You guys are to be commended for not having video lengths that just dragggggggggg like some reviewers do (with their 30-40-50 minute reviews!)... perfect length that is thorough without being narcissistic.
Thanks! We really struggle to keep the length of these reviews down while being (somewhat) comprehensive. We'll see how we do with the forthcoming GH5 and A9 reviews... Jordan @ TCSTV
This made me realise that if you ever made a comedy series about the two of you, I would fully support the project. Your dynamic would work even in narrative work. Great opening!
Hey Chris, move the joystick by covering it with your entire thumb. Don't move it using the edge of your thumb and you should do fine. Also, by shooting compressed raw only, I get 50+ shots on highest specs UHS-I card and it's good enough for me. I don't experience the lag you do maybe because I shoot wide open most of the times and move the dials less. Auto ISO does a good job but in some uneven lit scenes where it's challenging for the camera I use exposure compensation.
I love the a-mount so much. I do not have the A99/A99 II but the A77 and all the trade offs it comes with, for me the advantages are stronger. It's fast, has good resolution and features like focuspeaking. You can blend in all the things you need. But still there are some major things that bugg me and it seems sony could come by these things very easily but they don't care. And then they still seem to care a lot more about the mirrorless series. The a-mount is the geniouse but unloved child.
I know this test is a bit old, but the buffer stats are actually even better. I get 59 compressed RAW frames at 12 FPS before the camera slows down, cut it in half for uncompressed RAW. Turn on crop mode for 18 MP RAWs that can get 150 frames before a slowdown with the fast Sandisk UHS-1 cards. Also Chris, the camera only has UHS-1 slots. Good and fair review. TBH I find the lag to be much improved over the Mark 1, teh only setting that bothers me is changing ISO because they swapped the dials! The front now does full stops and the back thirds, while that's opposite of the a99 (and A-mounts before it). Aperture/shutter speed seem to update perfectly fine on EVF/LCD. The Top LCD seems slow regardless of instant setting changes like white balance. I just hate the interface for changing ISO because I always change it in full stops or just use Auto ISO, which is quite useful on this body especially with the auto-ISO shutter speed control quick settings in the Fn menu. I don't record videos but there's been complaints of overheating and the f/3.5 limitation is just dumb, but unless reviewers like you pound on it like people did with the raw/cRAW toggle, they'll just leave it alone.
I don't understand it. Why did you think the A-mount was abandoned? Sony made a clear statement a few years ago to continue the top cameras. They did for both A77 and A99 series in the usual 3 or 4 year rotation, the A99-II came even faster than the 5D Mark IV (which took 4,5 years!!). Then they even brought another entrylevel A68 even though they never promised that. It's strange how people think Sony abandoned something where they hold to their words and the time line these cameras always had.
Sony A Mount is dead and so on. We kept hearing this since A99 was just 2 years old and at the same time (2014) Sony announced A7 and A7R. The rumors were almost about to be proved true till late 2016 by some Sony haters and instantly Sony slapped them with A99II. Since 8 months after launch A99II was out of stock, and people still had a doubt on A Mount future. C'mon friends. Sony will not lie to it's A Mount users. And now the same story of A Mount is dead has started and will continue until A99III launch :)
A Mount has lenses related to almost all aspects of photography. 1635Z2, 2470Z2, 20 2.8, 24 2.0,35 1.4,50/1.4, 85 1.4, 135/1.8, 70-200Z2 2.8, 100/2.8, macro, 300 2.8, 500 2.8. E mount is growing and has not yet reached the amount of lenses the A Mount already has. We should look at our needs instead of counting the lenses one mount has.
the A mount had 12-14% total market share....and that was when there was more market to share ..now i read some place that A mount has 0.03% market share...if that's not at death's door i dont no what is
I know that Calgary gets cold, but I'm guessing that there aren't outdoor skating rinks and snow-covered ground in late June...so I sort of wonder what caused the delay with this episode.
Awesome video guys! I want so much to get this camera as my A99 was probably the greatest landscape camera I ever used but I had to make a decision several years ago and didn't see an update anywhere in the future so I parted with my Alpha glass. There is just no way I would buy new Alpha glass at this point. Hell, I am scared enough with my Nikon stuff!
Now I remembered why the heck my A57 wouldn't go lower than f3.5 when I tried recording a video couple of days ago, after not having used the camera for quite a while. I can't believe they still keep this weird restriction 😮 Mirrorless ftw then. Great video as always.
On the other hand you had phase AF while in video or live view mode. You didn't get that on DSLRs with flip mirrors. Of course mirrorless cameras have advanced A lot since.
The joystick annoyed me in the beginning but u have to keep your thumb down on it and then it's for really fast moving your auto focus points. I recently love it. I own the Minolta 300mm 2.8 SSM which uses all AF-points like the Sony 300mm II you used and other lenses like the old macro 100mm from Minolta or the Zeiss 135mm 1.8. The Tamron 15-30 is a decent wideangle. With the SAL70400G2, Sigma 85 1.4, 50 1.4 i have only issues with the Sigma... but for the money you can't get any better.
A mount is perfect for growing from intermediate to advanced photography, you can find the focal length you enjoy and then find the lenses that give you the best results in those focal length. The shear options of lenses is a selling point especially if you aren't the type that just burns money. On my system I have probably spent about 2,500 total for the body batteries, 5 lenses covering from 11-400mm and with a Max minimum aperture of 4.0. I tripods and other accessories are very expensive so building up around a camera and finding a comfortable spot is a luxury that I don't many other cameras have especially because most won't be able to afford a lens that they can use to just get a feel for a given focal range.
An a99ii is on my wish list. I have an a77 that I've had the shutter replaced on when it was still under warranty and I get the same problem now (unexposed top 1/3 of the frame in rapid-fire mode @~1/2500). My 3 pieces of glass are Tamron and Sigma, but I tried my first white lens (70-400G2) a few weeks ago along with an a77ii I rented. Loved the combo. A 42MP sensor sounds sweet, but I just can't afford one at this time and I don't want to have to buy all new glass or an adapter. My photos are mostly airshows and macro/landscape and I rarely use video so a fixed f/3.5 aperture doesn't worry me much.
Yea, but in same time people can complain about Sony menu. This is some logic 2.0. Every fuckin menu needs time to spend with. Sony's isnt worse than other brands.
