Sony A77 II A-mount camera unveiled with new sensor and WiFi

Sony has officially announced a replacement for the A77 A-mount camera in the body of the SLT-A77 II, a new shooter that is packing a plethora of tricks up its sleeve.

It has been rumored countless times. Inside sources have said that it has been delayed on numerous occasions. However, this time the Sony A77 II A-mount camera has been unveiled with a new specs list and a so-called “record-breaking autofocus system”.

Sony announces new A-mount camera: the SLT-A77 II

Sony A77 II features a 24.3-megapixel APS-C image sensor and Single Lens Translucent technology.

The Sony SLT-A77 II camera continues the tradition of the A700 and A77 shooters with the new 24.3-megapixel CMOS APS-C image sensor with Single Lens Translucent mirror technology and BIONZ X image processor, first introduced in the A7R and A7 full frame E-mount cameras.

This new camera will be able to capture up to 12fps in burst mode for a total of 60 JPEG frames when continuous autofocus is enabled. The new sensor is 20% more sensitive to light than the previous version and it offers an ISO sensitivity range between 100 and 25,600 (which can be expanded to 51,200 in Auto mode).

On its back, the A77 II sports a 2,360K-dot OLED Tru-Finder that displays what is in front of the camera in real-time. Additionally, a 3-inch 3-way tilting LCD screen allows photographers to capture photos and videos from uncomfortable angles.

Sony A77 II A-mount camera features record-breaking autofocus system

Sony A77 II sports an autofocus system with 79 Phase Detection points. The company says that this is a record.

Sony says that the autofocus system added into the SLT-A77 has broken a record. It consists of a 79-point Phase Detection AF system with 15 cross points. The company says that no other camera has 79 phase detection AF points and adds that the new technology allows the camera to focus very fast.

The new system includes a novel focusing algorithm that can autofocus in -2 EV conditions, when the human eye is having problems recognizing details. Furthermore, the AF modes can be individually customized depending on how fast the subject is moving. When a subject is moving slowly, users can set the AF-C mode to low, while tracking fast subjects should be done with the AF-C mode set to high.

The A77 II comes with a Expanded Flexible Spot support. If the AF system loses track of the subject, then eight other AF points around the original AF tracking point will activate and put the subject back in focus. Another function is called Eye AF and it is capable to detect a person’s eyes in order to focus on them.

This is a durable camera with plenty of customizable functions

Sony A77 II employs a high-resolution OLED electronic viewfinder on the back alongside the tilting LCD screen.

Sony A77 II announces itself as a tough camera featuring weathersealing points. It can withstand dust and moisture, so photographers do not have to worry about using it during their outdoor photo shoots. Additionally, the shutter is rated at 150,000 shots, so it is durable enough to last for years.

The body of the A-mount camera features 11 buttons that can be customized by the users, who have 51 functions at their disposal. The A77 is also capable of memorizing three frequent shooting modes, which can be accessed from the mode dial.

This device comes with USB 2.0, microphone, and miniHDMI ports as well as a slot for a SD/SDHC/SDXC card. Sony’s new shooter measures 143 x 104 x 81mm / 5.63 x 4.09 x 3.19-inches, while weighing 647 grams / 22.82 ounces including the battery.

Release date and price details are also official

Sony A77 II will become available in June with a 16-50mm f/2.8 lens kit.

The Japan-based company has confirmed that the new SLT camera features built-in WiFi and NFC. This way, photographers can connect to a smartphone or tablet and share files on social networks.

Sony A77 II is also packing RAW support and sensor-shift image stabilization technology, the latter being useful across various scenarios, including when recording full HD videos.

The camera’s shutter speed ranges from 30 seconds to a maximum of 1/8000th of a second. A built-in flash is available, too, although users can mount an external one on the hot-shoe.

Sony has confirmed that the SLT-A77 II will be released on the market in June for a price of $1,200, while a 16-50mm f/2.8 lens kit will cost $1,800.