Sony announced the launch of the full-frame Sony Alpha 9 III last November and the camera hit the shops earlier this year. Ever since then, it was only a matter of time before its predecessor, the Sony Alpha 9 II was discontinued. Has that day come around already?
News from Japan
News of the Alpha 9 II’s demise was posted on the Japanese photo blog Asobinet. That website reported that the Alpha 9 II had been listed as discontinued by many major Japanese camera retailers. In addition, Sony’s Japanese website doesn’t feature the Alpha 9 II in its list of camera bodies. However, Sony does still include the Alpha 7 R IV and Alpha 7 III, both of which have been superseded by newer models.
What about elsewhere?
The US Sony website does still show the Alpha 9 II as well as the Alpha 9 III. The older model is marked as “Out Of Stock.” However, you can submit a request to be emailed when the Alpha 9 II is available. There is even better news on the Sony U.K. website. That currently lists the Alpha 9 II as available for delivery in as little as two days. In addition, camera retailers such as B&H in the U.S. still show the Alpha 9 II as in stock.
Alpha 9 III vs. 9 II
The Sony Alpha 9 III has a number of improvements compared to the Alpha 9 II. The headline feature is that the Alpha 9 III has the world’s first-ever 35 mm full-frame global shutter image sensor. However, the Alpha 9 II is still a great camera. You can shoot 4K video up to 30 using a full pixel readout so you get the detail from 6K of information. In addition, the Alpha 9 II can output uncompressed UHD (3840 x 2160) video up to 30 fps with 0-bit 4:2:2 color.  You also get up to 5 stops of 5-axis optical in-body image stabilization.
What we think
All good things come to an end, and it looks like that applies to the Sony Alpha 9 II. Even so, there is still some stock out there if you act quickly. The Alpha 9 III has several improvements for video work, such as the global shutter, but it also costs $1,500 more than the Alpha 9 II. If you don’t need a camera from Sony’s professional range, the company has a number of cheaper full-frame offerings. However, if you do need the very best, the Alpha 9 II could save you some money. Don’t delay though; it won’t be around forever.
