a99 | full-frame interchangeable lens camera the power of full-frame DI12023
amaze yourself Sony’s full-frame interchangeable lens camera, the a99.
welcome to the family Introducing Sony’s full-frame sensor lineup. With the introduction of the SLT-A99V, DSC-RX1 and NEX-VG900, Sony brings some of the most innovative and revolutionary technologies to the table.
NEX-VG900 The new Sony NEX-VG900 interchangeable lens Handycam® camcorder features a 24.3 MP full-frame 35mm sensor for highquality HD video with a truly professional look. Shoot video in Full HD 24p, 60p or 60i, and take advantage of superb low-light performance.
SLT-A99V By fully leveraging the potential of Translucent Mirror Technology, the 35mm full-frame format and Sony's professional broadcasting technology, it takes a major leap forward in quality, performance and handling ease. Meet the future of Sony a .
“Standing on the edge of this waterfall in Iceland, I knew I wanted to capture this scene as a panorama. I love having the ability to shoot dramatic imagery with one press of a button.” 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM (SAL1635Z ), 1/160 sec., F6.
the calling “This assignment of a lifetime made me stop and think about the way photography has shaped my life. It made me appreciate how powerful photography is.” Sony took a major leap forward with the introduction of the new flagship Alpha a99 interchangeable lens camera. To demonstrate the revolutionary capabilities of the a99, Sony sent world-class photographer David McLain on the “Assignment of a Lifetime”.
“I love the way images, light, and color are so fleeting.” “I love shooting ice and icebergs. When we got to this glacier in Iceland, the light was cold and the water was still, which was perfect for the environment. I shot at a low angle to get the maximum reflection on the water and chose to put a little foreground of the shore in the frame to balance out the background. A few minutes later the wind picked up, the water started to ripple, and the picture was gone.
“As I started looking around I saw this statue of Buddha lit by neon lights that seemed more suited to the window of a bar than a temple.” “We went to a Buddhist temple in Vietnam expecting to see weathered monks praying in dramatic shafts of light. When we got there, all the monks were gone, and the temple was lit with fluorescent light. That’s the way it goes sometimes and you always need to make the best of it.
“I was amazed afterward how much latitude the final frame had, and how the detail on the backside of the fisherman was maintained despite the fact we were shooting into the sun.” “We got up early one morning to shoot a fisherman on the Mekong Delta. Like most people who make a living from the land or sea he was very capable and skilled at his craft. I chose to shoot into the sun and from a low angle so the net and fisherman would stand out agains the sky.
push the envelope Gorgeous full-frame sensor image quality. David found the perfect travel companion in the a99 because of the camera’s ability to perform in the real world. In low light, contrary light, fog, rain, golden light, snow, overcast light, all conditions were conquered by the a99. “We were hanging out with a goat herder in his barn early one morning in Southern Spain. There is a lot less light on his face than it looks like in this image.
Light concentration technology Sony compressed the height of circuitry within the image sensor via newly developed proprietary processing technology to dramatically increase the amount of light collected by each pixel. This vastly improved light-gathering efficiency results in significantly higher sensor sensitivity, much lower noise, an impressive signal-to-noise ratio and outstanding image quality in virtually all shooting conditions.
push the envelope Multi-segment optical low-pass filter On-chip column A/D conversion with dual NR Unlike conventional optical low-pass filters that degrade image resolution when suppressing moiré, Sony’s new multi-segment optical low-pass filter effectively maintains high-resolution detail. This achievement was made possible by proprietary multi-segment technology from Sony’s professional broadcasting equipment that subtly controls the distribution of image points.
135mm F1.8 ZA (SAL135F18Z), 1/250 sec., F1.
think fast Engineered for speed and response. David was able to capture crisp, sharp, perfectly-focused photographs as he globe trotted with the a99. The Dual Phase Detect AF system, a world first* among interchangeable lens cameras, allowed him to perfectly capture each decisive moment with tack-sharp precision. “Every pro demands speed and responsiveness from their camera and the a99 over-delivers on both fronts.
