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Sony a9 II FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Welcome to the FAQ section for the Sony a9 II. Here, you'll find answers to the most common questions about this camera, covering a wide range of topics such as its technical specifications, unique features, and how it compares to other models. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a beginner, this guide is designed to help you get the most out of your Sony a9 II. Browse through the questions below to find the information you're looking for.

Is the Sony a9 II also known by other names?

No, Sony a9 II is the only known name for this camera.

Who is the manufacturer of the Sony a9 II?

The Sony a9 II is manufactured by Sony.

What are the SKU numbers for the Sony a9 II?

The SKU number for the Sony a9 II is ILCE-9M2.

What is the release year of the Sony a9 II?

The Sony a9 II was released in 2019.

What is the exact release date of the Sony a9 II?

The Sony a9 II was officially released on 2019-10-03.

What is the MSRP of the Sony a9 II?

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Sony a9 II was 4,499.00 USD. The MSRP is the price that the manufacturer recommends the product be sold for in retail stores. It's important to note that the MSRP was set at the time of the camera's release, and actual market prices may vary based on factors such as demand, availability, and retailer pricing strategies over time.

What type of camera is the Sony a9 II?

The Sony a9 II is a Mirrorless camera. Mirrorless cameras are compact and lightweight because they eliminate the mirror mechanism found in DSLRs, using electronic viewfinders or the rear LCD instead. They offer fast autofocus speeds and often include advanced video features. However, mirrorless cameras tend to have shorter battery life compared to DSLRs, and their electronic viewfinders may not match the real-time experience provided by optical viewfinders in certain situations.

What is the sensor size of the Sony a9 II?

The Sony a9 II has a Full Frame sensor, approximately 36 x 24 mm.

What is the sensor type of the Sony a9 II?

The Sony a9 II uses a Stacked CMOS sensor.

What is the resolution of the Sony a9 II?

The resolution of the Sony a9 II is 6000 x 4000 pixels.

How many megapixels does the Sony a9 II have?

The Sony a9 II has a resolution of 24 MP, which equals 24,000,000 total pixels.

What image processor does the Sony a9 II use?

The Sony a9 II is equipped with the Bionz X image processor.

What is the ISO range of the Sony a9 II?

The ISO range of the Sony a9 II is 100-51200.

What are the white balance presets available in the Sony a9 II?

The Sony a9 II comes with the following white balance presets: 9.

Does the Sony a9 II support custom white balance?

Yes, the Sony a9 II supports custom white balance. Custom white balance allows you to manually adjust the color balance of your images to match the lighting conditions of your environment. This is particularly useful in challenging lighting situations where the camera's automatic white balance might struggle, such as under mixed lighting or when the scene has a dominant color cast. By setting a custom white balance, you can ensure that your photos have accurate and consistent colors, reducing the need for extensive color correction during post-processing.

Does the Sony a9 II have image stabilization?

Yes, the Sony a9 II has image stabilization. Image stabilization (IS) is a valuable feature that helps reduce blur caused by camera shake, especially in low-light situations or when using longer focal lengths. This technology can be found in the camera body, the lens, or both, depending on the camera model. With image stabilization, you can achieve sharper images and smoother video footage, even when shooting handheld or at slower shutter speeds. This is particularly beneficial for photographers who frequently shoot in challenging conditions or without a tripod.

What is the CIPA rating for image stabilization on the Sony a9 II?

The CIPA rating for image stabilization on the Sony a9 II is 5.5 stops. The CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) rating measures the effectiveness of a camera's image stabilization system by indicating how many stops of exposure can be compensated for. A higher number of stops generally means better stabilization, allowing you to shoot at slower shutter speeds without introducing blur from camera shake.

What uncompressed formats are supported by the Sony a9 II?

The Sony a9 II supports the following uncompressed formats: RAW.

Does the Sony a9 II have an autofocus motor?

Yes, the Sony a9 II is equipped with an autofocus motor. An autofocus motor allows the camera to automatically focus on subjects quickly and accurately, which is especially useful for capturing fast-moving subjects or achieving sharp focus in challenging conditions. With an in-camera autofocus motor, you can use lenses that do not have their own built-in motor, providing greater flexibility in lens choice. This is particularly beneficial for photographers who want to use older or third-party lenses that rely on the camera's motor for focusing.

What autofocus modes are available on the Sony a9 II?

The Sony a9 II supports the following autofocus modes: Contrast Detect (sensor), Phase Detect, Multi Area, Center, Selective Single Point, Tracking, Single, Continuous, Touch, Face Detection, LiveView.

