Best Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Mirrorless

Sophisticated and adaptable, Sony has done it again with a new edition to its world-class line of mirrorless cameras. The Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body is a top pick for high-end photographers who require unquestioned performance and superb image quality. You won’t encounter any compromises here as Sony builds on the impressive features of its predecessor – the a9.

Want to capture scenarios that change almost instantly? Take advantage of the a9 II’s silent electronic and mechanical shutters, which provide shooting speeds of up to 20 frames per second. Designed for fast, reliable shooting, the Sony Alpha a9 II will captivate today’s creatives – particularly sports, action, and wildlife photographers.

Created specifically to support working professionals in the fields of sports photography and photojournalism, the Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body delivers unmatched performance including blackout-free continuous shooting at up to 20 frames per second with Auto Focus and Auto Exposure tracking at 60 calculations per second, plus continuous shooting at up to 10 fps with mechanical shutter. Evolved Artificial Intelligence autofocus with Real Time AF tracking for accurate image acquisition and built-in connectivity and file delivery for the professional’s workflow with file transfer over SSL or TLS encryption (FTPS) for increased data security.

FEATURES:

24.2 MP stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor – From the world’s largest sensor manufacturer comes the fastest 35mm full-frame 24.2 MP stacked Exmor RS® CMOS sensor, which includes several features that contribute to incredible high-speed performance and outstanding image quality. Separate circuit and pixel layers allow for a significant increase in processing speed for the large volume of data that can also be temporarily stored in internal memory, contributing to a substantial increase in overall pixel readout speed. The combination of this advanced sensor and evolved BIONZ X processing enables blackout-free continuous shooting at up to 20 fps with up to 60 AF/AE tracking calculations per second, silent vibration-free electronic shutter speeds up to 1/32000 sec, Anti-Distortion Shutter operation, and other capabilities that add up to unprecedented speed from a full-frame camera without interference from mechanical devices.

Up to 20fps with up to 60 AF/AE tracking calculations per sec. – Capture all the action at the highest speed. A combination of groundbreaking high-speed full-frame stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor with integral memory and BIONZ X processor with DRAM enables incredible completely silent continuous shooting up to 20fps at full 24.2MP resolution in RAW+JPEG with continuous AF/AE (autofocus and auto exposure) tracking at 60 calculations per second and no EVF or LCD blackout. The large high speed buffer allow for up to 361 JPEG images or 239 compressed RAW images in a single burst. It is also possible to shoot up to 10 fps using the mechanical shutter.

AF/AE calculations up to 60 times/sec. – The extremely high readout speed of the Alpha 9 II Exmor RS sensor allows for autofocus and auto exposure (AF/AE) to be calculated up to 60 times per second and is virtually uninterrupted, both while composing the image and even upon releasing the shutter. You can depend on the continuous autofocus to lock onto and track erratically moving subjects with significantly high speed, precision, and reliability, while exposure automatically adjusts even through sudden brightness changes for consistently accurate exposure.

Voice Memo – Designed to improve the speed of news agencies workflow, the Alpha 9 II features a Voice Memo function that allows spoken information to be attached to images which can convey important information when sent to the editor.  Voice memos up to 60 seconds in length can be recorded and attached as a WAVE (.wav) file with the same name as the image file which can be transferred via FTP along with the corresponding image data without the need for additional equipment or software. Voice memos cannot be attached to movie files. Additionally, a photographer can also use the ‘Transfer & Tagging add-on’ Imaging Edge™ application to transfer voice tags with the images to their mobile device and have the voice memos automatically converted to text and added to the JPEG images in the form of IPTC metadata. 

Transfer & Tagging add-on App – Voice memos can be read into the Transfer & Tagging add-on application (Version 1.1 or later) and automatically converted to text captions in regions where Google services are available. The Transfer & Tagging add-on application can then automatically add the converted text to JPEG images in the form of IPTC metadata, or the text can be manually copied and pasted as required. When using the Transfer & Tagging add-on application to transfer images with attached voice memos from a smartphone to an FTP server, it is possible to select JPEG only or JPEG+WAVE for transfer. By combining the automatic voice to text conversion and text embedding functionality with the application’s ability to auto transfer images with attached voice memos via FTP, it is possible to automatically embed text information in images with attached voice memos that have been transferred from the camera to the smartphone and upload the results to an FTP server without having to operate the smartphone.

