Sony Alpha a9 II Black 2017

The a9 II is a laser-focused sports machine with autofocus that still embarrasses most of the market. Just don't ask it to shoot video or stabilize your shaky hands.

What surprised us most is how this camera still feels relevant despite its age. The 20fps mechanical burst is no slouch, landing in the 80th percentile, and combined with that best-in-class autofocus, you get a hit rate that makes you look like a better photographer than you are. The 3.7M-dot EVF is also a standout, giving you a clear, lag-free view while you're tracking a bird or a midfielder. But the 24MP sensor is middle of the pack these days, and the lack of in-body stabilization is a real weak spot if you're not shooting with stabilized glass.

The Nikon Z9 is the obvious heavyweight here, with a stacked sensor, 8K video, and a build that makes the a9 II feel almost quaint, but it's also bigger, heavier, and pricier. The OM System OM-1 Mark II is the more interesting fight: it's lighter, has insane stabilization, and costs less, though its Micro Four Thirds sensor can't match the Sony's full-frame low-light performance. The Fujifilm X100VI is a completely different beast, a fixed-lens street camera, so if you're cross-shopping those two, you need to figure out what you actually want to shoot.

At $3,400 USD, this is a tough sell unless you're making money shooting action. The a9 II is a specialized tool, and you're paying a premium for that autofocus and burst speed. If sports or wildlife is your job, it's worth every penny. If you're a hobbyist who shoots a bit of everything, you're overpaying for capabilities you'll rarely use.

The Sony Alpha a9 II is a speed demon built for one thing: nailing the shot when everything is moving. It's not trying to be a hybrid video monster or a high-res landscape champ. It's a sports and wildlife machine, and in that lane, it's still one of the best tools you can strap a lens to. The 693-point AF system with Eye AF and Subject Detection sits in the 95th percentile in our database, which means it's basically top of the charts for locking focus and not letting go.

If you're looking for a hybrid camera that does video and stills equally well, this isn't it. Go get a Nikon Z9 or a Panasonic Lumix S1RII instead. And if you want stabilization without thinking about it, the OM System OM-1 Mark II will spoil you rotten.

The Sony Alpha a9 II is still a phenomenal action camera, but it's a one-trick pony in a market full of all-rounders. If your living depends on catching fast-moving subjects, buy it and don't look back. If you want a camera that does everything well, look at the Z9 or save some cash and grab the OM-1 Mark II.