FYI - The ISO front front control dial works in conjunction with the rear control dial. The front makes full stop changes. The rear makes 1/3 stop changes. Or it can be reversed. And this only applies when using the top LCD. The rear LCD shows full range of ISO selection.
12 Frame buffer? I think you need to check that again. It should be 20+ frames uncompressed RAW with JPEG, or 50+ compressed RAW. I shoot compressed raw, and shot 2500 frames in 3 hours. I never hit the buffer limit. I also want to mention that you can increase the battery life by turning the LCD in, and using the EVF only. That way, when the camera is away from your eye, all screens are off.
I am not even interested in the a99ii anymore (because of the a9) but I just love this review. If TheCameraStoreTV becomes a sitcom I will watch it everyday.
a99iii may never see the light of day, . . . since A9 series has taken over as the primary dSLR competitor. a99ii was already dead on the day of its announcement.
Shang-Hsien Yang Used both and prefer the a99II. The a9 missed focus (Hunted very badly) but the a99II nailed focus immediately. Both with their native 70-200 f/2.8 lenses and on the same subject. EVF is very close but the a9 is better. Ergonomics is a joke on the a9. I especially hate the button layout and the wheels. The a99II feels perfect compared to the a9.
These guys are polite, creative and professional. Unlike that cheesy digitalrev. The intro was great and almost answered all my questions about Sony a99 II
I have used my A99II since november and love it. Even on old glass the new AF is still faster than the the A99. I use it with 600mm f4, Minolta 17-35, Zeiss 24-70. The most amazing was that the old Minolta 85mm 1.4 works just fine, on the A99 iut would crash the body if the camera was set to AF fast.
Glad to hear it Claire! I am probably jumping back into the A-Mount camp again for the first time in many years (I did briefly use a-mount lenses with early e-mount cameras before switching to M43, but now I want one compact system, and one more pro system). The A99 II was a game changer for me. Heck, even if it is the last of its kind, this will be good enough for so many years.
All this time later, I'm hoping I can get one of these so I can have a unified mount between my 35mm SLRs and my digital camera. But boy is it not cheap.
All systems are defunct at some point. The magic with this system is that it is today and it is now. As a Nikon shooter forever, this has become my go-to for fast sport and studio work. And great 4K to boot. My fs7's buddy, albeit at a lower frame rate. Unlike many, I love this system and can't wait for the mirrorless A7/a9 series of the Future. Until then, the a99ii will continue to help me make my living. What a phenomenal, today, digital imaging system... Oh yes, Sony change the flippy screen to a swing out on both the a and e series.
So what if it the last of its kind, that doesn't mean if it breaks it cannot be fixed. It's a fantastic camera and there's adequate support in terms of lens and other related services. Not continuing a line of product can be a problem only if said product is not supported. Is there any signs that this line of cameras will not be supposed. Hey, Hasselblat still services cameras they made in the seventies.
I'm an a mount user this camera here is the one I want to get but I'm going to wait for the price drop. considering the future of Sony with this mount I don't want to be stuck paying full price.
For the a-mount there weren't many digital full frame digital cameras. Two very similar Sony full frame a-mount dSLR cameras a900 of 2008 and a850 of 2009 Two Sony full frame a-mount SLT cameras a99 of 2012 and a99 II of 2016. Sony wasn't very dedicated to full frame a-mount digital cameras However plenty of APS-C a-mount digital SLR and SLT cameras have been introduced even since the Konica Minolta a7 digital of 2005 and a5 digital of 2004 with IBIS before the purchase of Konica Minolta by Sony in 2006. Does the Konica Minolta a7 dSLR of 2004 rings some bells? Probably the same scientists that created the Konica Minolta a7 digital in 2004 created the Sony a7 in 2003 too. Also Minolta had introduced the a7 of 2001 and a9 of 1998 film SLR cameras before. So the a7 and a9 cameras have a great history. Film SLR and dSLR cameras were named a7 and a9 only in Japan.
Enjoyed this video and watched a couple of other ones as well that I enjoyed. I think it's an honest unbiased opinions, although a bit exaggerated on the fumbling in changing the settings such as ISO. As some one who's been doing photography since film, I could never really get in to the new smaller A9 mirrorless cameras. I feel like I need to have a camera in my hands and not some point & shoot camera of old. It's just a little minor thing to me but hey, to each its own. I don't think that Sony will get rid of this series.
Mild gargle Oh oh oh, a kidney is much cheaper than the EOS 1Dx II (or iShoot 1Dx ii). Don't panic! In half a year you may be able to purchase half A99II with savings for your primary needs. That won't happen with other brand tops either.
Thank you for this... i'm glad I watched it all the way through. I was on the verge of buying a Sony a9ii but something tells me I should wait. Mirrorless is about to take over the world. I own a (dead) Sony a900 that I purchased back in 2009. A few grand worth of lenses as well... full of mould! thanks to living in an old house in the tropics. Suffice to say that I'm a little nervous about bringing expensive equipment back home. Firstly, I will invest in a 'dry cabinet'... and because my bundle of a-mount lenses that need to be sent away for cleaning (if its not too late to save them).. cannot be used at this time... i'm thinking well what the hey.. buy a new lens for the new camera.. which would probably be an e-mount anyway? or something new?
The SLT is only for crosstype focus points, but it also has the 399 on sensor phase points from the a7RII. You can remove the SLT and use it as a mirrorless camera. Because of that, the a99II is a bridge over to a-mount becoming mirrorless in a larger body. A-mount will be used to compete with the larger body Canon/Nikon mirrorless offerings in the near future.
Sometimes, when I see what the Sony cameras can do, I have a brief moment where I consider switching from Nikon to Sony, especially since I do just about as much video as photography these days...but then I think about the A-series lenses and there are some great ones, but I just don't feel like there's much of a future. I went out a few years ago and bought the cheapest SLT, just to see what it was like and I love the video features...specifically, the video focusing and built-in image stabilization, which were amazing. However, the second you start to lose light, the EVF loses out to a traditional DSLR. But man, if Nikon could come up with a focusing system like Canon's Dual Pixel AF, or Sony's focusing system, I'd be a very, very happy camper. If there's a time when I start to do more video than photo, I will be forced to drop my beloved Nikon systems and go with something else, because Nikon is a bear for video. I've lived with it for all these years, but I'm just not sure there's a reason to do so for much longer and it doesn't look like Nikon is going to figure out a modern focusing system for video anytime soon.
