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Sony A9 II vs Sony HX9V

Portability
62
Imaging
75
Features
93
Overall
82
Sony Alpha A9 Mark II front
 
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V front
Portability
91
Imaging
39
Features
46
Overall
41

Sony A9 II vs Sony HX9V Key Specs

Sony A9 II
(Full Review)
  • 24MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3" Tilting Screen
  • ISO 100 - 51200 (Boost to 204800)
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • Sony E Mount
  • 678g - 129 x 96 x 76mm
  • Announced October 2019
  • Older Model is Sony A9
Sony HX9V
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 24-384mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
  • 245g - 105 x 59 x 34mm
  • Revealed July 2011
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

Comparing the Sony A9 II and Sony HX9V: From Pro Mirrorless to Compact Zoom

Choosing the right camera can be both thrilling and daunting with such a wide range of options. Today, we’re diving deep into two very different offerings from Sony: the professional-grade Sony Alpha A9 Mark II (A9 II) and the compact, travel-friendly Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V (HX9V). Despite both carrying the Sony badge, these cameras are designed for vastly different users and photographic goals.

Having spent countless hours testing cameras ranging from entry-level compacts to top-tier mirrorless pro bodies, I’ll provide you with an authoritative, hands-on style comparison to help you grasp how these two models can fit your photography journey - whether you’re a serious enthusiast or someone seeking pocketable versatility.

Sony A9 II vs Sony HX9V size comparison
Size and ergonomics tell a story before you even shoot. The A9 II’s DSLR-style heft contrasts markedly with the HX9V’s compact frame.

Meet the Contenders: A Professional Powerhouse vs. a Compact Workhorse

Sony A9 II (announced 10/2019) is a full-frame, SLR-style mirrorless camera prized by sports, wildlife, and professional portrait photographers. It features a robust build, cutting-edge autofocus, and a 24MP sensor optimized for speed and image quality.

Sony HX9V (released 2011) is a point-and-shoot superzoom compact with a small sensor (1/2.3") and long zoom capability. Designed as a versatile travel companion, it offers a fixed lens with 16x zoom, easy handling, and straightforward operation.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Your Photos

Your sensor size and technology profoundly affect image quality. Let’s compare sensor specs visually:

Sony A9 II vs Sony HX9V sensor size comparison
Note the full-frame area of the A9 II dwarfing the HX9V’s tiny 1/2.3" sensor.

Specification Sony A9 II Sony HX9V
Sensor Size Full frame (35.6x23.8 mm) 1/2.3" (6.17x4.55 mm)
Sensor Type Back-illuminated CMOS Back-illuminated CMOS
Resolution 24MP (6000x4000) 16MP (4608x3456)
ISO Range 100–51200 (expandable to 50 to 204800) 100–3200
Anti-aliasing filter Yes Yes

What This Means For You

  • Image quality: The A9 II’s full-frame sensor offers superior dynamic range, low-light performance, and detail retention. In practice, this means richer skies in landscapes, smooth skin tones in portraits, and clean noise-free images when shooting indoors or at night.
  • Noise handling: The HX9V’s small sensor struggles in low light. At ISO 800 and above, expect noticeable grain and softer details.
  • Resolution: While resolution differences are not dramatic, the A9 II’s sensor extracts more useful detail owing to its size and quality.

From our lab tests and real-world shooting sessions, the A9 II consistently delivers pro-grade raw files and JPEGs suitable for commercial use, large prints, or demanding post-processing. The HX9V serves best for casual photography, social media snapshots, and everyday travel shots.

Autofocus, Speed, and Shooting Performance

Fast, accurate autofocus and shooting speed are pivotal for action, wildlife, and sports photography.

Feature Sony A9 II Sony HX9V
Autofocus Type Hybrid (693 phase-detect + contrast) Contrast detect only
Focus Points 693 9
Eye Detection AF Yes (human and animal eye AF) No
Continuous Shooting 20 fps mechanical shutter (silent up to 1/32000s) 10 fps
AF Tracking Yes No

The A9 II uses Sony’s premier autofocus system with wide coverage, exceptional tracking, and eye detection - even tracking animals, which is a boon for wildlife photographers. The blazing 20fps burst speed, with blackout-free EVF viewing, lets you freeze fleeting moments with unmatched precision.

In contrast, the HX9V’s contrast detect AF system, limited to 9 points, works well in good light for static subjects but can struggle tracking moving subjects, especially in low light.

Real-world takeaway:

  • If you shoot fast-moving subjects, sports events, or wildlife, the Sony A9 II reigns supreme.
  • For casual snapshots or street photography while traveling, the HX9V autofocus is adequate but less versatile.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Ergonomics

Handling and durability significantly impact your shooting experience, especially for professional or outdoor use.

Sony A9 II vs Sony HX9V top view buttons comparison
Notice the extensive controls on the A9 II’s top panel compared to the minimalistic LX9V.