Real-time Tracking automatically tracks the subject – Real-time Tracking is a state-of-the-art feature that employs artificial intelligence to tenaciously track moving subjects when shooting stills or movies. Accurate focus is maintained automatically while the shutter button is half-pressed. An advanced subject recognition algorithm uses color, pattern (brightness), and subject distance (depth) data to process spatial information in real time. If the subject is a person, AI is used to detect and keep track of the subject’s eye and face in real time for extremely high tracking precision. The focus area will seamlessly change between face and eye according to the condition of the subject. The subject to be tracked can also be specified by touching it on the monitor when the Touch Tracking function is engaged. Tracking On can also be assigned to a custom key so that the user can initiate tracking at any time.

Real-time Eye AF (Human) – Real-time Eye AF employs artificial intelligence to detect and process eye data in real time, and track the subject’s eye with unprecedented precision. This function can be activated via an assigned custom key, or by simply pressing the AF-ON button or half-pressing the shutter button. When used with the Real-time Tracking function, tracking will continue even if the camera is temporarily unable to locate the subject’s eye, so it is easier than ever to shoot dynamic portraits and moving subjects. In addition to automatic eye selection when using Eye AF, it is also possible to manually preselect the subject’s right or left eye.

Eye AF right/left eye selection (Human) – It is possible to manually preselect the subject’s right or left eye. This can be an advantage for portraiture in which the eye to be focused on is predetermined, allowing the photographer to concentrate on composition, lighting, and other details. The “Right/Left Eye Select” menu item allows selection of “Right eye,” “Left eye,” or “Auto,” and the selection is applied when Eye AF is activated and works for both stills and movies. A custom key can also be assigned to alternately switch between left and right eye focus each time the button is pressed for fast selection in a variety of situations. The right/left eye selection cannot be changed while the shutter button is half-pressed. 

Real-time Eye AF for animals – Advanced AI-based subject recognition technology now allows fast, precise, automatic detection and tracking of animal eyes when Animal Eye-AF mode is selected. This can vastly increase success rates when photographing animals in a variety of settings or pets at home. Real-time Eye AF animal mode only works for stills and in any AF mode and can be initiated either by pressing an assigned custom button or by half-pressing the shutter button. Animal Eye-AF also works with Real-time Tracking in order to achieve unprecedented precision in tracking the eyes of moving subjects. Accurate focus may not be achieved with certain subjects in certain situations performance may not be as good as that in the human eye mode. 

5 GHz7 wireless LAN support – The camera’s built-in wireless LAN functionality has been updated, adding a 5 GHz band7 to the 2.4 GHz band (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards are supported). The benefits of 5 GHz communication include less interference as well as faster, more stable data transfer. 

1 Gbps Ethernet for fast communication – The Alpha 9 II provides upgraded network functionality with a built-in connector for wired 1000BASE-T Ethernet terminal, enabling high-speed gigabit communication for stable data transfer operations, including remote shooting. 1000BASE-T allows data transfer at up to 1 Gbps, up to 10x faster than the 100BASE-T (100 Mbps) connection provided on the original Alpha 9. FTPS (File Transfer over SSL/TLS) is supported, allowing SSL or TLS encryption for increased data security.

Remote Camera Tool12 Ver. 2.1 – The Remote Camera Tool application has been updated to version 2.1 to support the improved wired LAN functionality of the Alpha 9 II. This update optimizes the Remote Camera Tool for the high-speed 1000BASE-T data communication capabilities including PC Remote (tethered) shooting, data transfer, and control. When using the Remote Camera Tool application with the Alpha 9 II for wired PC Remote (tethered) shooting, release time lag and live view delays are minimized for smooth, stress-free operation during image transfers. Data transfer speeds between the Alpha 9 II and computer are significantly increased, as are image transfer speeds during tethered shooting. Additionally, it allows remote SD card formatting, FTP server switching, and changes to the computer image storage location which provides improved support for professional photographers using fixed ceiling cameras at an arena or gymnasium, goal-line cameras at track events, and other situations where access to the camera is restricted.