How many autofocus points does the Sony a9 II have?

The Sony a9 II has 693 autofocus points.

What lens mounts are compatible with the Sony a9 II?

The Sony a9 II is compatible with the following lens mounts: Sony E.

What is the focal length multiplier of the Sony a9 II?

The Sony a9 II has a Full Frame sensor with no focal length multiplier. For example, a 24 mm lens remains 24 mm, and a 50 mm lens remains 50 mm.

Does the Sony a9 II have an articulated LCD?

The Sony a9 II has an articulated LCD with Tilting. An articulated LCD provides greater flexibility in composing shots, allowing you to tilt or rotate the screen to achieve the best viewing angle, whether you're shooting from above, below, or even around corners. This feature is particularly useful for vlogging, selfies, or capturing creative angles. There are different types of articulated screens, such as tilting, fully articulating (flip-out), or vari-angle screens. This flexibility can significantly enhance your shooting experience, especially in challenging or dynamic environments.

What is the screen size of the Sony a9 II?

The screen size of the Sony a9 II is 3” inches.

How many screen dots does the Sony a9 II have?

The Sony a9 II has a screen with 1,440,000 dots.

Does the Sony a9 II have a touchscreen?

Yes, the Sony a9 II is equipped with a touchscreen. A touchscreen on a camera offers a more intuitive and interactive way to control the camera's functions. It allows you to navigate menus, adjust settings, and even focus and capture images with just a tap on the screen. This can significantly speed up your workflow, especially in situations where quick adjustments are needed. Touchscreens are particularly useful for selecting focus points, reviewing images, and zooming in during playback. However, some photographers prefer physical controls for their tactile feedback, especially in extreme conditions where gloves might be worn, or in situations where the screen might get smudged or wet.

What type of screen does the Sony a9 II have?

The Sony a9 II has a TFT LCD screen.

Does the Sony a9 II support Live View?

Yes, the Sony a9 II supports Live View. Live View allows you to compose your shots using the camera's LCD screen instead of the traditional optical viewfinder. This feature is particularly useful in situations where it might be difficult to use the viewfinder, such as when shooting at awkward angles or in video mode. Live View typically provides a real-time preview of your exposure, white balance, and depth of field, which can help you make precise adjustments before capturing the shot. Additionally, it often enables features like focus peaking and face detection, which can enhance your shooting experience. However, using Live View may consume more battery power and, in some cases, may slow down autofocus performance compared to using the viewfinder.

What type of viewfinder does the Sony a9 II have?

The Sony a9 II is equipped with a Electronic viewfinder.

What is the viewfinder coverage of the Sony a9 II?

The Sony a9 II has a viewfinder with 100% coverage.

What is the viewfinder magnification of the Sony a9 II?

The Sony a9 II has a viewfinder with 0.78x magnification.

What is the viewfinder resolution of the Sony a9 II?

The Sony a9 II has a viewfinder with 3,686,400 resolution.

What is the frames per second (fps) rate of the Sony a9 II?

The Sony a9 II can shoot at 20 frames per second.

What is the minimum shutter speed of the Sony a9 II?

The minimum shutter speed of the Sony a9 II is 30 seconds.

What is the maximum shutter speed of the Sony a9 II?

The maximum shutter speed of the Sony a9 II is 1/8000 seconds.

Does the Sony a9 II have a built-in flash?

No, the Sony a9 II does not have a built-in flash. Without a built-in flash, you may need to rely on natural light, ambient lighting, or external flash units to illuminate your subject. While this requires additional equipment, it also offers greater control over lighting, allowing you to create more professional and dynamic lighting setups. External flashes typically offer more power, adjustable angles, and can be used off-camera for more creative lighting effects. Photographers who work in controlled environments or who prioritize image quality often prefer this approach to lighting.

What is the range of the built-in flash on the Sony a9 II?

The built-in flash range for the Sony a9 II is not available.

Does the Sony a9 II support an external flash?

Yes, the Sony a9 II supports an external flash. Supporting an external flash allows you to achieve greater flexibility and control over your lighting, which is crucial for professional and creative photography. External flashes, often mounted on the camera's hot shoe or used off-camera, offer more power than built-in flashes and can be adjusted to modify the direction and intensity of light. This capability enables techniques like bounce flash, where light is reflected off surfaces to create softer and more natural lighting, reducing harsh shadows and producing more flattering results. Additionally, many external flashes support advanced features like high-speed sync, which allows for faster shutter speeds, and wireless triggering, which is ideal for complex lighting setups.

