Sony A1 vs A9iii
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Sony A9iii vs Sony A1 - Which one to choose and why?
Why choose the Sony A1?
More megapixels
50.1Mp vs. 24.2Mp
Higher ISO sensitivity
32 000 vs. 25 600
More compact
129×97×70 mm vs. 136×97×83 mm
20% smaller body
53.4 in3 / 875 cm3 vs. 66.76 in3 / 1 094 cm3
8% longer battery life
430 images vs. 400 images
Has a mechanical shutter
1/8 000s vs. -
Higher max video resolution
8K UHD 30 fps vs. 4K UHD 120 fps
In December 2024, Sony revealed the successor to this camera, the Sony A1 II, featuring improved autofocus, better noise management and the addition of a more powerful processor incorporating AI!.
Technical specifications - Sony A1 vs Sony A9iii
General
| Sony A1 | Sony A9iii | ||
Release Date | January 2021 | VS | November 2023 |
Mount | FE | VS | FE |
Definition | 50.1 Mp | VS | 24.2 Mp |
Sensor Size | Full Frame | VS | Full Frame |
Image Stabilization | Yes | VS | Yes |
ISO Sensitivity | 100 - 32 000 | VS | 250 - 25 600 |
Extended ISO | 50 - 102 400 | VS | 125 - 51 200 |
Card Slots | 2 | VS | 2 |
Card Type | 1 x SD (UHS-II) 1 x CF Express Type A | VS | 1 x SD (UHS-II) 1 x CF Express Type A |
Processor | BIONZ XR | VS | BIONZ XR |
Recommended Price | 6 198$ / 5524£ / 6 499€ | VS | 6 798$ / 5771£ / 6 789€ |
Viewfinder Features
| Sony A1 | Sony A9iii | ||
Resolution | 9.44 M-dot | VS | 9.44 M-dot |
Magnification | 0.9x | VS | 0.9x |
Autofocus Features
| Sony A1 | Sony A9iii | ||
Sensibilidad AF | -4 / 20 EV | VS | -5 / 17 EV |
Number of Focus Points | 759 | VS | 759 |
Video
| Sony A1 | Sony A9iii | ||
Maximum Resolution | 8K UHD 30 i/s 4K DCI 120 i/s 4K UHD 120 i/s 1080p 240 i/s | VS | 4K UHD 120 i/s 1080p 120 i/s |
Recording Format | VS | ||
Recording Time Limit | 780 min | VS | - |
DxO Score
| Sony A1 | Sony A9iii | ||
General | 98 | VS | 87 |
Portrait | 25.9 | VS | 24.1 |
Landscape | 14.5 | VS | 13.0 |
Sports | 3 163 | VS | 3 224 |
Physical Characteristics
| Sony A1 | Sony A9iii | ||
Weather-Sealed | Yes | VS | Yes |
Battery Type | NP-FZ100 | VS | NP-FZ100 |
Weight | 1.62 lb / 737 g | VS | 1.55 lb / 703 g |
Dimensions (W×H×D)
| 5.1 × 3.8 × 2.8" 129 × 97 × 70 mm | VS | 5.4 × 3.8 × 3.3" 136 × 97 × 83 mm |
Volume | 53.4 in3 / 875 cm3 | VS | 66.76 in3 / 1 094 cm3 |
Viewfinder Battery Life
| 430 images | VS | 400 images |
LCD Battery Life | 530 images | VS | 530 images |
Built-in Flash
| No | VS | No |
Maximum Flash Sync Speed | 1/400s | VS | 1/65535s |
Min. Shutter Speed | 30s | VS | 30s |
Max. Shutter Speed (Mechanical) | 1/8 000s | VS | - |
Max. Shutter Speed (Electronic) | 1/32 000s | VS | 1/80 000s |
Max. Burst Rate (Electronic) | 30 fps | VS | 120 fps |
RAW Buffer | 80 images | VS | 196 images |
Screen Features
| Sony A1 | Sony A9iii | ||
Type | Tilting | VS | Fully-articulating |
Resolution | 1.44 M-dot | VS | 2.1 M-dot |
Diagonal | 2.95" / 7.5 cm | VS | 2.95" / 7.5 cm |
Touchscreen | Yes | VS | Yes |
Optional Features
| Sony A1 | Sony A9iii | ||
Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | Yes / Yes | VS | Yes / Yes |
Headphone Jack | Yes | VS | Yes |
USB Version | USB-C 3.2 | VS | USB-C 3.2 |
GPS | No | VS | No |
Time Lapse | Yes | VS | No |
Recommended lenses
Check recommended lenses for these cameras
Suggested Accessories
For Sony A1
For Sony A9iii
Others VS to check
Sony A1
Detailed comparison by Sylvain PONS
As a photography enthusiast, I've spent a lot of time exploring, comparing and analysing these cameras' features to help you make the right choice!
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Sources: Sony A1, Sony A9iii


Release Date
Mount
Definition
Sensor Size
Image Stabilization
ISO Sensitivity
Card Slots
Processor
Recommended Price
Magnification
Sensibilidad AF
Number of Focus Points
Maximum Resolution
Recording Format
Recording Time Limit
General
Portrait
Landscape
Sports
Weather-Sealed
Battery Type
Weight
Dimensions (W×H×D)
Volume
Viewfinder Battery Life
Built-in Flash
Maximum Flash Sync Speed
Min. Shutter Speed
Max. Burst Rate (Electronic)
RAW Buffer
Diagonal
Touchscreen
Wi-Fi / Bluetooth
Headphone Jack
USB Version
GPS
Time Lapse









