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Comment: 200-Day Warranty. Comes in box with battery, charger, strap and manuals. Minor scratrches on body see picture for detail. Missing rubber eye cup. Up87 SN:1003103
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Sony Alpha SLT-A99V Full-Frame SLR Digital Camera with 3-Inch LED - Body Only (Black)

3.2 3.2 out of 5 stars 67 ratings

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About this item

  • 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor
  • SLT design with fixed, semi-transparent mirror
  • 19-point AF system with full-time phase-detection AF in video mode
  • ISO 100-25600
  • 3.0 inch semi-articulated LCD with 1.23m-dots
  • 1080p HD video recording
  • 6 frames per second continuous shooting with AF
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Sony Alpha SLT-A99V Full-Frame SLR Digital Camera with 3-Inch LED - Body Only (Black)
Sony Alpha SLT-A99V Full-Frame SLR Digital Camera with 3-Inch LED - Body Only (Black)
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Price$899.99$1,408.23$2,498.00-15% $2,299.00
List:$2,699.00
$1,798.00$2,999.00
Delivery
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Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31
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Get it Apr 3 - 9
Customer Ratings
Picture quality
4.7
4.8
4.6
4.6
4.9
Auto focus
4.5
4.8
4.5
4.5
5.0
Battery life
3.8
4.7
4.7
4.7
Image stabilization
4.5
4.8
4.6
Face recognition
4.5
4.6
5.0
Sold By
Ace Photo
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Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Focus Camera LLC
AVC Photo Store & Studio
display type
LED-backlit
LCD
LCD
LCD
LCD
LCD
display size
3 inches
2.95 inches
3 inches
3.2 inches
3 inches
3 inches
lens type
Mirror
Zoom
Wide Angle
Wide Angle
Zoom
Fisheye
zoom type
Optical Zoom
Automatic
Optical Zoom
optical
autofocus
shooting modes
High dynamic rang
Single shooting, Continuous shooting (Hi+/Hi/Mid/Lo selectable), Self-timer, Self-timer (Cont.), Bracketing (Cont., Single, White Balance, DRO)
Auto, Programmed, Aperture, Shutter speed, Manual, Movie
Bulb Mode,Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Shutter Priority
AUTO (iAuto), Programmed AE (P), Aperture priority (A), Shutter-speed priority (S), Manual (M), Movie modes
P, A, S, M and more
connectivity tech
HDMI, USB
NFC, HDMI, USB
HDMI, USB
Wi-Fi
NFC, HDMI
NFC, HDMI, Bluetooth, USB

What's in the box

  • Camera
  • Body cap
  • Rechargeable battery
  • USB cable
  • Eyepiece cup
  • Battery charger
  • Shoulder strap
  • Accessory shoe cap
  • Looking for specific info?

    Product information

    Warranty & Support

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    Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here

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    Sony

    Sony Alpha SLT-A99V Full-Frame SLR Digital Camera with 3-Inch LED - Body Only (Black)


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    Product Description

    Product Description

    Discover truly remarkable clarity with Sony's innovative new full frame DSLR that doubles as a world-class filmmaking camera. With the world's first Dual AF system10 and Translucent Mirror technology, you are no longer bound by limitations of the traditional DSLR. This massive leap forward delivers astounding 24MP resolution plus uncompressed, Full HD video recording—all wrapped in an ultra-light, magnesium alloy body.

    From the Manufacturer

    A+

    "The A99 gives very good image quality, particularly so at high ISO sensitivities, placing it among the best performing full frame cameras we've seen to date. And with 24MP resolution, only of the class-leading 36MP Nikon D800 resolves more detail. Dynamic range is equally impressive as well, easily on par with its peers. And the camera's multi-shot HDR mode provides JPEG shooters with an easy way to capture both highlight and shadow detail that exceeds single-shot capability."

    "There's a lot to like in the Sony SLT-A99. It's a camera that combines very good image quality with a high degree of camera customization and an ergonomically well-designed control layout. It incorporates all of Sony's recent technology advances in both stills and video performance. A900 users who've patiently waited for an upgrade and are amenable to using an EVF will be hard-pressed to find much fault with the A99, as it represents a significant step forward in just about every respect other than output resolution.