This was a great informative/entertaining review as usual, loved the lead in...... BUT COULDNT YOU HAVE FIXED THE AUDIO? I mean I know it was cold out but did Chris mic have to be cozy under his sweater too? the volume was just so far up and down......distracting.
Chris, *Sony A Mount will continue and going strong in the future.* Remember, *they release A mount semi pro body every 3 year & pro body every 4 year cycle* They even launched A68, an entry level A Mount Cam, this is a nice surprise. They just allocate *smaller R&D & Promo* budgeting for A Mount, since the market for pure photography are shrinking, *For me, Sony has a crystal clear strategy* - Mirrorless as Primary Lineup (single digit series) - SLT as Secondary Lineup (double digit series) *Sony strategy against its Rivals (Canon & Nikon)* 1) A9 to Rival 1DXii & D5 2) A99ii to Rival 5DmkIV 3) A7Rii to Rival D810 4) A77ii to Rival D500 & 7Dii 5) A7 to Rival D610 6) A7ii to Rival 6Dii 7) A7R to Rival D750 8) A6500 to Rival D7500 & 80D 9) A6300 to Rival 77D, 800D 10) A6000 to Rival D5600, 750-760D/T7i -T7s 11) A68 to Rival D3400, 1300D/T6, 200D/SL2 _Sony SLT definitely important for market domination, specially A99ii since its The Cheapest Dual Card Memory Camera from Sony at 3200 $, compared to more expensive A9 at 4500 $_
This comment didnt age well lmao. Sony A-mount was obviously going to end. Sony has been pushing for mirrorless for a while and they ended up beating out canikon for a bit. What you listed was not “Sony’s strategy” but merely speculation. Sony’s strategy was clearly laid out by their introductions to mirrorless tech.
Dude before you dismiss the old Minolta AF lenses you might want to actually test or atleast check other reviewers Lol the Old Minolta AF 80-200mm APO HS 2.8 G Out performed the sony 70-200mm ssm II Lens very quick focusing also the unqiue Minolta color give it character lol
I have watched your videos for a few years now and always enjoyed them but I have to say this one left me wondering almost why you bothered - it seemed almost like a reluctant review as if you'd promised to do it but now regretted that promise - you both sounded bored reviewing what, tbh, is a very nice camera with lots of interesting features. It is as if you have swallowed the urban myth that alpha mount is dead and so felt there was no point taking the review seriously. I'm guessing from this lack of enthusiasm for the camera and system, and the fact that it took months for this review to come out, that we will never see a shootout type video pitting the a99ii against some of its competitors, which is a shame. Bottom line here is that if soneone was interested in potentially purchasing this camera, this 'field test' hardly contains the bare bones minimum information to help them make that choice. Sorry, but I have to tell it like it is - I have enjoyed many of the videos on your channel but this one was not one of your best, by a long way.
Maybe that mount is not that dead as it seems... we will see...they can keep making them without SLT with same internals as A9/A7 line, but with better ergonomy of massive camera including large battery and probably more powerfull processor thanks to better heat control.
im just now finding this camera and it infuriates me that this camera has an awesome articulating screen and the a7 series do not. i would pay 200 more if that screen was in my a7iii
Thanks for your review! I got this camera recently (have some Minolta-A lenses like 80-200f2.8, 70-300G and Reflex), and I realized that relatively simple lenses will not work AT ALL (maybe except fast lenses like 50f14) - you will just get that cheap camera IQ. This body needs top Minolta or Sony 2-nd Gen primes. Going to buy 70-400II or 400f4.5 HS soon.
Hi I am Chandan from India...i want to get into photography....please need ur advice on which full frame camera to buy(Budget 2-2.5k $)....would like to have for a couple of years n learn with it to become a professional level photographer.
old glass, Minolta 80-200mm f2.8 (35 years old) is a sharper and faster AF lens then modern uptodate 70-200mm f2.8 lenses....try it, you will love it.....
Tanaka-san assured us that *the A-mount customer base is small, but loyal, and we need to serve them* While Sony does not intend A-mount users to transition to E-mount, it does see the a9 as a potential body for A-mount lenses, via adaption. To that end Sony assures us the disadvantages associated with adapters - like the lack of proper subject tracking - are addressable, though it won't officially support or offer a solution for Canon lenses natively. *_Kenji Tanaka_* Sony Digital Imaging, Marketing Manager Sept 2017
I hope they come with an a77iii or something like that. I have some A mount glass and don't like the bodies of the e-mounts for long lenses. If they make a bigger E mount body a little bigger with a good way do adapt A mount lenses while having decent auto focus like the A mount, I could probably switch. But having a bigger E mount aps-c don't make a lot of sense if the idea is to go smaller... I guess only time will tell if i'm going to stick with sony or jump ship to a conventional dslr.
The A9 is actually the first E-mount body that could be an option to replace my A77's (one mk1, one mk2). However, there are some issues there still; 1. The price is too much (while the A77ii is the right price for me and I could stretch to what that cost at introduction) 2. Better adapters are needed (LA-EA4 needs better AF module or could work off the OSPDAF) 3. Better A-mount lens compatibility is needed (not necessarily better AF for screwdrive lenses, I can live with manual focus for those), e.g. there is no apparent reason why I should accept a reduced framerate with A-mount lenses in MF mode. It's not like the A77mk3 and A99mk3 need an update to the body and controls, it's mostly sensor (electronic shutter), firmware (need to map liveview effect on/off to a function key, which I think is already an option on the A99ii), buffer (it's ok-ish mostly, would just be nice with an improvement) and viewfinder (higher resolution is nice but more so an increased dynamic range and refresh rate as well as lower power consumption). So it's not really a lot of R&D and tooling money that need to be spent to keep A-mount afloat.
What Sony really needs to do is.create the best A MOUNT to E MOUNT adapter next. im a freelance videographer and ive been waiting to upgrade from my Sony A77 mk one for the longest time since college. I got my news video journalism career because of my A77i. Ive been holding off for so long to change to E mount. i invested too much in A mount glass. I borrowed my friends amazing Sony a7sii and Sony FS5 with the LAEA4 adapter and the auto focus still locks at F3.5 and automatically switches to program mode from manual mode for video when turned on on both systems for A MOUNT lenses. The ulimate adapter is to put all electronics needed for a A mount system to focus fast and accurate to be squeezed into a little adapter for E MOUNT so i finally switch over. This stupid auto focus F3.5 gets me depressed in 2017 where video auto focus has been improving and I cant use my 3 axis gimbal properly as a single operator. I do feel A Mount is dying and i get depressed thinking about how there are way better carmeras than the A mount system now with more bang for your buck features. Anyways i need this adapter to happen for both E MOUNT cinema cameras and mirrorless to fix the F3.5 auto program mode crap..
