• 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Sony A9 advantages over Panasonic GH5 II

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.93 vs 3.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Longer video battery life
    105 vs 60 minutes
    Capture more video
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 650 vs 410 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Thinner
    63 mm vs 87 mm
    Thinner
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 20.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    20.0 fps vs 12.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    364 vs 108 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/16000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic GH5 II advantages over Sony A9

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Less expensive
    $1798 vs $2995*
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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 Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony A9
Body Only
All A9 Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic GH5 II
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 12-35mm F2.8 Lens
  • Kit with 12-60mm Lens
All GH5 II Deals

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)

Panasonic GH5 II
Leica SL (Typ 601)
  • $1298
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GH5 II vs Leica SL (Typ 601)

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

Panasonic GH5 II
Sony A7R III
  • $1298
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2204
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GH5 II vs Sony A7R III

Compared to Sony A7 III

Sony A9
Sony A7 III
  • $2995
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $1865
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • More dynamic range

Compare Sony A9 vs Sony A7 III

Panasonic GH5 II
Sony A7 III
  • $1298
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1865
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GH5 II vs Sony A7 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

Panasonic GH5 II
Sony A9 II
  • $1298
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $4498
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GH5 II vs Sony A9 II

Compared to Nikon Z6 II

Sony A9
Nikon Z6 II
  • $2995
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • Longer video battery life
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Top deck display

Compare Sony A9 vs Nikon Z6 II

Panasonic GH5 II
Nikon Z6 II
  • $1298
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GH5 II vs Nikon Z6 II

Compare Other Cameras?