Sony has unveiled the successor to the a99, a significant new version of the camera with features that look like they may satisfy still and video shooters alike.
At Photokina 2016, Sony has announced a significant new version of its flagship full frame A-Mount DSLR a99 camera. Dubbed the a99 II, its major features include enhanced faster focus and up to 12 fps continuous shooting without buffer. Other features include 42.4 MP CMOS sensor, dual SD slots and 5-axis in-body image stabilization.
Video shooters will see internal 4K (UHD) 100Mbps recording without pixel binning. Both Slog-2 and Slog-3 gammas are available, as well as a full-range of picture profiles. Recording is in XAVC-S format. S&Q frames rates between 1-120fps may also be recorded. While the Sony release does not specify format for S&Q recordings, it is presumed that frame rates above 60fps would be only HD.
From the preliminary information that Sony has released, the a99 II sensor shares many of the features of the current A7 series mirrorless cameras, particularly with multi-point AF systems, low light sensitivity and 5-axis on board image stabilization. These features would bode very well for positioning the a99 II as both a still and a video camera. And most importantly for video shooters, the camera includes a headphone jack.
Other features from the A7 mirrorless camera systems have crossed into the a99 II, including Eye AF, expanded flexible spot focus and 14-bit RAW (stills) with 16-bit image processing.
For the still shooter, the a99 II offers features strongly needed by sports and photojournalist reporters, with its fast autofocus system, high ISO capability, image stabilization and, most significantly, up to 12fps bufferless continuous shooting. Video shooters will see a still camera with features equaling or exceeding options available with the A7 mirrorless cameras. And all users will benefit from the 42.4 MP sensor.
Current alpha-series full frame DSLR users will see their lens investments protected with the continued product development of the alpha line. As of yet, no new alpha lenses have been introduced.
We will report further on the a99 II as more details emerge.
Pricing is anticipated to be $3200 with shipments beginning in November.
Full press release on Page Two!
Sony launches new flagship ɑ A-mount camera, the ɑ99 II
Sony Corporation – Sep 19, 2016 13:55 BST
Full-frame 4D Focus: Innovative Hybrid Phase Detection AF system with accurate 79 hybrid cross AF points[i] enabled by 79-point dedicated and 399-point focal-plane AF sensors and continuous shooting at up to 12fps[ii]
High resolution 42.4 effective MP 35mm Full-frame Exmor R™ CMOS sensor
Newly developed optical 5-axis in-body image stabilisation system
Outstanding operability and reliability in newly designed downsized body
Internal 4K movie recording in XAVC-S format[iii] with host of pro-orientated movie features
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 TechnologyTM (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[iv] dedicated phase detection AF sensor with 399 focal plane phase detection AF points,i to produce a 79 hybrid cross AF point[v] 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[vi] 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[viii].
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 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[xii] 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% smaller than the original ɑ99 and has a newly designed grip, magnesium alloy body, dual SD[xiii] 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[xv]. 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[xvi] 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[xvii] featuring full pixel readout, without pixel binning[xviii], 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[xix] (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.[xx] 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, priced at approximately €3600 and full technical details can be seen here. Further information can be found on the Sony Camera Channel: www.youtube.com/c/ImagingbySony/ and the
Sony Photo Gallery: www.sony.net/Product/di_photo_gallery/
[i]The number of usable AF points may depend on the lens and shooting mode. Up to 323 focus points are selectable. Not available for movie recording
[ii]Continuous shooting mode set to ‘Hi+’
[iii] Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC memory card required for XAVC S format movie recording. UHS-I (U3) SDHC/SDXC card required for 100Mbps recording
[iv]The number of usable AF points may depend on the lens and shooting mode
[v]Hybrid Phase Detection AF active. The dedicated phase detection AF sensor or focal-plane phase detection AF sensor may be used independently in certain photographic situations.
[vi]Central focus point
[vii]The supported focus area will depend on the shooting mode and lens used. Furthermore, when“Continuous Shooting: Hi+” is selected, focus will be fixed at the first frame shot when Hybrid Phase Detection AF is active at aperture settings of F9 or higher, or when Hybrid Phase Detection AF is not active at aperture settings of F4 or higher
[viii]When Anti-flicker Shoot. is ON. Flicker detection at 100 Hz or 120 Hz only. Continuous shooting speed may decrease. Does not function during bulb exposure or movie recording
[ix]Continuous shooting mode set to ‘Hi’
[x] Approximate effective megapixels
[xi]Still images only
[xii]CIPA standards. Pitch/yaw shake only. SAL135F18Z lens. Long exposure NR off.
[xiii]One slot can hold an SD card or a Memory Stick.
[xiv]Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof
[xv]Electronic front curtain shutter activated
[xvi]Requires pairing with compatible mobile devices running the PlayMemories Mobile app. Supported devices are Android smartphones running Android 5.0 or later and compatible with Bluetooth 4.0 or later. iPhone/iPad: iPhone 4S or later/iPad 3rd generation or later
[xvii]SDHC/SDXC memory card of Class 10 or higher is required for movie recording in XAVC S format. UHS-I (U3) SDHC/SDXC card is required for 100Mbps recording
[xviii] In Super 35mm recording mode
[xix]Sound cannot be recorded. SDHC/SDXC memory card of Class 10 or higher is required
[xx]In NTSC (PAL) system
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