Sony announces full-frame SLT-A99 camera

Sony makes full use of the possibility opened up by the translucent mirror for the light to fall at any time directly onto the autofocus sensors. Directly above the mirror is an autofocus sensor with 19 points (11 of which are cross-type sensors); the second AF sensor with 102 points is positioned on the sensor plane. Whereas the first sensor can accurately capture fast-moving subjects, the second comes into play when broader, deeper coverage of the image field is needed. This AF-D mode will be supported with a few lenses when the camera is initially launched. Firmware updates for further lenses will follow.

The SLT-A99 new AF system offers the user not only fast and precise focusing, but also a number of additional new options: In the AF Range Control Mode, it is possible to concentrate the focusing on a specific range between the foreground and the background. This makes it possible for the photographer, for example, to keep the drummer of a band in focus even if the drumsticks are waving about in front of his face or a guitarist runs through the front of the picture. The SLT-A99 can even see through wire fences, keeping the subject on the other side of the fence sharp.

The Sony SLT-A99 is equipped with a new XGA OLED Tru-Finder with 100 percent frame coverage. It offers particularly high resolution plus a magnifier function. If the camera recognizes APS-C lenses on the bayonet mount, the digital finder automatically enlarges the frame so that it completely fills the picture. In addition, the SLT-A99 is provided with a tiltable, pivoting screen with 1.229 million dots.

The new Sony A99 offers all the features one would expect from a sophisticated full-frame system camera. The sensitivity of the 24.3-megapixel CMOS sensor has been increased by 50 percent. Together with the further refined Bionz image processor, the camera performs reliable 14Bit data processing and selective noise suppression. Continuous shooting is possible with the SLT-A99 at a speed of up to 6 fps at full resolution. With movie clips in Full HD at 60 fps, the special autofocus modes are also available. The rugged magnesium alloy body is not bothered by rough handling conditions.