    We ourselves, find very little to criticize outside of relatively minor operational concerns and find the A99 well-suited to variety of applications from landscape to studio work. The biggest challenge here for Sony is that its rivals Nikon and Canon have stepped up their already considerable game and now offer lineups of full frame DSLRs targeted specifically at working photojournalists, well-heeled enthusiasts and most recently, budget-conscious shooters. Make no mistake though, Sony does offer features that are entirely unique to the full frame DSLR market such as in-body stabilization that works with all lenses, an articulated screen and superior live view/video AF performance.

    We have to applaud Sony's forward-thinking efforts to leverage all of its existing technology - including its high quality OLED EVF - into its flagship model and not be afraid to look beyond the status quo of what a full frame DSLR-style camera should be. Add impressive dynamic range, top-notch low-light performance and impressive video specifications and the Sony A99 comfortably earns our highest honor, the Gold Award." -dpreview.com



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    Sony’s new flagship α99 surpasses all expectations. By fully leveraging the
    potential of Translucent Mirror Technology, the 35mm full-frame format
    and Sony’s professional broadcasting technology, it takes a major leap
    forward in quality, performance and handling ease. Meet the future of Sony α.
    Full Frame 24 Megapixel resolution . World’s first Dual AF system. Full-frame Sensor Camera. A whole new world of high-quality images are realized through the 24.3 MP full-frame sensor, a normal sensor range of ISO 100 – 32000, and a sophisticated balance of high resolving power, gradation and low noise. The 19-point AF system with 11 cross sensors is complimented by a multi-point focal plane phase detection AF sensor with 102 additional AF points. By maximizing the strengths of both sensors, focus precision is vastly improved. The SLT-A99 is the world’s lightest10 35 mm full-frame interchangeable-lens digital camera. It weighs only 1.63lbs., thanks to features like Translucent Mirror Technology and high-rigidity magnesium alloy panels. It's an added convenience when you're traveling or on a long shoot.
    Technology Full Frame 24 Megapixel resolution A whole new world of high-quality images are realized through the 24.3 MP effective 35 mm full-frame sensor, a normal sensor range of ISO 100 – 32000, and a sophisticated balance of high resolving power, gradation and low noise. Uncompressed Full 1080
    HDMI
    ® output Easily record Full 1080 HD uncompressed clean-screen video files to external recording devices via an HDMI connection (sold separately) in 60p and 60i frame-rates. Up to 25600 ISO Range sensitivity Experience incredible low-light shooting without a flash. The camera captures six images in a fraction of a second. Combining the data from all six, it creates a single image with a reduction in noise equivalent to two additional steps of ISO sensitivity. Sensitivity selectable up to ISO 25600. (Recommended for still subjects.) World’s first Dual AF system10 The 19-point AF system with 11 cross sensors is complemented by a multi-point focal plane phase-detection AF sensor with 102 AF points that overlays the image sensor. Taking advantage of Translucent Mirror Technology that simultaneously directs light to the image sensor and AF sensor at all times. Quick Navi Pro For heightened comfort and more intuitive operation, the SLT-A99 features an enhanced version of Quick Navi, which was highly acclaimed in the A900 and A700. Called Quick Navi Pro, this new feature allows users to immediately access all camera parameter settings. The World's Lightest Full Frame DSLR Camera The SLT-A99 is the world’s lightest10 35 mm full-frame interchangeable-lens digital camera. It weighs only 740 grams, thanks to features like Translucent Mirror Technology and high-rigidity magnesium alloy panels. Users can therefore enjoy agile and flexible shooting despite the full-frame specifications.
    Product description and full feature list The SLT-A99 Digital Camera is equipped with the latest technology to bring you
    incredible entertainment quality. Explore the full range of features and options below.
    AF Range Control
    Users can set the range of distance from the camera in which subjects can be focused on the AF system. By limiting the AF range, users can prevent unwanted focusing on foreground and background objects. This intelligent function enables reliable performance when photographing sports through wire mesh fences, for example.

    Fast continuous shooting speeds
    Highly responsive continuous shooting at approximately 6 frames per second (fps) is made possible by Translucent Mirror Technology and an enhanced Tracking Focus function offering more advanced acquisition and tracking performance. The Tele Zoom High Speed shooting mode shoots up to 8 fps at 10 MP while maintaining continuous auto focus and auto exposure.

    Newly designed three-way tiltable LCD
    The SLT-A99V is the first in the Alpha series to feature WhiteMagic™ technology, which nearly doubles the visibility of the 921k-dot Xtra Fine LCD™ monitor in sunny outdoor conditions. The three-way tilt-able mechanism, highly acclaimed on the A77, is further enhanced for even greater operational ease.