FTP transfer functions – FTP background transfer capability is provided so the user can continue to shoot still images while image files are being transferred to an FTP server via a wired or wireless connection. It is also possible to specify protected and other file types for transfer, transfer single files by pressing an assigned custom key, specify JPEG or RAW file formats, and more. Up to nine FTP servers can be memorized for quick recall. In addition to direct transfer to an FTP server via a wired or wireless connection, transfer via the Transfer & Tagging add-on application installed on a mobile device is also possible. All this versatility can contribute greatly to the speed and efficiency of professional workflows. Movie files cannot be transferred and FTP transfer is not available during movie recording.

Wireless PC Remote (tethered) shooting – The Alpha 9 II can be connected to a computer via USB or wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) for PC Remote (tethered) shooting using Sony’s Imaging Edge “Remote” desktop application (Ver. 2.0 or later). Wireless connectivity means that the photographer can move around with fewer restrictions. 2.4 GHz or 5GHz7 Wi-Fi bands can be selected as required. In addition to wirelessly connecting the camera directly to the PC, the ability to connect via a wireless access point adds the flexibility needed to work with a variety of network environments. PC Remote shooting via a USB Type-C™ connector allows fast, stress-free wired PC Remote (tethered) shooting. In addition to providing a USB Type-C™ connector, data processing at both the camera and “Remote” (Ver. 2.0 or later) ends of the connection has been optimized, achieving notably faster transfer speeds compared to the Alpha 9. This allows smooth transfer of large uncompressed RAW image files for review on the computer without interrupting the flow of the session.

Blackout-free shooting – Unlike mechanical camera systems with optical viewfinders, the Alpha 9 II viewfinder does not black out when an exposure is made. You can observe the reality of what you’re shooting with an uninterrupted view of the subject and scene that allows smooth, seamless framing and tracking even during high-speed continuous shooting. High readout speed from the Exmor RS sensor makes it possible to refresh the live view display on the EVF or LCD screen 60 times per second, while camera settings that affect the image are also applied to the EVF live-view display, providing a convenient preview of results. 

5-axis in-body image stabilization – The high-precision stabilization unit and gyro sensors, plus optimized image stabilization algorithms, achieve up to a 5.5-step shutter speed advantage. When shooting stills, live view shows the stabilized image while the shutter button is half-pressed, even when the MF Assist or Focus Magnifier functions are used. A stabilized viewfinder image makes it easier to frame and focus when using a telephoto or macro lens, for example. In-body image stabilization means that effective stabilization can be achieved with a wide range of lenses, including E-mount and other lenses attached via a mount adaptor that do not include stabilization of their own. 5-axis image stabilization is effective for movies as well as stills.

Anti-flicker shooting – The Alpha 9 II offers an anti-flicker shooting mode that automatically detects and adjusts for the presence of fluorescent or artificial lighting commonly found at sporting events. This mode minimizes exposure and color anomalies that can occur at the top and bottom of images shot at high shutter speeds in artificial lighting conditions, thereby maximizing image quality.  

Silent, vibration-free anti-distortion shutter – Shooting wide open in brightly lit conditions or freezing a fast-moving object in a moment without distorting the image due to slower shutter speeds is made possible with a fully electronic, high-speed, anti-distortion shutter that can achieve speeds as high as 1/32,000 sec., way beyond the limits of a mechanical system. In addition, the electronic vibration-free shutter delivers sharp images and is completely silent, without mechanical noise that can be disruptive when shooting sports or events in a quiet environment.

BIONZ X delivers Low noise at High ISO – The Alpha 9 II achieves high sensitivity of ISO 100 ~ 51200 expandable to ISO 50~204800 (not expandable for movie) for low-light performance thanks to the back-illuminated structure and Nano AR coating on the gapless on-chip lens architecture. The latest BIONZ X image-processing algorithm reduces noise in the medium-to-high sensitivity range while enhancing subjective resolution and image quality. Advances in Sony’s Detail Reproduction Technology achieve even finer reproduction of subject details for realistic rendering of physical textures. Area-specific Noise Reduction has also been improved so that better resolution is realized in dark areas and noise granularity is controlled for maximum image quality at high sensitivities. The algorithm also prevents AWB variations when shooting continuous bursts, for more consistent images. More consistent image quality is ensured in situations where lighting varies, such as sports or weddings.

