Sony Alpha 99 II
Housing & Equipment
Instead of a new A7 generation, Sony presented the A99 II to photokina 2017. The resolution is growing to 42 megapixels, 4K video is now also possible. In addition, the A99 II has quite a bit of what Sony currently has in camera technology, and we've tested the Sony Alpha 99 II.
Autofocus & Exposure
The A7R II is already equipped with a low-pass filter, which records video at 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 / 30p) and has a nominal resolution of 42 megapixels for 3500 euros Code>
Operation & Performance
In contrast to the cameras of the A7 series, the SLT models have a mirror in the viewfinder system - but not a vibration mirror like in the case of SLRs - but a permanently installed, opaque mirror. A beam splitter directs approximately 70 percent of the incident light onto the image sensor and the rest in the direction of an AF module above the mirror. This allows continuous phase AF to be taken when taking pictures as well as while filming, while a permanent live view is possible on the monitor or in the electronic viewfinder. In addition, the A99 II has a sensor AF system, which can be combined with the "dedicated phase AF" - the Sony jargon. In contrast to the E-bayonet of the A7 models, the SLT series uses the A bayonet, which is based on the former Minolta bayonet. A lenses can be adapted to E-models, but the reverse is not possible.
Image quality
The A99 II is a handsome, modern camera, reminiscent of SLR models, but overall somewhat more rounded, which is mainly due to the flatter viewfinder hill. The case is made of a magnesium alloy, very solid, is well-held and is sealed against dust and splashing water. The photographer has to do without a built-in flash, a flash shoe takes system flashes. A mobile-mounted image sensor enables the "5-axis" image stabilization with all connected lenses. Compared to the A99 the housing size has been reduced: The A99 II now has almost the same dimensions as the sister model A77 II with APS-CSensor - with the advantage that the approx. 250 Euro expensive battery grip VG-C77 of the A77 II also at the new Full format camera.
Compared to the A7 series, the larger housing now offers space for a more powerful lithium-ion battery: almost 400 images per charge, 100 more than one A7R II, the A99 II is designed to be in the viewfinder mode. Two memory card slots for UHS-I compliant SD cards meet the enormous storage requirements for high resolution image files, and 4K video. Slot 1 is created as a multi-slot slot for SD card and Memory Stick Pro Duo. The electronic OLED viewfinder has a high resolution of 786 432 RGB pixels and is one of the best on the market. It works as well as without delay, gives colors, differentiated, contrasts very balanced again. Even with the effective magnification of 0.78 times, he leaves a large part of the competition behind him. The 3-inch monitor on the back can be folded and turned out of the housing, allowing very different viewing positions, including "self-mode". But the monitor is not.
The phase AF module of the A99 II arranged above the mirror is known as the sister model A77 II. It provides 79 AF points, 15 of which are used as cross sensors. New to the A99 II is the sensor AF with 399; phase AF points. In a central area of the image field, the AF sensors of both systems are superimposed on a total of 79 cross sensors. (AF1, page 4), you can choose whether to use the "dedicated phase AF" alone ("DedicatedPhasDet.AF only") or in combination with the sensor AF Wants ("car"). The latter provides the higher field coverage, while the "dedicated phase AF" in the solenoid operation is slightly faster. However, the A99 II remains with a delay time delay of 0.39 / 0.47 s at 300/30 Lux, behind the expectations and the very good values of the A77 II (0.22 / 0.22; s) back. Also, not every A-mount lens works together with the more precise sensor-AF, which is why the A99 II provides an option to fine-tune the "dedicated phase AF".
The A99 II is the fastest, full-format camera Sony has ever had in the repertoire, with a maximum of 12 fps (JPEG) or 11.2 fps (RAW), including AF / AE tracking. Even a sports canon like the Nikon D5 can not get faster. However, the D5 provides a memory buffer for up to 200 shots, while the A99 II "only" produces 62 JPEGs and 25 RAWs in series, and then takes a lot longer for the memory process - in view of its high resolution .
