Sony
Alpha 9 III
Global shutter sports flagship with 120fps and zero rolling shutter for pro action.
$5,999
Launch priceReleased Jan 2024
Sony
Alpha 99 II
42MP A-mount flagship with translucent mirror, 12fps, and 5-axis IBIS for Sony/Minolta lenses.
$3,199
Launch priceReleased Nov 2016
Alpha 9 III is 7.3 years newer.
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Wins
Alpha 9 III
Wins
Alpha 99 II
4 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 99 II has higher Burst (mechanical) (8 fps vs 0 fps)
- AAlpha 9 III has higher Burst (electronic) (120 fps vs 20 fps)
- AAlpha 9 III has higher Max video bit rate (600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps)
- AAlpha 9 III has higher EVF resolution (9,437,184 vs 3,690,000)
- BAlpha 99 II has lower ISO min (native) (100 vs 250)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareAlpha 9 III
136 × 97 × 83 mm
703 g (1.55 lb / 24.80 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Alpha 99 II
143 × 105 × 82 mm
849 g (1.87 lb / 29.95 oz)
Alpha 9 III is 7mm narrower and 8mm shorter than Alpha 99 II but it is also 1mm thicker.
Alpha 9 III is 146 g lighter than Alpha 99 II.
Depth (front-to-back): 83mm Alpha 9 III · 82mm Alpha 99 II
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 9 III
35.6 × 23.8 mm · Full Frame
847 mm² area
Alpha 99 II
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Alpha 9 III
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Alpha 99 II: mount data unavailable
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
Alpha 9 III
AF low-light limit
-5 EV vs -4 EV — lower is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 136.1, 96.9, 82.9
Burst (electronic)
120 fps vs 20 fps — higher is better
Max video bit rate
600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps — higher is better
EVF resolution
9,437,184 vs 3,690,000 — higher is better
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I
Subject recognition
Adds Insect, Car/Train, Airplane
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 60 fps — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 99 II
Burst (mechanical)
8 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 142.6, 104.8, 81.6
ISO min (native)
100 vs 250 — lower is better
Resolution
42.4 MP vs 24.6 MP — higher is better
Battery life (CIPA)
640 shots vs 400 shots — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Vehicle
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓AF points / zones — Both 759
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 94 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Alpha 9 III
Pros
- ✓Global shutter 120fps
- ✓Zero rolling shutter
- ✓Pro sports AF
- ✓Pre-capture buffer
Cons
- –24.6MP only
- –Premium price
- –Battery drain at max speed
Alpha 99 II
Pros
- ✓42MP A-mount
- ✓5-axis IBIS
- ✓12fps
- ✓Huge Minolta lens library
Cons
- –A-mount declining
- –Translucent mirror system
- –Large body
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Alpha 9 III and Alpha 99 II at major authorized retailers.
Sony Alpha 9 III
Sony Alpha 99 II
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, Alpha 9 III or Alpha 99 II?
Alpha 9 III scores 10.0/10 versus 8.0/10 for Alpha 99 II — 120fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the Alpha 9 III and Alpha 99 II?
Alpha 9 III is 24.6 MP and Alpha 99 II is 42.4 MP, so the Alpha 99 II captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Alpha 9 III and Alpha 99 II have in-body image stabilization?
Alpha 9 III has 8-stop in-body image stabilization, while Alpha 99 II has 4.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Alpha 9 III or the Alpha 99 II?
Alpha 9 III reaches 120 fps electronic. Alpha 99 II reaches 20 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Alpha 9 III and Alpha 99 II?
Alpha 9 III weighs 703 g and Alpha 99 II weighs 849 g, so the Alpha 9 III is 146 g lighter.
Do the Alpha 9 III and Alpha 99 II record 4K video?
Alpha 9 III: 4K up to 120p. Alpha 99 II: 4K up to 60p.
Are the Alpha 9 III and Alpha 99 II weather sealed?
Alpha 9 III: Yes. Alpha 99 II: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 400 shots (CIPA) for the Alpha 9 III and 640 shots for the Alpha 99 II, giving the Alpha 99 II the edge.
How much does each cost?
Alpha 9 III launched at $5,999 and Alpha 99 II at $3,199. The Alpha 99 II is $2,800 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Alpha 9 III vs Alpha 99 II vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.