DESCRIPTION
Sony a9 II Mirrorless Camera: Next Level Speed
The Sony a9 II, which is the second generation of speed, builds on the amazing feature set of its predecessor by introducing improved connection, a more streamlined body design, and even faster performance. The a9 II has notably swift and responsive shooting abilities with to its improved BIONZ X engine and tested 24.2MP full-frame Exmor RS BSI stacked CMOS sensor. Additionally, the modernised design features a more ergonomic shape, stronger weather sealing, and faster connectivity and transfer rates.
Exmor RS BSI Stacked Sensor and BIONZ X Image Processor
24.2MP Full-Frame Stacked CMOS Sensor
The 24.2MP Exmor RS BSI stacked CMOS sensor and improved BIONZ X image processor used in the a9 II, which is designed for speed, produce remarkably rapid and responsive performance. With an electronic shutter, continuous shooting at up to 20 frames per second is possible, or 10 frames per second with a mechanical shutter. The back-illuminated sensor's architecture also provides high sensitivity to an increased ISO 204800 with less noise for clear image clarity in a range of lighting conditions. Additionally, for improved colour fidelity and post-production flexibility, uncompressed raw files can be recorded in 14-bit.
BIONZ X Processing and Electronic Shutter
To achieve quicker processing times, a wide dynamic range, and smooth tonal representation, the BIONZ X CPU also collaborates with a high-speed front-end LSI. A quick AF/AE metering system that operates at 60 times per second to continuously assess the scene in order to lock onto and track moving subjects benefits from the speedy recording capabilities. In order to reduce the flicker impact and produce more consistent results for still photographs, automatic anti-flicker shooting also detects and times the shutter action. Additionally, a completely blackout-free monitoring with the electronic viewfinder is made possible by the employment of an electronic shutter, allowing for more precise compositions of moving subjects.
Autofocus and Image Stabilization
Fast Hybrid AF System
A Fast Hybrid AF system with a 93% coverage area combines 425 contrast-detection areas with 693 phase-detection points for rapid and accurate focusing in a variety of lighting conditions with sensitivity down to -3 EV. High-density Tracking AF Technology, which is skilled at tracking moving targets in a variety of lighting settings, is made possible by the hybrid AF system's density of focusing points. Maintaining essential focus on irregularly or unpredictable moving subjects benefits from updated AF algorithms.
- Lock-on AF maintains focus on moving subjects throughout the use of a configurable frame that is set over the desired moving subject
- Expand Flexible Spot employs neighboring focus points to retain focus on moving subjects even if the originally selected point loses focus
- Focus frame color is selectable, between white and red, and AF tracking is possible with apertures narrower than f/16 with select lenses when working in Focus Priority mode
- Eye AF can be used to base focus on recognized human subjects' eyes for portraits and is available in both AF-S and AF-C modes, for both stills and video. Eye AF can be used when photographing animal subjects, too, with any focusing mode when shooting stills
- Focus Magnifier function can be used for critical focus when homing in on minute subject details
- Rear touchscreen can also be used for Touch Focus control, and a Touchpad Focus Control mode lets you use the rear screen intuitively while keeping your eye to the viewfinder
- When working in AF-C mode, the focus point can be moved while the shutter button is half-pressed, making it easier to quickly shift focus without losing sight of the action
5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Image Stabilization
The a9 II has an improved 5.5-stop effective 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilisation system that accounts for five different types of camera shake that can occur when taking still photos and videos with a handheld camera. This makes it possible for users to utilise any lens—even modified lenses—confidently for important imagery without worrying about blur from camera shake.
The technology will make pitch and yaw corrections for long focal lengths. On the other hand, the incorporation of horizontal and vertical shift compensation will be advantageous for macro and high-magnification pictures. The roll compensation will be useful for all shooting techniques. Even when used with third-party lenses and adapters or lenses with built-in optical stabilisation, all 5 stabilisation axes will always work.
UHD 4K Video Recording in XAVC S Format
Based on the Super35mm recording area and effective 6K resolution, internal recording of UHD 4K movies is possible at multiple frame rates up to 30 fps. Oversampling produces more detail, and full pixel readout, which is devoid of pixel binning, is also possible, resulting in higher-quality imagery with less moiré and aliasing. In order to fully utilise the complete sensor width, full-frame 4K recording has also undergone a significant improvement in quality when operating at mid- to high sensitivities. Both resolutions use the 100 Mbps XAVC S format wrapped in an MP4 file with 4:2:0 sampling. Full HD 1080p recording is also possible at frame rates up to 120 fps. With the frame rate set to either 30p or 24p, the high-speed, 120 fps recording also allows for 4x and 5x slow-motion movie recording. Uncompressed HDMI output permits the use of an optional external recorder for clear 4K recording with 4:2:2 sampling in addition to high-resolution internal recording.