Area-specific noise reduction High-speed front-end LSI chip A new front-end LSI (large scale integration) chip supports the BIONZ™ image processing engine to significantly boost performance during the early stages of processing. By accelerating the handling of image sensor data early on, the LSI chip frees other BIONZ components to achieve a more subtle level of peripheral shading compensation and advanced black level offset correction that significantly raises image quality.
think fast SteadyShot™ INSIDE image stabilization 14-bit RAW output Advanced image stabilization compensates for camera-shake blur and is an especially useful feature during handheld shooting. Since the sensor-shift image stabilizer is in the camera, it provides image stabilization for any mounted A-mount system lens, including all Carl Zeiss® and G Lenses, from wide-angle to telephoto. You can capture sharp images at shutter speeds 2.5 to 4.
85mm F1.4 ZA (SAL85F14Z), 1/80 sec., F1.
sharpen your focus Dual AF System Dual AF System is the world’s first* AF system to employ two phase detection sensors. By maximizing the strengths of both sensors, it vastly improves subject tracking performance as well as focusing precision.
sharpen your focus AF area modes Four AF area modes are provided to meet various needs. You can select Wide (all 19 sensors), Spot (central sensor), Local (any selected sensor) or Zone (right, center, or left zone) as well as 102-point assist AF points when in AF-D mode. Various AF modes are selectable—AF-S (Single shot), AF-A (Auto), AF-C (Continuous), AF-D (Depth Map Assist Continuous AF).
hone your vision Viewfinder display options Keep your eye on the viewfinder The viewfinder is so informative and easy to view that every step in the shooting process can easily be handled from start to finish without removing your eye from the viewfinder. This includes setting up shooting parameters and previewing their effects in real-time, framing your subject and fine-tuning the focus with the magnification feature, shooting photos and movies, and checking final results.
Focus Magnifier for fine-tuning focus High-resolution XGA OLED Tru-Finder with 100% field of view Sony’s new XGA OLED Tru-Finder is easy to view in almost any lighting. Every detail is faithfully reproduced as it will appear in your recording, including defocusing effects that faithfully reflect your aperture settings. Since backlighting is eliminated, blacks are blacker, details are clearer and contrast is higher in both dark and light environments.
hone your vision WhiteMagic™ and ultra-low reflection structure technology Two innovative technologies improve LCD brightness and black reproduction to enhance viewing ease in almost any type of lighting. Ultralow reflection structure technology fills the gap between the protective outer glass and underlying LCD with resin to reduce surface reflections, improve visibility from wide viewing angles, maintain high contrast and RGB RGB RG more accurately reproduce deep blacks.
take control Smooth integrated control dial More intuitive Quick Navi Pro The new Silent Multi Controller on the front of the body combines a dial and button to enable smooth, easy selection and adjustment of numerous camera settings including focus mode, focus area, exposure compensation, ISO sensitivity and metering method. Depending on your preference, you may find it an extremely useful addition to the a99.
take control Customizable buttons Five different buttons—the AF/MF, AEL, ISO, Preview and Custom Key buttons—can be reassigned to activate any of 33 functions for enhanced shooting convenience. Assignable functions now include AF On, FE lock and Spot metering AE lock, as well as Exposure Compensation, Drive Mode, Flash Mode, Focus Area, Face Detection, Smile Shutter, ISO Sensitivity and Metering Mode.
get tough Robust magnesium alloy body The rigidly constructed a99 is supremely lightweight. Its rugged magnesium-alloy top and rear panels interlock with front and side panels constructed of highly rigid engineering plastic to offer protective external shielding. Inside, a rigid magnesium chassis reinforced by stainless steel and other structural components contributes to a supremely rigid and lightweight camera able to withstand passionate usage in challenging conditions.
get tough Vertical grip for triple battery advantage The optional vertical grip (VG-C99AM) features optimized contours and essential controls that make vertical shooting nearly as comfortable as horizontal shooting. It can house two batteries that combine with the main battery to offer a three-battery advantage that practically triples shooting stamina whether shooting still images or movies. The grip’s batteries can also be changed while continuing to shoot movies.
get into motion Experience movie making in full-frame high definition. David likes to work fast and light with a small production footprint. Because the a99 has less rolling shutter than the competition. He can spend more time shooting hand held with significantly less need for third party rigs. After using the tiltable LCD that pivots and swivels in every direction, David admits he will never go back to shooting video with a fixed LCD camera. “In Southern Spain we went swimming in a beautiful lake.
