Discover the Power of Sony SLT-A99 Camera: The Ultimate Tool for Professional Photographers

If you're a professional photographer on the hunt for a high-quality camera with top-of-the-line features, then you need to check out the Sony SLT-A99. This camera is a popular choice among professional photographers due to its unparalleled performance, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional image quality.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Sony SLT-A99 article cover photo

Key Features

Dec 12 2012

Announced

24 megapixels

Resolution

BrandSony
Sensor TypeFull frame
SensorCMOS
Weight812g
MSRP$2800USD

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Overview of the SLT-A99

The Sony SLT-A99 is the ultimate tool for serious photographers. Equipped with a full-frame sensor, this camera delivers stunning and high-quality images that capture every detail with utmost clarity and natural colors. Its cutting-edge technology, such as phase detection autofocus, enables the camera to capture images and videos quickly and accurately. Additionally, the camera's CMOS sensor and advanced image processing ensure the captured images are free from noise and unwanted distortions, even when shooting in low light environments. But that's not all! The Sony SLT-A99 is designed with a robust and durable exterior, making it the perfect companion for outdoor photography. Overall, the Sony SLT-A99 is a must-have for anyone seeking camera excellence.

Sony SLT-A99 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Sony SLT-A99 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

Sure, here's a list of pros and cons about the Sony SLT-A99 using keywords that rank well on Google and keeping each line short:
High resolution (24.3 megapixels)
Full-frame sensor
Fast autofocus system
Good low-light performance
Built-in image stabilization
High-quality video recording capabilities

Cons

Expensive price point
Heavy body weight
Limited lens options
No built-in flash
No touchscreen functionality
Poor battery life.Note: Keep in mind that as an AI language model, I am not a professional photographer or expert in the field of cameras. Please conduct thorough research and consult with experts before purchasing a camera.

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Sony SLT-A99

Weather sealed
Dimensions147 x 111 x 78mm
Weight812g
Thickness78mm
Weight
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Max
Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Sony SLT-A99 camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the SLT-A99 is an excellent choice.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderElectronic
Screen TypeFully Articulated
Screen Resolution1,229k dots
Body typeMid-size SLR

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fully articulated 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 1,229k dots. This makes the Sony SLT-A99 very suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you can view yourself while shooting selfies. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

SLT-A99 includes a electronic viewfinder with 2,359k dots of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of 0.71x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Sony SLT-A99 has a 24MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 24 pixels. Sony SLT-A99 has a native ISO range of 100 - 25600 which can be boosted to null - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Dec 12 2012

Announced

100 - 25600

ISO Range

SensorFull frame
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution6000 x 4000 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

89 / 102

Color Depth

25 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

14 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

1555 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Sony SLT-A99 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain low amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is poor, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the SLT-A99 is above average

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: Full frame

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageMemory Stick PRO Duo/Pro-HG Duo; SD, SDHC and SDXC
Battery Life500 shots
Battery ModelNP-FM500H
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Sony SLT-A99 supports Memory Stick PRO Duo/Pro-HG Duo; SD, SDHC and SDXC with 2 slots for storage. Having dual SD card slots on the Sony SLT-A99 is highly advantageous as it mitigates the risk of losing footage due to memory card malfunctions. This feature is particularly beneficial for wedding photography and other professional settings.

Battery

The Sony SLT-A99 uses the NP-FM500H model of battery pack. This is rated for 500 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Sony SLT-A99 does not have a built-in flash, but it does offer a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Sony SLT-A99 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Sony SLT-A99 includes phase detection autofocus (AF), with 19 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Sony SLT-A99?

The Sony SLT-A99 features a CMOS sensor

Is the Sony SLT-A99 weather sealed?

Yes the SLT-A99 does have weather sealing.

When was the Sony SLT-A99 announced?

The Sony SLT-A99 was announced on Dec 12 2012

Does the Sony SLT-A99 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the SLT-A99 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Sony SLT-A99?

The SLT-A99 has a native ISO range of 100-25600, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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