    XGA OLED Viewfinder
    There’s never been anything quite like the Tru-Finder™ OLED electronic viewfinder. For size, speed and brightness even after sunset, this is a gem. It begins with 2359K dots for amazing resolution and high contrast ratio for incredible depth. OLED reduces motion blur to a bare minimum. You can also see the results of camera adjustments in real time with superb color and detail.

    Dual Slot and Media Control Function
    The SLT-A99V employs dual media slots. One of the slots supports SD Cards and the other supports both SD Cards and Memory Stick® media. This dual slot system allows for simultaneous recording for backup purposes (with recordings sorted RAW/JPEG file type or still/movie data) as well as copying between media. Moreover it allows movie recording to two media cards simultaneously – a world’s first.

    Translucent Mirror Technology
    Sony’s proprietary Translucent Mirror Technology simultaneously directs light to the image sensor and AF sensor at all times to realize Full-time Continuous AF that keeps the subject in sharp focus and even during continuous shooting and movie shooting. It also allows the high-precision electronic viewfinder to accurately display the results of camera setting adjustments in real time so the photographer can make sure the results match his or her creative intentions.

    Highly rigid body with magnesium alloy outer panels
    The highly robust and durable body meets the heavy-duty needs of advanced amateurs. Both the main outer body panels and interior chassis are constructed of lightweight yet rigid magnesium alloy. Moreover, the grip and front cover are structurally unified to achieve extremely high body rigidity.




    Dust and moisture protection
    Outer body and moisture countermeasures include the sealing and treatment of major operational buttons/dials and a convex/concave mating structure that tightly interlocks components. Controls also feature a durable structure that withstands the touch usage of advanced amateurs.

    Approximate 200,000 shutter
    release durability

    The newly developed, highly durable and reliable shutter unit has been proven to endure approximately 200,000 shutter releases. This durability ensures long-lasting shooting performance that takes into consideration the large number of photos shot by advanced amateurs.

    Meticulously designed body compliments advanced users
    While inheriting the popular design concept of the A77, the SLT-A99 enables comfortable photo shooting through meticulously designed features including improved grip thickness that enhances grasping ease, switch and button shapes that are differentiated for easier operation while keeping your eye on the viewfinder, an exposure mode dial lock that prevents unintended turning of the mode dial, etc.

    Vertical Grip Capable
    The optional VG-C99AM vertical grip designed exclusively for the SLT-A99 can house two batteries, bringing the total number of batteries (including the one in the camera) to three for significantly more hours of shooting (batteries sold separately).

    PC Remote Camera Control
    Enables users to remotely change various camera settings, switch still/ movie shooting on or off, and automatically transfer still images to enhance the efficiency of the studio photo shooting workflow.

    New Multi-Interface Shoe
    Unlike conventional cameras, the SLT-A99 also features a newly developed Multi-Interface Shoe that dramatically expands compatibility with Handycam® accessories, thus raising the potential for photo/movie shooting (The included ADP-AMA shoe adapter maintains compatibility with conventional Alpha accessories as well).

    New Flash/Video Light
    The new optional accessory HVL-F60M flash with video light offers high output, Sony’s original Quick Shift Bounce mechanism, a new video light for movie shooting and improved operational interface.

    New Wireless Commander Control
    The new optional accessory RMT-DSLR2 Remote Commander® for movie shooting that includes a dedicated movie record button.




    Auto HDR built into camera
    Captures more scene dynamic range than a single exposure can handle—and more range than photo film. Combines the best highlight detail from one shot, the best mid-tones from a second and the best shadow detail from a third for one incredible shot. (Recommended for still subjects.)

    Sweep Panorama™ Mode
    Capture expansive landscapes automatically. Press the shutter and sweep vertically or horizontally. The camera does the rest, continuously shooting images and stitching them together.

    D-Range Optimizer
    Improves results with backlit subjects and recovers details hidden in shadows. Settings include Auto, Level with a choice of five operating levels and Off.

    Creative Styles
    Control how the camera processes your images with 13 finishing styles: Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night Scene, Autumn leaves, Black & White, Sepia. You can even fine-tune contrast, saturation, and sharpness to your personal taste.

    1200-zone Evaluative Metering
    Reads exposure directly from the main image sensor. Choice of Multi, Center and Spot metering accommodates a full range of shooting situations.

