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Sony A99 II

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Mike Stratil

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I have never owned an A99 so I am not familiar with the design. The new II version is said to have Translucent Mirror Technology. My understanding is that this is a stationary mirror that allows for both AF and sensor capture without any mirror movement.

So it has the advantages of mirrorless (EVF, elimination of mirror shake, etc.) while still having a mirror. Is that a correct interpretation?

Also, I wonder why Sony didn't just go mirrorless with this camera?

In any case, it looks like a big winner for A mount users, who have been waiting for a long time for this camera to appear.
 
Mike Stratil said:
I have never owned an A99 so I am not familiar with the design. The new II version is said to have Translucent Mirror Technology. My understanding is that this is a stationary mirror that allows for both AF and sensor capture without any mirror movement.
Click to expand...
Yes
Member said:
So it has the advantages of mirrorless (EVF, elimination of mirror shake, etc.) while still having a mirror. Is that a correct interpretation?
Click to expand...
Yes
Member said:
Also, I wonder why Sony didn't just go mirrorless with this camera?
Click to expand...
1) Because on-sensor AF was not mature enough to completely replace off-sensor PDAF at the time SLT was introduced.

2) Because going full mirrorless would reduce the flange distance and make all traditional A-mount lenses require an adapter. Alternatively, if they removed the mirror and left the flange distance, you would have this weird space built-in that made the camera arbitrarily large.
Member said:
In any case, it looks like a big winner for A mount users, who have been waiting for a long time for this camera to appear.
Click to expand...
Agree
 
Mike Stratil said:
I have never owned an A99 so I am not familiar with the design. The new II version is said to have Translucent Mirror Technology. My understanding is that this is a stationary mirror that allows for both AF and sensor capture without any mirror movement.
Click to expand...
that's been the history of a-mount cameras, yes... not sure if the a99ii is the same? thx for the heads-up on it, gonna check it out.

the sony laea4 adapter works the same way.
Member said:
So it has the advantages of mirrorless (EVF, elimination of mirror shake, etc.) while still having a mirror. Is that a correct interpretation?
Click to expand...
that's how i understand it, with the disadvantage being 1/3 stop or so of light loss thru the translucent mirror.

since that translucent panel doesn't flip up, there shouldn't be any mirror vibration through it, which is an advantage over a dslr.
Member said:
Also, I wonder why Sony didn't just go mirrorless with this camera?
Click to expand...
they did that with the a7rii already, but why not do it with a-mount also? that's a good question, i wonder what the a-mount guys think.
 
techjedi said:
Mike Stratil said:
I have never owned an A99 so I am not familiar with the design. The new II version is said to have Translucent Mirror Technology. My understanding is that this is a stationary mirror that allows for both AF and sensor capture without any mirror movement.
Click to expand...
Yes
techjedi said:
So it has the advantages of mirrorless (EVF, elimination of mirror shake, etc.) while still having a mirror. Is that a correct interpretation?
Click to expand...
Yes
techjedi said:
Also, I wonder why Sony didn't just go mirrorless with this camera?
Click to expand...
1) Because on-sensor AF was not mature enough to completely replace off-sensor PDAF at the time SLT was introduced.

2) Because going full mirrorless would reduce the flange distance and make all traditional A-mount lenses require an adapter. Alternatively, if they removed the mirror and left the flange distance, you would have this weird space built-in that made the camera arbitrarily large.
techjedi said:
In any case, it looks like a big winner for A mount users, who have been waiting for a long time for this camera to appear.
Click to expand...
Agree
Click to expand...
I'm under the impression that a lot of people would rather have this camera without the mirror.
 
techjedi said:
Mike Stratil said:
I have never owned an A99 so I am not familiar with the design. The new II version is said to have Translucent Mirror Technology. My understanding is that this is a stationary mirror that allows for both AF and sensor capture without any mirror movement.
Click to expand...
Yes
techjedi said:
So it has the advantages of mirrorless (EVF, elimination of mirror shake, etc.) while still having a mirror. Is that a correct interpretation?
Click to expand...
Yes
techjedi said:
Also, I wonder why Sony didn't just go mirrorless with this camera?
Click to expand...
1) Because on-sensor AF was not mature enough to completely replace off-sensor PDAF at the time SLT was introduced.

