Sony α99 - The new state of the art

Sony's new flagship α99 surpasses all expectations. By fully leveraging the potential of Translucent Mirror Technology, the 35mm full-frame format and Sony's professional broadcasting technology, it takes a major leap forward in quality, performance and handling ease. Meet the future of Sony α.

• 24.3-megapixel 35mm full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor
• Advanced integrated BIONZ image processing engine
• Dual AF System (19 + 102 points) — the world's first* AF system with two phase detection AF sensors
• Full HD 60p movie recording in a full-frame sensor camera
• Advanced Sony movie and audio functions
• High-resolution XGA OLED Tru-Finder

*The world's first AF system in a 35mm full-frame interchangeable lens digital camera to feature two phase detection sensors as of September 12, 2012, according to Sony's internal survey.

35mm Dull-frame Exmor CMOS Sensor

The new 24.3-megapixel 35mm full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor delivers beautiful, finely detailed images from corner to corner with a wide dynamic range and low noise. Thanks to innovations that only Sony - one of the world's leading image sensor developers - could achieve, the sensor is 1.5x more sensitive and 2x more effective at eliminating random noise than the acclaimed α900. This wide and high ISO sensitivity combines with extremely low noise to make the α99 a brilliant performer in dim lighting. Photographers and cinematographers will also welcome the gorgeous bokeh and full compatibility with full-frame wide-angle lenses.

Expressive 35mm full-frame moviemaking

The full-frame α99 empowers you to create highly expressive movies with professional-quality bokeh, a stunning sense of depth and extremely low noise even in dark environments. This exceptional performance is made possible by the potent combination of a 35mm full-size sensor, flexible lens interchangeability, ISO 100-6400 sensitivity and various advances from professional Sony movie production equipment. You can also enjoy unlimited creative freedom thanks to a diverse range of moviemaking accessories, as well as take full advantage of bright high-performance lenses including full-frame Carl Zeiss and Sony G models.

On-chip column A/D conversion with dual NR

Thousands of parallel analog/digital converters in the sensor convert light to digital signals with utmost precision and speed. Before and after conversion, the sensor cancels noise to ensure exceptionally clean 14-bit signal output at all ISO settings. By performing analog/ digital conversion and dual noise reduction on the chip itself before image processing, the α99 produces images of exceptional quality and clarity.

Light concentration technology

Sony compressed the height of circuitry within the image sensor via newly developed proprietary processing technology to dramatically increase the amount of light collected by each pixel. This vastly improved light-gathering efficiency results in significantly higher sensor sensitivity, much lower noise, an impressive signal-to-noise ratio and outstanding image quality in virtually any shooting conditions.

BIONZ image processing engine

Accelerated BIONZ processing easily handles the massive 14-bit data generated by the 35mm full-frame sensor. Even when loads are heaviest, such as during high-speed continuous shooting and Multi Frame NR, Sony's new high-speed front-end LSI chip processes the data with precision and ease. New area-specific noise reduction also ensures clear, low-noise images over the entire sensitivity range. Through these and other refinements, the engine delivers 14-bit RAW output of exceptional quality with extremely rich gradation.

High-speed front-end LSI chip

A new front-end LSI (large scale integration) chip supports the BIONZ image processing engine to significantly boost performance during the early stages of processing. By accelerating the handling of image sensor data early on, the LSI chip frees other BIONZ components to achieve a more subtle level of peripheral shading compensation and advanced black level offset correction that significantly raises image quality.

14-bit RAW output

14-bit RAW image data of extremely high quality is output by the α99. This data fully preserves the rich detail generated by the image sensor during the 14-bit A/D conversion process. When developed with Sony's Image Data Converter RAW development software, these images deliver the superb photographic expression and rich gradation that only 14-bit data can offer.

Area-specific noise reduction

This intelligent noise reduction selectively divides the image into areas based on patterns (such as edges, textures and evenly colored areas like blue skies), then optimally processes each area to markedly reduce noise and improve image quality — especially when shooting in dimly lit environments. Combined with conventional noise reduction, this new feature delivers clear, low-noise images throughout the entire 9-stop range (ISO 100-25600, expandable to ISO 50).

Lens shading and aberration compensation

The camera automatically compensates for the shading and aberrations specific to the lens you mount. This includes vignetting (peripheral shading), lateral chromatic aberration and optical distortion compensation, which can each be manually activated or deactivated as desired. Embedded data within the camera on supported A-mount lenses ensures optimal compensation.

