Sony A99 II Detailed Review

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In additional A99 II was introduced by Sony in September 2016. 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.

Brand Sony
Category DSLR
Date 09/2016
Sensor Properties

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

Picture of A99 II’s sensor compared to popular format.

Infographic: A99 II comparing sensor sizes

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

The A99 II’s image sensor has an effective resolution of around 42 megapixel. The resolution is far above average and will easily be sufficient for years to come. Photos with this resolution can easily be printed in A2 size or larger, even if unwanted parts of the photo have to be cropped.

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

Format Full frame
Sensor area 35.80 x 23.90mm²
(1.41″ x 0.94″)
Type CMOS
Resolution (physical) 43.60 megapixel
Resolution (effective) 42.40 megapixel
Pixel size 20.00 µm²
Sensor cleaning
RAW support
Continuous 12 frames/second
Lens
Interchangeable lens
Mount Sony A Mount
Viewfinder Properties

The A99 II 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. 0.78x, an excellent value for an electronic viewfinder.

Type Elektronic
Coverage 100%
Magnification 0.78x
Resolution 2.36 megapixel
Dioptric correction
Shutter

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

Max. shutter speed 1/8000s
Min. shutter speed 30s
Sensitivity Properties

The A99 II’s sensitivity is from 100 ISO and 25600 ISO.

Also, Sony’s sensitivity can be boosted to 102400. Therefore, ISO boosting will lead to growth noise.

Automatic
Min. sensitivity 100 ISO
Max. sensitivity 25600 ISO
Boost 102400 ISO
Exposure Modes

The A99 II supports all general exposure modes.

The Sony allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

Multi
Center weight
Partial
Spot
Auto Focus Properties

The A99 II’s auto focus processor has 399 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.

Type Phase Detection, Contrast Detection
AF points 399
Manual focusing
Flash Specs

The A99 II 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.

Built-in
Hot shoe
Display Specs

The A99 II 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 II does not feature a touch screen.

Display characteristics at a glance:

Type LCD
Size 76.00mm (diagonal)
(3.0 in.)
Resolution 1.23 megapixel
Articulated
Touch screen
Video Specs

A99 II video supported the resolution with 3840 x 2160 pixel.

Also the camera is equipped with an external microphone.

Sony A99 II Video parameters:

Max. resolution 3840 x 2160 pixel
…with frame rates 24 frames/second
25 frames/second
30 frames/second
External microphone
Connectivity & Wireless Specs

The A99 II has Wifi connectivity already built-in. Use Wifi to transfer images to a smartphone or computer and to remote control the camera. With NFC, camera and smartphone can be paired without the need for passwords.

Eventually, if the wifi connection is disabled the wired connection may be used.

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

The Sony connects to your PC over USB 2.0. Given the high resolution that the camera supports, USB 3.0 would have been a nice addition.

Connection parameters:

WiFi
Bluetooth
NFC
Remote (wired)
Remote (infrared)
Apps
HDMI (standard)
HDMI (mini)
HDMI (micro)
USB 2.0
USB 3.0
USB Micro
USB Mini
USB-C
Custom
Memory

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

Memory cards characteristics:

Slots 1
Memory cards SD
SDHC
SDXC
Memory Stick Pro
Memory Stick Pro Duo
Memory Stick Micro
Battery

The Sony A99 II has a NP-FM500H LiIon battery. The battery provides a shooting life of 490 shots. It`s enough for one day or more.

The A99 II’s battery battery parameters:

Type NP-FM500H LiIon
Removable
In-camera charging
Battery life 490 photos
Size

The Sony A99 II’s dimensions are 142.6 x 104.2 x 76.1mm³. (5.6″ x 4.1″ x 3.0″). That’s the body only, without lens. The camera’s weight is a rather considerable 849 grams (27.4 oz.). Add to this the weight of the lens.

Here is front and top view of the A99 II:

Dimensions Comparison

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

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