Expressive 35mm full-frame moviemaking The full-frame a99 empowers you to create highly expressive movies with professional-quality bokeh, a stunning sense of depth and extremely low noise even in dark environments. This exceptional performance is made possible by the potent combination of a 35mm full-size sensor, flexible lens interchangeability, ISO 100-6400 sensitivity and various advances from professional Sony movie production equipment.
get into motion Full HD 60p movie recording Create movies of amazing clarity that play extra smoothly by recording them at Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) in the AVCHD Ver. 2.0 (Progressive) format—at the extremely high frame rate of 60fps. All the while, you can enjoy the huge advantages of 35mm full-frame movie capture and full-time continuous AF with three-level subject tracking sensitivity.
16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM (SAL1635F28Z), 1/640 sec., F2.8, ISO 400, EV+1.
unleash your creativity Exposure compensation and bracketing DRO on (Lv.5) Final image with optimum shadow/highlight detail + + + Highlight details captured 38 Mid-tone details captured Shadow details captured Achieve just the right exposure by using Exposure Compensation to increase or decrease the exposure in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments (between -5 and +5 EV ). Or use Auto Exposure Bracketing to record three or five images at different exposure values, compare the results and choose the best one.
unleash your creativity Creative Style Creative Style settings swiftly bring out the character of your scene. Depending on your subject and creative intentions, you can simply select any of 13 settings (including Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Black & White, Clear and Deep).
get to know the a99 01 02 10 03 04 09 05 06 07 08 40 01 AF Illuminator/Self-timer 05 Lens release button 09 Remote sensor 02 Mounting index 06 Mount 10 Front dial control 03 Custom button 07 Silent multi-controller 04 Lens contacts 08 Preview button
get to know the a99 11 12 13 14 25 15 16 17 18 19 24 20 23 22 21 11 Viewfinder 17 Multi-selector 23 Playback button 12 Eyepiece sensors 18 DISP button 24 LCD screen 13 MOVIE button 19 Fn button/Image rotation button 25 MENU button 14 AF/MF button/Enlarge button 20 15 Rear control dial Smart teleconverter button/ Zoom button/Focus Magnifier button 16 AEL button/SLOW SYNC button/ Image index button 21 Access lamp 22 AF RANGE button/Delete button 41
get to know the a99 03 02 01 04 05 15 16 17 06 18 07 19 08 14 09 13 22 12 42 11 21 10 01 Microphone 09 Image sensor position mark 17 Remaining battery 02 Drive button 10 Display panel 18 Exposure/Flash Compensation 03 White Balance button 11 FINDER/LCD button 19 Drive mode 04 Exposure button 12 Multi Interface Shoe 20 Remaining number of recordable images 05 Power switch 13 Mode dial 21 Image quality 06 Shutter button 14 Mode dial lock release button 22
get to know the a99 35 23 31 24 32 41 36 40 37 25 30 29 38 26 28 39 27 34 23 Flash sync terminal 31 Diopter-adjustment dial 24 Microphone jack 32 SLOT 1 (Memory card slot 1) 25 Headphones jack 33 Battery (inside) 26 HDMI terminal 34 SLOT 2 (Memory card slot 2) 27 USB terminal 35 Vertical Control On/Off 28 DC IN terminal 36 Control dial 29 Speaker 37 Multi-selector 30 REMOTE terminal 38 Function button/Image rotation button 33 39 Smart teleconverter button/
extend your point of view 300mm F2.8 G SSM II (SAL300F28G2) Carl Zeiss® lenses Developed jointly by Sony and renowned optical manufacturer Carl Zeiss, these superb AF-capable lenses feature Carl Zeiss optical formulas and coatings and are designed for professional photographers seeking utmost image quality. NEW This super telephoto G lens delivers both high contrast and beautiful bokeh effects at levels far surpassing those of existing 300mm F2.8 lenses.
