Description

The second generation of speed, the Sony Alpha a9 II takes the impressive feature-set of its predecessor and adds enhanced connectivity, a refined body design, and even quicker performance. Utilizing the proven 24.2MP full-frame Exmor RS BSI stacked CMOS sensor and an updated BIONZ X processor, the a9 II sports especially quick and responsive capabilities. Up to 20 fps shooting is possible with a silent electronic shutter or up to 10 fps with a mechanical shutter is supported, along with a wide sensitivity range that reaches up to an expanded ISO 204800. The sensor’s design also incorporates a 693-point phase-detection autofocus system, which offers intelligent subject tracking and Real-time Eye AF to ensure critical focus on moving subjects. The BIONZ X also performs up to 60 AF/AE functions per second to go along with the 20 fps shooting for reliable results in quickly changing situations. In addition to stills, UHD 4K video recording is supported at up to 30 fps and Quick and Slow Motion recording is also available. Additionally, 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE sensor-shift image stabilization is available, too, which minimizes the appearance of camera shake by up to 5.5 stops.

Inspired by Professional Passion

The overwhelming speed performance of the α9, which changed the game in sports and news photography, is now reborn with additional enhancements that boost professional workflow productivity.

Built for Speed, Reliability and Productivity

The α9 II offers advances that answer the demands of professional workflows, including sophisticated operability and network connectivity for enhanced support in the field, rugged go-anywhere reliability and unrivalled speed.

High-speed continuous shooting at up to 20fps

Groundbreaking full-frame Exmor RSTM CMOS sensor and BIONZ XTM processor team up for 20fps continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking. Stunning high-speed performance and ample buffer let you capture the decisive moment.

Blackout-Free Shooting

Electronic shutter eliminates blackout typical of SLR mirror cameras. Subject is visible during shutter release, with 60fps live-view and minimal display lag in continuous shooting.
(A) Blackout-free Shooting (B) Shooting with blackouts.

AF/AE calculations up to 60 times/sec.

Light reaches the image sensor without mechanical interruption. Mirrorless construction and speed-enhancing technologies provide AF/AE at the full-frame focal plane.
(1) AF/AE calculations (2) 60 times/sec (3) 20 frames/sec.

Electronic shutter speeds up to 1/32000 sec.

Electronic shutter speeds up to 1/32000 sec far surpass mechanical shutters for a new imaging expression. You can also maintain shallow depth of field without an ND filter, even under bright conditions.

No Distracting Sounds

An anti-distortion electronic shutter allows the scene to be captured silently6, with no risk of mechanical mirror or shutter sounds disrupting the tension at a sports event.

Anti-Flicker Shooting

Flicker from fluorescent and other artificial lighting is detected, and shutter operation is timed to suppress exposure and colour anomalies (at high shutter speeds) and inconsistency between continuous shots.

10fps with Mechanical Shutter

The mechanical shutter now allows continuous shooting at up to 10fps, and can also be used with a flash. You can deploy high-speed continuous shooting for scenes as appropriate.

Full-Frame Stacked Integral-Memory CMOS Sensor

The 24.2-megapixel full-frame high-speed stacked image sensor stores data in integral memory for lightning-fast readout. The CMOS sensor and enhanced BIONZ X image-processing engine together bring you true digital freedom.
[Stacked back-illuminated structure with integral memory]

4D FOCUS: Wide AF

With 693 phase-detection and 425 contrast-detection AF points, the sensor provides wide and high-density AF covering 93% of the image.

4D FOCUS: Fast AF

Thanks to responsive enhanced Fast Hybrid AF, the α9 II delivers swift AF even under dim lighting conditions, with a remarkable ability to capture a subject.

4D FOCUS: Steadfast Tracking

Uninterrupted AF and an optimized AF algorithm dramatically enhance AF accuracy and tracking. Even during shutter release, constant AF activation allows continuous tracking of subject motion.

AI-based Real-time Tracking

After the subject is specified, precise focus is maintained while the shutter button is half-pressed. Position changes are accurately tracked, providing framing flexibility as you concentrate on getting the best shot.

Underlying technology

The AI recognition algorithm efficiently processes colour, pattern, distance, face, and eye data from the image sensor for high accuracy.
(1) Face [AI] (2) Eye [AI] (3) Colour (4) Pattern (5) Distance (6) Real-time Processing

Instant Focusing on One Eye

Even when another object passes in front, Real-time Eye AF can maintain focus on one of the subject’s eyes when the shutter is half-pressed, or by pressing AF-ON or a custom button.