Also the LAEA4 adapter can only use 15 points of auto focus. THIS IS.STUPID especially if you were to use a camera with 40+ points of auto focus and you only 15 out of 40 points with the adapter
@@Megamattzero (I know your comment is several years old but my thoughts are similar) That's because it's the AF of the built-in SLT system. That was ok when these adapters were introduced. Nex 6 AF with a non-SLT adapter, forget it. But AF of let's say A6400 has advanced A LOT. Now there's a LA-EA5 but according to Sony compatibility info it's limited to some of the latest (and quite expensive) E mount cameras.
I love the camera but my only complaint is it over heats if your doing 4K video. Maybe you could be fixed with a firmware update but there has not been one or it just needs to be recalled.
Kuekuatsheu I read that manual inside and out hit Sony forms and have told them the issue. I have bought two of these cameras one has been recalled and I will not see it for another two months. Yes you are correct I should be using a camcorder and I would not have any of these issues. However coming from in a 99 and upgrading to the 899 more to it was not expecting to have any issues at all. The original a 99 was a beast and did everything I needed to photography and video wise. I expect the 899 Marktwo to at least meet or exceed my expectations of the older camera.
Currently on A99 and A850 with 1635Z, 2470Z, 50/1.4, 85Z, 135/2.8, 100/2.8 (both Minoltas). Do you reckon I should sell off everything (provided there's buyer) and go full mirrorless (or Canon)? I shoot weddings and events.
Can someone help me out with this problem? I'm deciding between the Sony a6000 with 16 55 kit lens and the Canon t6s with 18 55 kit lens. Which one has faster autofocus? And which has better image quality?
I will move to E mount when Sony has a 300/2.8 400/2.8 and 500/4 lens and more of a full size A9 body with integrated grip so using longer glass handles better
if the A99ll came out a couple years earlier it would've had people switching systems. but now it is only going to sell to people already in the A mount system. because i will say it again. Mirrorless is the future. my big question is ????? how is Sony going to handle having an A9 series and A7 series at the same time. because i have been waiting a long time for an A7r lll. but i want the A9 focusing. and the bigger battery and two sd cards and touch screen. and im hoping the A7rlll will have all of that. and that Sony doesn't dumb down the A7rlll and A7slll and hold back those features for a more expensive A9r. and A9s. i am hoping there will only be one A9. and many new A7 models. let the A9 compete with the D5 and 1Dxll and the A7r lll compete with D820 or 5dsr. or A99ll. at $3500 dollars. with every feature that can be packed into it. ok maybe now i need a psychiatrist
How much testing of the A99II 4K did you do (and not in sub freezing temps). There are multiple reports of overheating while shooting 4K video at room temps. Apparently it is related to the temperature tolerances being set to low. Sony is aware but no fix yet
I do, but it doesn't sound like you've done much research into the topic. The A99ii is overheating just like the A9 except it's happening when shooting 4K video. Apparently pretty common error. Go look on Sony's own support forum and DPReview. Lots of posts about it.
Chris must not have gotten a free camera, so at the end he says, keep your money and buy the new E mount coming out...........................................
You guys are to be commended for not having video lengths that just dragggggggggg like some reviewers do (with their 30-40-50 minute reviews!)... perfect length that is thorough without being narcissistic.
Thanks! We really struggle to keep the length of these reviews down while being (somewhat) comprehensive. We'll see how we do with the forthcoming GH5 and A9 reviews...
Jordan @ TCSTV
This made me realise that if you ever made a comedy series about the two of you, I would fully support the project. Your dynamic would work even in narrative work. Great opening!
We missed you. I need more Sony reviews.
Keep it up with the good videos guys. Cheers.
It's about time boys, I'd love my A-mount
Hey Chris, move the joystick by covering it with your entire thumb. Don't move it using the edge of your thumb and you should do fine. Also, by shooting compressed raw only, I get 50+ shots on highest specs UHS-I card and it's good enough for me. I don't experience the lag you do maybe because I shoot wide open most of the times and move the dials less. Auto ISO does a good job but in some uneven lit scenes where it's challenging for the camera I use exposure compensation.
You guys are hands down the best photography channel out there. I love it!
love my a-mount glass/cameras...they just work...and they don't overheat...go figure
My A7rII just works, doesn't overheat...go figure. Hey I can do this too!
Started with the A 200 , love my A 37 and A58
I'd love my A7iii to have a body like the A99ii I know I can use it with a grip, but clients really like it big
I love the a-mount so much. I do not have the A99/A99 II but the A77 and all the trade offs it comes with, for me the advantages are stronger. It's fast, has good resolution and features like focuspeaking. You can blend in all the things you need.
But still there are some major things that bugg me and it seems sony could come by these things very easily but they don't care. And then they still seem to care a lot more about the mirrorless series. The a-mount is the geniouse but unloved child.
I know this test is a bit old, but the buffer stats are actually even better. I get 59 compressed RAW frames at 12 FPS before the camera slows down, cut it in half for uncompressed RAW. Turn on crop mode for 18 MP RAWs that can get 150 frames before a slowdown with the fast Sandisk UHS-1 cards. Also Chris, the camera only has UHS-1 slots.
Good and fair review. TBH I find the lag to be much improved over the Mark 1, teh only setting that bothers me is changing ISO because they swapped the dials! The front now does full stops and the back thirds, while that's opposite of the a99 (and A-mounts before it). Aperture/shutter speed seem to update perfectly fine on EVF/LCD. The Top LCD seems slow regardless of instant setting changes like white balance. I just hate the interface for changing ISO because I always change it in full stops or just use Auto ISO, which is quite useful on this body especially with the auto-ISO shutter speed control quick settings in the Fn menu.
I don't record videos but there's been complaints of overheating and the f/3.5 limitation is just dumb, but unless reviewers like you pound on it like people did with the raw/cRAW toggle, they'll just leave it alone.
I don't understand it. Why did you think the A-mount was abandoned? Sony made a clear statement a few years ago to continue the top cameras. They did for both A77 and A99 series in the usual 3 or 4 year rotation, the A99-II came even faster than the 5D Mark IV (which took 4,5 years!!). Then they even brought another entrylevel A68 even though they never promised that.