2) Because going full mirrorless would reduce the flange distance and make all traditional A-mount lenses require an adapter. Alternatively, if they removed the mirror and left the flange distance, you would have this weird space built-in that made the camera arbitrarily large.
techjedi said:
In any case, it looks like a big winner for A mount users, who have been waiting for a long time for this camera to appear.
Click to expand...
Agree
Click to expand...
On 1 and 2... No to both. OSPDAF is still not as capable as SLT/SLT AF. The big gap is cross type sensels, that are still only available off sensor. Off sensor sensels are also bigger, so more effective in lowlight. Also, Sony could have left out the mirror and kept the registration distance the same... But there would be much point in that.

One thing they could have done would have been to provide an SLT mirror that could be locked up, so you could choose between better AF or more light.
 
wow, 4k video and 12fps? nice

https://www.dpreview.com/news/5855300360/sony-announces-alpha-99-mark-ii

"It has 79 AF points on its dedicated PDAF sensor, which work in conjunction with 399 on-sensor PDAF points to create what Sony calls 'Hybrid Cross AF points.'"

i wonder if they have updated the translucent mirror technology in this camera, so that there is less light loss... laea5 perhaps?

--
dan
 
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Edymagno said:
techjedi said:
Mike Stratil said:
I have never owned an A99 so I am not familiar with the design. The new II version is said to have Translucent Mirror Technology. My understanding is that this is a stationary mirror that allows for both AF and sensor capture without any mirror movement.
Click to expand...
Yes
Edymagno said:
So it has the advantages of mirrorless (EVF, elimination of mirror shake, etc.) while still having a mirror. Is that a correct interpretation?
Click to expand...
Yes
Edymagno said:
Also, I wonder why Sony didn't just go mirrorless with this camera?
Click to expand...
1) Because on-sensor AF was not mature enough to completely replace off-sensor PDAF at the time SLT was introduced.

2) Because going full mirrorless would reduce the flange distance and make all traditional A-mount lenses require an adapter. Alternatively, if they removed the mirror and left the flange distance, you would have this weird space built-in that made the camera arbitrarily large.
Edymagno said:
In any case, it looks like a big winner for A mount users, who have been waiting for a long time for this camera to appear.
Click to expand...
Agree
Click to expand...
I'm under the impression that a lot of people would rather have this camera without the mirror.
Click to expand...
Those people should buy an A7RII plus LA-EA3. But they shouldn't then complain when they can't get the AF performance that currently requires off sensor PDAF.
 
SQLGuy said:
techjedi said:
Mike Stratil said:
I have never owned an A99 so I am not familiar with the design. The new II version is said to have Translucent Mirror Technology. My understanding is that this is a stationary mirror that allows for both AF and sensor capture without any mirror movement.
Click to expand...
Yes
SQLGuy said:
So it has the advantages of mirrorless (EVF, elimination of mirror shake, etc.) while still having a mirror. Is that a correct interpretation?
Click to expand...
Yes
SQLGuy said:
Also, I wonder why Sony didn't just go mirrorless with this camera?
Click to expand...
1) Because on-sensor AF was not mature enough to completely replace off-sensor PDAF at the time SLT was introduced.

2) Because going full mirrorless would reduce the flange distance and make all traditional A-mount lenses require an adapter. Alternatively, if they removed the mirror and left the flange distance, you would have this weird space built-in that made the camera arbitrarily large.
SQLGuy said:
In any case, it looks like a big winner for A mount users, who have been waiting for a long time for this camera to appear.
Click to expand...
Agree
Click to expand...
On 1 and 2... No to both. OSPDAF is still not as capable as SLT/SLT AF. The big gap is cross type sensels, that are still only available off sensor. Off sensor sensels are also bigger, so more effective in lowlight. Also, Sony could have left out the mirror and kept the registration distance the same... But there would be much point in that.

One thing they could have done would have been to provide an SLT mirror that could be locked up, so you could choose between better AF or more light.
Click to expand...
 
Mike Stratil said:
I have never owned an A99 so I am not familiar with the design. The new II version is said to have Translucent Mirror Technology. My understanding is that this is a stationary mirror that allows for both AF and sensor capture without any mirror movement.

So it has the advantages of mirrorless (EVF, elimination of mirror shake, etc.) while still having a mirror. Is that a correct interpretation?

Also, I wonder why Sony didn't just go mirrorless with this camera?

In any case, it looks like a big winner for A mount users, who have been waiting for a long time for this camera to appear.
Click to expand...
 
