Sony α99 — 24MP full-frame DSLR

The new Sony α99 camera. Photo by Sony.

Sony rejoins the DSLR battle with Canon and Nikon by announcing the 24MP α99 camera. The new flagship professional camera is the world’s first full-frame SLT camera, where a translucent pellicle mirror passes light to the image sensor and a Phase Detection AF sensor for faster speeds.

The α99 should ship in October 2012 for the body-only price of $2,800.

“Sony’s long awaited α99 camera sets a new performance standard for professional-class DSLRs, combining all of the benefits of full-frame imaging with the responsiveness and speed of Translucent Mirror Technology.”
— Sony α99 press release, September 12, 2012.

Specifications

• Lens Compatibility : Sony A-mount lenses
• Imaging Sensor : "Exmor" CMOS sensor (35.8 x 23.9mm)
• Effective Picture Resolution : Approx. 24.3 megapixels
• Weight (Approx.) : 733g body only, 812g with battery and memory stick

Full α99 specs from Sony

What is “Dual AF”?

“The new α99 camera features a unique dual AF system, a world’s first for cameras. This camera’s main focusing system — a 19-point AF system with 11 cross sensors — is complemented by a 102-point focal plane phase-detection AF sensor overlaying the main image sensor.”
— Sony α99 press release, September 12, 2012.

What is “Translucent Mirror Technology”?

“Harnessing the power of Translucent Mirror Technology, light is passed to both phase-detection AF sensors simultaneously and continually, measuring subject distance and position more completely than other cameras. This unique Dual AF System permits ultra-fast, accurate autofocusing that maintains.”
— Sony α99 press release, September 12, 2012.

“Sony’s long awaited α99 camera sets a new performance standard for professional-class DSLRs, combining all of the benefits of full-frame imaging with the responsiveness and speed of Translucent Mirror Technology.”
— Sony press release

Sources: Sony