Upgrade Guide

Sony A9→Sony A7R VI

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

You own

Sony

£1999

2017

→

Upgrade to

Sony

A7R VI

£4399 (+£2,400)

2025

✅

Worthwhile

Clear improvements over the A9. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.

What's new in the A7R VI

Unchanged or similar

Suitability by genre

Full spec comparison

Spec	A9	A7R VI
Price	£1,999	£4,399
Released	2017	2025	↑
Sensor	24.2MP Full-Frame Stacked BSI CMOS Exmor RS	61MP full-frame stacked back-illuminated CMOS
Resolution	24MP	61MP	↑
Video	4K/30p, 1080p/120p	8K 30fps, 4K 120fps oversampled
Autofocus	693 phase-detect + 25 contrast-detect, real-time eye/body tracking	AI processing unit — subject recognition for people, animals, birds and vehicles across the frame
Stabilisation	IBIS — 5-axis, up to 5 stops	In-body 5-axis IS, up to 8.5 stops
Burst Rate	20fps (blackout-free, silent electronic shutter with full AF/AE)	8fps mechanical / 7fps electronic with full AF/AE tracking	↓
Battery Life	~650 shots (CIPA)	~530 shots (CIPA, NP-FZ100)	↓
Weight	673g (with battery and card)	723g (body with battery and card)	↓
Weather Sealed	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder	EVF, OLED 3.69M dots, 0.78× magnification, 60fps refresh (blackout-free)	EVF, 9.44M-dot, up to 120fps
Screen	3.0" tilting touchscreen	3.2-inch 4-axis multi-angle touchscreen, 3.69M-dot
Mount	Sony FE (full-frame E-mount)	Sony FE (full-frame E-mount)
Memory Cards	Dual SD UHS-II slots	Dual slots — CFexpress Type A / SD (UHS-II)

Compare side-by-side

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Other upgrades from the A9

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Camera family history