Mike Stratil said:
I have never owned an A99 so I am not familiar with the design. The new II version is said to have Translucent Mirror Technology. My understanding is that this is a stationary mirror that allows for both AF and sensor capture without any mirror movement.
Click to expand...
Yes it's the same concept as their other A-mount cameras.
Member said:
So it has the advantages of mirrorless (EVF, elimination of mirror shake, etc.) while still having a mirror. Is that a correct interpretation?
Click to expand...
Yes, particularly for those who prefer an EVF over an OVF. I'm not sure whether its AF system has a separate AF module as well as the on-sensor points. Previous models have very good AF performance.
Member said:
Also, I wonder why Sony didn't just go mirrorless with this camera?
Click to expand...
There is a user base of photographers who prefer this type of camera and have invested in A-mount lenses. Sony already has the E-mount a7 series for people who want a full mirrorless camera. More choice is better.
Member said:
In any case, it looks like a big winner for A mount users, who have been waiting for a long time for this camera to appear.
Click to expand...
It's good to see such a capable camera for the A-mount users.
 
JT26 said:
Mike Stratil said:
I have never owned an A99 so I am not familiar with the design. The new II version is said to have Translucent Mirror Technology. My understanding is that this is a stationary mirror that allows for both AF and sensor capture without any mirror movement.

So it has the advantages of mirrorless (EVF, elimination of mirror shake, etc.) while still having a mirror. Is that a correct interpretation?

Also, I wonder why Sony didn't just go mirrorless with this camera?

In any case, it looks like a big winner for A mount users, who have been waiting for a long time for this camera to appear.

--
Michael S
Click to expand...
A number of their lenses need the mirror to focus properly. The screw mount lenses for instance, and these are some of the best lenses ever... And that isnt being dramatic. 135 F1.8 is unreal.

--
https://500px.com/candidchris
Click to expand...
My husband and I owned the a77II before switching over to E-mount. It's truly a great system with dual advantages, but many vintage lenses need the mirror to focus. The small stop of light loss from the translucent mirror was an issue for APSC, but for the 42mp BSI sensor it will not be much problem.

I think they are positioning this camera against the 5DIV rather than the E-mount series. People are going to sit up and take notice for sure. The 42mp sensor is still yet unmatched especially for the continuous eye AF performance. People who poo-poo the E-mount system for "lacking lenses" "not serious" "too small and cramped body" are only going to have the whine about battery life left -- and the large grip for a99II will help that situation.

Time will tell what happens next!

--
http://www.roseandcharles.com
 
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They press release claims it has a "XGA OLED Tru-finder with a ZEISS® T* Coating that offers a powerful 0.78x magnification". Given the absence of any word on hybrid or dual finders, that sounds very much as if it were no SLR, but a a-mount EVIL! Something very much like a A7RII with LA-EA4 built-in. Could be welcome for users of long lenses - many complained about the focusing speed with these on the LA-EA2/EA4, and a dedicated camera could doubtlessly be much stronger there...
 
sevo_stille said:
They press release claims it has a "XGA OLED Tru-finder with a ZEISS® T* Coating that offers a powerful 0.78x magnification". Given the absence of any word on hybrid or dual finders, that sounds very much as if it were no SLR, but a a-mount EVIL! Something very much like a A7RII with LA-EA4 built-in. Could be welcome for users of long lenses - many complained about the focusing speed with these on the LA-EA2/EA4, and a dedicated camera could doubtlessly be much stronger there...
Click to expand...
Sony's SLTs have been using EVF for quite a few years now. I think the a900 was the last OVF.
 
sevo_stille said:
They press release claims it has a "XGA OLED Tru-finder with a ZEISS® T* Coating that offers a powerful 0.78x magnification". Given the absence of any word on hybrid or dual finders, that sounds very much as if it were no SLR, but a a-mount EVIL!
Click to expand...
All SLT models (which were introduced in 2010) have EVFs. Sony completely dropped SLRs with optical viewfinders in that year.
sevo_stille said:
Something very much like a A7RII with LA-EA4 built-in.
Click to expand...
You mean the A7RII (or any other E-mount body) with an LA-EA4 is 'something very much like' a standard A-mount SLT body ... but the adapter uses old (2010) AF technology.
 
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JT26 said:
Mike Stratil said:
I have never owned an A99 so I am not familiar with the design. The new II version is said to have Translucent Mirror Technology. My understanding is that this is a stationary mirror that allows for both AF and sensor capture without any mirror movement.

So it has the advantages of mirrorless (EVF, elimination of mirror shake, etc.) while still having a mirror. Is that a correct interpretation?

Also, I wonder why Sony didn't just go mirrorless with this camera?

