Choosing Between Two Worlds: Samsung SL720 vs Sony A9 II - A Deep Dive for Photographers

Whether you’re an enthusiast searching for your next pocket companion or a professional ready to invest in a flagship powerhouse, comparing cameras that inhabit vastly different categories can be a challenge. In this article, we’ll unpack the essentials of the Samsung SL720, a compact classic from 2009 with its simplicity and portability, and the Sony Alpha A9 II, a 2019 professional-grade mirrorless beast engineered for speed and precision.

Our in-depth comparison spans everything from sensor tech and autofocus performance to usability across various photography genres. Along the way, we'll help you understand how the specs translate into real-world results, and who each camera truly suits.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Build

When deciding on a camera, how it feels in your hands and how portable it is should never be underestimated. The Samsung SL720 and Sony A9 II sit at opposite ends of the size spectrum, designed for utterly different use cases.

The ultra-compact SL720 fits comfortably in your pocket and is ideal for grabbing quick snaps without bulk. It’s lightweight and discreet, perfectly suited to casual photography or travel where space is at a premium.

In contrast, the Sony A9 II is designed with a substantial grip and a robust chassis that feels solid and reassuring, built to withstand professional use including challenging environments (it’s weather sealed). Its size and heft accommodate a wide range of lenses and controls, providing the stability and comfort pro shooters demand in long sessions.

If you cherish portability, the SL720 shines. If durability and comfortable-handling during fast-paced shoots are vital, the Sony A9 II stands out.

The Heart of the Camera: Sensor and Image Quality

At the core, sensor technology profoundly impacts image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance. Let’s compare the SL720’s compact CCD sensor against the A9 II’s full-frame BSI CMOS.

Sensor Size and Resolution

The Sony A9 II’s sensor is over 30 times larger in area than the SL720’s sensor - this difference is fundamental. It allows the A9 II to capture more light, improving image quality, especially in low-light conditions, and providing better control over depth of field. This also enables the A9 II to produce higher-resolution images with more detail, crucial for professional-grade editing and large prints.

Conversely, the SL720's smaller sensor limits its dynamic range and noise performance. Expect acceptable daylight images but significantly reduced image quality when working with challenging lighting or higher ISO settings.

Image Processing and Noise Handling

The A9 II’s BIONZ X processor pairs with the sensor to deliver cleaner images at high ISOs, smooth gradations, and faithful color reproduction. The SL720’s CCD sensor and dated processor design cannot compete with modern standards.

In practical terms, the A9 II offers much more creative latitude and image fidelity. The SL720 is tailored to casual snapshots where convenience outweights ultimate picture quality.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus performance dramatically influences your shooting success, particularly in genres requiring fast reactions like wildlife and sports.

The SL720 employs a modest contrast-detection autofocus limited to a single autofocus mode, making it slow and prone to hunting, especially in low light or moving subjects. This restricts its suitability to static compositions and general-purpose snapshots.

The Sony A9 II features a state-of-the-art autofocus system with 693 phase-detection points that cover nearly the entire frame, combined with 425 contrast points. The inclusion of real-time eye autofocus for humans and animals significantly simplifies portrait, wildlife, and event photography. Continuous autofocus paired with a lightning-fast 20 fps burst rate ensures you never miss critical moments.

For dynamic photography, fast action, and precision-focus work, the A9 II is in a league of its own. The SL720, however, remains an easy point-and-shoot option for relaxation and simplicity.

Handling and User Interface: Controls, Screens, and Viewfinders

Ease of use impacts creative flow as much as technical specs. Let’s see how these cameras stack up in terms of controls, LCD screens, and viewfinders.

The SL720’s simple fixed screen and lack of a viewfinder mean you compose solely via the LCD, which is fairly dim and low-resolution by modern standards. The limited controls steer it firmly toward point-and-shoot use, with no manual exposure options, apertures, or shutter priority modes.

Sony’s A9 II boasts a bright, high-resolution tilting touchscreen for flexible live view framing and quick menu navigation. The large electronic viewfinder delivers an excellent real-time preview with exposure simulation and 100% frame coverage, vital for professional workflows. Its extensive physical control layout, including exposure compensation, shutter speed, and aperture dials, provides intuitive, one-handed operation in demanding environments.

If you prefer quick simplicity, the SL720’s minimalism is appealing. Professionals and enthusiasts looking for flexible, tactile control will find the A9 II much more empowering.

Lens Compatibility and Accessories

Your lens choices shape your photographic flexibility. The product ecosystem matters.

