Sony’s new A-mount flagship 35mm full-frame camera debuts Dual AF System and pro-style video features.
The 24.3-megapixel Translucent Mirror camera will be available in the Asia Pacific from early November 2012.
As the eagerly awaited successor to the flagship full-frame A900 traditional DSLR, the new A99 is the first Translucent Mirror camera from Sony to feature a full-frame 35mm image sensor.
As the eagerly awaited successor to the flagship full-frame A900 traditional DSLR, the new A99 is the first Translucent Mirror camera from Sony to feature a full-frame 35mm image sensor.
| Sony Alpha 99 |
| Megapixels |
24.3 megapixels |
| Sensor |
Exmor CMOS (full-frame) |
| Image processing engine |
BIONZ |
| ISO |
100-25,600 (Expanded: 50-25,600) |
| Burst mode |
6 fps full res |
| LCD |
3″, 1,229k dots, TFT Xtra Fine colour |
| Movie |
Full HD (1080/50p) |
| Size /mm |
147 x 111 x 78 |
| Weight |
733 g |
| Price |
TBA |
The full-frame sensor’s resolving power is enhanced by a newly developed separate multi-segment optical low-pass filter.
Bionic BIONZ
Assisted by an all-new front-end LSI, the BIONZ engine processes massive amounts of image signal data from the Exmor CMOS Sensor at very high speeds.
Together with a powerful new area-specific noise reduction (NR) algorithm, this achieves a 14-bit RAW output, rich gradation and low noise.
Saturation signal volume has been increased more than twofold. With its expanded receptor surface, its sensitivity is now 1.5 times more, while the random noise is cut by half compared to A900.
BIONZ engine on front-end LSI
The expanded ISO range of 50-25,600 (equivalent to nine stops), is provided by the BIONZ image processor.
With a burst mode of up to 6 frames per second (fps) at full resolution, the A99 can shoot 10 fps in Tele-zoom high speed shooting mode.
Maintaining the focus
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, this additional AF sensor overlays the main image sensor.
24.3 MP full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor
This Dual AF System, unique to Translucent Mirror Technology, permits ultra-fast, accurate autofocusing that maintains tracking focus even if the subject leaves the 19-point AF frame.
The A99 also debuts a new AF-D continuous autofocus mode for moving subjects, coping effortlessly with subjects traversing the focal plane.
Lens support
At launch, new AF-D mode is supported by the SAL2470Z, SAL2875, SAL50F14, SAL300F28G2, SAL70400G and SAL500F4G lenses.
More lenses will be supported via future firmware updates.
As a further focusing refinement, a new AF range control function allows users to set the distance range recognised by the AF system.
This smart feature significantly aids operability if you’re focusing on distant sports action through a nearby wire mesh fence.
Movie making
The A99 offers full-frame Full HD 50p/25p progressive video recording to meet AVCHD Version 2.0 specifications.
The optional XLR-K1M adaptor kit adds a high-quality mono shotgun mic and pro-standard XLR connections for dependable audio acquisition.
As introduced on the A77, Full-time Continuous AF Movie allows smooth, non-stop tracking of moving subjects.
The A900 was the first full-frame DSLR to offer Full HD video recording. It was launched one week prior to the Canon EOS 5D Mark II.
Other movie-oriented enhancements include real-time Full HD video output via HDMI, and uninterrupted ‘dual-card’ recording using both of the camera’s media slots.
Multi-controller dial
During movie shooting, a silent new multi-controller is easily accessible via a dial on the front of the camera body.
This allows smooth, silent adjustment of exposure compensation, ISO sensitivity and metering method, shutter speed, aperture and audio record levels during Full HD video capture.
Shooting stamina is tripled by partnering the camera with the new VG-C99AM Vertical Grip that houses up to three batteries in total.
Magnesium alloy panels
It’s even possible to exchange batteries ‘on the fly’ without interrupting movie recording.
In addition to an audio level display and adjustable audio record levels, there is now a headphone jack for accurate in-the-field monitoring.
Handling
The XGA OLED Tru-Finder (EVF) offers 100% frame coverage, even when shooting with a DT lens (APS-C) that’s optimised for cameras with an APS-C sensor.
Improved sensor characteristics
Angle of view is converted automatically for image recording and display.
This viewfinder is completely compatible with the APS-C format and displays scenes using the entire finder screen.
Complementing the Tru-Finder, there’s also a three-way tiltable 1229k-dot (VGA equivalent) XtraFine LCD with WhiteMagic technology to boost screen brightness in outdoor conditions.
The A99 claims to be the world’s lightest 35mm full-frame interchangeable lens digital camera, thanks to Translucent Mirror Technology.
Weather-resistant seals
High-rigidity magnesium alloy panels contribute to an extremely tough yet light (733g without lens and battery) design.
Weather-resistant seals protect against dust and moisture, while controls and buttons are ruggedised.
The camera’s stamina and reliability is underlined by a redesigned shutter block that’s tested to approximately 200,000 release cycles.
The camera can also be operated via remote PC connection. Supported functions include switching between still/movie shooting, plus automatic transfer of still images from camera to PC for enhanced studio workflow.
Sony’s Translucent Mirror Technology enables the Dual AF system with AF-D continuous autofocus mode.
Technical specifications for the Sony Alpha SLT-A99 can be downloaded here and viewed below.
(more…)
