Positioned as the flagship A-mount camera from Sony, the Alpha a99 II DSLR Camera combines the power of a full-frame 42.4MP Exmor R back-illuminated CMOS sensor and a BIONZ X image processor with front-end LSI to create outstanding images at expanded sensitivities up to ISO 102400 and record UHD 4K video. The a99 II is designed for speed, with an ergonomic body design and redeveloped shutter able to hit 12 fps, with full AF and AE capabilities. It also uses a Hybrid Phase Detection AF System that combines a 79-point dedicated AF sensor with a 399-point on-chip focus system for fast, accurate focusing in all conditions. And, for video, a new S&Q Motion setting permits the capture of Full HD video at a variety of frame rates ranging from 1-120 fps.
Another huge advantage of the a99 II is a 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE stabilization system which is able to compensate for about 4.5 stops of shutter speed for sharper images. The camera also offers both a 0.5" 2.36m-dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder EVF and a 3.0" 1,228.8k-dot rear LCD that can tilt upwards 134° and downwards 180° as well as rotate 270° for working in a variety of positions. On top of all of these features, the camera offers built-in Wi-Fi with NFC and Bluetooth which expands the cameras operability and it can output 14-bit raw files.
This outstanding sensor is paired with the BIONZ X image processor and a newly developed front-end LSI dramatically improves the speed and throughput of the entire imaging system, enabling continuous shooting with AF/AE at up to 12 fps. Also, 8 fps shooting is possible with full live view support, meaning no blackout time while shooting. Another advantage of this setup is 16-bit image processing and 14-bit raw output which provides outstanding color fidelity and image quality.
For long focal lengths, the system will correct for pitch and yaw adjustments. Macro and high magnification imagery on the other hand will benefit from the inclusion of horizontal and vertical shift compensation. Additionally, all shooting styles will get usage out of the roll compensation. All 5 axes of stabilization will function at all times, even when used with third-party lenses and adapters or lenses with built-in optical stabilization.
When using lenses that do not transmit imaging data to the camera, manual settings can be used to input the correct focal length and ensure proper stabilization. Also, the viewfinder can be used to preview the amount of compensation by pressing the shutter release button halfway or magnifying the image.
The a99 II features a 3.5mm microphone input jack for compatibility with external microphones. For users needing more, the a99 II is also compatible with the Sony XLR-K2M XLR Adapter for recording professional balanced XLR audio signals with phantom power and adjustable mic/line inputs. For monitoring audio, the a99 II features a 3.5mm headphone jack as well as real time audio levels for a visual reference.