    Built-in GPS
    An integrated GPS receiver records the location and time of every shot you take and lets you view your images on a map with compatible computer and Internet applications, so you can remember where you took your favorite shots.
    11

    Auto Portrait Framing
    Simply photograph a person and Auto Portrait Framing will save an additional, optimally framed image in portrait or landscape orientation. Combining Face Detection and By Pixel Super Resolution technologies with rule of thirds, Auto Portrait Framing provides beautifully composed and appealingly balanced full resolution portraits.

    Clear Image Zoom
    Utilizing Sony’s exclusive By Pixel Super Resolution Technology, Clear Image Zoom increases the effective focal length of your lens up to 2x by digitally magnifying the center of your image with nearly imperceptible degradation that provides greater shooting flexibility.

    Superior Auto
    Get cleaner, more dynamic pictures and fewer missed shots. Unifies and simplifies Sony intelligent technologies, the camera automatically recognizes the correct scene mode, then quickly shoots and combines up to six shots to produce images with greater clarity, optimum dynamic range using Auto HDR technology and lower image noise using three-shot layering technology.







    Sony Suggested Accessories

    > Carl Zeiss® Vario Sonnar T* Zoom Lens
    SAL-2470Z
    > Pro Flash
    VG-C99AM
    > XLR Adaptor and Microphone Kit
    XLR-K1M
    > Pro Flash
    HVL-F60AM
    > Video Flash
    HVL-RL1
    > Flexible Carrying Case
    LCS-BP3



    1. Records in up to 29 minutes segments.

    2. In meters, IS0 100

    3. Requires 3D HDTV, HDMI cable (at least 10.2 Gbps) and active 3D glasses sold sep.

    4. Note that at the time of launch the following lenses support AF-D: SAL2470Z, SAL2875, SAL50F14, SAL300F28GII, SAL70400G, SAL50050F4G.

    5. Compatible with BRAVIA® Sync or Theatre Sync™ HDTVs connected via HDMI®.

    6. Actual performance varies based on settings, environmental conditions, and usage. Battery capacity decreases over time and use.

    7. Requires compatible BRAVIA® HDTV and HDMI® cable sold sep.

    8. Not used.

    9. Files compatible with iMovie® '09 or later on Mac. Software not compatible with Mac OS® X.

    10. Among interchangeable-lens digital cameras with a full-frame image sensor (as of September 12, 2012) according to Sony’s internal survey.

    11. Map service requires PC with internet. Service provided by Google and subject to change without notice.



    © 2012 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Sony, BIONZ, BRAVIA, Exmor, InfoLITHIUM, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, Remote Commander, Theatre Sync, Sweep Panorama, Xtra Fine LCD, Tru-Finder and the Sony make.believe logo are trademarks of Sony. AVCHD is a trademark of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation. Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Mac OS and iMovie are trademarks of Apple Computers, Inc. HDMI is a trademark of HDMI Licensing LLC. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. Sony is not responsible for typographical and photographic errors. Features and specifications are subject to change without notice. *Logo mentions need to be included if logo shown or listed in copy

    Customer reviews

    3.2 out of 5 stars
    3.2 out of 5
    67 global ratings

    Customers say

    Customers like the quality, image quality, and performance of the digital camera. For example, they mention it's a fantastic camera for pro work, and produces sharp, professional images. They're also impressed with the color and detail in the images, and appreciate the contrast. Customers are also happy with noise, value, and the viewfinder. That said, opinions are mixed on focus and low light performance.

    AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

    16 customers mention14 positive2 negative

    Customers like the image quality of the camera. They say that the images look extremely sharp, professional, and are impressed with the video image quality. They are also pleased with the color and detail in the images, mentioning that the contrast is excellent at the default levels. The camera takes gorgeous shots, and averages out noise to deliver a high-resolution, low-noise image in low-light. Customers also love the design, features, and clarity and realism of what they see through it.

    "...Picture quality is frankly fantastic although I have to defer that discussion to the labs and their special equipment with phD-type people in white..." Read more

    "...But Very good twilight 6 shot effect." Read more

    "...I was impressed. It looked damn good with my sigma 50mm 1.4 (old version not the art)The improvement over my A57 was immediately visible...." Read more

    "...The EVF eliminates trial and error and gives you a better look, both before and after the shot, with the additional advantage that your eye never..." Read more

    16 customers mention16 positive0 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the quality of the camera. They mention that it is an excellent camera, fantastic for pro work, and magic for full-frame lenses. The AF has been great, and the camera is superior by design. It takes great photos and videos, and is superior in its class.

