Sony Launches New Flagship ɑ A-Mount Camera, The ɑ99 II

Sony Launches New Flagship ɑ A-Mount
Camera, The ɑ99 II

(SINGAPORE, 21
September 2016) – Reaffirming its
commitment to produce industry leading A-mount interchangeable lens cameras,
Sony today launched a new flagship ɑ A-mount model, the a99 II. A successor to
the highly acclaimed ɑ99, the new a99 II combines the best of Sony’s latest
digital imaging innovations including a new Hybrid Phase Detection AF system
with exclusive Sony A-mount features such as Translucent Mirror Technology™
(TMT). The result is a supremely specified, professional level camera that will
be particularly appealing to sports and wildlife photographers.

Redefining
Autofocus

The newly developed Phase Detection AF
System is capable of ‘full-time AF’ and is the first implementation of 4D FOCUS
in the full-frame ɑ series, bringing a supreme new level of AF performance to ɑ99 II users. The Hybrid Phase
Detection AF System is enabled by combining a precision 79-point[4]
dedicated phase detection AF sensor with 399 focal plane phase detection AF
points1 to produce a 79 hybrid cross AF point[5]
array. These cross points deliver incredibly precise autofocus performance and
advanced subject tracking of any moving objects right across the image, at high
speed. In addition, as there is no moving mirror, TMT enables continuous AF
operation and the finder image remains unaffected during any type of shooting,
including live view and movie recording.

Low light conditions
present no problem to the ɑ99 II.
The precision AF system will function properly down to EV-4[6]
brightness levels where most other cameras struggle. 

Data flow through the ɑ99 II has been redesigned to allow for
high resolution and continuous shooting at high frame rates. A new front-end
LSI works with the image sensor and BIONZ X image processing engine, as well as
a newly designed shutter unit, to enable continuous shooting at up to 12fps2
with AF/AE tracking[7],
all whilst harnessing the sensor’s 42.4MP capabilities. The result is an
ultra-fast camera that will deliver incredibly detailed shots, even with fast
moving objects in challenging light conditions. Thanks to a large buffer and
sophisticated data processing, these shots can be viewed immediately after
shooting even when in high speed continuous shooting mode and if shots are
being taken indoors under artificial lighting, flicker is automatically
detected and the shutter is timed to minimise its effect on the end image[8].

Improvements to the EVF display
algorithm now deliver continuous live-view shooting at up to 8 fps[9]
with AF/AE tracking with minimal display lag so that the viewing experience is
essentially no different from that of an optical viewfinder. Exposure, white
balance and other camera settings are displayed in real time in the viewfinder
and continuous live view shooting can be set in 3 stages to match a variety of
subjects: 8 fps, 6 fps and 4 fps.

Pixel Power

The back-illuminated full-frame 42.4MP[10]
Exmor R CMOS sensor benefits from a gapless-on-chip design and allows for fast
readout of large volumes of data as well as being extremely efficient in its
light gathering ability. The net result is very high sensitivity with low
noise, wide dynamic range and 42.4MP resolution across an ISO range of
100-25600, expandable to ISO 50 – 102,400[11].The
ɑ99 II has been designed without an
optical low-pass filter to allow the finest natural details and textures to be
captured with unprecedented depth and realism and the photographer can select
compressed or uncompressed RAW files, as required.

5-axis SteadyShot™ INSIDE Image Stabilisation

Having proved to be incredibly popular
in the ɑ7 II series of cameras, Sony has designed a new in-body 5 axis image
stabilisation system for A-mount cameras which debuts for the first time in the
ɑ99 II. In addition to movement in
the pitch and yaw axes that tend to occur at longer focal lengths, this system
effectively detects and compensates for shift blur that can occur on the X and
Y axes when shooting close-up, and roll blur that is often apparent in still
images and movies that are shot at night. Newly implemented precision gyro
sensors are capable of precisely detecting even tiny camera movements that can
cause blurring, providing a 4.5 step[12]
shutter speed advantage that can help realise the full potential of the 42.4MP
sensor, in both stills and movies. The effect of image stabilisation can be
monitored in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen during live view when the
shutter button is half pressed or the Focus Magnifier functions are used. This
allows framing and focus to be accurately checked via live view when shooting
at telephoto focal lengths or macro distances.

Improved design
and operability

The design of the new ɑ99 II has noticeably evolved compared
to its predecessor, based upon feedback from professional users. The new model
is 8 per cent smaller than the original ɑ99 and has a newly designed grip,
magnesium alloy body, dual SD[13]
card slot and other upgrades that improve both hold and operation. All major
buttons and dials are provided with seals and the media jack cover and
enclosure edges feature tongue and groove – the result is a body that is both
dust and moisture resistant[14]
and can be used in the toughest and most challenging shooting conditions.

In addition to being designed for faster
response, the new shutter unit is also more durable and has passed endurance
tests in excess of 300,000 shutter operations[15].
The XGA OLED Tru-finder has a ZEISS® T* Coating and has a 4 element lens group
that includes a double sided aspherical element whilst offering a powerful
0.78x magnification, delivering outstanding clarity from corner to corner. It
also has a fluorine coating on the outer lens to prevent fingerprints, dust,
water, oil and dirt from sticking, thus ensuring a clear view.

The silent Multi Controller introduced
in the original ɑ99 has been improved so that in addition to allowing control
of aperture, shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation, AF area, AF mode and
other settings, it now features a click-stop ON/OFF switch. When ON, the
preferred setting for still image shooting, the control clicks, providing a
tactile indication of the length of rotation. When OFF, the control turns
smoothly and quietly, ideal for movie shooting. Location data acquisition has
also been made possible via Bluetooth[16]
connection to a compatible mobile device and it is now possible to select
whether the storage location should just be on a tethered computer or also on
camera for easy review without leaving the shooting position. Based upon
feedback from a number of ɑ users, the menu structure of the ɑ99 II has also been updated to deliver
a smoother navigational experience.

Movie Magic

The ɑ99
II enables internal 4K movie recording[17]
featuring full pixel readout, without pixel binning[18],
for ultimate high resolution video in the pro friendly XAVC S format. It is
capable of recording high quality footage at 100Mbps for 4K recording. A new
‘Slow and Quick’ mode[19]
(S&Q) supports both slow motion and quick motion. Frame rates from 1 fps to
120 fps (100 fps) can be selected in 8 steps for up to 60x (50x) quick motion
and 5x (4x) slow motion recording[20].
A number of features designed for a professional movie production workflow are included
such as picture profiles, time code and HDMI clear output and the new ɑ99 II now also offers gamma assist for
real time S-Log monitoring and a zebra mode for easier exposure adjustment.
S-Log3 and S-Log2 gamma are now included, making wide dynamic range shooting
possible with blown highlights or blocked shadows making the ɑ99 II easily integratable into a fully
professional movie production workflow.

The new ɑ99 II will be available at all Sony Stores, Sony Centres and
selected Sony authorised dealers from November 2016.