Full-frame cameras for pro sports and wildlife photographers are the last bastion where dSLRs still rule. But the Sony A9 ($3,246 at Amazon) looks like it has the chops, if not to bring their reign to an end, to at least make significant inroads into the territory held by the Canon EOS-1D and Nikon D5 series models. In addition to a maximum continuous-shooting speed of 20 frames per second matched by a 693-point phase-detection autofocus system, the A9 brings in-body image stabilization, something those dSLRs lack.

It's not perfect and it's too expensive for many of us, but the A9 is fast, accurate, lightweight and delivers on photo quality.

Sony's Alpha A9 is a new flagship mirrorless camera with a 24 Megapixel full-frame stacked CMOS sensor and fully electronic shutter featuring 20fps shooting, silent vibration-free operation, anti-distortion shutter, 1/32000 shutter, 4k video, dual SD slots, bigger battery, touchscreen and AF...

The Sony a9 is a big step forward for mirrorless technology. It betters the fastest, most expensive SLRs in capture rate, spreads its autofocus system across almost the entirety of a full-fame image sensor, and has a really fantastic EVF-one that, in many ways, is a better option for shooting action...

Shoots at 20fps with subject tracking; Full-frame 24MP image sensor; 93-percent focus coverage; Electronic shutter eliminates blackout; Also supports traditional mechanical shutter; Large, crisp EVF; Tilting touch LCD; In-body 5-axis stabilization; New high-capacity battery; Dual SD slots; 4K video.

Pricey; Only one slot UHS-II compliant; Dense menu system; Uncompressed Raw capture cuts speed to 12fps; Lens library missing wide aperture super telephoto options

Sony isn't being shy about the purpose of their new a9 sports camera - it's meant to go head-to-head with the sports-shooting establishment, the likes of the Nikon D5 and Canon EOS-1D X Mark II.

The Sony a9 is more than just a refinement of the company's a7-series of full-frame mirrorless cameras; it's an evolution. With meaningful ergonomic and user interface improvements, the a9 is a polished and highly capable camera. It may not be a go-to camera for landscape and studio photographers, but its compact dimensions, silent operation, abundant speed and blackout-free shooting make it not only a step forward for mirrorless, but a compelling proposition for professionals who can't afford to miss a moment.

Sports, peak action, wedding, event and child photography, photojournalism;

Landscape and studio photographers for whom resolution and dynamic range are important considerations;

An astonishing high-speed mirrorless model that pushes the boundaries for full-frame sports and action cameras.

Excellent handling and controls; Superb autofocus tracking; High-speed shooting with minimal distortion; Excellent electronic viewfinder with zero blackout; Impressive battery life

AF area not highlighted in viewfinder when moved via the joystick; Touchscreen woefully under-used

The A9 is the first full frame camera with tilting touch screen, just like my three-year old A5100. The A9 has decent phase-detection technology, too, with even more PDAF points than on my A5100 to get the brilliant video touch-to-spot-focus exclusively available only on Sony touch screen cameras...

Either way, you should know that no matter what, you're going to be getting a heck of a great camera. Sometimes you may need to do a bit extra editing, but this is by far the most reliable mirrorless camera on the market with a full frame sensor.

While Sony's A7-series cameras have offered a tantalizing glimpse into Sony's vision for the future, they always seemed to be missing that extra bit of polish. Creaky lens mounts, a pokey autofocus system, pitiful battery life...

Coming from Canon, let me list what I like: 1) the evf is fantastic. What you see is what you get 2) the no blackout is addictive. Once you use it you can't go back 3) silent shooting is very odd at first 4) the exposure compensation dial is very convenient in concert with the evf 5) the picture...