    "...At 70mm the best was at +4. Wow! This is actually pretty darned great. See uploaded image...." Read more

    "...on my 50 inch screen. both images looked extremely sharp and very professional....Not sure why all the hooplah...." Read more

    "...Good stuff:ISO outrageously goodIn camera jpegs outstanding.shutter really quiet and fastergonomics good...." Read more

    "...8. Advanced autofocus robustness on a limited set of lenses that Sony will expand via firmware updates9...." Read more

    12 customers mention12 positive0 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the performance of the camera. They mention that it has great functionality, and explains it well. They appreciate the new features and improvements over the A850. One of the breakthrough features is the ability to constrain the image, making it very important and practical. The camera offers a lot of features for both still and video photography, and the AF is a big step up from the A900 in terms of speed and accuracy.

    "...Other things that make this camera awesome: a lot of info in the viewfinder that you will never get in an optical viewfinder...." Read more

    "...Very comfortable in your hand and great functionality...." Read more

    "...Are you getting this? Don't glaze over on me: this is VERY, VERY powerful stuff, and the biggest difference maker is that ability to trade ISO with..." Read more

    "...The AF is a big step up from the A900 in terms of speed and accuracy, Depth map assist works spookingly well for tracking moving subjects in the dark..." Read more

    7 customers mention6 positive1 negative

    Customers like the noise of the digital camera. They mention that it produces a low-noise image in low light, with superb wind-noises suppression. The shutter is really quiet and fast, and the focusing is quiet and quick.

    "...In camera jpegs outstanding.shutter really quiet and fastergonomics good.Conclusion..." Read more

    "...Lower noise means more than the ability to work in low light: it means you can shoot at higher f-number when you need depth of focus and at faster..." Read more

    "...better high ISO and DR.- the noise is improved by about 2 stops over the A900. DR is much better, too...." Read more

    "...This SLR design, using a stationary mirror, reduces noise, vibration and mechanical complexity and supports a high burst frame rate...." Read more

    6 customers mention6 positive0 negative

    Customers appreciate the value of the digital camera. They say it is a great deal for the price, with relatively inexpensive Minolta lenses that perform better than you would. The availability of relatively inexpensive lenses reduces lens size, weight, and cost, making all Minola AF lenses good. This means higher reliability with less maintenance expense over time.

    "...and it is very similar in feel and function as the a99, just smaller, lighter and a lot less expensive...." Read more

    "...9. Stabilization in the camera body, reducing lens size-weight-cost and making all Minolta AF lenses good options for FF use...." Read more

    "...I think it is a great deal for the price, and I already know I have made images with this system that I could not have gotten on anything else...." Read more

    "...Fewer moving parts should mean higher reliability with less maintenance expense over time." Read more

    6 customers mention6 positive0 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the viewfinder of the digital camera. They mention that it is fantastic, exceptional, and amazing. They also appreciate the articulating screen and digital viewfinder. They enjoy the live view and panoramic modes.

    "...This is a very, very important and practical feature.6. Panoramic mode - don't overlook the vertical and horizontal options and setting..." Read more

    "...The view finder is exceptional and the tilt swivel screen makes those high/low shots easy...." Read more

    "...the enhanced Electronic Viewfinder. This feature I find totally amazing...." Read more

    "...to the negative stuff (e.g., the OLED viewfinder) - BTW, the viewfinder is fantastic!..." Read more

    14 customers mention7 positive7 negative

    Customers are mixed about the focus of the digital camera. Some mention that it focuses faster and continually, while others say that it has poor focusing with rapid sequence shooting.

    "...It shoots 6 frames in rapid succession and then lines them up and merges them to average out noise and deliver one high-resolution, low-noise image..." Read more

    "...image, now imagine that's how it will focus on your video subject: sharp, robotic, instant and not very pleasing from a cinematography standpoint...." Read more

    "...-light situations (full frame helps a great deal here), it focuses quickly for me needs, you also can bump up the ISO without degradation of the..." Read more

    "...reduces noise, vibration and mechanical complexity and supports a high burst frame rate...." Read more

    8 customers mention5 positive3 negative

    Customers are mixed about the low light performance of the camera. Some mention that the full format sensor really excels in dark environments, while others say that the poor low light performace of the A900 is gone with the A99.