The SL720’s fixed optical zoom limits you to its built-in 28-102mm lens with moderate aperture values - fine for casual photos but not flexible for specialized tasks like macro or super-telephoto wildlife work.

The Sony A9 II’s E-mount system offers a vast, diverse lens lineup from Sony and third-party manufacturers, including fast primes, macro lenses, super-telephoto zooms, tilt-shifts, and cine lenses for video. Furthermore, the camera’s 5-axis in-body image stabilization works with any lens, a huge advantage for sharper handheld shots at slower shutter speeds.

For flash, the A9 II supports high-end external units with wireless TTL, second curtain sync, and high-speed modes, giving you creative lighting control absent in the SL720.

When growth and lens variety matter, the A9 II is a platform for your evolving creativity. The SL720 is really a self-contained package.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

Practical aspects like battery endurance and storage options influence usability in the field.

Battery life is understandably modest on the SL720, enough for casual usage but insufficient for more extended shoots. Storage is limited to a single standard SD card slot without fast UHS-II support.

The A9 II impresses with long endurance suitable for professional workflows. Dual card slots provide fail-safe backup or overflow storage with UHS-II speeds for rapid write performance, essential for working with superfast burst shooting and high bitrate 4K video.

Connectivity includes modern options for tethering, wired and wireless transfer, and professional audio input/output - a significant advantage for hybrid photo/video creators and studio tethering over the SL720's minimal USB 2.0 port.

Shooting Modes, Video, and Creative Features

Let’s see how the cameras perform across common photography situations and video capability.

For video creators, the A9 II’s 4K UHD at 30fps with modern codecs, combined with excellent stabilization and professional audio input/output, is a serious production tool. The SL720’s video capacity is basic - and limited to low-res VGA quality - hardly suited for anything other than casual home movies.

Manual exposure control, bracketing for HDR, and specialized modes on the A9 II facilitate creative exploration absent or extremely limited on the SL720.

Recap with Sample Images and Practical Uses

Seeing the cameras’ results side by side can illustrate their real-world strengths.

Samsung SL720 front Samsung SL720 screen back Sony A9 II front Sony A9 II screen back

• Samsung SL720: Works well for casual daylight shots, street photos, and travel snapshots where size and simplicity matter most.
• Sony A9 II: Excels in portraits with precise eye focus, wildlife tracking, sports action with rapid bursts, night photography with high ISO, and serious video productions.

How These Cameras Perform Across Photography Genres

To help pinpoint which camera suits your creative focus best, here’s a concise breakdown by genre:

Overall Performance and Final Thoughts

After testing extensively in studio and field conditions, here’s our overall assessment:

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Samsung SL720:

• Great for absolute beginners or casual shooters seeking a lightweight, pocket-friendly camera.
• Perfect for travel photography when you want to keep gear minimal.
• Budget-friendly choice for simple snapshots without fuss or complexity.

Sony A9 II:

• Designed for working professionals and serious enthusiasts who demand speed, precision, and image quality.
• Ideal for sports, wildlife, portrait, and event photographers needing cutting-edge autofocus and high burst frame rates.
• Suited for hybrid shooters wanting strong video capabilities integrated with pro photography features.

Wrapping Up: Matching Your Creativity with the Right Tool

Our extensive hands-on testing confirms these cameras serve two distinct creative journeys:

• The Samsung SL720 invites you to explore photography with a compact companion that fits anywhere. It keeps things simple, focusing on ease and portability, perfect for everyday moments and casual hobbyists.

• The Sony A9 II is a professional instrument crafted for decisive, demanding situations where every frame counts - unlocking your full creative potential across genres with high fidelity and speed.

If you’re starting out, seeking simplicity, or need something that tucks easily in your bag, try the Samsung SL720. If you aim to push creative boundaries, work professionally, or capture fleeting moments with unmatched reliability, the Sony A9 II is an investment into your craft.

Don't just take specs at face value - get hands-on experience. Check out each camera in store, test the feel and interface, and consider renting before committing to your decision. Paired with the right lenses and accessories, the right camera can open doors to your best work yet.

Ready to explore further? Find lens guides and workflow tips tailored to your chosen camera platform, and begin your photographic adventure with confidence. Whether compact simplicity or professional excellence, there’s a perfect camera for your creative vision.

This comparison is built upon extensive real-world evaluations of thousands of cameras and lenses spanning over 15 years. We uphold honesty, practical insight, and user-centered guidance to empower your photography journey.