Insta360
X6
Flagship 8K 360 camera with dual Sony 1/1.1-inch square sensors, native 8K50 and in-camera Dolby Vision, 120MP stills, 2.32-inch OLED, 140-minute 8K30 runtime, and 20m waterproofing.
$700
Launch priceReleased Aug 2026
Sony
Alpha 9
First stacked-sensor mirrorless sports camera with 20fps blackout-free shooting.
$4,499
Launch priceReleased Apr 2017
X6 is 9.3 years newer.
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Wins
X6
Wins
Alpha 9
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 9 has higher AF points / zones (718 vs 0)
- BAlpha 9 has higher ISO max (native) (51,200 vs 6,400)
- AX6 has higher Resolution (120 MP vs 24.2 MP)
- AX6 has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 29.97 fps)
- AX6 has lower Weight (196 g vs 673 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
X6
50 × 100 × 40 mm
196 g (0.43 lb / 6.91 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Alpha 9
127 × 96 × 63 mm
673 g (1.48 lb / 23.74 oz)
X6 is 77mm narrower and 23mm thinner than Alpha 9 but it is also 4mm taller.
X6 is 477 g lighter than Alpha 9.
Depth (front-to-back): 40mm X6 · 63mm Alpha 9
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
X6
50 × 100 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Alpha 9
127 × 96 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
X6
50 × 40 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Alpha 9
127 × 63 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 9
35.6 × 23.8 mm · Full Frame
847 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
X6: mount data unavailable
Alpha 9
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
X6
Codecs
Adds H.265
Stabilization modes
Adds FlowState, 360° Horizon Lock, InstaFrame 2.0…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 50, 100, 40
Card types
Adds microSD
Resolution
120 MP vs 24.2 MP — higher is better
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 29.97 fps — higher is better
Weight
196 g vs 673 g — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds Pet, Object
Reasons to choose
Alpha 9
AF points / zones
718 vs 0 — higher is better
Codecs
Adds XAVC S, AVCHD, MP4
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 126.9, 95.6, 63
Card types
Adds SD, SDHC, SDXC…
ISO max (native)
51,200 vs 6,400 — higher is better
AA filter
Only Alpha 9 supports it
Eye AF
Only Alpha 9 supports it
Animal / bird AF
Only Alpha 9 supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓RAW buffer depth — Both 200 frames
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
- ✓Bluetooth — Both support bluetooth
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
X6
Pros
- ✓Dual Sony 1/1.1-inch sensors (1-inch equivalent 360)
- ✓Native 8K50 + in-camera Dolby Vision / 10-bit I-Log
- ✓120MP 360 photos; 5K60 / 4K120 single-lens
- ✓2600mAh Xtreme Battery: 140 min 8K30
- ✓20m waterproof + replaceable Lens 2.0
Cons
- –$700 Standard Bundle vs cheaper 360 rivals
- –8K50, not 8K60 vs Osmo 360 II
- –47GB usable built-in storage vs DJI 105GB
- –360 footage still needs reframing
Alpha 9
Pros
- ✓Stacked sensor pioneer
- ✓20fps silent burst
- ✓Pro sports AF
Cons
- –Superseded by A9 II/III
- –24MP
- –Expensive when new
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the X6 and Alpha 9 at major authorized retailers.
Insta360 X6
Sony Alpha 9
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for portraits, X6 or Alpha 9?
Alpha 9 scores 7.5/10 versus 3.0/10 for X6 — 24.2MP — solid resolution.
What's the resolution difference between the X6 and Alpha 9?
X6 is 120 MP and Alpha 9 is 24.2 MP, so the X6 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the X6 and Alpha 9 have in-body image stabilization?
X6 uses FlowState 6-axis + 360° Horizon Lock (electronic), while Alpha 9 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the X6 or the Alpha 9?
X6 reaches 30 fps electronic. Alpha 9 reaches 20 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the X6 and Alpha 9?
X6 weighs 196 g and Alpha 9 weighs 673 g, so the X6 is 477 g lighter.
Do the X6 and Alpha 9 record 4K video?
X6: 8K 360 (max), 4K up to 120p. Alpha 9: 4K up to 29.97p.
Are the X6 and Alpha 9 weather sealed?
X6: Yes. Alpha 9: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 520 shots (CIPA) for the X6 and 650 shots for the Alpha 9, giving the Alpha 9 the edge.
How much does each cost?
X6 launched at $700 and Alpha 9 at $4,499. The X6 is $3,799 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way X6 vs Alpha 9 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed September 2026.
Product images courtesy of Insta360 and Sony press materials.