Does the Sony a9 II have a self-timer?

Yes, the Sony a9 II is equipped with a self-timer. A self-timer is a convenient feature that allows you to set a delay between pressing the shutter button and when the photo is taken, typically ranging from 2 to 10 seconds. This feature is particularly useful for group photos, where the photographer wants to be included in the shot, or for reducing camera shake in long-exposure shots by allowing the camera to stabilize before the shutter is released. Additionally, a self-timer can be used creatively in various scenarios, such as setting up shots that require the photographer to move into position after triggering the camera. It is a simple but valuable tool that enhances flexibility and creativity in photography.

Does the Sony a9 II support time-lapse photography?

Yes, the Sony a9 II supports time-lapse photography. Time-lapse photography is a creative technique that involves capturing a series of photos at set intervals over a period of time, which are then compiled into a video that shows the scene unfolding at a much faster rate. This feature is particularly useful for capturing events that occur slowly, such as a sunset, the movement of clouds, or the bustling activity of a city. Cameras that support time-lapse photography typically offer settings that allow you to control the interval between shots, the total duration of the shooting period, and the final playback speed of the video. This can greatly simplify the process of creating time-lapse videos without the need for external software or additional equipment. It’s a powerful tool for photographers and videographers looking to add dynamic visual content to their work.

What metering modes are available on the Sony a9 II?

The Sony a9 II supports the following metering modes: Multi, Center Weighted, Highlight Weighted, Spot, Average.

What is the exposure compensation range of the Sony a9 II?

The Sony a9 II has an exposure compensation range of +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps).

Does the Sony a9 II support video recording?

Yes, the Sony a9 II supports video recording. Video recording capability adds significant versatility to a camera, allowing you to capture not only still images but also high-quality video. Depending on the camera model, video features may include options like 4K resolution, slow-motion recording, and various frame rates, which are ideal for both casual videographers and professionals. Many cameras also offer additional video-centric features such as manual exposure control, external microphone input for better audio quality, and autofocus tracking during video. This makes the camera suitable for a wide range of applications, from vlogging and documentary filmmaking to capturing family moments and events. Video recording support turns your camera into a powerful multimedia tool, enabling you to create dynamic content with ease.

What video formats are supported by the Sony a9 II?

The Sony a9 II supports the following video formats: MPEG4, H.264, AVCHD.

What video resolutions are supported by the Sony a9 II?

The Sony a9 II can record video in the following resolutions: 1280 x 720, 1920 x 1080, 3840 x 2160.

Does the Sony a9 II have a built-in microphone?

Yes, the Sony a9 II has a built-in microphone. A built-in microphone allows you to capture audio directly while recording video, making it convenient for on-the-go videography, vlogging, or casual video shoots. While built-in microphones are useful for capturing basic audio, they typically have limitations in sound quality, such as picking up ambient noise or not providing the best clarity and richness. For general use and casual projects, a built-in microphone can be sufficient. However, for higher-quality audio, such as in professional video production, an external microphone may still be preferred to ensure clearer and more focused sound recording.

Does the Sony a9 II have built-in speakers?

Yes, the Sony a9 II has built-in speakers. Built-in speakers allow you to listen to audio directly from the camera during playback of videos or when reviewing footage. This feature is convenient for quickly checking the audio quality and ensuring that sound was recorded correctly while you're still on location. Although the built-in speakers provide basic audio feedback, they typically lack the depth and clarity of external speakers or headphones. They are primarily designed for casual or preliminary reviews rather than detailed sound monitoring. For more accurate audio assessment, using headphones or external speakers is recommended.

What memory card types are supported by the Sony a9 II?

The Sony a9 II supports the following memory card types: SD/SDHC.

Does the Sony a9 II have an HDMI output?

Yes, the Sony a9 II has an HDMI output. An HDMI output allows you to connect the camera directly to external displays, such as a monitor, TV, or projector, for viewing your photos and videos on a larger screen. This feature is especially useful for photographers and videographers who want to review their work in greater detail or present it to others without transferring files to another device. Additionally, HDMI outputs are often used in professional setups for live streaming, external video recording, or monitoring during shoots. With an HDMI connection, you can achieve high-quality, real-time video output, which is essential for precise framing, focus, and exposure control in critical situations.

Does the Sony a9 II have a microphone port?

