A7iv vs A7riv vs A9

Andy81 wrote: ... I’m thinking of one of the A9, A7iv or A7riv to replace it. I’ve done a bit of research online, and like the A9, but wondering whether I’d miss the IQ of the A7rii. Having said that, whilst I’ve got a new MacBook Pro, I’m not sure whether I really want 61mp files. Any suggestions?

I had a similar dilemma recently with shooting birds in flight with the a7Riii. I considered both the a9 and a7Iv (not as replacements, but as a second camera).

Overall, the a7iv is the better all-round camera. You also get bird-eye detection, which has not filtered down to the a9 as a firmware upgrade. You get better video options. But it was (at least in NZ), the more expensive option.

Where the a9 excels is AF-tracking. The stacked sensor processes the data it much, much faster than the a7 options. You also don't have any shutter black out, which again, for fast moving subjects, is great. The a9's 24MP file sizes also seem more than sufficient. I shot with an a900 for years (back when 24MP was a lot!), and am pretty comfortable with it.

It seems from your needs, the a7iv appears as the better option. It's a one camera solution that does everything very well. The only reason to get the a9 would be because it was cheaper and you really needed an AF-tracking system for sports and wildlife.

Hi Andy

Yeah, that was the root of my dilemma. Was it worth it to spend a lot more on an a7iv when the a9 was still an excellent camera, and had a faster AF system. I lost a few other things I wanted (33MP file sizes, video options) but these weren't vital. So I got the a9 and kept the a7Riii.

And I can confirm the a9 is a very, very good camera. It's going to replace my a7Riii as my primary camera for events.

Enjoy your new toy

I’m absolutely loving it, best camera I’ve owned by a mile.

I was concerned on transitioning from the A7rii about the loss of MP, but so far haven’t really noticed it, as the speed and AF performance more than make up for it - I’m getting far more keepers.

The only downside is that it’s tempting me to do more sports shooting, and given my longest lens is the Batis 135, that means more spending ! Must resist!

Sorry guys, late for the discussion. I have been thru..A7rII, followed by A99ii, A7iii...and got stuck till this year A7IV and A1..to me A1 is the best in AF for my style of casual shooting so in your case A9 must be the best one. I thought A7IV has inherited all the best of A1 with little limitation but in real life AF is a night and day difference.

Don’t!

I was originally thinking of selling the Batis and getting a 70-200, but now thinking of either the Sony or Sigma 100-400, or the Sony 200-600!