The world of photography has undergone significant transformations in recent years, with the rise of mirrorless cameras revolutionizing the way we capture images. Sony, a pioneer in the industry, has been at the forefront of this shift, gradually phasing out its DSLR lineup in favor of mirrorless technology. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Sony’s DSLR cameras and explore the last Sony DSLR model, the Alpha a99 II.
A Brief History of Sony DSLRs
Sony’s entry into the DSLR market dates back to 2006, when the company acquired Konica Minolta’s camera division. This acquisition marked the beginning of Sony’s DSLR journey, with the introduction of the Alpha 100, a 10.2-megapixel camera that inherited many of Minolta’s technologies.
Over the years, Sony continued to develop and refine its DSLR lineup, releasing models such as the Alpha 700, Alpha 900, and Alpha 850. These cameras were known for their excellent image quality, robust build, and innovative features like in-body image stabilization.
The Rise of Mirrorless Cameras
However, with the introduction of mirrorless cameras, the photography landscape began to shift. Mirrorless cameras offered several advantages over traditional DSLRs, including smaller size, faster autofocus, and improved video capabilities. Sony, recognizing the potential of mirrorless technology, began to focus its efforts on developing a new lineup of mirrorless cameras.
In 2013, Sony released the Alpha a7, a full-frame mirrorless camera that marked a significant turning point in the company’s history. The a7 was a game-changer, offering excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and a compact design that appealed to photographers of all levels.
The Last Sony DSLR: Alpha a99 II
Released in 2016, the Alpha a99 II was the last Sony DSLR camera. This model represented the culmination of Sony’s DSLR development, incorporating many of the technologies and features that had been refined over the years.
The a99 II was a 42.4-megapixel camera that featured a full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor, 5-axis in-body image stabilization, and a robust autofocus system with 399 phase-detection points. The camera also boasted excellent video capabilities, including 4K resolution and slow-motion recording.
Key Features of the Alpha a99 II
Some of the key features of the Alpha a99 II include:
- 42.4-megapixel full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization
- 399 phase-detection points for fast and accurate autofocus
- 4K video recording with slow-motion capabilities
- Robust build with weather-sealing and magnesium alloy construction
- Dual SD card slots for expanded storage
Autofocus and Metering
The a99 II’s autofocus system was one of its standout features, with 399 phase-detection points that covered approximately 47% of the image sensor. This allowed for fast and accurate focusing, even in challenging lighting conditions. The camera also featured a sophisticated metering system, with 1200-zone evaluative metering and advanced scene recognition.
Video Capabilities
The a99 II was also an excellent video camera, with 4K resolution and slow-motion recording capabilities. The camera featured a dedicated video mode, with advanced features like focus peaking, zebra stripes, and a built-in microphone.
Legacy of the Alpha a99 II
Although the Alpha a99 II was the last Sony DSLR, its legacy lives on in the company’s mirrorless cameras. Many of the technologies and features developed for the a99 II have been incorporated into Sony’s mirrorless lineup, including the Alpha a7R and Alpha a9 series.
The a99 II also remains a popular choice among photographers who prefer the feel and functionality of a DSLR. Its robust build, excellent image quality, and advanced features make it an attractive option for those who want a high-performance camera without the need for mirrorless technology.
Comparison to Mirrorless Cameras
So, how does the Alpha a99 II compare to Sony’s mirrorless cameras? While the a99 II offers excellent image quality and advanced features, it lacks the compact size and faster autofocus of mirrorless cameras like the Alpha a7R and Alpha a9.
However, the a99 II has a more traditional DSLR design, with a larger grip and more intuitive controls. This makes it a great option for photographers who prefer the feel and functionality of a DSLR.
Conclusion
The Alpha a99 II was the last Sony DSLR, marking the end of an era in the company’s history. However, its legacy lives on in Sony’s mirrorless cameras, which have inherited many of the technologies and features developed for the a99 II.
While the a99 II may not be the latest and greatest camera on the market, it remains a popular choice among photographers who prefer the feel and functionality of a DSLR. Its excellent image quality, advanced features, and robust build make it an attractive option for those who want a high-performance camera without the need for mirrorless technology.
As the photography industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Sony’s mirrorless cameras develop and improve. One thing is certain, however: the Alpha a99 II will always be remembered as the last Sony DSLR, a camera that represented the culmination of the company’s DSLR development and paved the way for the mirrorless cameras of the future.
| Camera Model | Release Year | Image Sensor | Autofocus Points | Video Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha a99 II | 2016 | 42.4-megapixel full-frame Exmor R CMOS | 399 phase-detection points | 4K |
| Alpha a7R III | 2017 | 42.4-megapixel full-frame Exmor R CMOS | 399 phase-detection points | 4K |
| Alpha a9 | 2017 | 24.2-megapixel full-frame Exmor RS CMOS | 693 phase-detection points | 4K |
In conclusion, the Alpha a99 II was a remarkable camera that represented the pinnacle of Sony’s DSLR development. While it may not be the latest and greatest camera on the market, it remains a popular choice among photographers who prefer the feel and functionality of a DSLR. Its excellent image quality, advanced features, and robust build make it an attractive option for those who want a high-performance camera without the need for mirrorless technology.
