Sony A99 Detailed Review

In additional A99 was introduced by Sony in September 2012. It belongs to the Amateur DSLRs category.

Sony is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Sony.

Also A99 has a Full frame CMOS sensor with size of 36 x 24 mm² (1.41″ x 0.94″).

Picture of A99’s sensor compared to popular format.

The 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm.

The A99’s sensor has resolution of 24 megapixel.

The Sony supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Sony’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

The A99 does not have a mechanism for automatic sensor cleaning. Dust that collects on the sensor has to be removed with a blower or brush.

The A99 uses an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 2.36 megapixel, an excellent value for a viewfinder like this which makes the camera a joy to use.

The magnifcation is c. 0.71x, an above average value for an electronic viewfinder.

The A99’s shutter speed varies from 1/8000s to 30s.

The A99’s sensitivity goes from 100 ISO und 25600 ISO, a very useful and practical range.

The A99 supports all general exposure modes.

The Sony allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

The A99’s auto focus processor has 19 AF points. The main point is about that the more points the autofocus has then preferably. If AF has more points then you have a better opportunity to have a focus at the interesting area. In addition, It is a big advantage in a difficult condition. For example, when doing macross.

Manual focusing is available in the Sony. Even in complicated location.

The A99 doesn’t feature a built-in flash. That is not unsusual in this camera category.

A flash or a trigger for remote flashes can be attached to the Sony’s hotshoe.

The A99 features a monitor with a diagonal of 76.00mm (3.0 in.) and a resolution of c. 1.23 megapixel. That’s about average.

The camera’s display is articulated, a plus for selfies and other challenging situations.

The A99 does not feature a touch screen.

Display characteristics at a glance:

A99 video supported the resolution with 1920 x 1080 pixel.

Also the camera is equipped with an external microphone.

Sony A99 Video parameters:

Built-in wireless connectivity is not available with the Sony. You will need appropriate accessories to wirelessly transfer images between camera and smartphone.

However, the camera can be controlled over a wired connection.

Connect the Sony to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

The Sony supports USB 2.0.

Connection parameters:

The camera will accept all common SD HC and SD XC cards. Sony MemorySticks can be used, too.

Memory cards characteristics:

The Sony A99 has a NP-FM500H LiIon battery. The battery provides a shooting life of 500 shots. It`s enough for one day or more.

The A99’s battery battery parameters:

The Sony A99’s size is 147 x 112 x 78.4mm³. (5.8″ x 4.4″ x 3.1″). That dimensions are without lens. The weight of camera is 5.8″ x 4.4″ x 3.1″ grams (733 oz.) without lens weight.

Here is front and top view of the A99:

For a better idea of the size of the camera, takes a look off camera and ID card comparison image.