Upgrade Guide

Sony A7 II→Sony A9

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Sony

A7 II

£549

2014

→

Upgrade to

Sony

£1999 (+£1,450)

2017

✅

Worthwhile

Clear improvements over the A7 II. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.

What's new in the A9

↑

Burst rate

20fps (blackout-free, silent electronic shutter with full AF/AE) vs 5fps
↑

Battery life

~650 shots (CIPA) vs 350 shots (CIPA)
↑

Generation

3 years newer (2017 vs 2014)

Unchanged or similar

Suitability by genre

Full spec comparison

Spec	A7 II	A9
Price	£549	£1,999
Released	2014	2017	↑
Sensor	Full-frame BSI CMOS 35mm	24.2MP Full-Frame Stacked BSI CMOS Exmor RS
Resolution	24MP	24MP	↓
Video	1080p 60fps	4K/30p, 1080p/120p
Autofocus	117-point phase-detect hybrid AF	693 phase-detect + 25 contrast-detect, real-time eye/body tracking
Stabilisation	5-axis IBIS, 4.5 stops	IBIS — 5-axis, up to 5 stops
Burst Rate	5fps	20fps (blackout-free, silent electronic shutter with full AF/AE)	↑
Battery Life	350 shots (CIPA)	~650 shots (CIPA)	↑
Weight	599g (body only)	673g (with battery and card)	↓
Weather Sealed	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder	EVF 0.71× 2.36M-dot	EVF, OLED 3.69M dots, 0.78× magnification, 60fps refresh (blackout-free)
Screen	3.0" tilting touchscreen, 1.23M-dot	3.0" tilting touchscreen
Mount	Sony E-Mount	Sony FE (full-frame E-mount)
Memory Cards	SD / Memory Stick Pro Duo	Dual SD UHS-II slots

Compare side-by-side

See A7 II and A9 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the A9 against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the A7 II

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