Refined Body Design
- With a 3.69m-dot resolution and 0.78x magnification for bright, crisp viewing in rich detail, the Quad-VGA OLED Tru-Finder EVF is included. A particular High Quality setting offers a 120 fps refresh rate for especially fluid playback of moving subjects. The outermost viewfinder element has also received a fluorine coating to aid in cleaning.
- A 3.0" 1.44m-dot rear LCD with a touch panel design is additionally offered in addition to the EVF and allows for straightforward operation and focusing management. Additionally, the screen may be tilted up or down to facilitate working at high or low angles.
- While yet being lightweight, magnesium alloy chassis ensure rigidity, longevity, and stability. Additionally, the grip hardness has been increased for more comfortable hand-holding, and the lens mount has been enhanced to better support heavier lenses.
- For dependable operation in inclement weather, extensive weather-sealing has been used, including improved sealing around the battery cover, terminal cover, and chassis joints.
- The a9 II's battery life is rated for roughly 500 shots with the EVF or 690 shots with the rear LCD using the same NP-FZ100 battery as its predecessor.
- 500,000 actuations have been tested on a robust shutter design.
- VG-C4EM Vertical Grip is optional and compatible.
- The ability to divide raw and JPEG files and use the dual SD memory card slots for overflow recording allows for versatile file handling and saving. For quicker transfer speeds, both of the card slots are certified to accommodate UHS-II memory cards.
- For quicker, more dependable tethering support, a micro-USB connector and a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port are included. The camera may be charged while connected to the host power source thanks to the USB Type-C connector.
- Integrated PC sync terminal for wireless radio remotes or strobe packs.
- Updated Multi Interface Shoe now works with optional accessories like the ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone and XLR-K3M XLR Adapter Kit, which deliver better, clearer audio recording sound by providing a digital audio signal to the camera as opposed to an analogue one.
- When recording videos, there are 3.5mm connections for both a microphone and headphones, which improves the audio quality and gives you more control.
Connectivity
- Built-in Wi-Fi enables the a9 II to instantly share imagery to mobile devices for direct sharing online, and support for both 2.4 and 5 GHz bands also enables wireless tethered shooting support. NFC (Near Field Communication) is also supported, which allows for one-touch connection between the camera and compatible mobile devices; no complex set-up is required. Once connected, the linked mobile device can also display a live view image on its screen and remotely control the camera's shutter.
- Bluetooth connectivity allows for location data acquisition.
- Integrated Ethernet port has been upgraded to 1000BASE-T speed for quick wired LAN sharing and remote operation.
- When working over a wired LAN, the Remote Camera Tool 2.1 app now has been enhanced for a reduced release time lag and live view delays as well as support for remote SD card formatting, FTP server switching, and changes to the still image storage destination. Wired or wireless LAN transfers can also occur in the background, while continuing to shoot.
- Imaging Edge Remote for desktop now supports the a9 II for PC Remote shooting via the Wi-Fi connection or tethered by the wired USB Type-C port. An updated data transfer control now makes it possible to transfer files from an SD card over Wi-Fi using the Imaging Edge Mobile app even when the camera is powered off.
- Transfer & Tagging add-on app can send FTP setting parameters from your mobile device to the camera, offers automatic data upload to an FTP server with attached metadata, and can perform automatic voice-to-text conversion.
- Voice Memos can be recorded in conjunction with still images and allow for attaching up to 60-second-long sound recordings to individual images. Saved as WAV audio files, these memos can be attached to files and played when the images are reviewed. Using the Transfer & Tagging add-on on a smartphone, you can automatically or manually convert this audio into text to be embedded in the image's metadata.
- Save/load camera settings is possible in-camera as well as to an SD card for working with the same shooting settings with multiple camera bodies.
- Customizable Fn button can be set to handle separate tasks depending on if working in stills or video modes.
- Up to 10 distinct FTP settings can be saved and stored to an SD card, or up to 20 different settings can be saved via the Imaging Edge Mobile app.