4D Focus : Wide, fast, steadfast – The advanced Fast Hybrid Auto Focus system comprises of 693 focal-plane phase-detection AF points covering approximately 93% of the image area, as well as 425 contrast AF points. This achieves extremely fast and accurate performance, ensuring all fast-moving subjects are accurately captured. Additional focusing capabilities include Real-time Eye AF with right eye / left eye selection, Real-time Eye AF for animals, Real-Time Eye AF for movie, Real-time Tracking, selectable focus frame color, Touch Pad focus point control while using the viewfinder and more. Continuous AF tracking is also available at Aperture settings greater than F1617, providing further accuracy for shots that require slower shutter speeds.

Accurate AF in low light – The Alpha 9 II includes a Focus Priority mode that provides more reliable Autofocus (AF) in low light and when using smaller apertures. The latest AF algorithms achieve high AF precision down to light levels as low as EV-3 (ISO 100 equivalent, F2.0 lens) for precise and reliable AF in dark scenes. In addition, the autofocus can continuously track when continuous shooting up to F22 aperture. This improvement provides further accuracy in order to take follow shots, which requires slow shutter speed.

Touch Pad focus while using the viewfinder – The touchpad function allows the user to drag the focus frame to any desired point with a fingertip while using the viewfinder. Positioning is normally relative (relative position), with the focus frame responding to the distance a finger is moved on the monitor surface. Absolute positioning can also be selected, so that focus moves directly to the point touched on the monitor. Nine area patterns are provided for easy operation when viewing with the left or right eye, when using a thumb for touch control and is available even when touch tracking is engaged.

Touch focus and touch tracking – With Touch Focus, for smooth focus point selection, you can simply touch the monitor screen to specify the desired focus point when shooting stills or movie. Even subjects near the edges of the frame can be instantly selected thanks to the wide 693 AF point coverage. Double-tap any point on the monitor for a magnified view of that area when focusing manually. Touch Tracking easily specifies the subject and starts automatic tracking. Simply set touch operation to “Touch Tracking” in advance and touch the subject on the monitor to initiate Real-time Tracking.

Selectable focus frame color – The focus frame color can be set to gray, white or red. This provides improved visibility in situations where subject and focus frame color contrast is low and it is difficult to make out the focus area against the subject. Selectable focus frame color can make focusing easier in previously difficult situations.

Focus area circulation – This setting allows the focus area to be circulated through the upper, lower, left, and right edges of the frame. This makes it faster and easier to select an appropriate focus area for sports or other situations where the subject frequently moves from one edge to the other.

Display limit for AF area and ISO – This feature makes it possible to display only the most frequently used settings that can contribute to faster, more efficient shooting. Display settings can be selected in the menu to show or hide Focus Area settings or assigned to a custom button for quicker, easier selection. Display limiting for ISO settings, allows the display range to be limited to frequently used choices.

Expand Flexible Spot – When using Flexible Spot to position the focus point, this function automatically shifts focus to one of the eight adjacent focus points if the subject moves away from the selected focus point, thus maintaining perfect focus

AF Tracking Sensitivity Adjustment – When shooting stills, the sensitivity with which autofocus will follow subjects that move outside the focus area can be adjusted in 5 steps. Select “5” for (most sensitive) when focusing successively on subjects at varying distances, or “1” for (least sensitive) to keep focus on a main subject when other subjects are moving between the main subject and camera, for example.

Autofocus in Focus Magnifier – When shooting stills it is possible to use autofocus while the selected focus area is magnified in the viewfinder or monitor. You can even magnify the view after autofocus has been achieved for easier focus confirmation or refocusing. Since this function can be used to focus on an area smaller than the Flexible Spot, it is ideal for macro photography and other situations where focus must be precise

Focus Area Registration – Predetermined focus areas can be memorized and temporarily recalled via custom button assignments for fast, convenient one-touch recall when needed. An ideal feature when you know where a moving subject is going to be in advance. Focus area mode settings can also be memorized and recalled so you could, for example, memorize the wide or zone settings and recall as necessary according to subject size and movement when shooting with the Flexible Spot function.