Yes, the Sony a9 II has a microphone port. A microphone port allows you to connect an external microphone to the camera, significantly improving the audio quality of your recordings compared to the built-in microphone. This is particularly important for videographers, vloggers, and content creators who require clear and professional-sounding audio. External microphones can reduce ambient noise, focus on specific sound sources, and offer greater flexibility in positioning to capture the best sound. Having a microphone port is essential for anyone serious about video production, as it allows for a more polished and immersive viewing experience.

Does the Sony a9 II have a headphone port?

Yes, the Sony a9 II has a headphone port. A headphone port allows you to monitor audio in real-time while recording video, which is essential for ensuring that the sound quality is clear and free from issues such as distortion, background noise, or low volume. This feature is particularly valuable for videographers, filmmakers, and content creators who need to ensure that the audio being captured is of high quality and consistent with the needs of their project. By using headphones, you can catch and correct audio issues on the spot, saving time in post-production and helping to avoid the disappointment of poor sound quality in the final product.

Does the Sony a9 II have wireless connectivity?

Yes, the Sony a9 II has wireless connectivity. Wireless connectivity allows you to transfer photos and videos directly from your camera to other devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or computers, without the need for cables. This feature is particularly useful for quickly sharing your images on social media, backing up your work on the go, or remotely controlling the camera using a compatible app. Some cameras also support features like wireless tethering, which enables you to view and edit images in real-time on a larger screen while shooting. Additionally, wireless connectivity can include features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC, each offering different advantages for seamless and efficient workflows.

What is the wireless SKU for the Sony a9 II?

The wireless SKU for the Sony a9 II is not available.

Does the Sony a9 II support remote control?

Yes, the Sony a9 II supports remote control. Remote control functionality allows you to operate the camera from a distance, which is particularly useful for situations like self-portraits, group photos, long-exposure shots, or wildlife photography where you need to avoid disturbing the scene. Depending on the camera, remote control can be achieved through various methods, such as dedicated remote triggers, smartphone apps, or even via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity. This feature enhances convenience and flexibility, enabling you to adjust settings, trigger the shutter, and review images without physically touching the camera, which helps to reduce camera shake and ensures sharper images.

What is the remote control SKU for the Sony a9 II?

The remote control SKU for the Sony a9 II is not available.

Does the Sony a9 II have GPS?

No, the Sony a9 II does not have GPS. Without built-in GPS, your camera will not automatically record the location where each photo was taken, which can make it more challenging to organize and sort your images by location later. While this might not be a significant issue for all photographers, those who frequently travel or document specific locations may find it inconvenient. To add location data to your photos, you would need to use a separate GPS device or manually tag photos with geographic information during post-processing, which adds extra steps to your workflow.

What is the GPS SKU for the Sony a9 II?

Since the Sony a9 II does not have GPS functionality, there is no GPS SKU available.

Is the Sony a9 II environmentally sealed?

Yes, the Sony a9 II is environmentally sealed. Environmental sealing is a critical feature for photographers who frequently shoot in challenging conditions, such as in rain, snow, dust, or high humidity. This sealing helps protect the camera's internal components from moisture, dust, and other environmental hazards, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring reliable performance even in harsh conditions. Environmentally sealed cameras are ideal for outdoor photography, including landscape, wildlife, and adventure photography, where the camera may be exposed to the elements. While no camera is completely waterproof without additional housing, environmental sealing provides peace of mind and durability, allowing you to focus on capturing great images without worrying about the weather.

What type of battery does the Sony a9 II use?

The Sony a9 II uses a Battery Pack battery.

What are the battery details for the Sony a9 II?

The Sony a9 II battery details: NP-FZ100.

What is the battery SKU for the Sony a9 II?

The battery SKU for the Sony a9 II is NP-FZ100.

What is the battery life of the Sony a9 II?

The Sony a9 II can take approximately 690 shots according to CIPA standards. CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) is an industry standard that provides a consistent way to measure and compare battery life across different camera models. These tests simulate real-world usage by including a mix of shooting, reviewing images, and using the camera's built-in flash. This is considered decent battery life, suitable for most shooting scenarios, but you may want to carry a spare battery for longer sessions.

What are the dimensions of the Sony a9 II?

The Sony a9 II has the following dimensions: width 129 mm, height 96 mm, depth 76 mm.

What is the weight of the Sony a9 II?

The Sony a9 II weighs 678 grams including the battery.

Written by Henrik Törner

Camera Expert and Founder of Cameraby