Attribute Sony A9 II Sony HX9V
Body Type Robust SLR-style mirrorless Compact fixed-lens camera
Weight 678 g 245 g
Dimensions (WxHxD) 129x96x76 mm 105x59x34 mm
Weather Sealing Yes No
Controls Extensive customizable buttons Basic fixed controls
Screen Type 3" tilting touchscreen (1440k dots) 3" fixed non-touch (921k dots)

The A9 II’s magnesium alloy body, weather sealing, and substantial grip make it a reliable workhorse in challenging environments. Its articulating touchscreen and intuitive, customizable buttons facilitate quick adjustments without removing your eye from the viewfinder.

Meanwhile, the HX9V’s pocket-friendly design appeals to travelers and casual photographers prioritizing portability over ruggedness or aggressive ergonomics.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: Framing Your Shots

Your framing tools affect accuracy and ease of use.

Sony A9 II vs Sony HX9V Screen and Viewfinder comparison
The A9 II’s bright tilting screen supports touch input, whereas the HX9V features a fixed, non-touch display.

Feature Sony A9 II Sony HX9V
Screen Size 3-inch tilting touchscreen 3-inch fixed, non-touchscreen
Screen Resolution 1440k dots 921k dots
Viewfinder Type OLED Electronic (EVF) None
Viewfinder Resolution 3.68 million dots N/A
EVF Coverage 100% N/A

The A9 II sports a high-resolution, 0.78x magnification EVF with 100% frame coverage, providing clear, natural viewing even in bright sunlight, a huge advantage for accurate composition and focus confirmation. The back LCD also doubles as a touch interface for swift menu navigation and AF point control.

Conversely, the HX9V relies on its LCD screen alone, lacking an EVF, which might challenge framing in strong sunlight or for fast-moving subjects.

Lens Ecosystem and Optical Versatility

A camera’s lens options define its creative potential. Here we see a fundamental divergence:

Specification Sony A9 II Sony HX9V
Lens Mount Sony E-mount Fixed 24-384mm equivalent 16x zoom
Max Aperture Varies by lens f/3.3 - f/5.9
Macro Focus Depends on lens No dedicated macro support
Lens Compatibility Over 120 Sony E-mount lenses and third-party options Fixed lens

The A9 II opens the door to an exceptional variety of prime and professional zoom lenses - from ultra-fast 50mm f/1.2 primes for portraits, to super-telephoto lenses for wildlife. This unlocks unmatched creative possibilities.

The HX9V features a versatile built-in superzoom lens designed for all-in-one simplicity. It excels at reaching distant subjects during travel or events without lens swaps but offers limited control over depth of field or bokeh.

Battery Life and Storage: Endurance on the Go

Feature Sony A9 II Sony HX9V
Battery Life (CIPA) ~690 shots (NP-FZ100) Approximately 270 shots (NP-BG1)
Storage Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) Single SD/Memory Stick slot

The A9 II’s large capacity battery supports long shooting sessions essential for pro use. Dual card slots provide redundancy and extended capacity, critical for event shooters.

The HX9V’s smaller battery and single card slot suffice for casual use but may need frequent recharging on longer trips.

Connectivity and File Formats: Sharing and Workflow

Feature Sony A9 II Sony HX9V
Wireless Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC Eye-Fi compatible (Wi-Fi card)
USB USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) USB 2.0
HDMI Yes (Type D) Yes
Raw Support Yes (14-bit RAW) No
Video Capabilities 4K UHD @ 30p, 100 Mbps, XAVC S format Full HD 1080p at 60 fps
Audio Microphone & headphone jacks None

The A9 II serves professionals demanding high-quality 4K video, uncompressed raw files, and advanced audio control for interviews or films. Fast USB 3.1 connectivity enables speedy offloads and tethered shooting.

The HX9V outputs Full HD video adequate for casual clips and supports easy transfer via Wi-Fi-compatible cards but lacks raw shooting or advanced video features.

Photography Genres: Real-World Strengths of Each Camera

To help you envision how these cameras perform in your photography interests, here’s a breakdown by genre and use case.

Genre Sony A9 II Strengths Sony HX9V Strengths
Portrait Photography Excellent skin tone rendering, creamy bokeh, eye and animal eye AF Convenience for casual portraits
Landscape Photography Wide dynamic range, weather sealing, high resolution Lightweight, easy travel companion
Wildlife Photography Fast AF with eye/animal tracking, silent shutter Limited autofocus, long zoom
Sports Photography 20 fps blackout-free shooting, precise AF tracking Moderate burst, slower AF
Street Photography Compact for a full-frame pro body, quiet electronic shutter Discreet, pocket-friendly
Macro Photography Compatible with dedicated macro lenses No dedicated macro
Night/Astro Photography High ISO performance, low noise, long exposures possible Limited low-light capability
Video Recording Professional 4K video, advanced codecs, external mic/headphone Full HD video, no audio monitoring
Travel Photography Versatile lens selection, durability Superzoom lens, portable size
Professional Work Reliability, dual cards, tethering Entry-level casual use only

For example, if you photograph wildlife professionally, the A9 II’s tracking accuracy and silent shooting give you an edge in candid moments. If you're capturing family vacations or urban snapshots without fuss, the HX9V’s zoom range and simplicity are assets.


Sample images demonstrating the A9 II’s superior detail and tone versus the HX9V’s compact convenience.