    "...The full format sensor really excels in dark environments. You can push this to ISO 3200 and hardly notice any noise...." Read more

    "...The a99 definitely has great low light/high iso performance, easily 2 stops better than my a900, and the dynamic range and colors are outstanding...." Read more

    "...7. 1080p 60 Hz AVCHD - but the performance is mediocre.8. No need to bother with mirror lockup (mirror is stationary)..." Read more

    "The best low light performance yet of the Alphas I have owned...." Read more

    Excellent and gives Nikon/Canon a run for their money
    5 Stars
    Excellent and gives Nikon/Canon a run for their money
    Make no mistake; this is a top notch camera. I can't imagine anyone will dispute that. But this camera directly competes with the likes of Canon and Nikon (Nikon D800 for example). I have been a Nikon enthusiast for about 15+ years and have gone from film (N80) to digital (D70) to better digital (D7000) and recently went to full format (D600). As I've progressed, I have noted one glaring problem with basically ALL Nikon and Canon cameras: that would be the phase detect autofocus. The bottom line is that I have yet to see a DSLR that doesn't back-focus or front-focus to some extent. This is why there are autofocus fine tune settings on most DSLRs and this works fine with prime lenses. But if you are using a zoom lens then you usually need to adjust a certain amount on one end and a different amount on the other. Since there is only one focus adjustment for the whole lens, you end up compromising with less than perfect focus at all focal lengths. This never worked well for me because I am absolutely obsessed with perfect focus. These ongoing focus issues with Nikon and Canon annoy me to no end. I thought if I upgraded to a better camera (like the Nikon D600) with a serious lens (Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8), then my problems would be solved. Wrong again! Suffice it to say that after using a LensAlign MkII Focus Calibration System and Reikan's FoCal software, I concluded that the D600 was back-focusing either slightly or a lot (depending on which lens I used and at what focal length). That was frustrating. I didn't even bother looking at the D800 because it was totally plagued with this problem from day 1 (see all the negative reviews - have they solved that yet?).-Frustrated, I started looking at this new Sony. What attracted me was the "dual phase detect autofocus". That's a new approach! It has a phase detect chip like all the other DSLRs but also a second one right on the imaging sensor. The problem is that Sony and all the write-ups on this camera talk about how this benefits video capture but talk very little about how it affects focusing accuracy for still images. I've done one preliminary test using the LensAlign tool and am working with Reikan to get it to work with their software. So far the results are very encouraging. I seem to be getting much more accurate focus on still images (without any calibration) than I ever got with the D600. I will update this part as I do more testing.Other things that make this camera awesome: a lot of info in the viewfinder that you will never get in an optical viewfinder. This is the way of the future for sure, but Sony's electronic viewfinder (EVF) only has about 2 million pixels and I can easily see future versions pushing that to about 5 million or more. The noise level and dynamic range will also improve a lot in the coming years. When that happens, I can imagine Nikon/Canon will rethink the optical viewfinder. I personally like the EVF a lot and appreciate the fact that I can see the white balance of my picture as it will actually be captured, I can see the picture I just took right in the viewfinder (great for bright outdoors) and the clarity and realism of what you see through that thing is remarkable. You can also zoom in on what you are focusing on right in the viewfinder which is very helpful. Some have said that what you see through an EVF is not as realistic as an optical viewfinder (OVF). That may be true, but the picture I'm about to take is also not as realistic as what I see in the OVF! So wouldn't you rather "see" in the viewfinder what you will "get" in the final picture? I say yes to that.-Also, this camera has tons of buttons with tons of ways to customize them. You can pretty much have every button do whatever you want and that makes it fast and easy to use. Picture quality is frankly fantastic although I have to defer that discussion to the labs and their special equipment with phD-type people in white lab coats to tell you more.As for why go with this over the a77? Well why go with this over any APS-C camera? The full format sensor really excels in dark environments. You can push this to ISO 3200 and hardly notice any noise. If I push my Nikon D7000 to even 1600 ISO, it starts looking pretty bad. There are other advantages to full format, of course, but this is the main thing for me. I have played with the a77, and it is very similar in feel and function as the a99, just smaller, lighter and a lot less expensive. Whether the a99 is worth the huge premium depends on your needs and your budget.