Sony's refined sports flagship with improved connectivity and professional workflow features.
The Sony A9 II launched in 2019 as a refinement of the groundbreaking A9 sports camera. While using the same 24.2MP stacked sensor, it added professional connectivity including built-in Ethernet, improved Real-time Tracking AF, and enhanced mechanical design for professional sports photography workflows.
Key features include the 24.2MP stacked CMOS sensor, 20fps burst with no viewfinder blackout, improved Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF, 5-axis IBIS, built-in Gigabit Ethernet for wired FTP transfer, dual UHS-II SD card slots, and a redesigned body with improved ergonomics and weather sealing.
The A9 II was praised for professional connectivity features that sports photographers demanded and improved AF tracking reliability. It was criticised as an incremental upgrade that should have increased resolution or added a higher-resolution mode. The A9 III with its revolutionary global shutter sensor superseded it in 2023.
Good value used as the A9 III has dramatically reduced prices. Check shutter count, IBIS operation, and both card slots. The A9 II remains an exceptional sports camera with 20fps blackout-free shooting. The Ethernet port is valuable for professional sports sideline work.