CameraReview

Sony SLT Alpha 99 II

Sony · DSLR · 42.4 MP · Full Frame · 4K video

Sony SLT Alpha 99 II

Score Breakdown

Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.

Optics 82
Video 77
Features 70
Storage & Battery 60
77
SCORE /100
Independent Lab Scores
THIRD-PARTY LAB DATA · DXOMARK
92
Overall score
25.4
Color depth
13.4
Dynamic range
2317
Low light ISO
Independent measurement — not part of our /100 score.
Buying Options
What We Like
Not yet summarised.
Worth Knowing
−Compatible A-mount lenses are limited
−Buffering can be slow
−No built-in flash
−Awkward and fiddly joystick control
−Disappointing battery life

General

BrandSony
ModelSLT Alpha 99 II
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2016
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
September 19, 2016
Camera typeDSLR
Camera size143 x 104 x 76 mm
Camera weight849 g

Optics

82/100
About the Optics

Sony SLT Alpha 99 II Overview and Optics

The optics of the Sony SLT Alpha 99 II scored 82/100. This camera boasts a 42.4-megapixel CMOS sensor, which is full-frame and has a 3:2 aspect ratio. The shooting speed is 12 frames per second, and the lens mount is Sony Alpha. The Bionz X processor ensures efficient performance, while the DXOMARK score for the sensor is 92. Additionally, the camera features image stabilization.

In the current market, the Sony SLT Alpha 99 II has impressive specifications. The 42.4-megapixel sensor allows for high-resolution images, while the 12 fps shooting speed enables capturing fast-paced action. The full-frame sensor and 3:2 aspect ratio provide a wide field of view and excellent image quality. The image stabilization feature further enhances the camera’s performance in various shooting situations.

The Sony SLT Alpha 99 II offers a strong optical performance, making it a competitive choice in today’s market. With its high-resolution sensor, fast shooting speed, and image stabilization, this camera is suitable for various photography styles and demands.

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
42.4 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
7952 x 5304
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.
24 x 35.9
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.
12 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 X
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.
256003003280000
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.
1024003003280000
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.
790300
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 dots235929609900000

Video

77/100
About the Video

The Sony SLT Alpha 99 II has a video score of 77/100. This camera offers a maximum video resolution of 4K and dimensions of 3840 x 2160. With a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, it provides smooth and high-quality footage.

In today’s market, 4K video resolution is common in high-end cameras. The Sony SLT Alpha 99 II meets this standard, ensuring it remains competitive. However, the absence of built-in time-lapse functionality is a drawback for some users.

The video capabilities of the Sony SLT Alpha 99 II are solid, but not exceptional. Its 4K resolution and 120fps frame rate provide quality footage, but the lack of time-lapse functionality may disappoint certain users.

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.
4K
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.
3840 x 2160
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.
120 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.
XAVCS, AVCHD, MP4

Features

70/100
About the Features

The Sony SLT Alpha 99 II receives a feature score of 70 out of 100. With a 3-inch screen size and a resolution of 1,228,800 dots, the camera does not have a touchscreen but offers a flip screen for versatile shooting angles. Although lacking GPS and WIFI capabilities, it compensates with Bluetooth connectivity.

Considering the current market, the absence of a touchscreen and WIFI might be seen as drawbacks for some users. However, the high screen resolution and flip screen functionality provide excellent usability and convenience. The inclusion of Bluetooth allows for seamless communication between devices, ensuring the Sony SLT Alpha 99 II remains competitive among its peers.

Taking into account the mentioned specifications, the Sony SLT Alpha 99 II holds its ground in the market with its unique combination of features. While not perfect, it is a reliable option for those seeking a balance between performance and convenience.

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.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes
Screen typeTFT 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 size3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
12288001150001500000
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.
Yes
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.
Yes

Storage & Battery

60/100
About the Storage & Battery

The Sony SLT Alpha 99 II receives a storage and battery score of 60/100. This camera offers two memory card slots, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards with UHS-I compatibility. In today’s market, these card types are widely accessible and reliable for storing high-quality images and videos.

Regarding battery life, the SLT Alpha 99 II allows for 490 shots per charge using the NP-FM500H battery type. This battery life is decent, but not exceptional, when compared to other cameras in its class. The camera does not support USB charging, which could be an inconvenience for some users.

Taking these factors into account, the storage and battery capabilities of the Sony SLT Alpha 99 II are satisfactory, but there is room for improvement to meet the demands of modern photographers.

Memory cardSD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
Dual memory card slotsYes
Battery typeNP-FM500H
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
490 shots1505000
USB chargingNo