It's strange how people think Sony abandoned something where they hold to their words and the time line these cameras always had.
Lofote Are any new lenses coming for it? All they seem to announce are the e mount ones!
Sony A Mount is dead and so on. We kept hearing this since A99 was just 2 years old and at the same time (2014) Sony announced A7 and A7R. The rumors were almost about to be proved true till late 2016 by some Sony haters and instantly Sony slapped them with A99II. Since 8 months after launch A99II was out of stock, and people still had a doubt on A Mount future. C'mon friends. Sony will not lie to it's A Mount users. And now the same story of A Mount is dead has started and will continue until A99III launch :)
A Mount has lenses related to almost all aspects of photography. 1635Z2, 2470Z2, 20 2.8, 24 2.0,35 1.4,50/1.4, 85 1.4, 135/1.8, 70-200Z2 2.8, 100/2.8, macro, 300 2.8, 500 2.8. E mount is growing and has not yet reached the amount of lenses the A Mount already has. We should look at our needs instead of counting the lenses one mount has.
the A mount had 12-14% total market share....and that was when there was more market to share ..now i read some place that A mount has 0.03% market share...if that's not at death's door i dont no what is
Yeah, new lenses are not required currently in the A mount lineup, but are required in the E mount lineup.
I know that Calgary gets cold, but I'm guessing that there aren't outdoor skating rinks and snow-covered ground in late June...so I sort of wonder what caused the delay with this episode.
Awesome video guys! I want so much to get this camera as my A99 was probably the greatest landscape camera I ever used but I had to make a decision several years ago and didn't see an update anywhere in the future so I parted with my Alpha glass. There is just no way I would buy new Alpha glass at this point. Hell, I am scared enough with my Nikon stuff!
Now I remembered why the heck my A57 wouldn't go lower than f3.5 when I tried recording a video couple of days ago, after not having used the camera for quite a while. I can't believe they still keep this weird restriction 😮 Mirrorless ftw then. Great video as always.
On the other hand you had phase AF while in video or live view mode. You didn't get that on DSLRs with flip mirrors. Of course mirrorless cameras have advanced A lot since.
I'm a sony A mount user, love this review
The joystick annoyed me in the beginning but u have to keep your thumb down on it and then it's for really fast moving your auto focus points. I recently love it. I own the Minolta 300mm 2.8 SSM which uses all AF-points like the Sony 300mm II you used and other lenses like the old macro 100mm from Minolta or the Zeiss 135mm 1.8. The Tamron 15-30 is a decent wideangle. With the SAL70400G2, Sigma 85 1.4, 50 1.4 i have only issues with the Sigma... but for the money you can't get any better.
MuDv4yNe do you get eye auto focus with the older sigma 85 1.4 hsm? I have that lens and use it with an adapter on a sony a7ii
Chris, I know you are tired of hearing this, but your camera review videos are the best. Simply the best.
A mount is perfect for growing from intermediate to advanced photography, you can find the focal length you enjoy and then find the lenses that give you the best results in those focal length. The shear options of lenses is a selling point especially if you aren't the type that just burns money. On my system I have probably spent about 2,500 total for the body batteries, 5 lenses covering from 11-400mm and with a Max minimum aperture of 4.0. I tripods and other accessories are very expensive so building up around a camera and finding a comfortable spot is a luxury that I don't many other cameras have especially because most won't be able to afford a lens that they can use to just get a feel for a given focal range.
An a99ii is on my wish list. I have an a77 that I've had the shutter replaced on when it was still under warranty and I get the same problem now (unexposed top 1/3 of the frame in rapid-fire mode @~1/2500). My 3 pieces of glass are Tamron and Sigma, but I tried my first white lens (70-400G2) a few weeks ago along with an a77ii I rented. Loved the combo. A 42MP sensor sounds sweet, but I just can't afford one at this time and I don't want to have to buy all new glass or an adapter. My photos are mostly airshows and macro/landscape and I rarely use video so a fixed f/3.5 aperture doesn't worry me much.
Nice to see your back again making video Chris and Jordan
I dont know why people are complaining about sony menu. When i tried D610 after one year with a6000 i cannot find shit in this Nikon.
You tried a brand new OS after a full year of using another OS. Of course you'll be confused.
Yea, but in same time people can complain about Sony menu. This is some logic 2.0. Every fuckin menu needs time to spend with. Sony's isnt worse than other brands.
blackjohnny0 agreed, switched from sony to nikon recently
FYI - The ISO front front control dial works in conjunction with the rear control dial. The front makes full stop changes. The rear makes 1/3 stop changes. Or it can be reversed. And this only applies when using the top LCD. The rear LCD shows full range of ISO selection.
Jordan, can hold a camera and hold his own on the ice!
12 Frame buffer? I think you need to check that again. It should be 20+ frames uncompressed RAW with JPEG, or 50+ compressed RAW. I shoot compressed raw, and shot 2500 frames in 3 hours. I never hit the buffer limit.
I also want to mention that you can increase the battery life by turning the LCD in, and using the EVF only. That way, when the camera is away from your eye, all screens are off.
I am not even interested in the a99ii anymore (because of the a9) but I just love this review. If TheCameraStoreTV becomes a sitcom I will watch it everyday.
Shang-Hsien Yang too bad the A9 has no slog and personally 42mp is more useful than 20fps.
a99iii may never see the light of day, . . . since A9 series has taken over as the primary dSLR competitor.
a99ii was already dead on the day of its announcement.
Shang-Hsien Yang Used both and prefer the a99II. The a9 missed focus (Hunted very badly) but the a99II nailed focus immediately. Both with their native 70-200 f/2.8 lenses and on the same subject. EVF is very close but the a9 is better. Ergonomics is a joke on the a9. I especially hate the button layout and the wheels. The a99II feels perfect compared to the a9.
Kinda surprised we didn't see Jordan try that triple axel jump on the ice. Would have been a great way to test the slow mo of the a99 mark 2.
I could have tried, but then TCSTV wouldn't have a cameraman/editor anymore.
Jordan @ TCSTV
These guys are polite, creative and professional. Unlike that cheesy digitalrev. The intro was great and almost answered all my questions about Sony a99 II
I would had appreciated this review some months ago when I was deciding what camera to buy.
Loved the first couch play, blame it on the father.
