Alpha 9 III vs OM System OM-1: A Comprehensive Comparison
When it comes to choosing the right camera for your photography needs, it’s essential to consider various factors such as sensor performance, autofocus capabilities, build quality, and overall image quality. In this article, we will delve into a detailed comparison between the Sony Alpha 9 III and the OM System OM-1, two of the most popular cameras in the market. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer understanding of which camera suits your requirements better.
Build and Design
The Sony Alpha 9 III boasts a robust magnesium alloy body, which provides excellent durability and weather-sealing. It measures 127.9 x 96.4 x 63.7mm and weighs approximately 678g, making it a compact and lightweight full-frame camera. The OM System OM-1, on the other hand, features a sleek and modern design with a magnesium alloy body as well. It measures 134.9 x 90.0 x 68.5mm and weighs around 680g. Both cameras are well-built and offer a comfortable grip, but the OM-1 has a slightly larger and heavier body.
Sensor and Image Quality
The Sony Alpha 9 III is equipped with a 24.2MP Exmor R CMOS sensor, which delivers excellent image quality with low noise levels, even at high ISO settings. The camera offers a dynamic range of up to 15 stops and supports 14-bit RAW file format. The OM System OM-1, featuring a 20.1MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, also produces impressive image quality with great detail and dynamic range. However, the OM-1’s sensor has a smaller pixel size, which may result in slightly lower dynamic range compared to the Alpha 9 III.
| Camera | Sensor | Resolution | Dynamic Range | File Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony Alpha 9 III | Exmor R CMOS | 24.2MP | 15 stops | 14-bit RAW |
| OM System OM-1 | Micro Four Thirds | 20.1MP | 12.5 stops | 14-bit RAW |
Autofocus Performance
The Sony Alpha 9 III is renowned for its exceptional autofocus performance, thanks to its 693 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection points. This camera can achieve a fast autofocus speed of approximately 0.05 seconds, making it an excellent choice for sports and wildlife photography. The OM System OM-1 also offers a solid autofocus system with 121 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection points. While its autofocus speed is slightly slower than the Alpha 9 III, it still performs admirably in most situations.
Continuous Shooting and Buffer
The Sony Alpha 9 III can shoot up to 20 frames per second (fps) with continuous autofocus and 60 fps in burst mode without autofocus. It has a buffer capacity of approximately 150 RAW images. The OM System OM-1, on the other hand, can shoot up to 15 fps with continuous autofocus and 30 fps in burst mode without autofocus. Its buffer capacity is around 100 RAW images. While the Alpha 9 III has a slight advantage in terms of continuous shooting speed and buffer capacity, both cameras are more than capable of capturing fast-paced action.
Video Capabilities
The Sony Alpha 9 III offers 4K video recording at up to 120fps, which is excellent for slow-motion footage. It also supports 10-bit 4:2:2 recording via HDMI output. The OM System OM-1, however, offers 4K video recording at up to 60fps and 1080p recording at up to 240fps. While the OM-1 has a better slow-motion capability, the Alpha 9 III’s 10-bit 4:2:2 recording is beneficial for post-production work.
Connectivity and Features
The Sony Alpha 9 III features a 3.0-inch tilting LCD screen with a resolution of 1440k dots, as well as a 0.
