Sony
Alpha a9 + 70-200mm f/2.8 GM FE OSS Lens
Full-frame Mirrorless Digital Camera Kit
Built for speed, the Alpha a9 from Sony is a mirrorless digital camera that offers multimedia capabilities alongside high-speed processing. The a9 is built around a 24.2MP full-frame Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor, making it possible to shoot at up to 20 fps for up to 362 consecutive JPEGs, or 241 raw frames, record internal UHD 4K video and enjoy an expanded sensitivity range to ISO 204,800 with reduced noise for clean image quality in a variety of lighting conditions. Additionally, uncompressed raw files can be recorded in 14-bit for greater colour fidelity and post-production flexibility.
This is complimented by a 693-point phase-detection autofocus system along with 25 contrast-detection areas that covers 93% of the image area for quick and precise focusing even in challenging lighting conditions. The use of phase-detection points enables the use of A-mount lenses via the optional LA-EA3 or LA-EA1 lens mount adapters with full continuous AF/AE tracking compatibility. A Peaking MF function is also available to benefit manual focus control.
Additionally, the a9 features 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilisation to minimise the appearance of camera shake when shooting handheld. This system compensates for five different types of camera shake. For long focal lengths, the system will correct for pitch and yaw adjustments, horizontal and vertical shift compensation will benefit macro and high-magnification imagery, and roll compensation will be useful in any situation. All 5 axes of stabilisation will function at all times, even when used with third-party lenses and adapters or lenses with built-in optical stabilisation.
Video recording is available with internal recording of UHD 4K movies in multiple frame rates up to 30 fps and, based on the Super35mm recording area and effective 20MP (6000 x 3376) resolution, 2.4x oversampling renders greater detail and full pixel readout is possible, that is void of pixel binning, for higher quality imagery with reduced moiré and aliasing. 4K video recording also allows you to capture 8MP stills during playback by taking a frame grab from a movie and storing it as a separate file.
Full HD 1080p recording is also supported in frame rates up to 120 fps, and both resolutions utilise the 100 Mbps XAVC S format contained within an MP4 wrapper with 4:2:0 sampling. The high-speed, 120 fps recording also makes 4x and 5x slow-motion movie recording possible with the frame rate set to either 30p or 24p. An uncompressed HDMI output is also available and allows an optional external recorder to be used for clean 4K recording with 4:2:2 sampling.
All this is housed in a durable and lightweight fully weather-sealed magnesium-alloy body with a 3.686m-dot resolution quad-VGA OLED Tru-Finder with 120 fps refresh rate for clear, bright, and smooth eye-level viewing. Alternatively, a 3.0" 1.44m-dot tilting touchscreen LCD is available for live view shooting and menu navigation. The touchscreen makes Touch Focus possible, and the tilting design allows you to work from both high and low angles. Dual SD memory card slots, a customisable menu system, and a variety of physical control dials further round out the camera's intuitive design. The camera is completed with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless image sharing and remote camera control from linked mobile devices.
Here the a9 is kitted with the FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS from Sony, a versatile portrait to telephoto length zoom lens designed for full-frame E-mount mirrorless cameras, however it is also compatible with APS-C models where it will provide a 105-300mm equivalent focal length. With a fast maximum aperture of f/2.8 and the inclusion of OSS (Optical SteadyShot) image stabilization it is well-suited to handheld shooting even at slower shutter speeds, and offers precise control over focus placement. A rounded 11-blade diaphragm produces a pleasing bokeh quality in out of focus areas. As part of Sony's G Master series it is designed to produce exceptional imagery.
Optically the lens features three aspherical elements, including one XA (extreme aspherical) element and six extra-low dispersion elements to reduce chromatic and spherical aberrations throughout the zoom range for sharp, clear, images. A Nano AR coating has also been applied to control ghosting and lens flare, and the front element uses a further fluorine coating for protection against marks and smudges.
It is also possible to use the stabilization system combined with select camera's sensor-shift type image stabilization for more effective control of camera blur. An OSS Mode switch lets you choose between Mode 1 for general image stabilization that is suited to most types of shooting or Mode 2 that is specifically intended to be used with panning movements.
Autofocus is fast, precise and quiet, thanks to a dual linear motor actuator autofocus system which operates the rear groups and a SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) to control the front groups. A focus hold button, AF/MF switch, and focus range limiter make handling this lens even more intuitive, and the included removable tripod collar has a rotating design to make switching between horizontal and vertical shooting positions simple. It is also dust and moisture-sealed.