A new A-mount camera is not a surprise. There has been a new one released every year since 2006.
Right, because they are trying to recoup their start up costs before they screw "A" mount users all the way....
Want a99iii and a77iii to come out!
The A-mount is dead and likely to never comeback. Without much technological advances to the A-mount lens they're inferior to the e-mount lens today
Sony a99 II, still good today!
I have used my A99II since november and love it. Even on old glass the new AF is still faster than the the A99. I use it with 600mm f4, Minolta 17-35, Zeiss 24-70. The most amazing was that the old Minolta 85mm 1.4 works just fine, on the A99 iut would crash the body if the camera was set to AF fast.
Glad to hear it Claire! I am probably jumping back into the A-Mount camp again for the first time in many years (I did briefly use a-mount lenses with early e-mount cameras before switching to M43, but now I want one compact system, and one more pro system). The A99 II was a game changer for me. Heck, even if it is the last of its kind, this will be good enough for so many years.
Claire Binder would buying a used a99 be good? Since it's quite a beast compared to other brands
Whenever I watch videos from Chris, it's always winter outside. It seems like he's living beyond a polar circle. :-)
All this time later, I'm hoping I can get one of these so I can have a unified mount between my 35mm SLRs and my digital camera.
But boy is it not cheap.
A-Mount Resistance!
ABOUT TIME!!!
Thanks guys!!!!
Great vid as ever. Jordan is almost as steady on skates as my hand-held shooting!
Looking for info on the a99 ii, bonus with comedy to boot
All systems are defunct at some point. The magic with this system is that it is today and it is now. As a Nikon shooter forever, this has become my go-to for fast sport and studio work. And great 4K to boot. My fs7's buddy, albeit at a lower frame rate. Unlike many, I love this system and can't wait for the mirrorless A7/a9 series of the Future. Until then, the a99ii will continue to help me make my living. What a phenomenal, today, digital imaging system... Oh yes, Sony change the flippy screen to a swing out on both the a and e series.
which camera u have used for shooting this episode
Would u review a99 Mark I with Minolta /Sony reflex f8 AF lens in 2021 ?
Need a Sony A77 Mark III❤
I got a marker for u
Gotta love that therapy session 😂😂😂
So what if it the last of its kind, that doesn't mean if it breaks it cannot be fixed. It's a fantastic camera and there's adequate support in terms of lens and other related services. Not continuing a line of product can be a problem only if said product is not supported. Is there any signs that this line of cameras will not be supposed. Hey, Hasselblat still services cameras they made in the seventies.
Yay... wondered when you guys will review this camera.
That notepad xD
"Keeps refering to a 'Kai Wong'"
HAHAHAHAHA
Great review! Spot on! Thanks for sharing :)
I'm an a mount user this camera here is the one I want to get but I'm going to wait for the price drop. considering the future of Sony with this mount I don't want to be stuck paying full price.
Ken seems like the coolest dude.
He"s alright.
I was like, "Damn, who's throwing shade at cool Ken?" Haha.
Image at 1:58 can't be unseen now. Thanks a lot.
For the a-mount there weren't many digital full frame digital cameras.
Two very similar Sony full frame a-mount dSLR cameras a900 of 2008 and a850 of 2009
Two Sony full frame a-mount SLT cameras a99 of 2012 and a99 II of 2016. Sony wasn't very dedicated to full frame a-mount digital cameras
However plenty of APS-C a-mount digital SLR and SLT cameras have been introduced even since the Konica Minolta a7 digital of 2005 and a5 digital of 2004 with IBIS before the purchase of Konica Minolta by Sony in 2006.
Does the Konica Minolta a7 dSLR of 2004 rings some bells? Probably the same scientists that created the Konica Minolta a7 digital in 2004 created the Sony a7 in 2003 too.
Also Minolta had introduced the a7 of 2001 and a9 of 1998 film SLR cameras before.
So the a7 and a9 cameras have a great history.
Film SLR and dSLR cameras were named a7 and a9 only in Japan.
Enjoyed this video and watched a couple of other ones as well that I enjoyed. I think it's an honest unbiased opinions, although a bit exaggerated on the fumbling in changing the settings such as ISO. As some one who's been doing photography since film, I could never really get in to the new smaller A9 mirrorless cameras. I feel like I need to have a camera in my hands and not some point & shoot camera of old. It's just a little minor thing to me but hey, to each its own. I don't think that Sony will get rid of this series.
Chris, Jordan, how much would pay for a kidney? Cause I need that a99ii real bad
Mild gargle Oh oh oh, a kidney is much cheaper than the EOS 1Dx II (or iShoot 1Dx ii). Don't panic! In half a year you may be able to purchase half A99II with savings for your primary needs. That won't happen with other brand tops either.
"Keep referring to Kai Wang" Haha lol
i noticed too! :D
lol
As you can tell by the snow, the review has been filmed on a beautiful Calgary day in the middle of June.
Thank you for this... i'm glad I watched it all the way through. I was on the verge of buying a Sony a9ii but something tells me I should wait. Mirrorless is about to take over the world. I own a (dead) Sony a900 that I purchased back in 2009. A few grand worth of lenses as well... full of mould! thanks to living in an old house in the tropics. Suffice to say that I'm a little nervous about bringing expensive equipment back home. Firstly, I will invest in a 'dry cabinet'... and because my bundle of a-mount lenses that need to be sent away for cleaning (if its not too late to save them).. cannot be used at this time... i'm thinking well what the hey.. buy a new lens for the new camera.. which would probably be an e-mount anyway? or something new?
Why would I buy this over an A7RII? Does it focus better?
Man I can't believe you still got ice rinks at this time of the year... In Montreal, skirts are already getting shorter as the temperature climbs up
Most of the filming was clearly done some months ago, before the A9 announcement.
That was clearly a joke
The A99 II is like what the E-5 was for Olympus users a few years ago. Very powerfull, pro built but the last of it's kind. The future is mirrorless.
MrBillMorisson ehhh
How do you know there won't be an A77-III this year?
The SLT is only for crosstype focus points, but it also has the 399 on sensor phase points from the a7RII. You can remove the SLT and use it as a mirrorless camera. Because of that, the a99II is a bridge over to a-mount becoming mirrorless in a larger body. A-mount will be used to compete with the larger body Canon/Nikon mirrorless offerings in the near future.
