Sony SLT Alpha 99
Sony · DSLR · 24.3 MP · Full Frame · Full HD video
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sony |
| Model | SLT Alpha 99 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2012 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | September 12, 2012 |
| Camera type |  DSLR |
| Camera size | 147 x 111 x 78 mm |
| Camera weight | 812 g |
Optics72/100 | |
About the OpticsIn today’s market, the Alpha 99’s specifications are decent but not exceptional. As technology has advanced since its release, newer DSLR models have surpassed it in terms of features and performance. Nonetheless, the Alpha 99 remains a reliable option for those seeking a solid DSLR experience. Sony SLT Alpha 99 Overview and OpticsThe optics of the Sony SLT Alpha 99 receive a score of 72 out of 100. This camera features a 24.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, which is a full-frame sensor with an aspect ratio of 3:2. The camera’s shooting speed is 6 frames per second, and it uses a Bionz processor. The DXOMARK score for its sensor is 89, indicating a strong performance. The Sony Alpha lens mount is used in this camera, and it has built-in image stabilization. These specifications make the Alpha 99 a competitive choice in today’s market, especially for those who prioritize high-quality optics and image stabilization. The Sony SLT Alpha 99 shows its strength in the optics department, with a solid score and an array of features that cater to photographers who value image quality and performance. Its full-frame sensor, image stabilization, and Sony Alpha lens compatibility make it a reliable choice for capturing stunning images. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24.3 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 6000 x 4000 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 23.9 x 35.8 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 6 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Sony Alpha |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Bionz |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 64003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 5030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 256003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 800080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 190300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |  Yes |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | 235900009900000 |
Video56/100 | |
About the VideoThe Sony SLT Alpha 99 receives a video score of 56/100. This camera offers Full HD video resolution with maximum dimensions of 1920 x 1080 pixels. It supports a maximum video frame rate of 60fps, providing smooth and clear footage. However, the camera lacks built-in time-lapse functionality, which could limit some creative opportunities. Comparing to other cameras in today’s market, the Sony SLT Alpha 99 falls short in terms of video capabilities. With the growing demand for 4K video, Full HD resolution is no longer considered cutting-edge. Additionally, the absence of built-in time-lapse functionality may disappoint users who require this feature. The Sony SLT Alpha 99 has decent video capabilities, but it struggles to compete with more advanced options available in the market. Users seeking higher video quality and additional features should explore other cameras to meet their needs. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  Full HD |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 1920 x 1080 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 60 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. | No |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4 |
Features44/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Sony SLT Alpha 99 features a score of 44/100, which reflects its performance in comparison to other cameras in the market. With a 3-inch screen size and a resolution of 1229000 dots, the Alpha 99 offers decent display quality. However, it lacks a touchscreen, which is now a common feature in modern cameras. The camera does include a flip screen, allowing for flexible shooting angles, and GPS for geotagging images. Unfortunately, the Alpha 99 falls short in connectivity features, as it does not offer Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities. This may limit its appeal for those who prioritize seamless device integration and instant sharing. Taking these features into account, the Sony SLT Alpha 99 has a mixed performance in today’s market. While it offers some useful features, the camera’s lack of modern connectivity options may deter potential buyers searching for a more current and integrated camera experience. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | No |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  Yes |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | No |
| Screen size | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 12290001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. | No |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. | No |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery27/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Sony SLT Alpha 99 scores a 27/100 in the storage and battery category. The camera has one memory card slot, compatible with SD, SDHC, SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards. The battery life lasts for 500 shots, utilizing the NP-FM500H battery type. However, there is no USB charging option available. In comparison to other cameras in today’s market, the Sony SLT Alpha 99’s storage and battery performance is not exceptional. The single memory card slot and absence of USB charging limit the camera’s flexibility and convenience for users. Despite its impressive specifications in other areas, the Sony SLT Alpha 99 falls short in the storage and battery department. This may influence potential buyers to consider alternative options with better storage and battery capabilities. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | NP-FM500H |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 500 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |