Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital Camera | Body Only

The Sony a9 II, representing the second generation of speed, builds upon the remarkable features of its predecessor by incorporating improved connectivity, a more refined design, and accelerated performance. It employs the reliable 24.2MP full-frame Exmor RS BSI stacked CMOS sensor alongside an upgraded BIONZ X processor, resulting in exceptionally fast and responsive shooting capabilities. Furthermore, the enhanced construction features a more ergonomic shape, superior weather sealing, and increased connectivity and transfer speeds.

24.2MP Full-Frame Stacked CMOS Sensor

Engineered for rapid performance, the a9 II features a 24.2MP Exmor RS BSI stacked CMOS sensor paired with an enhanced BIONZ X image processor, resulting in remarkably swift and responsive operation. It is capable of continuous shooting at up to 20 frames per second with an electronic shutter, while a mechanical shutter supports shooting at 10 frames per second. The back-illuminated architecture of the sensor provides high sensitivity, achieving an extended ISO of 204800 with minimized noise, ensuring pristine image quality across diverse lighting scenarios. Furthermore, it allows for the recording of uncompressed raw files in 14-bit, enhancing color accuracy and offering greater flexibility in post-production.

BIONZ X Processing and Electronic Shutter

The BIONZ X processor operates in tandem with a high-speed front-end LSI, enabling enhanced processing speeds and a broad dynamic range characterized by smooth tonal rendering. Complementing the rapid recording capabilities is a swift AF/AE metering system that evaluates the scene at a rate of 60 times per second, allowing for effective locking and tracking of moving subjects. The automatic anti-flicker shooting feature detects and synchronizes the shutter action to reduce flicker effects, resulting in more consistent outcomes for still images. Furthermore, the implementation of an electronic shutter facilitates completely blackout-free monitoring through the electronic viewfinder, ensuring more precise compositions of dynamic subjects.

Fast Hybrid AF System

Occupying 93% of the image area, the Fast Hybrid AF system features 693 phase-detection points in conjunction with 425 contrast-detection zones, facilitating rapid and accurate focusing across diverse lighting environments, with a sensitivity threshold as low as -3 EV. The concentration of focusing points within this hybrid AF system supports High-density Tracking AF Technology, which excels in tracking moving subjects under various lighting conditions. Additionally, enhanced AF algorithms contribute to sustaining precise focus on subjects that move erratically or unpredictably.

Lock-on AF ensures that focus remains on moving subjects by utilizing a customizable frame positioned over the intended subject. Expand Flexible Spot utilizes adjacent focus points to maintain focus on moving subjects, even if the initially chosen point loses its sharpness. The color of the focus frame can be selected between white and red, and autofocus tracking is achievable with apertures narrower than f/16 using specific lenses in Focus Priority mode. Eye AF allows for focus to be directed at the eyes of recognized human subjects for portrait photography and is available in both AF-S and AF-C modes for still images and video. Additionally, Eye AF can be employed for animal subjects in any focusing mode when capturing stills. The Focus Magnifier function is available for achieving precise focus on intricate subject details. The rear touchscreen facilitates Touch Focus control, while the Touchpad Focus Control mode enables intuitive use of the rear screen without removing the eye from the viewfinder. In AF-C mode, the focus point can be adjusted while the shutter button is half-pressed, allowing for swift focus adjustments without losing track of the action.

5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Image Stabilization

The a9 II features an advanced 5.5-stop effective 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization system, designed to counteract five distinct types of camera shake that may occur during handheld photography and videography. This capability enables users to confidently utilize any lens, including adapted ones, for precise imaging without the risk of blur caused by camera movement.

For longer focal lengths, the system effectively addresses pitch and yaw adjustments. In contrast, macro and high-magnification photography will gain from the added horizontal and vertical shift compensation. Additionally, all shooting techniques will benefit from the roll compensation feature. The stabilization across all five axes remains operational at all times, even when employing third-party lenses and adapters or lenses equipped with built-in optical stabilization.

UHD 4K Video Recording in XAVC S Format

The internal recording capability for UHD 4K films allows for various frame rates, reaching up to 30 fps. Utilizing the Super35mm recording area and an effective 6K resolution, the oversampling technique enhances detail, enabling full pixel readout without pixel binning. This results in superior image quality with minimized moiré and aliasing effects. Furthermore, full-frame 4K recording has seen significant enhancements, particularly beneficial when operating at mid to high sensitivities, allowing for the complete utilization of the sensor's width. Additionally, Full HD 1080p recording is available at frame rates up to 120 fps, with both resolutions employing the 100 Mbps XAVC S format within an MP4 container, featuring 4:2:0 sampling. The high-speed recording at 120 fps facilitates 4x and 5x slow-motion video capture, configurable at either 30p or 24p. Alongside high-resolution internal recording, the uncompressed HDMI output provides the option to connect an external recorder for pristine 4K recording with 4:2:2 sampling.