The exposure is determined by the A99; II over a 1200-zone evaluation system. In addition to the matrix and center-weighted measurements, integral measurement, highlight and spot measurement (standard / large) are also available as measuring modes. The spot measurement can also be linked to the focus measurement field, if "Flexible Spot" or "Extended Spot". Flexible Spot "is set.
The first shutter curtain can be realized either mechanically or electronically, the electronic variant reduces the triggering noise. The shutter can be used for short periods up to 1/8000 s (also for videos) and a flash sync time of 1/250 s. In addition to the standards such as Auto, P, A, S, M, the video and panorama mode is also available via the "lockable program selection wheel", as well as access to three freely configurable user programs. Videos take the camera in XAVC S format, 4K quality, the continuous autofocus supports this, unobtrusive and precise.
In contrast to the mirrorless Sony models, the A99 II incorporates an illuminated info display at the top, which displays the most important, recording data. In addition to the adjustment wheels for the thumb and the thumb, there is a joystick as a 4-way switch and the A99-typical multicontroller on the front. This small rotary wheel, with a confirmation key, can now be used as a stepless or "click-stop". With it, you have fast access to AF functions, shooting settings, image styles, and effects.
Using the Fn button, the user can display the function menu on the monitor or in the electronic viewfinder. You can directly change settings via twelve function fields at the bottom of the image field, or change the settings directly to a sub-menu. Pressing the "Disp" key causes a display mode that uses the entire monitor area for information. On the right side of the screen, there are also function fields, which can be controlled by the Fn key. Direct access buttons for ISO, white balance, operating modes (single / serial, bracketing, self-timer, etc.) and two freely assignable function buttons (C1 / 2) round off the equipment
The main menu is richly populated, but now, more clearly structured. Behind five card readers (recording A1 / A2, wireless, playback, settings), a total of 32 pages are hidden, grouped logically, with up to six entries per page. What you miss is a "MyMenu" section for your personal favorites. For comfort: The fields in the function menu can be assembled according to your own taste. To trigger the camera remotely using a smartphone, the "PlayMemories Mobile" application must be installed and opened on this device.
Conclusion
The easiest way to connect is to scan the QR code displayed on the camera monitor with your smartphone, and adjust the exposure settings such as iris, shutter speed, ISO, white balance, or exposure compensation directly in the app is possible. On the other hand, touch-AF or touch-triggering in the live image on the smartphone must be avoided. The image transfer from the camera to the smartphone works smoothly, you can transfer the image currently displayed on the camera monitor or select several files to transfer. In addition to WLAN, the A99 II also offers Bluetooth 4.1 as an alternative wireless connection. Experiences, we could not collect in the tight timeframe of our test.
Thanks to a 42 megapixel sensor without a low-pass filter, the A99 II achieves a phenomenally high resolution of 2400 LP / BH, which is only slowly sinking from ISO level to ISO level, while the ISO 12 800 is still just over 2200 LP / BH lies. At the same time, this shows that a high resolution still does not guarantee a good image, because ISO 12, 800 is suitable for emergencies. In the case of ISO, 1600, the DL value for low contrasts, however, has already lost 400, line pairs, which are also found in the Dead-Leaves The pictures. As of ISO 1600, typical images for full-format cameras are visible from ISO 800 onwards, which increase significantly from ISO 1600 onwards. In addition, the Sony edge is massive, which is irritating depending on the subject. Thus, the A99 II differentiates structures with low contrast, emphasizing that it already exceeds the boundaries of the natural, the noise remains moderate to ISO 3200 with VN 1.7 and only increases, ISO 6400 (VN 2.2) at. The dynamics are the highest at ISO 400 with 10.3, irises, and remain constant by 9 iris to ISO, 6400
Is the A99 II only a duty exercise from Sony, in order to maintain the SLT series and the A bayonet longer alive? Definitely not: the new SLT model combines finest ingredients from the Sony system to a top camera that competes with the best SLRs at eye level. It can not beat the mirrorless A7R II but with the picture quality.
No comments:
Post a Comment