-Now for what I don't like about the a99: It is slow. When I switch my D7000 from off to on, the top LCD lights up instantly and I can press the shutter and take a picture. Total time is about ½ second. The Sony on the other hand is slower, taking about 1.5 seconds, sometimes 2 seconds. This may not sound like a big difference, but when you are trying to capture a spontaneous moment, a second or two can make ALL the difference. You also don't want to leave the Sony powered on waiting for that "moment" because it sucks battery juice surprisingly fast. I had a 100% full charge and then spent about 1 hour playing with it, going through the menus, taking pictures. Suddenly I noticed the battery was already at 50% full. With the Nikon D600, I played with it for several days and an hour or so per day and it dropped to about 77%. So this camera requires that you get a battery grip or at least one or more extra batteries if you plan to shoot all day or will be away from power for a while. Also, there is an annoying lag between switching from the EVF and the LCD display. When you take your eye off the viewfinder it switches automatically to the LCD and then switches back when it detects your eye in the viewfinder. But that switch takes about 1 whole second and can be pretty annoying. I guess for a flagship pro-grade camera, the switch from off to on and from LCD to viewfinder should have been close to instant.-Other things I don't like: no built in flash. No I don't want to walk around all day with another 2 pound brick external flash sitting on the camera for the few pictures that need some fill flash. I really think Sony could have splurged and put one in. Also the big thing with this camera is the video - with the dual phase detectors, the camera does indeed focus faster and continually - Nikon/Canon simply can't touch it in this regard. But I was expecting the focus to be much like my Canon camcorder: smooth, continuous focus. This Sony does not focus smoothly at all; however, it does focus very quickly and precisely. Think of how it focuses when you take a still image, now imagine that's how it will focus on your video subject: sharp, robotic, instant and not very pleasing from a cinematography standpoint. It is still leaps and bounds better than the current contrast detection methods out there, but this will not be replacing my camcorder any time soon.Once I do more testing on the dual phase detection autofocus, I will update this review. If it passes as I expect it to, then goodbye Nikon...hello Sony! Hope you found this review helpful.-------Update 11-9-12I ran about 100 test shots today at various focal lengths using the Sony 24-70 lens and then had them analyzed by Reikan's FoCal software. At 24mm, the best focus was found at an AF fine tune setting of -2. At 70mm the best was at +4. Wow! This is actually pretty darned great. See uploaded image. When I tested the Nikon D600 using the Nikon 24-70 lens, it was also -2 @24mm but -17 @70mm. That's a huge difference. When I tested the Nikon D7000 using an equivalent 17-50mm Sigma lens, it was -8 @ 17mm and -24 @50mm (beyond the AF settings). So the Sony smashes it out of the park in comparison. I will continue to run some more tests, but the a99's dual-focusing system seems to be the real deal.
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    Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2012
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    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and gives Nikon/Canon a run for their money
    Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2012
    Make no mistake; this is a top notch camera. I can't imagine anyone will dispute that. But this camera directly competes with the likes of Canon and Nikon (Nikon D800 for example). I have been a Nikon enthusiast for about 15+ years and have gone from film (N80) to digital (D70) to better digital (D7000) and recently went to full format (D600). As I've progressed, I have noted one glaring problem with basically ALL Nikon and Canon cameras: that would be the phase detect autofocus. The bottom line is that I have yet to see a DSLR that doesn't back-focus or front-focus to some extent. This is why there are autofocus fine tune settings on most DSLRs and this works fine with prime lenses. But if you are using a zoom lens then you usually need to adjust a certain amount on one end and a different amount on the other. Since there is only one focus adjustment for the whole lens, you end up compromising with less than perfect focus at all focal lengths. This never worked well for me because I am absolutely obsessed with perfect focus. These ongoing focus issues with Nikon and Canon annoy me to no end. I thought if I upgraded to a better camera (like the Nikon D600) with a serious lens (Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8), then my problems would be solved. Wrong again! Suffice it to say that after using a [[ASIN:B004G3PANY LensAlign MkII Focus Calibration System]] and Reikan's FoCal software, I concluded that the D600 was back-focusing either slightly or a lot (depending on which lens I used and at what focal length). That was frustrating. I didn't even bother looking at the D800 because it was totally plagued with this problem from day 1 (see all the negative reviews - have they solved that yet?).
    -
    Frustrated, I started looking at this new Sony. What attracted me was the "dual phase detect autofocus". That's a new approach! It has a phase detect chip like all the other DSLRs but also a second one right on the imaging sensor. The problem is that Sony and all the write-ups on this camera talk about how this benefits video capture but talk very little about how it affects focusing accuracy for still images. I've done one preliminary test using the LensAlign tool and am working with Reikan to get it to work with their software. So far the results are very encouraging. I seem to be getting much more accurate focus on still images (without any calibration) than I ever got with the D600. I will update this part as I do more testing.
