Nikon Z9 vs Sony Alpha A1 II
Sony Alpha A1 II has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. the Alpha A1 II is better for portraits, landscapes, wildlife.
Choose the Z9 for
- a lower price (from £2,449)
Choose the Alpha A1 II for
- more resolution (50.1MP vs 45.7MP)
- faster bursts (30fps vs 20fps)
- a lighter body (743g vs 1340g)
- more lenses in our database (105 vs 54)
- a newer design (2024)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Z9 | Alpha A1 II |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 45.7MP | Full frame, 50.1MP |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Sony FE (full frame) |
| Released | 2021 | 2024 |
| Burst | 20 fps | 30 fps |
| Readout | ≈4 ms | ≈4 ms |
| Max ISO | 25,600 | 32,000 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 8K 60p | 8K 30p / 4K 120p |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 1340 g | 743 g |
| Battery | Nikon EN-EL18d | Sony NP-FZ100 |
| Card slots | 2× CFexpress B | 2×CFexpress A/SD |
| New price | £4,499 | £5,699 |
| Used at MPB | £2,449–2,629 | £4,519–4,599 |
| Native lenses in our database | 54 (31 third-party) | 105 (82 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | Alpha A1 II |
| Landscape | Alpha A1 II |
| Wildlife & animals | Alpha A1 II |
| Sports & action | About equal |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| Vlogging & video | About equal |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
The Z9 uses Nikon Z (54 lenses in our database, 31 third-party) and the Alpha A1 II uses Sony E / FE (105 lenses, 82 third-party). Batteries: Nikon EN-EL18d (about £159) vs Sony NP-FZ100 (about £65).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nikon Z9 better than the Sony Alpha A1 II?
It depends on your priorities. The Z9 offers a lower price (from £2,449); the Alpha A1 II offers more resolution (50.1MP vs 45.7MP), faster bursts (30fps vs 20fps), a lighter body (743g vs 1340g).
Which is better for video, the Z9 or the Alpha A1 II?
They are closely matched for video (8K 60p vs 8K 30p / 4K 120p); stabilisation and lens choice will decide it.
Which is cheaper, the Z9 or the Alpha A1 II?
The Z9 costs £4,499 new and from £2,449 used at MPB; the Alpha A1 II costs £5,699 new and from £4,519 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Nikon Z9 lenses on the Alpha A1 II?
Not directly. The Z9 uses Nikon Z and the Alpha A1 II uses Sony E / FE; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.