Refined Body Design

The device is equipped with a Quad-VGA OLED Tru-Finder electronic viewfinder (EVF) that boasts a resolution of 3.69 million dots and a magnification of 0.78x, ensuring bright and clear visuals with intricate details. A specialized High Quality setting allows for a refresh rate of 120 frames per second, facilitating exceptionally smooth playback of moving subjects. Furthermore, the outermost element of the viewfinder features a fluorine coating, which aids in maintenance and cleaning. Alongside the EVF, there is a 3.0-inch rear LCD with a resolution of 1.44 million dots, designed with a touch panel for user-friendly operation and precise focusing control. This screen is also capable of tilting both upward and downward, enhancing usability when capturing images from elevated or lowered angles.

The magnesium alloy chassis provides exceptional rigidity, durability, and stability while maintaining a lightweight profile. Additionally, the lens mount has been upgraded to offer improved support for heavier lenses, and the grip has been reinforced to enhance comfort during hand-holding. Comprehensive weather-sealing measures, including enhanced seals around the battery cover, terminal cover, and chassis joints, have been implemented to protect against dust and moisture, ensuring reliable performance in challenging weather conditions.

The a9 II utilizes the same NP-FZ100 battery as its predecessor, offering a battery life of around 500 shots per charge when using the electronic viewfinder (EVF) and approximately 690 shots when utilizing the rear LCD. The shutter design is robust, having been tested for up to 500,000 actuations. Additionally, it is compatible with the optional VG-C4EM Vertical Grip.

The presence of dual SD memory card slots facilitates versatile file storage and management, enabling users to partition raw and JPEG files or utilize the slots for overflow recording. Both slots are designed to accommodate UHS-II memory cards, ensuring enhanced transfer speeds. Additionally, the device is equipped with a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port alongside a micro-USB port, providing improved and dependable tethering capabilities. The USB Type-C connection also permits the camera to be charged directly from the host power source during use. Furthermore, an integrated PC sync terminal is available for wired flash synchronization with strobe packs or wireless radio remotes.

The updated Multi Interface Shoe is compatible with the optional ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone and the XLR-K3M XLR Adapter Kit, both of which enhance audio recording quality by transmitting a digital audio signal to the camera rather than an analog signal. Additionally, it includes 3.5mm microphone and headphone ports, allowing for superior audio quality and greater control during video recording.

Connectivity

• The a9 II features built-in Wi-Fi, allowing for immediate sharing of images to mobile devices for online distribution. It supports both 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency bands, facilitating wireless tethered shooting. Additionally, it includes NFC (Near Field Communication) capabilities, enabling a simple one-touch connection with compatible mobile devices without the need for complicated setup. Once paired, the mobile device can display a live view from the camera and remotely operate the shutter.
  
  
• Bluetooth connectivity is available for acquiring location data.
  
  
• The integrated Ethernet port has been upgraded to 1000BASE-T speed, ensuring rapid wired LAN sharing and remote operation.
  
  
• When utilizing a wired LAN, the Remote Camera Tool 2.1 app has been improved to minimize release time lag and live view delays. It also supports remote SD card formatting, FTP server switching, and adjustments to the still image storage location. Transfers over wired or wireless LAN can occur in the background while shooting continues.
  
  
• Imaging Edge Remote for desktop now accommodates the a9 II for PC remote shooting via Wi-Fi or through a wired USB Type-C connection. An updated data transfer control feature allows for file transfers from an SD card over Wi-Fi using the Imaging Edge Mobile app, even when the camera is turned off.
  
  
• The Transfer & Tagging add-on app can transmit FTP setting parameters from a mobile device to the camera, facilitate automatic data uploads to an FTP server with accompanying metadata, and perform automatic voice-to-text conversion
  
  
• Voice Memos can be recorded alongside still images, enabling the attachment of sound recordings lasting up to 60 seconds to individual images. These memos are saved as WAV audio files, which can be linked to files and played back during image review. By utilizing the Transfer & Tagging add-on on a smartphone, users have the option to automatically or manually convert this audio into text, which can then be embedded in the metadata of the image.
  
  
• The ability to save and load camera settings is available both within the camera and on an SD card, facilitating the use of consistent shooting settings across multiple camera bodies.
  
  
• The customizable Fn button can be programmed to perform different functions based on whether the user is operating in stills or video modes.
  
  
• Users can save up to 10 unique FTP settings to an SD card, or alternatively, store up to 20 different settings through the Imaging Edge Mobile app.