Canon PowerShot SX600 HS vs Sony Alpha A9 II: A Hands-On Deep Dive for Every Photographer

When it comes to choosing a camera, the options are dizzying, ranging from pocket-friendly zoom compacts to pro-grade mirrorless beasts. Today, I’m putting two very different cameras side-by-side for a thorough, no-nonsense comparison: the Canon PowerShot SX600 HS, a budget small-sensor superzoom, and the Sony Alpha A9 II, a flagship professional mirrorless powerhouse. Let me walk you through their strengths, weaknesses, and practical use cases based on years of testing hundreds of cameras in the field. Whether you’re a wallet-conscious hobbyist or a seasoned pro hunting for your next workhorse, this head-to-head will shed light on which offers the most bang for your buck and best suits your photography style.

Size, Ergonomics, and Design: Pocket-Sized Convenience vs Club-For-Thumbs Pro Build

Let’s start with the obvious: physical size and handling. The Canon SX600 HS is a compact, pocketable camera designed for grab-and-go ease. It measures just 104 x 61 x 26 mm and weighs a feathery 188 grams. In contrast, the Sony A9 II is a hefty, SLR-style mirrorless camera - big enough to be called a “mini tank” with dimensions of 129 x 96 x 76 mm and weighing in at 678 grams.

The SX600 HS slips neatly into a jacket pocket or small purse. It’s discretely compact but sacrifices extensive grip and control dials for portability. Its “fixed lens” design means you don’t swap glass; everything’s integrated into one package, which is super convenient but limits flexibility.

The Sony A9 II, by comparison, is built like a workhorse. It sports a deeply sculpted grip that comfortably fits your whole hand - essential when shooting action and wildlife for extended periods. The body design prioritizes professional handling, with an array of buttons, customizable dials, and robust weather sealing. It’s meant to be part of a system, so the body size pairs with a substantial lens lineup for serious photography.

If portability and pure convenience are your priorities, the Canon scores here. But if you want a camera that feels like an extension of your body and can survive tough shooting environments, the Sony dominates.

Control Layout and Top Panel: Simplified vs Advanced Customization

Beyond size, the control scheme matters a great deal when working under pressure.

The SX600 HS keeps things simple - a handful of buttons and a zoom control around the shutter release. There’s no mode dial, no exposure compensation dial, and no custom controls. This camera targets casual users who want point-and-shoot ease with a manual focus fallback.

Meanwhile, the A9 II features a top plate loaded with functional dials for shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation, and multiple customizable buttons to tailor the camera to your shooting style. This level of control is indispensable when you need fast, intuitive access to settings during fast action sequences or evolving light conditions.

For casual weekend snappers, Canon’s layout is straightforward and reduces confusion. For pros or serious enthusiasts, the Sony’s top panel provides essential tactile feedback and control freedom.

Sensor and Image Quality: Budget Zoom Compact vs Full-Frame Pro Beast

Now to the crucial heart of the camera: the image sensor. The Canon SX600 HS sports a small 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor, measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm (~28 mm²), with 16 megapixels resolution. The Sony A9 II packs a full-frame 35.6 x 23.8 mm sensor (~847 mm²) at 24 megapixels resolution.

To put that in perspective, the Sony’s sensor is roughly 30 times larger in surface area than the Canon’s. That means exponentially better light-gathering ability, less noise at high ISO, richer dynamic range, and more detailed images.

The small sensor of the SX600 inevitably limits image quality, especially in low light or demanding contrast conditions. Its 16MP count is decent for a compact but falls short in texture and detail compared to the Sony’s 24MP rich files.

Full-frame sensors like the one in the A9 II deliver cleaner, crisper images with more nuanced color rendering and tonal gradation. This comes from bigger pixels and superior processing powered by Sony’s BIONZ X engine. Plus, the A9 II supports RAW capture, unlocking flexible post-processing - a professional must-have. The Canon is confined to JPEGs, limiting editing latitude.

For landscapes, portraits, and professional workflows, the Sony’s sensor is an absolute gamechanger. The Canon, however, still holds value for casual work and situations where ultimate image quality isn't the priority.

LCD and Viewfinder: Finding Your Frame

The viewing experience is another area where these two diverge drastically.

Canon’s SX600 HS provides a modest fixed 3-inch LCD with a low 461k-dot resolution and no touch controls. It’s fine for framing and reviewing shots but feels dated compared to modern displays. There’s no electronic viewfinder (EVF), so you have to rely on the LCD - less ideal under bright sunlight.

