Sony SLT A99II: 12 frames per second with 42 megapixels – New SLT flagship Sony Alpha 99 II unveiled

Fans of Sony’s SLT technology had to wait a long time for a successor model to the Alpha 99. Now the time has come with the Sony Alpha 99 II. As expected, the back-illuminated full format CMOS sensor with 42 megapixel resolution is used, which also delivers 4K video. In addition, the Alpha 99 II gets the autofocus of the Alpha 77 II, a somewhat unusual innovation from the bottom up. Impressive are the twelve continuous shots per second at full resolution including AF and AE tracking, which is only possible thanks to SLT technology and a newly developed shutter.

The new Sony Alpha 99 II uses the back-illuminated full-frame CMOS sensor with 42.4 megapixels resolution and copper wires familiar from the Alpha 7R II. [Photo: Sony]

The rear screen of the Sony Alpha 99 II can be moved flexibly. The 0.78x magnification viewfinder provides a resolution of 2.36 million pixels. [Photo: Sony]

The Sony Alpha 99 II has a classic information display on the upper side. [Photo: Sony]

In the Alpha 99 II, Sony combines the best technologies from the SLT-A77 II and the Alpha-7-II family and even puts one on top. The CMOS image sensor with 42 megapixels in full format is already familiar from the Alpha 7R II. It not only uses back-illuminated technology for better light yield, but also uses copper wires instead of conventional aluminum wires, which is what makes the high speed possible in the first place. For image stabilization on five axes, this sensor is movably mounted so that each attached lens benefits from exposure times that are up to 4.5 f-stops longer than without image stabilizer. By the way, the stabilizer is also fully functional during video recording. These are carried out in maximum 4K resolution with 30 frames per second, a premiere in the A-mount cameras.

The Sony Alpha 99 II has a 79-point and a 399-point autofocus and, thanks to SLT technology, can track the autofocus at 12 continuous frames per second. [Photo: Sony]

Thanks to the SLT technology with its semi-transparent mirror, the beam path is split. Much of the light falls on the image sensor through the fixed, semi-transparent mirror, but a small amount of light is deflected to the phased autofocus module, which operates with 79 autofocus points and can operate at up to -4 EV. In addition, there are 399 phase AF points integrated on the image sensor, which cover a much wider image area, and of course contrast-type AF. Thanks to SLT technology, fast phase AF is also available during continuous shooting, allowing the camera to follow the subject and keep it in focus at all times. Despite the 42.4 megapixel high resolution, twelve continuous images per second are possible. Sony has developed a new mechanical shutter especially for this purpose, which is also extremely durable with 300,000 releases. The fastest shutter speed is 1/8,000 second and the flash sync speed is 1/250 second. By the way, the high continuous shooting rate allows the camera to hold out for 54 raw shots.

The robust housing is made of a magnesium alloy and protected against dust and splash water. Sony was also able to shrink the case of the Alpha 99 II to the dimensions of the Alpha 77 II, which increases portability. The handle should nevertheless be very ergonomic. The rear screen has very flexible joints and can therefore be used from all conceivable perspectives. The 7.5-centimeter display has a resolution of 1.23 million pixels, but it is not a touch screen. If desired, the screen can be folded upside down to the camera for protection. The electronic viewfinder resolves 2.36 million pixels and offers 0.78x magnification. The Alpha 99 II also has an info display on the top of the camera.