At Photokina in Cologne, Germany, today, Sony revealed a successor to its pro-level Alpha A-mount interchangeable lens camera range. Among the new features of the ɑ99 mark II are 5-axis image stabilization, up to 12 fps continuous shooting and a hybrid autofocus system for full-frame 4D focus.
The new front-end processor at the heart of the ɑ99 II works with the back-illuminated 42.4 megapixel full frame 35 mm Exmor R CMOS sensor and the BIONZ X image processing engine to deliver up to 12 frames per second of continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking. The camera lacks a low pass filter for greater image detail, and an ISO sensitivity range of 100 to 25,600 (expandable to 50 - 102,400) should make low light photography a snap.
The Hybrid Phase Detection autofocus system is made up of 79-point dedicated phase detection and 399-point focal-plane sensors for a 79 hybrid cross point array, and the mirror in front of the sensor is translucent to allow for continuous autofocus. All of which, Sony says, will give ɑ99 II users top notch AF performance and high speed subject tracking.
Helping to smooth out the shakes is a brand new 5-axis optical, in-body image stabilization system, with gyros that are reported capable of detecting the tiniest of camera movements and compensating accordingly.
The company claims to have improved the EVF display algorithm so that it's essentially the same as looking through an optical viewfinder, while essential shot info like exposure and white balance are displayed in the viewfinder in real time. And the ɑ99 II is reported capable of recording moving images at 4K resolution in at 100 Mbps.
Elsewhere, the new flagship is said to be 8 percent smaller than its predecessor, and benefits from a redesigned grip, a magnesium allow body that's sealed against dust and moisture ingress, and dual SD card slots.
The Sony ɑ99 II is due to start shipping in November for US$3,199, body only. You can see an overview of the feature set in the video below.
Source: Sony
