7R2.
Is it worth the double the cost of the a7 M3? I see the hardware to an extent is different, slightly different optical electronics and menu options. The system is now up to software 5.0. Will you do another review to discuss the new modes and menu?
It's not in my view, but the upgrade might be enough to sway some. I will see if I can arrange for another loan to review the changes in-between the review and 5.0
@@MaartenHeilbron thank you. The reviews you provide are excellent, sound and clear I really appreciate them.
Thank you for your kind words.
Top shelf as always Maarten! I think Sony aimed high with the price or forgot to throw in the kitchen sink to justify the the price.
I appreciate the kind words. Among other missing features - a cigarette lighter.
Hello Maarten !!! 3 months ago I bought my A9 with the 24-70 f2.8 GM and here comes the problem: It continually leaves me abandoned in the middle of work because it stops focusing and on the screen it appears: F - -. I got tired of taking it out and putting it back on but I not only lose important moments of registering but I run the risk of it falling to the ground. I also use the Sony 70-200 2.8 GM and the Sony Zeiss 16-35 f / 4 and no problem with them. I hope you help me please. God save you!
It sounds like a trip to the repair depot is in order - I can't what that might be, and if it doesn't happen with the other lenses, it sounds like the lens. Upgrade the firmware (lenses and camera) and if that's not a solution take it in for repair.
I have updated both the lens and the camera and unfortunately in Argentina there is no Sony service. I'm very worried. Thanx a lot for answering !!
Oh dear.
Hi Maarten ! I wiped the contacts of the lens with clean liquid for glasses and a microfiber cloth. Yesterday I was in an event and shot almost 1000 photos. I had no problem. Everything worked correctly. I hope it is the definitive solution. Regards !!!!
Always nice to hear that you've found a solution.
You should put a BIG note stating that you were NOT shooing at 20fps because the 70-200mm F4 will do 15fps NOT 20fps
Yes, that's already in the comments.
@@MaartenHeilbron and yet the video still shows the same misinformation so ...good for you for confusing viewers....great job.
@@shaolin95 Thanks, I appreciate your kind words.
Well done😎. Sony set the bar high in both price añd performance. I will have to save a lot of loonies before I can afford that little gem😉.
Hehe - is it worth its weight in loonies? Thanks for the kind words.
HI Maarten, love your videos...having said that, however, your statement with about 10 seconds left to go in the entire video after making us watch 30 minutes of video, “I can’t justify it for what I do...” and I would love to get my hands on one...should have gone at the outset. I felt it would have saved me 30 precious minutes of my time...i own one, I like it, don’t love it, and i feel that the reasons were totally missed in your video. 1. The touchscreen: it is not a real one; it is a fake one not good for much, just moving the focus points around and double-tapping to magnify. Sony better start listening to their customers and put fully touch operational screen in the their cameras if they want repeat customers. 2. The crazy menus are an improvement over prior models, but still a nightmare. I may just go back to Nikon D850 and hang there for a while...thanks again Maarten.
Thanks for the kind words, and I hear your frustration. My closing statement was more about the cost than the functionality, but I am sorry to have wasted your time.
Although it is nice to have a touch screen that does as much as Canon's, the one feature you really want is touch to focus, the rest are less valuable - particularly touch to snap, which I find imprecise and inelegant, mostly because I don't usually shoot with the viewfinder.
you are a kind person, and I will continue to watch your videos. I love them actually. I am just a little frustrated with the A9. I has the potential to be that camera that can do it all. If they made the touch screen more functional, and the menus better at shooting in real life situations...Thanks again Maarten.
You know...I just have to say one thing...I'm watching the video again...it is REALLY FANTASTIC!!! Not a waste of time AT ALL!!! Very instructional if that is what you're looking for, which is what I wanted. Sorry Maarten.
That turned out well. Thanks for your kind words, always appreciated.
You are welcome. Well deserved.
Great review and great camera. Can't wait for the release of the new A9II so I can buy this one for less :) I think Sony is really providing a lot this day and yet get some unfair criticism, while other competitor (read: Fuji) get praised all the time with nothing said about their problems (which are far from non existent...).
Thanks, I appreciate the kind words.
thankfully my Samsung S10 will shoot 980 fps for 0.8 of a second so can get shots like the club hitting the ball !!!
How fun!
4K crop?
Not sure why this might be a concern?
I have a7Riii and my wife hava an A9, yesterday i will film with A9 and have a surprise with 16 35gm, i love A9, but i did not know she crrop it. Try in 24p but did not help, still crop. Do you know why, can you help me?
Have you tried backing up a meter or two to capture the view you need?
@@outletcar You do know they default to super35 mode in video but you can easily switch that in menu, right?
This is the most confusing interface I have ever seen! 😮 Intrigued though.
Well, not so much confusing (it does kind of make sense, at least for the stills and video pages) - what I find is that it's just so much to navigate - they need to come up with a better model (think TiVo, which is clear, consistent in its operation (this is not) and requires little familiarization).
32F is an unimpressive low temp limit for a pro level camera.
Right. Not suited for Arctic expeditions.
I'm surprised that you're unaware that it doesn't take an Arctic expedition for sub 32F weather. It commonly drops well below this every single winter in any area of the planet that gets snow.
I guess you can count out Sony's "pro action" camera for the winter olympics.
;)
I stand corrected. Thanks for the clarification.