INTRODUCING the SONY α77 II
Sony Electronics new α77 II camera delivers an impressive combination of speed, versatility and efficiency in a tough, weather-resistant design, making it a perfect choice for fast-action photography and videography.
Building on the heritage of Sonys much-loved original α77 and α700 cameras, the α77 II gives advanced amateurs a string of exciting enhancements including the worlds highest number of AF points in a new phase detect autofocus system1 with 79 focal points and 15 cross points. Utilizing Sonys unique Translucent Mirror Technology, the α77 II also has the ability to shoot at up to 12 fps for 60 total frames with continuous AF.
The speedy new camera is equipped with a high-resolution 24.3 MP image sensor and powerful BIONZ® X processor, ensuring that still images and full HD videos are captured in sharp focus and incredible detail. Image quality compared to the original α77 has been boosted, and sensitivity has increased by approximately 20% as well. There is also a variety of new pro-friendly video functions for movie makers.
Here is SONY's official α77 II introductory video:
[video=youtube;K2pqgDSm6XY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2pqgDSm6XY[/video]
Let's get into some detail of the highlights of the new SONY α77 II. Much can be gleaned from this info.
Freeze Fast Moving Subjects In Their Tracks
- New-generation 79 point phase detection AF system
The Short: Discover the breakthrough autofocusing and tracking reliability of Sonys revolutionary AF system with the world's highest number of phase-detection AF points*1 (79*2 including 15 cross points), which stays locked on moving subjects even in conditions that professional cameras find a challenge. Enjoy the many advantages of the Translucent Mirror Technology which enables phase-detection AF during live-view and movie shooting.
*1 Among interchangeable-lens digital cameras equipped with a dedicated phase-detection AF sensor (as of May 1, 2014) according to Sony research
*2 The number of AF points used depends on the lens
The Long: The advanced AF system on the new α77 II camera features 79 phase detection AF points the most of any dedicated AF sensor in market today and includes 15 cross points within the central area of the sensor. Additionally, metering data from all 79 focus points is processed by a brand new AF algorithm that predicts the subjects movement. These impressive new features combined with Sonys powerful Translucent Mirror Technology ensure that fast-moving people, animals or any other relevant object can be tracked quickly and accurately in all types of shooting conditions.
The α77 II camera also has a centrally mounted dedicated phase detect AF sensor that supports apertures up to F2.8, ensuring maximum AF precision when using large-aperture lenses. In low light, the AF system of the camera performs admirably, accurately locking on to subjects in scenes with illumination levels as low as EV-2 (ISO100), where even the human eye has trouble discerning details.
Theres a suite of sophisticated new AF functions on the α77 II model that make the most of the unique 79-point system. Expanded Flexible Spot mode maintains focus even if the selected AF point loses track of the subject, activating eight surrounding AF points that recognize the subject. Lock-on AF mode lets users select one of four AF area modes (Wide, Zone, Flexible Spot or Expanded Flexible Spot), and can recognize and track a subjects form based on its color and its position within the frame, automatically selecting the appropriate AF point from the 79 available
For even greater control, the degree of subject-tracking duration can be fine-tuned in five steps (when shooting still images in AF-C mode). A low setting is ideal for slow-moving subjects with predictable movements, while high settings deliver more responsive focusing for shooting different subjects at different distances, such as wildlife or sports photography. AF Tracking Duration can also be selected between High, Medium and Low during Full HD movie shooting.
Other new features include an Eye AF function that precisely detects and focuses on the subjects eyes when photographing people. There is also AF Range Control, which allows AF to be limited to a specified range, and a Balanced Emphasis mode that provides the ideal balance between focus and release timing. Users can manually select any of the various focus modes to match the shooting situation and their creative objectives.
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