Sony A99 II

amazon Sony A99 II reviews

The A99 II is a smaller camera with a little smaller size and 8% decrease according to Sony as compared to the old model.

Integrated GPS is absent on the left side of the machine, but A99 II has Wifi, USB port upgraded from 2.0 to p/k Multi-Interface port, along with relocated ports for ease of connection: Remote and DC-IN.

A view of the right side of the body shows the N.F.C. logo, which makes it easy to connect and exchange data with compatible smart devices. It is equipped with two-card slots: one MemoryStick PRO Duo or SDHC/SDXC slot, one SDHC/SDXC slot.

On the top surface, only the upper mic cluster design changes the most by absence of the inbuilt GPS chip, missing some more in twist-on functionality.

With respect to the heart of A99 II, the design still keeps that of A99 with a sensor almost equally sized of 35.9 x 24 mm against 35.8 x 23.8 mm on the A99. The Sony A99 II gives 42.4 MP BSI-CMOS sensor from the Sony RX1R II with a gapless on-chip lens that makes all pixels increase the efficiency of light gathering on the sensor that increases light sensitivity and decrease noise at higher ISO with improved ISO range from 50 to 102,400 in A99 II compared to 100-26,500 in A99.

The screen is 3 inches in size; the Sony still uses a flip-out LCD with multi-directional rotation that can rotate to the back for easy selfie shooting, with an updated resolution of 1,228,000 pixels; however, it is not as touch-sensitive as newer models currently being introduced in the market. EVF viewfinder gives the most 0.78x OLED resolution, 2.36 million colors, and T * coating by ZEISS.

The most conspicuous improvement of the two is the 4D Focus system on the A99 II. Theoretically complicated, for the A99 possessed two focus systems, a sensor located outside the sensor and built-in on the sensor. On the A99 Mark II, Sony calls the focus system The new hybrid phase detection: 79 points on the independent sensor (15 cross-type) will combine with 399 focus points on the image sensor to produce 79 focus points. Just light comes to the autofocus kit and the focus sensor on the image sensor for continuous focusing and movie recording.

where can you get a Sony A99 II online

Sony a99II 42.4MP Digital SLR Camera with 3″ LCD, Black (ILCA99M2): Buy it now

Sony Alpha A99 II Full Frame 4K Wi-Fi Digital SLR Camera Body with 64GB Card + Backpack + Flash + Battery & Charger + Grip + Remote + Kit: Buy it now

Sony a99 II Full Frame Digital SLR Camera Body + Deluxe Power Battery Grip & 64GB Accessory Bundle: Buy it now

Also, it introduced a 5-axis anti-shake system instead of the older two-axis A-mount system which improves the anti-shake functionality of the camera itself.

A99 II supports the same 4K video firmware with S-log3 profiles as the A7R II. An algorithm that uses all full pixel readouts to get more data than adequate is implemented here. Slow-Motion (Slow and Quick) movies are now another addition from Sony. That means you will be changing frame rates between 1 and 120 fps which would make a movie 60x faster or 5x slower. Earlier due to restrictions on the A99, customers only had access to 120 fps at Full HD and this trigger meant users would be holding back recording for any extended time.

Sony A99 II is powered by an NP-FM500H battery, with an anemone life span of 490 shots when fully charged, thus slightly inferior to A99 giving 500 shots.

Main specifications of the Sony A99 mark II camera:

Camera Type: translucent mirror (DSLT)

Mount: A-mount

Sensor: CMOS Exmor R (BSI-CMOS) 42.4 MP, Full-frame

Max image size: 7952 x 5,304 pixels

Image stabilization: sensor shift, 5-axis

Display: LCD 3″, 1,228,800 pixels resolution, multi-dimensional flip

Viewfinder: EVF OLED Tru-Finder 2.35 million pixels, exaggerated 0.78X

Shutter speed: 1/8000 second, 1/250 sync flash

Focus: 79 autofocus points plus 399 points on the image sensor

Continuous shooting: 12 frames per second

ISO: 100 – 25,600, 50, 102,400

4K video recording: XAVC S 100 Mbps, 3,840 x 2,160 pixels @ 30p / 25p / 24p, S-Gamut rotation, S-log