The Sony A9 II boasts a 3-inch tilting touchscreen with a sharp 1.44 million dots, making manual focus and menu navigation smooth. Plus, the A9 II sports a 3.68 million-dot OLED EVF with 100% coverage and 0.78x magnification. This beats any optical viewfinder for clarity and information overlay, crucial for critical manual focusing and tracking fast subjects.

Professionals and serious enthusiasts will appreciate the Sony’s versatile viewing options and rich feedback from the EVF. Casual shooters can get by with the Canon’s screen but will find it lacking in bright light or dynamic framing scenarios.

Autofocus Systems and Speed: From Point-and-Shoot to Lightning Fast Tracking

Autofocus (AF) is critical, especially for fast-moving subjects like wildlife, sports, or street photography. This is where the two cameras' core philosophies become crystal clear.

The Canon SX600 HS features a contrast-detection AF system with 9 focus points. It includes face detection but lacks continuous AF modes or tracking. Focusing is adequate for stationary or slow subjects but struggles to keep pace with moving targets.

Again, this reflects its intended casual user base - a helpful step up from basic compacts but no match for pro-level tracking capabilities.

Canon SX600 HS front Canon SX600 HS screen back Sony A9 II front Sony A9 II screen back

On the flip side, the Sony A9 II is built for speed and precision. It offers a hybrid AF system with 693 phase-detection points covering almost the entire frame. The AF includes real-time eye autofocus (for humans and animals), continuous tracking across focus points, and lightning-fast response up to 20 frames per second with full AF/AE tracking.

If you routinely shoot sports, wildlife, or any action photography, the Sony’s autofocus system offers unbeatable responsiveness and accuracy. The Canon can’t compete here, but it’s not designed for such demanding scenarios.

Burst and Continuous Shooting: Catching the Decisive Moment

The SX600 HS shoots a reasonable 4 frames per second, good enough for casual bursts but no match for fast-paced photography.

The Sony A9 II blasts out a staggering 20 FPS silent electronic shutter burst, perfect for capturing peak sports action or decisive wildlife behavior. Combined with its large buffer and dual UHS-II SD card slots, you can keep shooting uninterrupted for longer with robust storage.

Whether you’re a wildlife photographer stalking a rare bird or a sports shooter tracking athletes through a stadium, the A9 II is a clear standout.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Fixed Convenience vs Pro Versatility

The Canon SX600 HS has a single fixed zoom lens covering 25-450mm equivalent (18x zoom) with a moderate max aperture of f/3.8–6.9. This covers everything from wide landscapes to distant wildlife but at a fairly slow aperture, limiting low-light capabilities and creative depth of field control.

The Sony A9 II, on the other hand, uses the Sony E-mount with access to over 120 lenses from Sony and third-party manufacturers including Zeiss, Sigma, and Tamron. You can fit ultra-wide primes, fast portraits lenses, long telephoto beasts, macro optics, and everything in between.

This lens freedom is a major reason professionals lean on the A9 II. It adapts to your photographic vision without compromise. The SX600’s integrated lens approach means less hassle for the casual user but imposes big limitations on optical quality and creative control.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Ready for the Wild or a Quiet Cafe?

The Sony A9 II is designed to thrive in challenging environments. It has a robust magnesium alloy body with extensive weather sealing, protecting against moisture and dust. This reliability is critical for field photographers shooting outdoors in unpredictable weather.

In comparison, the Canon SX600 HS is a straightforward compact without any form of weather sealing. While it’s fine for casual urban or indoor use, you will want to be cautious exposing it to rain, dust, or rough handling.

Battery Life and Storage: Keeping Up with Your Shoot

Sony’s A9 II impresses with an enormous battery life rated at around 690 shots per charge (CIPA standard), double that of Canon’s 290 shots in the SX600 HS.

Additionally, the A9 II sports dual SD card slots with UHS-II support for ultra-fast write speeds and backup/ripple storage options. The Canon only has a single SD slot with moderate speed.

If you shoot long events, trips, or professional gigs, the Sony’s superior endurance and redundancy provide peace of mind. The Canon’s battery and storage are more modest but sufficient for casual weekend photography.

Video Features: Casual Clips vs Pro-level 4K Capture

The Canon SX600 HS captures 1080p video at 30fps with basic H.264 compression. No 4K video or advanced video features like microphone input or image stabilization modes exist beyond optical lens stabilization. It’s fine for casual videos but lacks professional tools.

The Sony A9 II delivers 4K UHD video at 30fps in XAVC S format, with clean HDMI output and microphone/headphone jacks for professional audio monitoring. The sensor-based 5-axis stabilization aids hand-held video smoothness, too.

If video is a key part of your workflow, the difference is night and day. Sony’s A9 II is clearly the choice for pro video content, while the Canon camera suffices for casual video clips.

