Sony Alpha A99 Full-Frame DSLR Totes Revolutionary Dual-AF
Sony's last new camera of the day is arguably the most mainstream, the Alpha α99 full-frame DSLR, though it does use the firm's translucent mirror tech and pack an impressive new Dual AF system. The 24.3-megapixel A99 flagship delivers a 19-point AF system that pairs its eleven cross-sensors with a 102-point focal plane phase-detection AF sensor; together – and for the first time in a full-frame Sony camera, with the translucent mirror system – they add up to faster, more accurate autofocus, Sony claims, with tracking supported even for objects that move out of the 19-point frame.
That's not the only thing that's special about the A99. There's a new BIONZ processor version, with ISO 50-25600 support, and 6fps burst mode (or 10fps in Tele-zoom high-speed mode). AF-D continuous autofocus, selectable AF range (handy if you really don't want the camera to lock focus on something close-up), and a wealth of effects and style modes are present too.
As for video, that can be recorded at 24p/25p/50p/60p Full HD, again with continuous autofocus, and there's real-time HD output via HDMI together with simultaneous storage to the twin memory card slots. Exposure compensation, ISO sensitivity and metering method, shutter speed, aperture and audio record levels can all be controlled during video recording, via a new "silent" multi-controller on the front of the A99, and there's a headphone jack and optional XLR adapter box.
On the back, meanwhile, you get an XGA OLED Tru-Finder digital viewfinder with 100-percent coverage and a 1.2m LCD with three-way tilt. The body is weather-resistant and there's support for remote operation and real-time image transfer.
As for lenses, there's a new 400mm f2.8 G SSM II lens with zoom, and a new wide-aperture Carl Zeiss A-mount prime Planar T* f1.4 ZA SSM expected to debut in Spring 2013. Sony also offers a VG-C99AM vertical grip which can accommodate two extra batteries to augment that in the A99 itself; they can be swapped during video recording with no interruption to the clip.
The Sony Alpha A99 will drop in November, priced at $2,799.95 body-only.
