How To Choose Between Them
Compare the winners above against your own priorities. A lead in one category only matters if you use it.
Camera Comparison
Sony
Sony a9 III vs Sony a1
Short AnswerSony a9 III wins more of the spec-sheet categories, but the right pick depends on what you shoot.
By Jennifer K. Telfer · Updated · 1 Min Read
VS
Winner By Photographic Discipline
ResolutionSony a1
Continuous ShootingSony a9 III
Image StabilizationSony a9 III
Autofocus PointsTie
WeightSony a9 III
Launch PriceSony a9 III
Key Technical Performance Deltas
Resolution (MP)
A24.6
B50.1
Electronic Burst (fps)
A120
B30
Stabilization (Stops)
A8
B5.5
Weight (g, Lower Is Lighter)
A703
B737
AF Points
A759
B759
Form Factor
136.1 × 96.9 × 82.9 mm
128.9 × 96.9 × 80.8 mm
Reasons To Choose Each
Choose Sony a9 III If…
- Higher continuous shooting (120 fps vs 30 fps)
- Higher image stabilization (8 stops vs 5.5 stops)
- Lighter body (703 g vs 737 g)
- Costs less at launch ($5999 vs $6500)
Choose Sony a1 If…
- Higher resolution (50.1 MP vs 24.6 MP)
Comprehensive Specification Table
| Spec | Sony a9 III | Sony a1 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Format | Full Frame | Full Frame |
| Megapixels | 24.6 MP | 50.1 MP |
| Sensor Type | Stacked CMOS | Stacked CMOS |
| Max Native ISO | 25600 | 32000 |
| Stabilization | 8 Stops | 5.5 Stops |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | 759 | 759 |
| Low-Light AF | -5 EV | -4 EV |
| Speed | ||
| Mechanical Burst | — | 10 fps |
| Electronic Burst | 120 fps | 30 fps |
| Fastest Mechanical Shutter | — | 1/8000 |
| Fastest Electronic Shutter | 1/80000 | 1/32000 |
| Viewfinder & Screen | ||
| Viewfinder | EVF | EVF |
| EVF Resolution | 9.44M | 9.44M |
| LCD Size | 3.2" | 3" |
| LCD Type | Vari-angle | Tilting |
| Video | ||
| Best Video | 4K 120p | 8K 30p |
| Internal Color | 10-bit 4:2:2 | 10-bit 4:2:2 |
| Log Profile | S-Log3 | S-Log3 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 703 g | 737 g |
| Card Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Battery (CIPA) | — | 530 Shots |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Launch Price | 5999 | 6500 |
Amber marks the stronger value. Figures are manufacturer specifications.