The Samsung NX1 was a thing of beauty. It still has the highest megapixels of any APS-C camera at 28MP, and it's 3 years old!
Sometimes, when I see what the Sony cameras can do, I have a brief moment where I consider switching from Nikon to Sony, especially since I do just about as much video as photography these days...but then I think about the A-series lenses and there are some great ones, but I just don't feel like there's much of a future. I went out a few years ago and bought the cheapest SLT, just to see what it was like and I love the video features...specifically, the video focusing and built-in image stabilization, which were amazing. However, the second you start to lose light, the EVF loses out to a traditional DSLR. But man, if Nikon could come up with a focusing system like Canon's Dual Pixel AF, or Sony's focusing system, I'd be a very, very happy camper. If there's a time when I start to do more video than photo, I will be forced to drop my beloved Nikon systems and go with something else, because Nikon is a bear for video. I've lived with it for all these years, but I'm just not sure there's a reason to do so for much longer and it doesn't look like Nikon is going to figure out a modern focusing system for video anytime soon.
It's like 80 degrees in Alberta right now, you guys made this video earlier!!!!
March maybe?
This was a great informative/entertaining review as usual, loved the lead in...... BUT COULDNT YOU HAVE FIXED THE AUDIO? I mean I know it was cold out but did Chris mic have to be cozy under his sweater too? the volume was just so far up and down......distracting.
Chris,
*Sony A Mount will continue and going strong in the future.*
Remember, *they release A mount semi pro body every 3 year & pro body every 4 year cycle*
They even launched A68, an entry level A Mount Cam, this is a nice surprise.
They just allocate *smaller R&D & Promo* budgeting for A Mount, since the market for pure photography are shrinking,
*For me, Sony has a crystal clear strategy*
- Mirrorless as Primary Lineup (single digit series)
- SLT as Secondary Lineup (double digit series)
*Sony strategy against its Rivals (Canon & Nikon)*
1) A9 to Rival 1DXii & D5
2) A99ii to Rival 5DmkIV
3) A7Rii to Rival D810
4) A77ii to Rival D500 & 7Dii
5) A7 to Rival D610
6) A7ii to Rival 6Dii
7) A7R to Rival D750
8) A6500 to Rival D7500 & 80D
9) A6300 to Rival 77D, 800D
10) A6000 to Rival D5600, 750-760D/T7i -T7s
11) A68 to Rival D3400, 1300D/T6, 200D/SL2
_Sony SLT definitely important for market domination, specially A99ii since its The Cheapest Dual Card Memory Camera from Sony at 3200 $, compared to more expensive A9 at 4500 $_
This comment didnt age well lmao.
Sony A-mount was obviously going to end. Sony has been pushing for mirrorless for a while and they ended up beating out canikon for a bit. What you listed was not “Sony’s strategy” but merely speculation.
Sony’s strategy was clearly laid out by their introductions to mirrorless tech.
Dude before you dismiss the old Minolta AF lenses you might want to actually test or atleast check other reviewers Lol the Old Minolta AF 80-200mm APO HS 2.8 G Out performed the sony 70-200mm ssm II Lens very quick focusing also the unqiue Minolta color give it character lol
I have watched your videos for a few years now and always enjoyed them but I have to say this one left me wondering almost why you bothered - it seemed almost like a reluctant review as if you'd promised to do it but now regretted that promise - you both sounded bored reviewing what, tbh, is a very nice camera with lots of interesting features. It is as if you have swallowed the urban myth that alpha mount is dead and so felt there was no point taking the review seriously. I'm guessing from this lack of enthusiasm for the camera and system, and the fact that it took months for this review to come out, that we will never see a shootout type video pitting the a99ii against some of its competitors, which is a shame. Bottom line here is that if soneone was interested in potentially purchasing this camera, this 'field test' hardly contains the bare bones minimum information to help them make that choice. Sorry, but I have to tell it like it is - I have enjoyed many of the videos on your channel but this one was not one of your best, by a long way.
Maybe that mount is not that dead as it seems... we will see...they can keep making them without SLT with same internals as A9/A7 line, but with better ergonomy of massive camera including large battery and probably more powerfull processor thanks to better heat control.
^^^^THIS.... is an EXCELLENT idea and suggestion. A mirrorless A mount camera so I can keep all my glass AND ergonomics too.
Interesting camera. Informative video. But hey, I have a camera, I'm here for the comedy!
i like the A mount system
Really funny. Well done! (Particularly Jordan's notes. Hilarious)
Snow Looks weird in the last week of June. Otherwise, well done - thank you!
im just now finding this camera and it infuriates me that this camera has an awesome articulating screen and the a7 series do not. i would pay 200 more if that screen was in my a7iii
Thanks for your review! I got this camera recently (have some Minolta-A lenses like 80-200f2.8, 70-300G and Reflex), and I realized that relatively simple lenses will not work AT ALL (maybe except fast lenses like 50f14) - you will just get that cheap camera IQ. This body needs top Minolta or Sony 2-nd Gen primes. Going to buy 70-400II or 400f4.5 HS soon.
Snow in Calgary in the summer? Normal.
Marvelous video . Any news about the updating of Nikon d810?
Hi I am Chandan from India...i want to get into photography....please need ur advice on which full frame camera to buy(Budget 2-2.5k $)....would like to have for a couple of years n learn with it to become a professional level photographer.
old glass, Minolta 80-200mm f2.8 (35 years old) is a sharper and faster AF lens then modern uptodate 70-200mm f2.8 lenses....try it, you will love it.....
Today, 5/5/21 the A-mount died 😢
Tanaka-san assured us that *the A-mount customer base is small, but loyal, and we need to serve them*
While Sony does not intend A-mount users to transition to E-mount, it does see the a9 as a potential body for A-mount lenses, via adaption. To that end Sony assures us the disadvantages associated with adapters - like the lack of proper subject tracking - are addressable, though it won't officially support or offer a solution for Canon lenses natively.
*_Kenji Tanaka_*
Sony Digital Imaging, Marketing Manager
Sept 2017
I hope they come with an a77iii or something like that. I have some A mount glass and don't like the bodies of the e-mounts for long lenses. If they make a bigger E mount body a little bigger with a good way do adapt A mount lenses while having decent auto focus like the A mount, I could probably switch. But having a bigger E mount aps-c don't make a lot of sense if the idea is to go smaller... I guess only time will tell if i'm going to stick with sony or jump ship to a conventional dslr.
