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

Even if there are parts of the Sony α9 package that feel like overkill, that's kind of the appeal.

20 FPS Continuous shooting; Dual USC-II SD Slots

Astronomically expensive

Recent market statistics confirm that mirrorless cameras represent the only sector of the 'serious' camera market that is showing any real growth. The α9 is smaller and faster than either the Canon 1DX Mk II or Nikon D5 and its high ISO images are noticeably better and its video quality is superior.

Even with our squawks about the menu system, the Sony Alpha A9 is very special. For $4,500, it should be outstanding and we're happy to say it is. At this price, and with features like Ethernet built in, it's targeted to professional sports photographers, but anyone in need of a super fast camera...

20 fps continuous shooting; No-blackout viewfinder; 693-point AF system; Great image quality; Strong 4K video quality

Inscrutable menu system; Battery life still lags behind DSLRs

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;

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 Alpha A9 is a unique and confident full-frame camera that's meant to challenge the Canon and Nikon hegemony over the market for professional sports, action and event photography. This isn't an easy task given how accomplished both the Nikon D5 and Canon EOS-1D X Mark II are.

There's quite a lot to take in when it comes to the amount of new features added on the Sony Alpha A9 camera, most of which are welcome inclusions. Sony has stepped up the capabilities of the mirrorless camera to compete against the strong points of the DSLR cameras, while also improving on what...

New 24MP sensor; 20fps silent burst shooting; 693-point AF; 4K video recording; Dual SD cards; Physical shortcuts; Numerous ports and connectivity options; USB charging

Not so great grip; Clumsy locking mechanism; Memory recall modes are cumbersome; USB 2.0; RAW video capture drops frame rate

We don't all need a camera as quick off the mark as the A9, but for photographers who demand speed in both autofocus and stills shooting, it's being pitched as something truly special.

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...