Switch Vertical and Horizontal AF Area – It is possible to use separate or identical focus areas and points for horizontal and vertical camera orientations. The ability to use separate focus areas and points reduces the need to readjust focus when shooting portraits or any subject that requires frequent camera orientation changes, for smooth, efficient operation.

Recall Custom Setting During Hold – Memorized settings (exposure, focus settings, drive mode, etc.) can be assigned to custom buttons for temporary recall while the button is held. This is a great way to quickly make temporary setting changes. The Alpha 9 II adds AF tracking sensitivity to the list of settings that can be memorized.

Improved operability while writing to memory card – The Fn menu can be accessed and some settings changed immediately after continuous shooting, while data writing is in progress, as can some of the menu displays and parameters. It is also possible to access the playback display, and the number of still images remaining to be written to memory is shown on the display during playback.

14-bit RAW Format – Compressed and uncompressed 14-bit RAW formats are supported. Uncompressed 14-bit RAW is a good choice in situations where the sensor’s wide dynamic range and fine gradation reproduction will benefit the images being captured. 14-bit RAW output is even available when shooting single images using the electronic shutter.

3.69-million-dot, high-luminance Quad-VGA OLED Tru-Finder displays fine detail – This high-resolution, high-luminance Quad-VGA OLED Tru-Finder has approximately 3.69-million-dots for fine detail reproduction. It incorporates a four-element optical design that includes a double-sided aspherical element, achieving 0.78x magnification (approx. 38.5° diagonal field of view), and corner-to-corner clarity that is simply outstanding. The ZEISS T* Coating greatly reduces reflections. A fluorine coating on the outermost viewfinder lens prevents fingerprints, dust, water, oil, and dirt from sticking. There is even a mode that allows display at high 120 fps frame rates, providing a smooth viewfinder image with minimum display motion blur when shooting moving subjects. The finder frame rate can be set to 60 or 120 fps (NTSC) to best match the subject and shooting conditions: 120 fps (Hi) to track fast subjects, or 60 fps (STD) for maximum battery life. (Up to 4x slow motion and 50x quick motion available in PAL mode.)

Low-vibration high-reliability shutter – The entire shutter mechanism, including the shutter unit itself, has been thoroughly redesigned to suppress even the slightest movement that might cause blur. Shutter vibration that can cause blur is reduced to a minimum while allowing high-speed continuous shooting at up to 10 frame per second thanks to a new shutter unit with a new fast-response coreless motor. The shutter unit is attached to the chassis via dampers that effectively minimize vibration, while refinements to the camera’s image stabilization algorithms result in even further blur reduction. The system also includes a brake that subdues mechanical front and rear curtain shutter vibration. The shutter is quiet, and has been tested for durability in excess of 500,000 shutter cycles.

USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C connector – A USB Type-C connector that supports fast USB 3.2 Gen 1 data transfer is provided. This makes high-speed PC Remote (tethered) shooting and data transfer available for smooth handling of large image files. 

File storage options during PC Remote shooting – The Remote Camera Tool and Imaging Edge applications provide a choice of file storage options to support a variety of workflows. The storage destination for still images shot using the PC Remote function can be set via either the camera or the Remote application. Images can be stored on the computer only, in the camera as well as on the computer, or in the camera only. The ability to store images both in the camera and on the computer creates backups while allowing the operator to review images on the camera without having to leave the camera position. It is also possible to transfer only JPEG files to the computer. Transferring just the JPEG file rather than both the JPEG and RAW files reduces the data volume and allows transferred images to be checked almost immediately.

File transfer to Smartphone – Data transfer using a mobile device is more convenient than ever. If the “Power off connection” in the camera’s smartphone settings is turned ON, and the camera and smartphone are paired via Bluetooth, it is now possible to transfer files from an SD card in the camera via Wi-Fi even if the camera power is OFF. Images to be transferred are selected via the Imaging Edge Mobile application installed on a paired mobile device. Movie files can also be transferred in this way. 　

Bluetooth remote control support – Bluetooth remote control from Sony’s new RMT-P1BT Wireless Remote Commander is supported. Bluetooth remote control is unaffected by obstacles or ambient light, providing greater flexibility and reliability for a variety of shooting situations.