In any case, it looks like a big winner for A mount users, who have been waiting for a long time for this camera to appear.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
SQLGuy said:
... the mirror is not required to drive the screw drive AF mechanism... it's just that Sony has bundled the SLT and the drive motor in the LA-EA4. They could (and, IMO, should) make a motorized, no-mirror, adapter for A-mount lenses.
Click to expand...
You might be right; but that idea can only properly be described as speculation today. Sony has had five years to produce such an adapter, but has not done so; and now there's the fact that the SLT mirror remains in today's A99II - contrary to many theorists who hoped or predicted otherwise - and thus continues to support screw-drive lenses with current AF technology.
 
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sybersitizen said:
SQLGuy said:
... the mirror is not required to drive the screw drive AF mechanism... it's just that Sony has bundled the SLT and the drive motor in the LA-EA4. They could (and, IMO, should) make a motorized, no-mirror, adapter for A-mount lenses.
Click to expand...
You might be right; but that idea can only properly be described as speculation today. Sony has had five years to produce such an adapter, but has not done so; and now there's the fact that the SLT mirror remains in today's A99II - contrary to many theorists who hoped or predicted otherwise - and thus continues to support screw-drive lenses with current AF technology.
Click to expand...
Not speculation at all. Simply an understanding of how the systems work.

You can see for yourself in the Sony Photokina release one of the reasons for keeping the SLT: the -4 EV AF is only using the 79 off-sensor points (because they are much bigger than the OSPDAF points, and so are much more sensitive, even though they are getting less light.)
 
SQLGuy said:
sybersitizen said:
SQLGuy said:
... the mirror is not required to drive the screw drive AF mechanism... it's just that Sony has bundled the SLT and the drive motor in the LA-EA4. They could (and, IMO, should) make a motorized, no-mirror, adapter for A-mount lenses.
Click to expand...
You might be right; but that idea can only properly be described as speculation today. Sony has had five years to produce such an adapter, but has not done so; and now there's the fact that the SLT mirror remains in today's A99II - contrary to many theorists who hoped or predicted otherwise - and thus continues to support screw-drive lenses with current AF technology.
Click to expand...
Not speculation at all. Simply an understanding of how the systems work.
Click to expand...
Sony understands how the systems work. So where's the speculated adapter?
SQLGuy said:
You can see for yourself in the Sony Photokina release one of the reasons for keeping the SLT: the -4 EV AF is only using the 79 off-sensor points (because they are much bigger than the OSPDAF points, and so are much more sensitive, even though they are getting less light.)
Click to expand...
Right - one of the reasons for the SLT mirror is that it allows superior AF. That does not mean that we here are in a position to know that the mirror is 100% expendable for the full AF support of screw-drive lenses. If/when Sony - or any other entity - produces such an adapter or mirrorless camera with that kind of full support, then we'll know.
 
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Hmm, only ever really researched the A7 line and A6000-A6300 as well. What is this A-mount they speak of? Is there alot of reliable lenses available for the A-mount? Is this basically all the perks from the A6300/A7RII cameras in a DSLR body but with different lenses to choose from?

I wonder how the ISO performance stacks up against the A7RII...not familiar with the camera line or lenses but it's definitely interesting:)
 
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SHood said:
SQLGuy said:
techjedi said:
Mike Stratil said:
I have never owned an A99 so I am not familiar with the design. The new II version is said to have Translucent Mirror Technology. My understanding is that this is a stationary mirror that allows for both AF and sensor capture without any mirror movement.
Click to expand...
Yes
SHood said:
So it has the advantages of mirrorless (EVF, elimination of mirror shake, etc.) while still having a mirror. Is that a correct interpretation?
Click to expand...
Yes
SHood said:
Also, I wonder why Sony didn't just go mirrorless with this camera?
Click to expand...
1) Because on-sensor AF was not mature enough to completely replace off-sensor PDAF at the time SLT was introduced.

2) Because going full mirrorless would reduce the flange distance and make all traditional A-mount lenses require an adapter. Alternatively, if they removed the mirror and left the flange distance, you would have this weird space built-in that made the camera arbitrarily large.
SHood said:
In any case, it looks like a big winner for A mount users, who have been waiting for a long time for this camera to appear.
Click to expand...
Agree
Click to expand...
On 1 and 2... No to both. OSPDAF is still not as capable as SLT/SLT AF. The big gap is cross type sensels, that are still only available off sensor. Off sensor sensels are also bigger, so more effective in lowlight. Also, Sony could have left out the mirror and kept the registration distance the same... But there would be much point in that.

One thing they could have done would have been to provide an SLT mirror that could be locked up, so you could choose between better AF or more light.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
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