Sony's overview of the Sony Alpha A99
Details have nowhere to hide.
Sony's new flagship Alpha a99 interchangeable lens camera fully leverages the potential of Translucent Mirror Technology™, the 35mm full-frame format and Sony's professional broadcasting technology. Take a major leap forward in quality, performance and handling ease. Meet the future of Sony Alpha.
Full-frame brilliance.
Capture it all with the 24.3MP effective 35mm full-frame sensor, 14-bit RAW output and a normal sensor range of ISO 100–32000. Add a sophisticated balance of high-resolving power, gradation and low noise and you're in for a shuttering experience.
Set your footage free.
The a99 gives you the ability to record Full HD 1080 video at a spectrum of professional frame rates, including 60p, 60i and 24p. Plus, you can output uncompressed, clean-screen 60p/60i video files via HDMI to external recording devices1.
Take it to the limit.
With a sensitivity selectable up to ISO 25600, the a99 handles low-light shooting without a flash (recommended for still subjects). That means it can capture up to six images in just a fraction of a second. Combining the data from all six, it creates a single image with a noise reduction equivalent to two additional steps of ISO sensitivity.
Dual AF grabs the singular moment.
Take advantage of the world's first10 Dual Phase Detect AF system and perfectly capture the decisive moment with tack-sharp precision. The 19-point AF system with 11 cross sensors is complemented by a multi-point focal plane phase-detection AF sensor with 102 AF points overlaying the image sensor. In addition, the a99 utilizes Translucent Mirror Technology to simultaneously direct light to the image sensor and AF sensor at all times. The result? Crisp, sharp, perfectly-focused photographs.
Keep shooting.
Keep the shoot alive and quickly change settings with just the right hand while still shooting photos. All is possible with the Alpha a99, which features an enhanced version of Quick Navi—highly acclaimed in Alpha a900 and a700 cameras. This version, called Quick Navi Pro, allows users to immediately access all camera parameter settings easily and intuitively, so you don't miss the action.
Featherweight champion.
The a99 is the world's lightest10 35mm full-frame interchangeable lens digital camera. Weighing in at only 740 grams thanks to features like Translucent Mirror Technology and high-rigidity magnesium alloy panels, that translates to agile and flexible shooting despite full-frame specification—all while helping you lighten your load.
The key features in detail
24.3 MP 35 mm Full Frame Sensor
A whole new world of high-quality images are realized through the 24.3 MP effective 35 mm full-frame sensor, a normal sensor range of ISO 100 – 32000, and a sophisticated balance of high resolving power, gradation and low noise.
World’s first Dual AF system10
The 19-point AF system with 11 cross sensors is complemented by a multi-point focal plane phase-detection AF sensor with 102 AF points that overlays the image sensor. Taking advantage of Translucent Mirror Technology that simultaneously directs light to the image sensor and AF sensor at all times.
Fast continuous shooting speeds
Highly responsive continuous shooting at approximately 6 frames per second (fps) is made possible by Translucent Mirror Technology and an enhanced Tracking Focus function offering more advanced acquisition and tracking performance. The Tele Zoom High Speed shooting mode shoots up to 8 fps at 10 MP while maintaining continuous auto focus and auto exposure.
World’s lightest Full-frame Sensor Camera10
The SLT-A99V is the world’s lightest10 35 mm full-frame interchangeable-lens digital camera. It weighs only 733 grams (body only), thanks to features like Translucent Mirror Technology and high-rigidity magnesium alloy panels. Users will enjoy agile and flexible shooting despite the full-frame specifications.
Translucent Mirror Technology
Sony’s proprietary Translucent Mirror Technology simultaneously directs light to the image sensor and AF sensor at all times to realize Full-time Continuous AF that keeps the subject in sharp focus and even during continuous shooting and movie shooting. It also allows the high-precision electronic viewfinder to accurately display the results of camera setting adjustments in real time so the photographer can make sure the results match his or her creative intentions.
Approximate 200,000 shutter release durability
The newly developed, highly durable and reliable shutter unit has been proven to endure approximately 200,000 shutter releases. This durability ensures long-lasting shooting performance that takes into consideration the large number of photos shot by advanced amateurs.
PC Remote Camera Control
Enables users to remotely change various camera settings, switch still/ movie shooting on or off, and automatically transfer still images to enhance the efficiency of the studio photo shooting workflow.
New Wireless Commander Control
The new optional accessory RMT-DSLR2 Remote Commander® for movie shooting that includes a dedicated movie record button.
D-Range Optimizer
Improves results with backlit subjects and recovers details hidden in shadows. Settings include Auto, Level with a choice of five operating levels and Off.
Built-in GPS
An integrated GPS receiver records the location and time of every shot you take and lets you view your images on a map with compatible computer and Internet applications, so you can remember where you took your favorite shots.11
Superior Auto
Get cleaner, more dynamic pictures and fewer missed shots. Unifies and simplifies Sony intelligent technologies, the camera automatically recognizes the correct scene mode, then quickly shoots and combines up to six shots to produce images with greater clarity, optimum dynamic range using Auto HDR technology and lower image noise using three-shot layering technology.
Multi-frame NR
Experience incredible low-light shooting without a flash. The camera captures six images in a fraction of a second. Combining the data from all six, it creates a single image with a reduction in noise equivalent to two additional steps of ISO sensitivity. Sensitivity selectable up to ISO 25600. (Recommended for still subjects.)
AF Range Control
Users can set the range of distance from the camera in which subjects can be focused on the AF system. By limiting the AF range, users can prevent unwanted focusing on foreground and background objects. This intelligent function enables reliable performance when photographing sports through wire mesh fences, for example.