Location Information Link via Bluetooth – When ”Location Info. Link” in the camera’s “Location Info. Link Set.” menu is turned ON and the camera has been paired to the Imaging Edge Mobile application (version 7.2 or later) installed on a compatible mobile phone or tablet device, location data can be acquired from the mobile device and recorded to the appropriate images. Bluetooth connectivity is available with Android,  iPhone/iPad Bluetooth 4.0 or later as of October 2019. 

Save and load settings from media card – When setting up multiple or new cameras, camera shooting settings can be saved to and loaded from memory card via the Setting Save/Load menu. Up to 10 setups can be saved to one media card and up to 20 setups to the Imaging Edge Mobile application (Ver. 7.2 or later). Saved setups can be transferred to any body of the same model number. In addition to save and load operations, setups can be deleted from the camera as necessary. Names of up to 8 characters in length can be assigned to each setup saved in the Alpha 9 II, for easy identification when a saved setup is to be reloaded. The Alpha 9 II can also save and load FTP settings. Not all settings are available for save and load, please check manual for details.

Navigate menus using the dials – Speed and efficiency has been added to the Alpha 9 II when navigating the MENU, by using the camera’s dials.The front dial selects menu tabs, the rear dial selects sub-tabs, and the control wheel selects individual menu items. The Fn button can also be used for menu tab selection.

My Menu – A My Menu feature allows up to 30 menu items to be registered for instant recall when needed. The registered items can be arranged in order of use frequency, and unused items can be erased as required. The user can create a custom menu that ideally suits his or her shooting needs. There is also a new setting that allows My Menu to be displayed when the MENU button is pressed while shooting. 

My Dial – Custom function assignments can now be made to the front/rear dials and the control wheel. By assigning frequently used functions to these dials via the “My Dial during Hold”, “My Dial 1-> 2-> 3“ and “Toggle My Dial” functions, they become instantly available for temporary recall while a custom button is held. 

Custom button function assignment – Make it your own. The Alpha 9 II is highly customizable with 125 functions assignable to 15 custom buttons. Independent function sets can be assigned for stills, movies, and playback. “MENU” has been added to the items that can be assigned to custom buttons, so instead of using the MENU button on the left side of the rear panel, MENU recall can be assigned to a custom button on the right side of the rear panel for more “compact” right-hand operation, for example. In addition, the Fn button customization can be separate for stills and movie modes. 

Efficient control during playback – In addition to scrolling through shot images one at a time, a new Image Jump setting make it possible to skip 10 or 100 frames at a time. This can make it faster and easier to locate a desired image. Select the 1, 10, or 100 frames setting via the Image Jump Setting menu.

Rating and protect functions facilitate on-location sorting – Star ratings (1 to 5 stars) can be applied to still images right from the camera controls. The same ratings are maintained when the images are imported into PlayMemories Home or Imaging Edge software running on a PC. The rating function can be assigned to a custom button so that ratings can be applied via the review playback display. There is also a protect function that can prevent accidental erasure of images. The protect function can be assigned to a custom button (C3 is the default) so that images can be quickly protected during review. Ratings and protection can be applied via the review playback display on location or while traveling to save time.

Peaking function makes manual focus easy – The detection accuracy of the peaking function that color-highlights the most sharply focused area has been improved in the advanced BIONZ X image processing engine. It is now easier than ever to identify the focus peak areas during the delicate focusing required in macro or portrait shooting. Peaking level can be set to Low, Mid or High while peaking color can be set to Red, yellow, blue or white as required for optimum visibility with a wide range of subjects.

3-inch ( 3.0 type) 1.44 million-dot tilting LCD screen – This 3-inch ( 3.0 type) LCD touch screen with 1.44 million dots features high resolution for detailed viewing. WhiteMagic technology is included to ensure that LCD viewing is bright and clear even in outdoor conditions. The monitor tilts upwards by a maximum of 107°, and downwards by a maximum of 41° for flexible hold and framing.

Reliable and durable for demanding jobs – Dust and moisture resistance of the Alpha 9 II is a step above the Alpha 9 thanks to refinements throughout the body. Additional sealing is provided at all body seams as well