    Other things that make this camera awesome: a lot of info in the viewfinder that you will never get in an optical viewfinder. This is the way of the future for sure, but Sony's electronic viewfinder (EVF) only has about 2 million pixels and I can easily see future versions pushing that to about 5 million or more. The noise level and dynamic range will also improve a lot in the coming years. When that happens, I can imagine Nikon/Canon will rethink the optical viewfinder. I personally like the EVF a lot and appreciate the fact that I can see the white balance of my picture as it will actually be captured, I can see the picture I just took right in the viewfinder (great for bright outdoors) and the clarity and realism of what you see through that thing is remarkable. You can also zoom in on what you are focusing on right in the viewfinder which is very helpful. Some have said that what you see through an EVF is not as realistic as an optical viewfinder (OVF). That may be true, but the picture I'm about to take is also not as realistic as what I see in the OVF! So wouldn't you rather "see" in the viewfinder what you will "get" in the final picture? I say yes to that.
    -
    Also, this camera has tons of buttons with tons of ways to customize them. You can pretty much have every button do whatever you want and that makes it fast and easy to use. Picture quality is frankly fantastic although I have to defer that discussion to the labs and their special equipment with phD-type people in white lab coats to tell you more.
    As for why go with this over the a77? Well why go with this over any APS-C camera? The full format sensor really excels in dark environments. You can push this to ISO 3200 and hardly notice any noise. If I push my Nikon D7000 to even 1600 ISO, it starts looking pretty bad. There are other advantages to full format, of course, but this is the main thing for me. I have played with the a77, and it is very similar in feel and function as the a99, just smaller, lighter and a lot less expensive. Whether the a99 is worth the huge premium depends on your needs and your budget.
    -
    Now for what I don't like about the a99: It is slow. When I switch my D7000 from off to on, the top LCD lights up instantly and I can press the shutter and take a picture. Total time is about ½ second. The Sony on the other hand is slower, taking about 1.5 seconds, sometimes 2 seconds. This may not sound like a big difference, but when you are trying to capture a spontaneous moment, a second or two can make ALL the difference. You also don't want to leave the Sony powered on waiting for that "moment" because it sucks battery juice surprisingly fast. I had a 100% full charge and then spent about 1 hour playing with it, going through the menus, taking pictures. Suddenly I noticed the battery was already at 50% full. With the Nikon D600, I played with it for several days and an hour or so per day and it dropped to about 77%. So this camera requires that you get a battery grip or at least one or more extra batteries if you plan to shoot all day or will be away from power for a while. Also, there is an annoying lag between switching from the EVF and the LCD display. When you take your eye off the viewfinder it switches automatically to the LCD and then switches back when it detects your eye in the viewfinder. But that switch takes about 1 whole second and can be pretty annoying. I guess for a flagship pro-grade camera, the switch from off to on and from LCD to viewfinder should have been close to instant.
    -
    Other things I don't like: no built in flash. No I don't want to walk around all day with another 2 pound brick external flash sitting on the camera for the few pictures that need some fill flash. I really think Sony could have splurged and put one in. Also the big thing with this camera is the video - with the dual phase detectors, the camera does indeed focus faster and continually - Nikon/Canon simply can't touch it in this regard. But I was expecting the focus to be much like my Canon camcorder: smooth, continuous focus. This Sony does not focus smoothly at all; however, it does focus very quickly and precisely. Think of how it focuses when you take a still image, now imagine that's how it will focus on your video subject: sharp, robotic, instant and not very pleasing from a cinematography standpoint. It is still leaps and bounds better than the current contrast detection methods out there, but this will not be replacing my camcorder any time soon.
    Once I do more testing on the dual phase detection autofocus, I will update this review. If it passes as I expect it to, then goodbye Nikon...hello Sony! Hope you found this review helpful.
    -------
    Update 11-9-12
    I ran about 100 test shots today at various focal lengths using the Sony 24-70 lens and then had them analyzed by Reikan's FoCal software. At 24mm, the best focus was found at an AF fine tune setting of -2. At 70mm the best was at +4. Wow! This is actually pretty darned great. See uploaded image. When I tested the Nikon D600 using the Nikon 24-70 lens, it was also -2 @24mm but -17 @70mm. That's a huge difference. When I tested the Nikon D7000 using an equivalent 17-50mm Sigma lens, it was -8 @ 17mm and -24 @50mm (beyond the AF settings). So the Sony smashes it out of the park in comparison. I will continue to run some more tests, but the a99's dual-focusing system seems to be the real deal.
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