Sony A9 II review

The Sony A9 II proves that incremental updates become instrumental updates, when it comes to pro shooting

5 Star Rating
Sony A9ii review - Sony A9 II
(Image: © James Artaius / Digital Camera World)

Digital Camera World Verdict

The Sony A9ii is a fast, ferocious full-frame sports camera. Its blistering burst speed and autofocus performance are matched by its phenomenal connectivity, which promises to be a game changer for pro shooters. The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III has it beat in terms of shooting speed and intelligent AF, but it leaves the Nikon D6 in the dust and is the obvious choice if you want a pro sports camera with all the benefits of mirrorless technology.

Pros

  • +

    Blistering burst shooting

  • +

    Incredible AF system

  • +

    Unrivaled connectivity

Cons

  • -

    Menus remain obtuse

  • -

    Isn't it time for CFexpress?

  • -

    Mechanical shutter 10fps

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

To understand the Sony A9 II, you need to understand that there's pro shooting and then there's pro shooting – and the latest Sony flagship full-frame mirrorless camera caters firmly to the latter category. 

The Sony A9ii is not the highest resolution camera you can get, but it's designed for speed – not resolution. And its performance for high-speed sports shooting guarantees it a place on our list of the best professional cameras, as well as the best full-frame mirrorless cameras

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James Artaius
Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-Photo: The Nikon MagazineDigital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.