Sony Alpha 99 II Review

The Sony Alpha A99 II follows the original Alpha 99 with a higher-resolution sensor, a revised autofocus system, wider video options, and a more compact body. It is a full-frame, mid-size SLR that sells for around $3,200.

The camera keeps Sony’s SLT concept and pairs it with design ideas carried over from the A7 series. Built on Sony’s full-frame Alpha line, it adds a 42.2 MP sensor and a 5-axis in-body optical image stabilization system.

Design

The body uses a magnesium composite shell and closely resembles the first Alpha 99. In size it runs about 8% smaller than the original Alpha 99, part of Sony’s move to a more compact DSLR-style form. Set side by side, the A99 II reads as the lighter and less bulky of the two.

The 3-inch screen tilts to different angles, using a White Magic TFT LCD panel. As on the previous model, it is not a touchscreen. Connectivity covers two SD card slots, a microphone port, a headphone port, micro HDMI, and micro USB, along with Wi-Fi and NFC.

Features and performance

The 42.2 MP sensor and 5-axis optical image stabilization come from the a7R II. The stabilization helps most with moving subjects, and the sensor reaches a maximum resolution of 7952 x 5304 pixels on a CMOS chip.

For video, the A99 II records 4K at 30 FPS and 100 Mbps, Full HD at 60 FPS, and slow motion at 120 FPS in Full HD. Autofocus uses a hybrid phase-detection system with 399 focal-plane points plus 79 dedicated points, and the camera shoots continuously at 12 FPS in Raw. The autofocus is fast and accurate in use; its main friction is a deep menu system and an Eye AF workflow that take some getting used to.

Where it fits

The Alpha A99 II suits photographers who want a full-frame, DSLR-style body with in-body stabilization, a high-resolution sensor, and fast continuous shooting. Two points temper that: battery life is shorter than the original Alpha 99, and the screen has no touch input. If you rely on a touchscreen or need long runtime between charges, weigh that against the resolution and stabilization gains.