Sony SLT Alpha 99 II

The Alpha 99 II is a full-frame Sony from 2016, built in the body style of a DSLR but composed through an electronic viewfinder. It takes Sony Alpha mount lenses.

That combination appeals to photographers who want resolution and speed together. The 42.4-megapixel sensor handles the resolution side, and a 12fps maximum burst covers speed, keeping sports, wildlife and events within reach.

Carrying it is a commitment. The body weighs 849g and measures 143 x 104 x 76mm, so expect a sizeable camera rather than something light and compact.

The optics score of 82/100 is very good, and it places the camera in the top 6% of cameras in our database for Optics. The 42.4-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor supplies resolution that leaves ample room for cropping.

Speed complements that resolution. The camera offers a 12fps maximum burst, and the 1/8000s top shutter speed keeps very short exposures available. Autofocus uses a 79-point array, a generous count on paper.

In-body stabilisation reduces camera shake with any lens you attach, which makes handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds more practical. The electronic viewfinder offers roughly 2.36 million dots for a crisp, detailed view.

Sensitivity runs from ISO 100 to 25600, giving a broad rated span. Because ISO limits alone do not measure noise or dynamic range, high-ISO results would need real testing to judge.

The Alpha 99 II records 4K video, and the maximum video frame rate is 120fps, with the two listed as separate limits. Resolution and frame rate are the main contributors to its good 77/100 video score.

Frame rates up to 120fps open slow-motion possibilities, since footage shot at a high rate can be stretched during editing. The 4K resolution also leaves room to crop or reframe footage modestly.

Recording options span XAVCS, AVCHD and MP4, so you can pick a file type that matches your editing software and how you plan to use the footage.

One gap to plan around: there is no built-in timelapse function, so interval work has to be handled outside the camera's own modes.

Handling centres on a 3-inch TFT screen with 1.23 million dots for a detailed display. It flips out from the body, which helps when shooting at waist level, low to the ground or overhead.

There is no touchscreen, so adjustments rely on the camera's physical controls. Live view lets you compose on the screen instead of the electronic viewfinder.

The body is weather sealed against dust and moisture, though that is not the same as waterproofing. If you use flash, note that none is built in, but an external flash can be fitted.

The features score of 70/100 is good. The absent touchscreen is the biggest scoring gap; weather sealing, live view, Bluetooth and the screen specification all earned credit. Wi-Fi and GPS are both absent, so location tagging needs another device.

Two card slots take SD, SDHC and SDXC media with UHS-I support, so a second card rides along in the body. How the two slots work together, such as backup or overflow, is not specified.

The NP-FM500H battery carries a 490-shot figure, but the measurement standard behind it is not stated, so treat it as a rough guide rather than a promise. Packing a spare is sensible for longer outings.

Charging needs more planning. There is no USB charging, so batteries go back in their charger and you will need mains power or a charged spare between sessions.

The storage and battery score of 60/100 is good, with battery endurance and the lack of USB charging the main factors holding it there.