The new Sony a9 II is basically last year’s a9, with features borrowed from the a7 IV. All the features are great for the working professionals however, so it is great to have it in body.

Inside, the a9 II is still sporting the same 24MP sensor from last year, but the newer Bionz X image processor should speed things up as well deliver better image processing. It has the same 693-point on-sensor PDAF system as the a9, but with new algorithms that improve subject tracking.

New processor also equals better performance. In this case, the shooting speed with the mechanical shutter has risen toe 10fps, while the electronic shutter performance is still the same at 20fps. The a9 II has a larger grip, and better weather-sealing around ports and doors similar to that of the a7R IV.

There is a change in the layout of the camera, with the rear control dial now sitting on the top plate. Another nice added feature is charging through the USB Type-C, and transfer speeds are also better thanks to USB 3.2. Other nice functions include Gigabit Ethernet and Wifi 802.11ac.

The Sony a9 II will be available in November for USD4500 or about RM 18,820 (body only).