Now, the SLT design and OLED viewfinder I know for quite some time from my former APS-C A55 and A77.
And the full-size I love since acquiring my (now elderly) A900.
So I was very curious about the SLT VF successor of A900 last year. At Photokina 2012, I then had ample opportunity to take the A99 under the microscope.
The operation and functionality is excellent, as well as feel and ergonomics. Test Shots I have stored on my own, brought SD card to be able to individually evaluate home in peace.
And what can I say? I no longer get shut his mouth on the PC. Image quality was Outstanding! JPEGs from the camera are at very high levels. Beautiful colors, good contrast and very detailed in BaseISO. Also very excited I was at the high ISO capabilities of the A99. That was when the elderly A900 disheartening, and the A77 was not a "monster" in this discipline. Especially well known that the SLT design optically conditionally something detrimental acts.
Meanwhile, I have the A99 in October, and base my review on about 4500 images that I have since done to her.
The A99 proves that Sony has done here the master exam. Even if they lose sooner than comparable competitors in a direct comparison details in synthetic benchmark 0.5 to 1 stop, so you have with the A99 a camera that uncritically to ISO 3200 can be used. Depending on image composition, there is also in 6400, to complain about in rare cases even to 12800 bit.
The video features I can not so good rate. I made two or three clips of a few minutes length. More or less just for review. Full manual control, 50p and very good focus performance. Individual audio control, and the ability to output HDMI uncompressed there also. Whether the video capabilities so that is professionally constructed, I can not judge the photo capabilities very well.
I shoot mostly with my Zeiss in 2470 and 85, and my G70200. That's "Premium Glass"; as the A99 "beats" with other lenses I can not say so.
In the spring should now finally the new 50 / 1.4 Zeiss come with SSM. Then I'm going to buy the 1635 Zeiss, because I would like to have a larger lens with filter holder.
Sure, Sony has not such a big lens portfolio as the two top dogs, but if you the range of Zeiss and G lenses look at, then nothing is missing.
Making a purchase is thought value of the battery grip, which I personally think that he makes ergonomic handling with heavy lenses. In addition, it has battery power without end - unlike the A900 handle, can remain with the start of the 99er handle the battery in the body - so you have three batteries.
So, at this point I can hear out, you "zuzutexten" readers, and do with my known keyword evaluation further. :-)
++ Workmanship
++ Feel and ergonomics
++ Sealed against dust and moisture
++ AutoISO freely adjustable
++ AutoISO available in M mode
++ Excellent quality JPEG from the camera
++ Very fast and precise auto focus, especially with SSM lenses
++ AF-D continuous AF well (Attention, there are currently not many lenses compatible)
++ Autofocus area setting (distance range in which the autofocus to work exclusively)
++ All the important functions partly achievable with dedicated button
(However, to find software on the Supplement CD goofy) ++ tethered shooting via USB connection possible
++ Silent push Knob links below if you want to change settings in the Video
++ Dual SD card slot UHS-I compatible
++ Speicherungsart individually (eg Map 1 only Jpeg, Map 2 Raw only)
++ Electronic viewfinder with 100% field coverage, representation, brightness and information display
++ Display both pan and rotation
+ New hot shoe (ISO), ISO adapters on Minolta included
Locked + mode dial, you have to press the middle button to adjust to (who needs it ..)
+ Individualization of menu and the controls well
+ Very decent battery life (FM500 battery, switching from A77 or A900 Accessories Batteries can continue to use)
+ In conjunction with the new VG99 handle has three batteries simultaneously available (in-body battery can, however, invite only DC-In, for taking necessary to remove a VG99))
- Memory card slot cover opens too easily (especially for users of hand straps; pulling out the hand of the loop it happens now and again that you slide the tray)
- Continuous speed lower than the A77, sports photographers would probably ensure a - give
- New AF-D Autofocus Mode for 6 lenses available (the 70200G, 85Z, 135Z and 100Makro come with the FW upgrade that has been announced for February)
- For HDR bracketing you must first awkward RAW or RAW & Jpeg switch to JPEG Only that should get a high end camera itself on the series ...
- If you select the SD Mode "Order" (RAW and JPEG on separate cards), the shooting mode (RAW, JPEG, RAW & JPEG) can not be selected, you must first switch, and then re-access
- Sony's pricing. It must not be that the camera in America $ 2,799 and costs with us in 2799; Japanese have converted the dollar price, which is cheeky
All in all, Sony here a big hit. The A99 makes switching from the first to a lot of fun, and the criticisms are without judgment deduction bearable. With regard to image quality and noise performance does not need to hide behind their rivals. It is a pity that Sony will not make it again due to a lack of marketing to establish an absolutely effective product on the market Professional large area.
Personally, I am against the "Fanboyrism" immune, and delight in one of the best DSLR / DSLT cameras that has ever been constructed.
Thumbs Up un Five Stars
