Sony A9 vs YI M1

Let's look a bit more closely at the Sony A9 versus YI M1, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Sony and YI. The image resolution of the A9 (24MP) and the M1 (20MP) is pretty well matched but the A9 (Full frame) and M1 (Four Thirds) enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The A9 was announced 8 months after the M1 and they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Sony A9 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the YI M1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving in to a detailed comparison, below is a simple view of how the A9 scores against the M1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha A9 and YI M1. The whole galleries are viewable at Sony A9 Gallery and YI M1 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry around your camera, you need to consider its weight and volume. The Sony A9 comes with outer measurements of 127mm x 96mm x 63mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.5") accompanied by a weight of 673 grams (1.48 lbs) and the YI M1 has sizing of 114mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.5" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 350 grams (0.77 lbs).

Compare the Sony A9 versus YI M1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using during that time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the A9 against the M1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the A9 and M1 is 65 and 87 respectively.

Normally, its hard to see the contrast between sensor sizes just by checking a spec sheet. The image underneath may give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the A9 and M1.

As you can see, both cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The A9 having a bigger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF simpler and the Sony A9 will give greater detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more modern A9 will have an edge in sensor tech.