Reaffirming its commitment to produce industry leading
A-mount interchangeable lens cameras, Sony today launched a new flagship ɑ
A-mount model, the ɑ99 II. A successor to the highly acclaimed ɑ99, the new ɑ99
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 TM (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
dedicated phase detection AF sensor with 399 focal plane phase detection AF
points, to produce a 79 hybrid cross AF point 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 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 12fpsii with AF/AE tracking[vii], 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.
Improvements to the EVF display algorithm now deliver continuous
live-view shooting at up to 8 fps[ix] 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[x] 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[xi]. 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 stabilization 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[xii] shutter
speed advantage that can help realize the full potential of the 42.4MP sensor,
in both stills and movies. The effect of image stabilization 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% smaller than the original ɑ99 and has a newly designed grip, magnesium
alloy body, dual SD 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[xiv] 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. 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 ɑ99has
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 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 featuring
full pixel readout, without pixel binning, 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 (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. 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 start shipping in November.