What is the Sony Alpha a99 II, and why is it considered the last Sony DSLR?
The Sony Alpha a99 II is a professional-grade digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera released in 2016. It is considered the last Sony DSLR because, after its release, Sony shifted its focus towards mirrorless camera technology, discontinuing the production of DSLRs. The a99 II was the culmination of Sony’s DSLR lineup, offering advanced features and capabilities that rivaled those of its competitors.
As the last Sony DSLR, the a99 II holds a special place in the history of photography. It represented the pinnacle of Sony’s DSLR technology, with features like a 42.4-megapixel full-frame sensor, 4K video recording, and advanced autofocus capabilities. Although Sony has since moved on to mirrorless technology, the a99 II remains a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the world of photography.
What are some key features of the Sony Alpha a99 II?
The Sony Alpha a99 II boasts an impressive array of features that make it a powerful tool for photographers. One of its standout features is its 42.4-megapixel full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor, which provides exceptional image quality and low-light performance. The camera also features a BIONZ X image processing engine, which enables fast and efficient processing of images and video.
In addition to its impressive sensor and processing capabilities, the a99 II also features advanced autofocus capabilities, including a 79-point phase-detection autofocus system and 399 focal plane phase-detection points. This allows for fast and accurate focusing, even in challenging lighting conditions. The camera also features 4K video recording, built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, and a durable magnesium alloy body that is designed to withstand the rigors of professional use.
How does the Sony Alpha a99 II compare to other DSLRs on the market?
The Sony Alpha a99 II was a highly competitive camera in its class, offering features and capabilities that rivaled those of its competitors. Compared to other DSLRs on the market at the time of its release, the a99 II stood out for its high-resolution sensor, advanced autofocus capabilities, and 4K video recording. It was also notable for its use of a translucent mirror, which allowed for faster and more accurate autofocus.
However, the a99 II was not without its competitors. Cameras like the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and the Nikon D850 offered similar features and capabilities, and in some cases, exceeded the a99 II in certain areas. Nevertheless, the a99 II remained a popular choice among photographers, particularly those who were already invested in the Sony ecosystem and were looking for a high-end DSLR that could meet their needs.
What is the significance of the Sony Alpha a99 II in the history of photography?
The Sony Alpha a99 II holds a significant place in the history of photography as the last DSLR camera produced by Sony. It represents the culmination of Sony’s DSLR technology and the end of an era for the company. The a99 II was also notable for its advanced features and capabilities, which helped to push the boundaries of what was possible with DSLR cameras.
The a99 II also played a role in the transition from DSLR to mirrorless technology. As one of the last DSLRs on the market, it helped to pave the way for the development of mirrorless cameras, which have since become the dominant force in the photography industry. Today, the a99 II is remembered as a milestone in the evolution of camera technology and a testament to Sony’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
Can I still buy the Sony Alpha a99 II, and is it worth purchasing?
Although the Sony Alpha a99 II is no longer in production, it is still possible to purchase the camera from some retailers and online marketplaces. However, availability may be limited, and prices may vary depending on the condition and location of the camera.
Whether or not the a99 II is worth purchasing depends on your specific needs and preferences as a photographer. If you are looking for a high-end DSLR with advanced features and capabilities, the a99 II may still be a good option. However, if you are looking for the latest and greatest technology, you may want to consider a mirrorless camera instead. Additionally, if you are already invested in a different camera system, it may not be worth switching to the a99 II, especially if you have a significant investment in lenses and other accessories.
What are some alternatives to the Sony Alpha a99 II?
If you are looking for alternatives to the Sony Alpha a99 II, there are several options to consider. One option is the Sony Alpha a7R series, which offers similar features and capabilities in a mirrorless package. Another option is the Canon EOS 5D series or the Nikon D850, which offer similar features and capabilities in a DSLR package.
Other alternatives to consider include the Fujifilm GFX series, which offers medium format capabilities in a mirrorless package, or the Panasonic Lumix GH series, which offers advanced video capabilities in a mirrorless package. Ultimately, the best alternative to the a99 II will depend on your specific needs and preferences as a photographer, as well as your budget and any existing investments in camera equipment.
What is the legacy of the Sony Alpha a99 II, and how will it be remembered?
The Sony Alpha a99 II will be remembered as a milestone in the evolution of camera technology and a testament to Sony’s commitment to innovation and excellence. As the last Sony DSLR, it represents the culmination of the company’s DSLR technology and the end of an era.
The a99 II will also be remembered for its advanced features and capabilities, which helped to push the boundaries of what was possible with DSLR cameras. Its high-resolution sensor, advanced autofocus capabilities, and 4K video recording made it a popular choice among photographers, and its legacy will continue to be felt in the world of photography for years to come. As a piece of photography history, the a99 II will be remembered as a significant camera that helped to shape the industry into what it is today.