XGA OLED Viewfinder
There’s never been anything quite like the Tru-Finder™ OLED electronic viewfinder. For size, speed and brightness even after sunset, this is a gem. It begins with 2359K dots for amazing resolution and high contrast ratio for incredible depth. OLED reduces motion blur to a bare minimum. You can also see the results of camera adjustments in real time with superb color and detail.
Dual Slot and Media Control Function
The SLT-A99V employs dual media slots. One of the slots supports SD Cards and the other supports both SD Cards and Memory Stick® media. This dual slot system allows for simultaneous recording for backup purposes (with recordings sorted RAW/JPEG file type or still/movie data) as well as copying between media. Moreover it allows movie recording to two media cards simultaneously – a world’s first (as of September 12, 2012)
Dust and moisture protectionOuter body and moisture countermeasures include the sealing and treatment of major operational buttons/dials and a convex/concave mating structure that tightly interlocks components. Controls also feature a durable structure that withstands the touch usage of advanced amateurs.
Vertical Grip Capable
The optional VG-C99AM vertical grip designed exclusively for the SLT-A99V can house two batteries, bringing the total number of batteries (including the one in the camera) to three for significantly more hours of shooting (batteries sold separately).
New Flash/Video Light
The new optional accessory HVL-F60M flash with video light offers high output, Sony’s original Quick Shift Bounce mechanism, a new video light for movie shooting and improved operational interface.
Sweep Panorama™ Mode
Capture expansive landscapes automatically. Press the shutter and sweep vertically or horizontally. The camera does the rest, continuously shooting images and stitching them together.
1200-zone Evaluative Metering
Reads exposure directly from the main image sensor. Choice of Multi, Center and Spot metering accommodates a full range of shooting situations.
Clear Image ZoomUtilizing Sony’s exclusive By Pixel Super Resolution Technology, Clear Image Zoom increases the effective focal length of your lens up to 2x by digitally magnifying the center of your image with nearly imperceptible degradation that provides greater shooting flexibility.
Uncompressed HDMI OutputEasily record Full 1080 HD uncompressed clean-screen video files to external recording devices via an HDMI connection in 24p, 60p and 60i frame-rates.
New AF-D Mode4
This highly advanced Continuous AF mode uses 19 AF points with reliable depth-direction focusing performance to steadfastly capture subjects and is strongly assisted by the 102-point multi-point focal-plane phase-detection AF sensor. It continues to accurately focus on the subject whether the subject is moving in depth or plane direction4.
Newly designed three-way tiltable LCD
The SLT-A99V is the first in the Alpha series to feature WhiteMagic™ technology, which nearly doubles the visibility of the 921k-dot Xtra Fine LCD™ monitor in sunny outdoor conditions. The three-way tilt-able mechanism, highly acclaimed on the A77, is further enhanced for even greater operational ease.
Newly developed Quick Navi Pro
For heightened comfort and more intuitive operation, the SLT-A99V features an enhanced version of Quick Navi, which was highly acclaimed in the A900 and A700. Called Quick Navi Pro, this new feature allows users to immediately access all camera parameter settings. Photographers can therefore quickly change settings with just the right hand while shooting photos.
Highly rigid body with magnesium alloy outer panels
The highly robust and durable body meets the heavy-duty needs of advanced amateurs. Both the main outer body panels and interior chassis are constructed of lightweight yet rigid magnesium alloy. Moreover, the grip and front cover are structurally unified to achieve extremely high body rigidity.
Meticulously designed body compliments advanced users
While inheriting the popular design concept of the A77, the SLT-A99V enables comfortable photo shooting through meticulously designed features including improved grip thickness that enhances grasping ease, switch and button shapes that are differentiated for easier operation while keeping your eye on the viewfinder, an exposure mode dial lock that prevents unintended turning of the mode dial, etc.
New Multi-Interface Shoe
Unlike conventional cameras, the SLT-A99V also features a newly developed Multi-Interface Shoe that dramatically expands compatibility with Handycam® accessories, thus raising the potential for photo/movie shooting (The included ADP-MAA shoe adapter maintains compatibility with conventional Alpha accessories as well).
Auto HDR built into camera
Captures more scene dynamic range than a single exposure can handle—and more range than photo film. Combines the best highlight detail from one shot, the best mid-tones from a second and the best shadow detail from a third for one incredible shot. (Recommended for still subjects.)
Creative StylesControl how the camera processes your images with 13 finishing styles: Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night Scene, Autumn leaves, Black & White, Sepia. You can even fine-tune contrast, saturation, and sharpness to your personal taste.
Auto Portrait Framing
Simply photograph a person and Auto Portrait Framing will save an additional, optimally framed image in portrait or landscape orientation. Combining Face Detection and By Pixel Super Resolution technologies with rule of thirds, Auto Portrait Framing provides beautifully composed and appealingly balanced full resolution portraits.
1. Records in up to 29 minutes segments.
2. In meters, IS0 100
3. Requires 3D HDTV, HDMI cable (at least 10.2 Gbps) and active 3D glasses sold sep.
4. Note that at the time of launch the following lenses support AF-D: SAL2470Z, SAL2875, SAL50F14, SAL300F28GII, SAL70400G, SAL50050F4G.
5. Compatible with BRAVIA® Sync or Theatre Sync™ HDTVs connected via HDMI®.
6. Actual performance varies based on settings, environmental conditions, and usage. Battery capacity decreases over time and use.
7. Requires compatible BRAVIA® HDTV and HDMI® cable sold sep.
9. Files compatible with iMovie® '09 or later on Mac. Software not compatible with Mac OS® X.
10. Among interchangeable-lens digital cameras with a full-frame image sensor (as of September 12, 2012) according to Sony’s internal survey.
11. Map service requires PC with internet. Service provided by Google and subject to change without notice.