Full HD video recording: XAVC S 100 Mbps, AVCHD 28 Mbps, 1920 x 1080 pixels @120 fps

Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC

Interface: HDMI, headphone, micro-phone, p / k Multi-Interface, flash connector, remote

Card Slot: 2 slots, 1 MemoryStick PRO Duo slot or SDHC / SDXC slot, 1 SDHC / SDXC slot

Battery: NP-FM500H capture 390 sheets (EVF) or 490 sheets (LCD)

Weather seal: rain and dust resistant

Dimensions: 142.6 mm x 104.2 mm x 76.1 mm

Weight: 849 g (including battery and memory card)

Performance

Image Sensor and Processor

The A99 II incorporates an Exmor R full-frame 42.4-megapixel CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor. This duo promises to provide the finest image quality and impressive processing speed. With such high resolution, this sensor offers the opportunity for detailed, sharp images, and the BIONZ X processor improves performance by reducing noise and enhancing dynamic range.

ISO Performance

The native ISO of the A99 II has a range of 100-25,600 while running in extended mode from ISO 50-102,400. This flexibility permits the user to work with challenging lighting conditions. The noise is almost negligible at high ISO values. However, for certain practical purposes, the A99 II retains good image quality until ISO 6400 and factors out noise at ISO 12800.

A99 II Memory Buffer

In the A99 II, you get the privilege of taking pictures at a continuous shooting speed of 12 images per second, while also doing full AF/AE calculations, making it a very good camera for taking shots of fast-moving subjects. It can shoot continuous into the big buffer up to a maximum of 299 JPEG or 56 RAW pictures available in a single burst. This performance would make the camera a vital gadget for sports and event photography because it allows the photographer to capture the transitory moment.

Autofocus System

Phase Detection plus Hybrid AF

For the camera, there is also a 79-point phase-detection autofocus (PDAF) system in conjunction with another 399 focal-plane phase-detection points. This system is a hybrid AF, combining phase-detection and contrast-detection, whereby it will deliver fast and accurate focusing cross-wise the frame. However, the system PDAF is very useful in tracking an individual, moving-in-action image to ensure the high level of sharp focus that it delivers in fast and dynamic scenes.

Focus Points and Coverage

This 399-points phase-detection system mainly covers a very huge area from the frame, maximizing the effectiveness of this camera in tracking and locking onto subjects. Thus, this extensive coverage improves and makes accurate focus possible, if not easy, in many shooting situations. The A99 II also offers the ability of Lock-on AF as one of the features, which allows focus retention on a moving subject, even if the subject momentarily moves out of the focus zone.

Low-Light Performance

The A99 II autofocus performance in low-light conditions is quite decent as it has a focusing range down to -4EV. This certainly makes the camera appropriate for night and low-light photography as it can be effective in those lighting conditions.

Image Quality

Resolution and Detail

The 42.4-megapixel sensor in the A99 II provides incredibly high detail and resolution, providing it with the capability of allowing a very large print along with detailed cropping. The fine pixel count is especially useful in capturing the fine textures and intricate details, responsible for the overall image quality itself. As far as designing the sensor, this feature also helps improve dynamic range, allowing you to better retain those highlights and shadow details.

Color Reproduction

The very advanced color science and sensor technologies of the A99 II are responsible for accurate and vivid colors produced by the camera. It comes with different picture styles and settings, such as the following: Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, and so on. Such settings give freedom to the user with respect to how the image will look. Being a RAW-supported camera, the A99 II gives you the flexibility of post-processing and fine-tuning.

Dynamic Range and Noise Control

The camera has an impressive dynamic range, which should allow for good detail recovery in highlights and shadows. The A99 II is very good at noise control, with little noise present until ISO 6,400. After this, noise becomes fairly recognizable but remains reasonable with good noise processing in post.