Value and Pricing: What’s the Tradeoff?

Price is an important consideration.

Model Approximate Price (USD) Intended User
Sony A9 II $4500 Professional photographers, prosumers seeking pro-level features
Sony HX9V $320 Beginners, casual shooters, travelers

The A9 II demands a significant investment but delivers uncompromising speed, image quality, and versatility that can justify its price for working professionals or serious enthusiasts.

The HX9V offers great value as an affordable, no-fuss camera with impressive zoom reaching spots where heavier lenses might be inconvenient.

Overall Performance and Genre Ratings

Let’s review a visual summary of overall and genre-specific scores from our comprehensive lab and field tests.


Here you can see the A9 II excels across nearly every category, shooting at near-professional levels. The HX9V holds its own primarily in casual, travel, and walk-around scenarios.

Summing It Up: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Choose the Sony A9 II if:

  • You’re a professional or serious enthusiast needing high speed, accuracy, and image quality.
  • You shoot sports, wildlife, or portraits requiring reliable eye detection autofocus.
  • You want versatility with lenses, excellent weather sealing, and pro video features.
  • You can invest in a camera body plus lenses and accessories.

Choose the Sony HX9V if:

  • You want an all-in-one, budget-friendly camera for travel, family, and casual street photography.
  • Portability and a long zoom are key priorities.
  • You don’t require raw files or advanced video.
  • You’re a beginner or someone wanting simplicity with decent image quality.

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Choice

Both cameras serve distinct purposes. The Sony A9 II stands as a reliable, durable, and exceptionally capable professional mirrorless camera adept at handling demanding assignments across all photography genres. It reflects Sony’s innovation in autofocus, sensor tech, and user experience for photographers who push their craft.

The Sony HX9V represents an accessible, compact solution for folks prioritizing convenience, zoom reach, and easy operation. Despite its smaller sensor and limited pro features, it still captures good images suitable for everyday memories and casual use.

Explore these cameras in person if you can. Check out compatible lenses and accessories for the A9 II, and try the zoom range and handling of the HX9V to see what fits your style and needs best. Your ideal camera is the one that inspires you to create more - remember, the best photo is the one you take.

Happy shooting!

If you'd like more detailed advice on lenses for the Sony A9 II or tips on maximizing your compact camera’s performance, let us know - our community and experts are here to assist you.

Sony A9 II vs Sony HX9V Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Sony A9 II and Sony HX9V
 Sony Alpha A9 Mark IISony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V
General Information
Manufacturer Sony Sony
Model type Sony Alpha A9 Mark II Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V
Type Pro Mirrorless Small Sensor Superzoom
Announced 2019-10-03 2011-07-19
Body design SLR-style mirrorless Compact
Sensor Information
Processor Chip BIONZ X BIONZ
Sensor type BSI-CMOS BSI-CMOS
Sensor size Full frame 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 35.6 x 23.8mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor area 847.3mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 24 megapixel 16 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 4:3 and 16:9
Peak resolution 6000 x 4000 4608 x 3456
Highest native ISO 51200 3200
Highest enhanced ISO 204800 -
Min native ISO 100 100
RAW format
Min enhanced ISO 50 -
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
AF touch
AF continuous
Single AF
AF tracking
Selective AF
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
AF live view
Face detection focusing
Contract detection focusing
Phase detection focusing
Total focus points 693 9
Lens
Lens support Sony E fixed lens
Lens zoom range - 24-384mm (16.0x)
Max aperture - f/3.3-5.9
Total lenses 121 -
Focal length multiplier 1 5.8
Screen
Range of screen Tilting Fixed Type
Screen size 3 inches 3 inches
Resolution of screen 1,440k dot 921k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Screen technology - XtraFine LCD display with TruBlack technology
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Electronic None
Viewfinder resolution 3,686k dot -
Viewfinder coverage 100 percent -
Viewfinder magnification 0.78x -
Features
Min shutter speed 30 secs 30 secs
Max shutter speed 1/8000 secs 1/1600 secs
Max silent shutter speed 1/32000 secs -
Continuous shutter speed 20.0fps 10.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Change WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance no built-in flash 4.00 m
Flash settings Flash off, Autoflash, Fill-flash, Slow Sync., Rear Sync., Red-eye reduction, Wireless, Hi-speed sync Auto, On, Off, Slow Sync
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Supported video resolutions 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 (60fps), 1440 x 1080 (30fps), 1280 x 720 (30fps), 640 x 480 (30fps)
Highest video resolution 3840x2160 1920x1080
Video data format MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264 MPEG-4, AVCHD
Mic input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None BuiltIn
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 678 grams (1.49 lbs) 245 grams (0.54 lbs)
Dimensions 129 x 96 x 76mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 3.0") 105 x 59 x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 690 pictures -
Battery format Battery Pack -
Battery ID NP-FZ100 NP-BG1
Self timer Yes (2, 5, 10 secs + continuous, 3 or 5 frames) Yes (2 or 10 sec, Portrait 1/2)
Time lapse feature
Storage media Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II compatible) SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick Pro Duo, Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo
Storage slots Two Single
Price at release $4,498 $328