The Sony ñ9 (the ñ is sometimes spelled out as Alpha), Model ILCE-9, is a full-frame mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera. It was Sony's flagship camera as of 2017. The camera is not the successor to the ñ7 line of digital cameras but supplements it. Announced on 19 April 2017, the ñ9 is characterized by Sony as a true professional mirrorless camera system. The ñ9 is being compared with the Nikon D5 and the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II.
Sony initially priced the ñ9 at $4,499 with an availability date in May 2017.
The headline feature of the ñ9 is the 20 frames per second with a buffer of 240 raw or 362 JPEG images. This is accomplished without temporarily blacking out the finder for each exposure, unlike a DSLR. Sony ñ9 was the first e-mount camera to use the larger NP-FZ100 battery with nearly double the capacity of the previous smaller NP-FW50 battery.
The Sony ñ9 II, announced in October 2019, succeeds the ñ9. The new camera has updated ergonomics, connectivity, and a faster 10 fps burst with the mechanical shutter. Additionally, the ñ9 II breaks compatibility with the Memory Stick format; both slots are now SD and support the UHS-II protocol.
The Sony ñ9 III has been announced in November 2023, featuring a global shutter and 120 fps burst.
Initial hands-on of the ñ9 have been positive with multiple reviewers praising the company for listening to its users.
The ñ9 won Camera of the Year.