extend your point of view 135mm F2.8 [T4.5] STF (SAL135F28) This special-purpose lens features apodization optics that deliver superb clarity at the point of focus and exceptionally smooth transitions between in-focus and defocused areas. A manual aperture ring provides added control over defocusing, which is especially desirable around T4.5 to T6.7.
expand your horizons This powerful flagship flash unit (GN 60) features an LED light and delivers creative lighting for both still image and movie shooting. As a lighting solution that supports stringent professional demands, it offers a flexible rotation mechanism for Quick Shift Bounce as well as quick and intuitive operation via Quick Navi, which has received rave reviews on a series cameras.
This large-capacity flash unit features Sony’s Quick Shift Bounce design, which enables wide-ranging angle adjustment and the same lighting whether shooting in the landscape or portrait position. Shoe Adaptor ADP-MAA, which comes bundled with the a99, is required to mount this flash unit on the a99. Flash HVL-F43M • Guide number of 43 (at 105mm, ISO 100m) • Wireless multi flash ratio control • Built-in wide panel and bounce sheet • Effective dust and moisture resistance • Fast 2.
expand your horizions Vertical Grip VG-C99AM NEW Featuring optimal contours and essential controls, this grip provides comfort and handling on a par with horizontal shooting. It also offers a triple battery advantage (two batteries plus one in the camera) for extended shooting and playback.
system at a glance Flash/Flash Accessories Microphone Microphone/Monitor NEW Flash HVL-F43AM Flash HVL-F20AM Flash Accessories Macro Twin Flash Kit HVL-MT24AM Ring Light Sync Terminal Adaptor FA-ST1AM NEW Shoe Adaptor ADP-MAA Off-camera Cable for Flash FA-CC1AM Flash Stereo Microphone ECM-ALST1 Clip-on LCD Monitor CLM-V55 Shotgun Microphone ECM-CG50 Microphone NEW NEW Bracket VCT-55LH XLR Adaptor Kit XLR-K1M Macro Light Adaptor FA-MA1AM Ring Light HVL-RL1 Shoe Cap FA-SHC1M Flash HVL
explore the possibilities PlayMemories™ Home PlayMemories™ Online PlayMemories™ Studio* This convenient software makes it easy to download photos to a computer for viewing, editing, printing, sharing (via e-mail or web upload), burning to disc or retouching. Shoot photos and videos with your favorite camera or smartphone and effortlessly enjoy them on your tablet, computer, BRAVIA and more! Start with 5GB of free storage space! For details, visit http://playmemoriesonline.com.
Main specifications of Type Camera type Lens compatibility Image sensor Type Number of pixels (effective) Number of pixels (total) Image sensor aspect ratio Anti-dust system Recording system (still images) Recording format Image size (pixels) 3:2 aspect ratio Interchangeable lens digital camera Sony A-mount lenses, operation with Minolta/Konica lenses confirmed 35mm full-frame (35.8 x 23.9mm), Exmor CMOS sensor Approx. 24.3 megapixels Approx. 24.
For more information about the a99 visit www.sony.com/a99 Learn more about Sony Digital Imaging products at www.sonydigitalimaging.com System requirements of bundled software PlayMemories Home™ Image Data Converter Ver. 4/Remote Camera Control Ver. 3 OS* Microsoft Windows ® Windows® XP** SP3, Windows Vista® SP2, Windows 7 SP1 Macintosh® Mac OS X (v10.5 (Leopard), v. 10.6 (Snow Leopard), v. 10.7 (Lion), v. 10.