Genre-by-Genre Performance Breakdown

To give this comparison practical context, I’ve assembled a genre-specific analysis, rating each camera’s strengths and weaknesses according to common real-world photography needs:

Portrait Photography

• Sony A9 II: Excellent skin tone rendition, natural color depth, superior bokeh thanks to full-frame sensor and fast lenses. Real-time eye AF keeps portraits tack sharp.
• Canon SX600 HS: Limited bokeh control, slower lens aperture, and less natural color rendition. Suitable for casual portraits but not professional-grade.

Landscape Photography

• Sony A9 II: High resolution, expansive dynamic range, and weather sealing make this ideal for serious landscapes, even in challenging conditions.
• Canon SX600 HS: Lower resolution and dynamic range; use for snapshots rather than detailed prints.

Wildlife Photography

• Sony A9 II: Fast burst, superior AF tracking, and access to super-telephoto lenses means this camera excels.
• Canon SX600 HS: Good zoom reach but slow focus and burst rate hold you back.

Sports Photography

• Sony A9 II: 20fps silent burst and pro-level AF tracking dominate sports action.
• Canon SX600 HS: 4fps limited to casual sports and slow-moving subjects.

Street Photography

• Canon SX600 HS: Compact and discreet.
• Sony A9 II: Bulkier, but fast AF and low-light performance are advantages.

Macro Photography

• Sony A9 II: Wide variety of macro lenses and precise AF.
• Canon SX600 HS: Minimum focus distance good for casual close-ups but not true macro.

Night/Astro Photography

• Sony A9 II: Superior high ISO performance and manual controls.
• Canon SX600 HS: Limited by small sensor and noise at high ISO.

Video

• Sony A9 II: 4K, professional audio support, and stabilization.
• Canon SX600 HS: Basic 1080p video.

Travel Photography

• Canon SX600 HS: Ultra-compact and all-in-one convenience.
• Sony A9 II: Heavy but versatile.

Professional Work

• Sony A9 II: Raw support, dual card slots, and rugged build.
• Canon SX600 HS: No RAW, no weather sealing, one card slot.

Overall Scorecard: A Visual Summary

To sum up performance, here’s a combined rating overview:

It’s no surprise the Sony A9 II scores at the top in nearly every category, reflecting its pro-grade credentials. The Canon SX600 HS offers solid basics but tails in every advanced metric.

Price-to-Performance: What Are You Really Paying For?

At around $250, the Canon SX600 HS represents accessible, no-frills photography with an 18x zoom in a pocketable package. It’s perfect for beginners or budget-minded travelers who want to snap easy shots without fuss.

Meanwhile, the Sony A9 II’s $4500+ price tag places it firmly in the serious pro market, aimed at professionals who demand cutting-edge technology, speed, and versatility across many genres.

If you’re a cheapskate or need a simple superzoom, the Canon is hard to beat on price. However, if you require professional-grade image quality, autofocus, durability, and ready-for-anything versatility, the Sony justifies its premium.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins This Epic Showdown?

If you’re reading this far, you probably want clear, practical advice, so here it is:

• Choose the Canon PowerShot SX600 HS if:

  • You want a compact, simple point-and-shoot with a zoom good for travel and casual snaps.
  • You’re on a tight budget or don’t want to carry heavy gear.
  • You don’t need RAW files, fast burst shooting, or pro features.
  • You’re a casual user capturing everyday moments without fuss.

• Choose the Sony A9 II if:

  • You’re a professional or serious enthusiast shooting portraits, sports, wildlife, or any demanding genre.
  • You need the absolute best autofocus speed and tracking performance.
  • You want top-tier full-frame image quality with flexible RAW editing.
  • Video recording with 4K and professional audio is essential.
  • You demand a tough, weather-sealed body and extensive lens choices.
  • You can afford the significant investment in the body plus pro lenses.

No camera is objectively “better” in an absolute sense - it depends entirely on your priorities and shooting style. The SX600 HS excels at casual, everyday photography with convenience. The Sony A9 II is a powerhouse designed to deliver excellence in professional workflows under any circumstances.

A Personal Note from the Trenches

Having tested and used cameras ranging from the tiniest compacts to flagships like the A9 II, I’ve learned that picking the right tool is more important than chasing specs. I’ve seen friends lug heavy pro gear that gets left at home because it’s just not practical, and others frustrated with small-sensor compacts that can’t keep up once their passion grows.

Aim for a camera you’ll enjoy carrying and using every day - that’s the best recipe for improving your photography.

Whether you lean compact and casual or pro and powerful, I hope this comparison clicked with your needs and clarified the tradeoffs between these two very different machines.

Happy shooting, and may your next camera bring you joy and stunning images!