Video Capabilities

4K Video Recording

The Sony A99 II can record 4K video with full pixel readout that aids in generally achieving high-quality video footage with moiré and aliasing kept to a minimum. In A99 II 4K video recording, various frame rates can be selected, like 24p and 30p, for a nice dreamy cinematic look and smooth playback. 4K video recording is thus a big plus, confirming the A99 II in applications for both photo and video work.

Full HD Video Recording

Generally, apart from 4K, this camera allows Full HD (1080P) video recording at frame rates of 120. The high frame rate is what allows slow-motion video effects to be generated, giving the video some versatility. Other features include video recording modes such as S-Log3 and S-Gamut3 for an extended dynamic range and color-grading flexibility.

Video Autofocus

The hybrid AF system of the A99 II is useful in video recording, as it guarantees smooth and precise autofocus during filming. It allows continuous AF during video recording, making sure that subjects which are ordinarily hard to get track of in motion remain in focus. The autofocus can, however, hunt or occasionally experience focus shifts during video recording, a situation that can be corrected by switching to manual focus for critical shots.

Connectivity and Usability

Wireless Connectivity

Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC support make easy file transfers and remote control possible on the Sony A99 II. This camera is compatible with the Sony PlayMemories Mobile application, thus allowing users to move images to their smartphones or tablets or control the camera remotely. NFC also takes the hassle out of pairing the A99 II to a compatible device.

GPS and Geotagging

Built-in GPS allows for geotagging of images taken with the A99 II. This provides location data for each shot, which can help catalog and organize images based on shooting locations. Such usefulness is appreciated especially by travel photographers or anyone wishing to record shooting location visits.

Menu System and Interface

The comprehensive and user-friendly camera menu is fully arranged, allowing easy navigation of the settings and features. The A99 II has customizable buttons and menus so that users could program the camera controls to their own liking. Complete information with good readability is provided through the rear LCD screen to adjust settings with great ease and review images.

Battery life

The NP-FM500H Battery of the Sony A99 II is rated by CIPA at about 450 shots per charge. This figure is much respectable for a DSLR, but it may call for multiple batteries on extended shooting days, especially for those long shoots or video recording times.

Competitive Comparisons

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

Indeed, the Sony A99 II seems to have a higher resolution sensor than the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, but it is really also faster in terms of continuous shooting speed. The 5D, however, has been better in terms of 4K recording capability and overall build quality. Both of these cameras are extremely well suited for professional work, while the A99 II is aimed at those needing speed and resolution.

Nikon D850

An equally fierce rival to the A99 II, the Nikon D850 also has comparable resolution and performance. As for pixel count, dynamic range, and the like, it is more or less the same as the A99 II, except for the omission of 4K video recording, which has been introduced in the A99 II. It has a slightly better battery life and a more refined autofocus system, though.

Canon EOS 6D Mark II

The A99 II is at a higher resolution compared to the Canon EOS 6D Mark II, has a better autofocus system, and has superior video capability. The 6D Mark II is lower priced and can be appealing to those who favor simplicity over frills in a lower-cost full-frame imaging system.

Conclusion

The Sony A99 II marks itself as a high-end full-frame DSLR. Impressive overall image quality, effective autofocus capabilities, and generally great video adaptability are a few of its offerings. In terms of build quality, it is also pretty unstoppable, has a higher resolution sensor, and has fast continuous shooting speeds, making it a terrific contender in the full-frame DSLR arena.

The reality is that such a camera probably will not be recognized like most of its competitors, yet it still represents an attractive package for many photographers who are detail-oriented and fast at their flexibility in creating images. The A99 II offers so many benefits and qualities that it can apply to most situations-from action and sports photography to high-resolution landscape and portrait work.

Overall, the Sony A99 II is a well-rounded camera with broad capabilities that serves the interests of both pro photographers and enthusiasts. Technically advanced and built with a tough exterior, it can be relied on by anyone wanting a full-frame DSLR with performance above that expected.