Sony a99
Announced September 12, 2012
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Sony Alpha a99 is a feature-rich full-frame camera that excels at still image quality and video production, offering unique tools like an articulated screen and in-body stabilization. That said, the system suffers from limited autofocus point coverage and poor battery performance, which may deter those accustomed to traditional optical viewfinders.
Weighted from 25 reviewer scores
Pros
- Excellent image quality and high ISO performance
- Versatile video capabilities with advanced autofocus and connectivity
- High-quality OLED electronic viewfinder and focus peaking
- Durable, weather-sealed magnesium alloy build
- Flexible articulating LCD screen and in-body stabilization
Cons
- Poor battery life and slow startup times
- Autofocus points are clustered in the center of the frame
- Lack of an optical viewfinder and built-in flash
- Cumbersome menu navigation and file playback
- Limited video control and restricted autofocus modes
- Launch price $2,799 (USD)
- Sensor 24.3MP Full-Frame CMOS
- Stabilization In-body IS, 4.5 stops (CIPA)
- Burst 6 fps mechanical
Expert Reviews
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- DPReview 84/100
The SLT-A99 is a feature-rich camera that still provides a wealth of easily accessed manual user controls. It stands out as the only full-frame camera to offer in-body stabilization, an EVF, and an articulated rear screen.
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When compared to the Alpha 77, the low-light performance of the Alpha 99 has been improved no end, and in most respects this is the best Alpha to date.
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Whether you are an enthusiast or a professional photographer, if you are looking for a full-frame camera and system, I highly recommend that you give a serious consideration to the A99.
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The Sony Alpha A99 offers excellent image quality and impressive speed.
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The Sony A99 is a tour-de-force of the latest camera tech, and a great camera in its own right.
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The Sony Alpha 99 is a full-featured full-frame D-SLR that can focus as quickly when recording video as it does for still images, but it doesn't have an optical viewfinder.
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With a tilting screen, audio in and out ports, the Silent Multi-controller and its collection of video options, the Sony Alpha a99 is particularly well suited for creating movies.
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As it is, it stands as a camera which delivers in some areas with aplomb, but falls down elsewhere where it matters.
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[I]f you don't need fast accurate AF,the a99 is a great buy with lots of now very affordable A mount lenses.
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Sony has shown that they can challenge the other multimedia full-framers from Canon and Nikon.
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If you're in the market for an amazing DSLR, you have to pay serious attention to the A99. The autofocusing for stills can't be beat, the image quality is stellar, and features like the Sweep Panorama mode and HDR may sound gimmicky, but they work really well.
- Photo Review 9/10
Buy this camera if [y]ou’re looking for a high-resolution DSLR that provides good ergonomics for shooting video and can record high-quality stills and Full HD video clips.
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As it stands, this is a seriously impressive full-frame camera but it’s not our favourite.
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It's a really great performer, I have to say.
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Honestly, when it comes to this stuff, the Sony Alpha a99 is brilliant.
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The Sony A99 is a very nice camera, just not nice enough.
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Unlike a DSLR, the A99 is a power hog, and is useless if taken out for more than a day without more batteries or its charger.
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Sony's Alpha 99 is a high-end digital camera with pro video capabilities. It offers a great deal of power and control for movie production, but it's not for the faint of heart or the shy of wallet.
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A top performer from Sony.
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It may be really difficult for Sony to penetrate a market which is predominantly dominated by the Cannons and Nikons of the world, but we feel that the Sony Alpha a99 brings in a lot to the table.
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I would highly recommend it for anyone that's already invested in Sony's camera system and wants full-frame image quality. I'd also recommend it for videographers that want continuous autofocus and a bunch of features to assist in filming.
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Frankly, anything I could once have shot on a Hasselblad can easily be tackled with an Alpha 99.
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A lot of things to like with this camera; I always enjoyed shooting with it but definitely a few areas to look out for and potential drawbacks.
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The Sony Alpha a99 makes really really nice colors and I think one of the best color reproductions I've ever seen in a DSLR.
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I have to be honest, I think I'd be weighted towards the 77 simply because it feels like it delivers a bigger bang for the dollars you throw at it, but these big full frame image sensors really do deliver an aesthetic that you just can't match with the smaller APSC sensors [...]
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