The Sony A99 and A99 II are both full-frame A-mount SLT cameras, but the A99 II is a major generational upgrade in almost every area. Here’s a clear breakdown of the real differences:
📸 Sensor & Image Quality (biggest difference)
- A99: 24.3 MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- A99 II: 42.4 MP full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor (much newer tech)
👉 What this means:
- A99 II has far more detail resolution
- Better low-light performance and noise control
- No anti-aliasing filter → sharper images
- Much better for cropping and large prints
🎥 Video capabilities
- A99: Full HD 1080/60p max
- A99 II: 4K video (UHD 30p) + improved encoding
👉 A99 II is vastly more usable for modern video work.
⚡ Autofocus & speed
- A99: 19-point AF system (older SLT generation)
- A99 II: Hybrid AF with 79 phase-detect points + 399 focal-plane assist points
👉 Result:
- A99 II tracks moving subjects much more reliably
- Much better for wildlife, sports, action
🚀 Burst shooting
- A99: ~6 fps
- A99 II: up to 12 fps
🔧 Processor & internals
- A99: older BIONZ processor
- A99 II: BIONZ X + front-end LSI
👉 Leads to:
- Faster processing
- Better dynamic range handling
- Improved colour and noise performance
🧠 Body & controls
- A99: Older control layout, fewer custom buttons
- A99 II: More modern ergonomics, more customisation options, improved build refinement
📊 Key spec summary
| Feature | Sony A99 | Sony A99 II |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 24.3 MP | 42.4 MP BSI |
| Video | 1080p | 4K |
| Autofocus | Basic SLT AF | Advanced hybrid AF system |
| Burst rate | ~6 fps | 12 fps |
| ISO range | 100–25,600 | 100–25,600 (better usable quality) |
| Anti-alias filter | Yes | No |
| Release year | 2012 | 2016 |
🧭 Bottom line
- A99: still solid for general photography, cheaper, simpler
- A99 II: a huge leap forward — essentially a different class of camera (near flagship performance even today)