SteadyShot™ INSIDE image stabilization

Advanced image stabilization compensates for camera-shake blur and is an especially useful feature during handheld shooting. Since the sensor-shift image stabilizer is in the camera, it provides image stabilization for any mounted A-mount system lens, including all Carl Zeiss and G Lenses, from wideangle to telephoto. You can capture sharp images at shutter speeds 2.5 to 4.5 steps slower than otherwise possible without a tripod or flash, as well as take advantage of vastly increased photo opportunities.

Dual AF System - Translucent Mirror Technology Does It Again!

Translucent Mirror Technology boasts another breakthrough - Dual AF System. By simultaneously directing light towards two phase detection AF sensors, it essentially doubles the potential of autofocus for serious photographers. Dual AF System is the world's first* AF system to employ two phase detection sensors. By maximizing the strengths of both sensors, it vastly improves subject tracking performance as well as focusing precision. The 19-point (11 cross-point) phase detection AF sensor mounted above the translucent mirror provides high-precision focusing performance and depth detection, while the 102-point focal plane phase detection AF sensor overlaying the image sensor offers the advantages of wider depth and width (object plane) coverage. Together, these sensors deliver a new level of AF performance and functionality.

AF-D mode

Continuous autofocusing is provided by a new AF-D (Depth Map Assist Continuous AF) mode that delivers precision focusing for virtually any subject. This mode utilizes the 19-point (11 cross-point) phase detection AF sensor to keep subjects sharply focused in most shooting situations. When fast-moving subjects demand wider, denser area coverage than the 19-point AF area can provide, the 102-point focal plane phase detection AF sensor lends reliable support. This combination of 121 AF "eyes" (19 + 102) from two highly precise phase detection AF sensors provides a clear performance advantage over single-sensor AF systems.

Note: AF-D mode requires a compatible full-size lens. The range of supported lenses will gradually expand through firmware updates.

AF Range Control

Subject tracking can be limited to a specified range of distance so the camera stays focused on your subject even if background and foreground objects enter the AF frame. To stay focused on a drummer even when guitarists cross the stage, for example, or to keep an athlete in focus through a wire fence, simply press the dedicated AF Range button, use the front and rear dials to set the minimum and maximum distances from the camera, and enjoy highly accurate focusing that disregards everything but your subject. A userfriendly graphic indicator clearly displays the selected range as well as the point, in terms of distance, that is currently in focus.

Enhanced Tracking Focus

Various advances come together in the α99 to enable accurate tracking of fast-moving subjects. Once you designate your subject and press the shutter button halfway (S1), Tracking Focus activates and utilizes predictive focusing algorithms and Sony's original subject recognition technologies to track your subject's every move with speed and precision. This continuous, uninterrupted performance, made possible by Translucent Mirror Technology, is supported by blazing-fast BIONZ image processing and 19 autofocusing points. When AF-D mode is selected, an additional 102 assist autofocusing points are activated to further expand AF coverage, helping to better keep moving subjects in focus.

More intuitive Quick Navi Pro

The new Quick Navi Pro interface clearly displays all major shooting options on the screen so you can rapidly find desired options, confirm current settings and make adjustments without searching through dedicated menus. Convenient new features include a histogram and digital level gauge for easy reference and an indicator that appears with one press to display multiple functions adjacently for easy dial selection. When fleeting shooting opportunities arise, you'll be able to respond swiftly with just the right settings.

3-way tiltable LCD supports various shooting positions

The LCD flexibly tilts to provide the most natural viewing angle and its 3-way tilting mechanism has been enhanced for operational ease. The mechanism easily adjusts to support everything from extremely low to extremely high shooting angles whether orienting the camera in the vertical or horizontal direction. Moreover, this same wide-ranging flexibility is available when utilizing a tripod or vertical grip. The close alignment of the optical axis and screen center also contributes to natural framing and shooting comfort. Whenever challenging shots require extra-clear viewing and unrivaled flexibility, this LCD will meet your need.

Refinements for serious shooting

The α99 offers even greater comfort and handling ease than the acclaimed α77. Its optimized contours, thicker and taller grip, and wider thumb grip fit your hand more comfortably and contribute to a steady grasp. Frequently used controls are placed within natural reach, with main buttons near your thumb and dials placed front and rear for comfortable adjustment of major and minor parameters. Buttons are more varied in shape and height to support swifter tactile recognition while your eye stays on the viewfinder. A new locking mechanism on the mode dial also prevents unintentional mode changes and missed photo opportunities. Clearly, meticulous refinement makes this is a camera body worthy of Sony's top-ofthe-line model.