Right/left eye selection to meet your need

You can even select a specific eye—left or right—before or during shooting via a custom button. Eye selection allows you to focus on composition, lighting, and other details.

Eye AF for Animals

Fast, precise automatic detection and tracking with animal and human eye tracking greatly increases the success rate in capturing images of animals in the wild or pets at home.

Reliable even in low light

Advanced AF algorithms contribute to AF precision at light levels as low as EV-3. The Focus Priority in Aperture Drive option is for more accurate focusing in dim lighting14 and when the aperture is stopped down.

Improved Focus Frame Usability

Even with the shutter button half-pressed, the focus area can now be moved with the multi-selector to any location. Conveniently, the focus frame colour can be set to red or white to suit the scene.

Highly Advanced Stacked CMOS Sensor

Approx. 24.2 effective megapixels, high sensitivity, back-illuminated configuration, gapless on-chip lens architecture, and other Sony innovations deliver stunning images in a wide range of photographic situations.

The Latest Image Processing System

The latest BIONZ X image processing engine works in tandem with the front-end LSI to maximize high-resolution sensor performance.

Superb image quality

High-sensitivity performance up to ISO 51200 and algorithm advances to realize smooth expression, including natural skin colours and smooth gradations in areas such as the sky. 14-bit RAW output is available.

3.68-Million-Dot Quad-VGA OLED Tru-Finder™

The 3.68-million-dot viewfinder (EVF) shows a detailed image. 120fps finder frame rate setting provides a smooth viewfinder image with minimal motion blur. Fluorine coating on the outer lens repels dirt and makes it easier to clean.

In-Body 5-Axis Optical Image Stabilization

In-body 5-axis optical image stabilization gives a 5.5-step shutter speed advantage. Live-view monitor image stabilization allows easy image composition even with fast-moving subjects.

Blur reducing structure

Sony re-engineered the shutter unit assembly with dampened screws to absorb any shutter shock, and an enhanced image stabilization algorithm effectively reduces image blur. Shutter sound has also been reduced.

Beautiful 4K Movie Recording

Beautiful 4K movie recording. Full-pixel readout with no pixel binning makes it possible to condense approximately 2.4 times the amount of data required for 4K (the equivalent of the amount of data required for 6K) into 3840 x 2160 4K output. Versatile with Fast Hybrid AF performance, Eye AF functions, Touch Tracking, etc.

Now Real-time Eye AF for movie shooting

Real-time Eye AF newly supports movie shooting by detecting the subject’s eyes and continuing to track one eye. As the α9 II keeps that eye in precise focus, you can concentrate on composition.

Touch Tracking for persistent focus on your subject

When shooting movies on the α9 II, a subject touched on the LCD monitor is automatically focused and followed with Touch Tracking. If a human eye is spotted, Real-time Eye AF activates and tracks it too.

Compatible with Multi-Functional New Mic

The Multi Interface Shoe (MI Shoe) is enhanced with a Digital audio interface. Use the new ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone to record high-quality sound with minimized deterioration.

High-speed data transfer with 1000BASE-T available

Smooth, reliable high-speed data transfer of large image files to a designated FTP server is now available via LAN terminal supporting 1000BASE-T. FTPS (File Transfer Protocol over SSL/TLS) guarantees high security.

Support for Background FTP Data Transfers

To meet pro needs for prompt delivery, the α9 II supports FTP data transfers in the background during and after shooting for JPEG and RAW file delivery. Up to nine FTP servers can be assigned in advance.

Add Voice Memos to Your Images

The new Voice Memo function lets you record audio descriptions of content or shooting conditions up to 60 seconds long, attached to images as .wav files. IPTC and camera serial number information can also be embedded in image files.

Remote Operation with Remote Camera Tool

Remote operation is available with the Remote Camera Tool desktop application, convenient when photographer access is restricted, such as shooting a birds-eye view from the roof of a sports arena.

Easy operation in vertical orientation

The new VG-C4EM provides controls with optimized location, size, shape and material similar to those on the camera body to simulate the operational “feel” when the camera is held vertically.

Extend shooting to professional length

The α9 II uses a high-capacity NP-FZ100 battery. Alternatively, two of these can be used in the optional VG-C4EM Vertical Grip for longer shooting durations and worry-free shooting in the field.

Dual media slots, both supporting UHS-II

Both media slots are compatible with UHS-I and UHS-II for fast data writing. The α9 II can simultaneously or relay record, separate RAW/JPEG data and stills/movies, and copy data between cards.