The A9 is actually the first E-mount body that could be an option to replace my A77's (one mk1, one mk2). However, there are some issues there still;
1. The price is too much (while the A77ii is the right price for me and I could stretch to what that cost at introduction)
2. Better adapters are needed (LA-EA4 needs better AF module or could work off the OSPDAF)
3. Better A-mount lens compatibility is needed (not necessarily better AF for screwdrive lenses, I can live with manual focus for those), e.g. there is no apparent reason why I should accept a reduced framerate with A-mount lenses in MF mode.
It's not like the A77mk3 and A99mk3 need an update to the body and controls, it's mostly sensor (electronic shutter), firmware (need to map liveview effect on/off to a function key, which I think is already an option on the A99ii), buffer (it's ok-ish mostly, would just be nice with an improvement) and viewfinder (higher resolution is nice but more so an increased dynamic range and refresh rate as well as lower power consumption). So it's not really a lot of R&D and tooling money that need to be spent to keep A-mount afloat.
What Sony really needs to do is.create the best A MOUNT to E MOUNT adapter next. im a freelance videographer and ive been waiting to upgrade from my Sony A77 mk one for the longest time since college. I got my news video journalism career because of my A77i. Ive been holding off for so long to change to E mount. i invested too much in A mount glass. I borrowed my friends amazing Sony a7sii and Sony FS5 with the LAEA4 adapter and the auto focus still locks at F3.5 and automatically switches to program mode from manual mode for video when turned on on both systems for A MOUNT lenses. The ulimate adapter is to put all electronics needed for a A mount system to focus fast and accurate to be squeezed into a little adapter for E MOUNT so i finally switch over. This stupid auto focus F3.5 gets me depressed in 2017 where video auto focus has been improving and I cant use my 3 axis gimbal properly as a single operator. I do feel A Mount is dying and i get depressed thinking about how there are way better carmeras than the A mount system now with more bang for your buck features. Anyways i need this adapter to happen for both E MOUNT cinema cameras and mirrorless to fix the F3.5 auto program mode crap..
Also the LAEA4 adapter can only use 15 points of auto focus. THIS IS.STUPID especially if you were to use a camera with 40+ points of auto focus and you only 15 out of 40 points with the adapter
@@Megamattzero (I know your comment is several years old but my thoughts are similar)
That's because it's the AF of the built-in SLT system. That was ok when these adapters were introduced. Nex 6 AF with a non-SLT adapter, forget it. But AF of let's say A6400 has advanced A LOT.
Now there's a LA-EA5 but according to Sony compatibility info it's limited to some of the latest (and quite expensive) E mount cameras.
I love the camera but my only complaint is it over heats if your doing 4K video. Maybe you could be fixed with a firmware update but there has not been one or it just needs to be recalled.
Kuekuatsheu I read that manual inside and out hit Sony forms and have told them the issue. I have bought two of these cameras one has been recalled and I will not see it for another two months. Yes you are correct I should be using a camcorder and I would not have any of these issues. However coming from in a 99 and upgrading to the 899 more to it was not expecting to have any issues at all. The original a 99 was a beast and did everything I needed to photography and video wise. I expect the 899 Marktwo to at least meet or exceed my expectations of the older camera.
FINALLY!!!!!
Currently on A99 and A850 with 1635Z, 2470Z, 50/1.4, 85Z, 135/2.8, 100/2.8 (both Minoltas). Do you reckon I should sell off everything (provided there's buyer) and go full mirrorless (or Canon)? I shoot weddings and events.
You should not sell anything. You have a great camera and glass. You may want to upgrade to A99II. I am very happy with results.
Man Canada must be so cold, I mean it's only August and there's already loads of snow there!
Can someone help me out with this problem? I'm deciding between the Sony a6000 with 16 55 kit lens and the Canon t6s with 18 55 kit lens. Which one has faster autofocus? And which has better image quality?
awsome :D i waiting so long for this !
Great
I will move to E mount when Sony has a 300/2.8 400/2.8 and 500/4 lens and more of a full size A9 body with integrated grip so using longer glass handles better
Is it not summer in canada?
if the A99ll came out a couple years earlier it would've had people switching systems. but now it is only going to sell to people already in the A mount system. because i will say it again. Mirrorless is the future. my big question is ????? how is Sony going to handle having an A9 series and A7 series at the same time. because i have been waiting a long time for an A7r lll. but i want the A9 focusing. and the bigger battery and two sd cards and touch screen. and im hoping the A7rlll will have all of that. and that Sony doesn't dumb down the A7rlll and A7slll and hold back those features for a more expensive A9r. and A9s. i am hoping there will only be one A9. and many new A7 models. let the A9 compete with the D5 and 1Dxll and the A7r lll compete with D820 or 5dsr. or A99ll. at $3500 dollars. with every feature that can be packed into it. ok maybe now i need a psychiatrist
Weird, d850 got so much hype, because of the high mp sensor and frame rate but the a99ii still doesn't seen to get any attention.
great review as usual although i just couldn't go through with the full review... A99 II just not for me
In fairness to Jordan he's never been the same skater after the Tonya Harding lead pipe incident killed his competitive career.
3:12 Jordan's jacket is purple, 3:19 the jacket is blue? What's up with that?
How much testing of the A99II 4K did you do (and not in sub freezing temps). There are multiple reports of overheating while shooting 4K video at room temps. Apparently it is related to the temperature tolerances being set to low. Sony is aware but no fix yet
Do you know difference between A9 and A99II?
I do, but it doesn't sound like you've done much research into the topic. The A99ii is overheating just like the A9 except it's happening when shooting 4K video. Apparently pretty common error. Go look on Sony's own support forum and DPReview. Lots of posts about it.
Strange summer in Canada...
Hmmm, ice skating in late June in Calgary? I guess it beats mowing the grass. 😉
Hi just wondering are you guys going to review GH5?
Chris must not have gotten a free camera, so at the end he says, keep your money and buy the new E mount coming out...........................................
8:57 All of that is limited to A99Mk.2 or you have seen that on other Sony cameras?
I suppose this review was done before the announcement of the A9 😂
17:20
ruclips.net/video/P3cKx94KZs8/видео.html ;)
Obviously...look at all the snow and we are in june
better than the A9 in every way?
bollocks.
Have you ever even seen an A-mount lens in the wild?
Funfact, the A9 also "only" shoots 12fps when you set it to "uncompressed RAW".