• 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 20.8 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400

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Differences

Sony A9 advantages over Nikon D6

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Thinner
    63 mm vs 92 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    673g vs 1270g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 20.8 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon D6 advantages over Sony A9

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Newer
    4 years vs 8 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Higher-res screen
    590k vs 360k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    327680 vs 204800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Both provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Both provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

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Review Excerpt

  • New sensor offers incredible performance; Excellent image quality at low & high ISOs; Very good dynamic range; Phenomenal 20fps burst speed & deep buffer; Very good battery life for a mirrorless; 4K video; Dual card slots.

  • Slow buffer clearing; Only one card slot is UHS-II compatible; Touchscreen underutilized; No lossless RAW compression option; No 4K/60p option.

  • Read our Sony A9 Review

The Competition

Compared to Leica SL (Typ 601)

Sony A9
Leica SL (Typ 601)
  • $2995
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Built-in GPS
  • Top deck display

Compare Sony A9 vs Leica SL (Typ 601)

Nikon D6
Leica SL (Typ 601)
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Newer
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Nikon D6 vs Leica SL (Typ 601)

Compared to Nikon D5

Sony A9
Nikon D5
  • $2995
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $4911
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony A9 vs Nikon D5

Nikon D6
Nikon D5
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Built-in GPS
  • $4911
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Nikon D6 vs Nikon D5

Compared to Sony A7R III

Sony A9
Sony A7R III
  • $2995
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $2204
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • High resolution composite

Compare Sony A9 vs Sony A7R III

Nikon D6
Sony A7R III
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2204
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D6 vs Sony A7R III

Compared to Sony A9 II

Sony A9
Sony A9 II
  • $2995
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • $4498
  • 35mm
  • Newer

Compare Sony A9 vs Sony A9 II

Nikon D6
Sony A9 II
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Built-in GPS
  • $4498
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D6 vs Sony A9 II

Compared to Canon 1DX Mark III

Sony A9
Canon 1DX Mark III
  • $2995
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $6499
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Sony A9 vs Canon 1DX Mark III

Nikon D6
Canon 1DX Mark III
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Longer exposure
  • $6499
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Nikon D6 vs Canon 1DX Mark III

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