The Sony a9 II is a true action powerhouse for sports, wildlife and event photography. The unique 24.2-megapixel full-frame stacked Exmor RS sensor delivers outstanding image quality with unbelievable readout and output speeds. The BIONZ XTM processor enables blackout-free continuous shooting at up to 20fps without sacrificing AF/AE calculations. The silent, vibration-free electronic shutter provides shutter speeds up to 1/32,000sec. All these features, and more, add up to awe-inspiring performance from a full-frame camera, without interference from mechanical devices.

Up to 20fps² with up to 60 AF/AE tracking calculations per sec.³

Capture all the action at the highest speed. A combination of groundbreaking high-speed full-frame stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor with integral memory and BIONZ X processor with DRAM enables incredible completely silent continuous shooting up to 20fps² at full 24.2MP¹ resolution in RAW+JPEG with continuous AF/AE (autofocus and auto exposure) tracking at 60 calculations per second³ and no EVF or LCD blackout⁸. The large high speed buffer allow for up to 361 JPEG images or 239 compressed RAW images¹⁶ in a single burst. It is also possible to shoot up to 10 fps² using the mechanical shutter.

Voice Memo⁴

Designed to improve the speed of news agencies workflow, the Alpha 9 II features a Voice Memo function that allows spoken information to be attached to images which can convey important information when sent to the editor. Voice memos⁴ up to 60 seconds in length can be recorded and attached as a WAVE (.wav) file with the same name as the image file which can be transferred via FTP along with the corresponding image data without the need for additional equipment or software. Voice memos cannot be attached to movie files. Additionally, a photographer can also use the ‘Transfer & Tagging add-on’ Imaging Edge™ application to transfer voice tags with the images to their mobile device and have the voice memos automatically converted to text and added to the JPEG images in the form of IPTC metadata.

Real-time Tracking⁶ automatically tracks the subject

Real-time Tracking⁶ is a state-of-the-art feature that employs artificial intelligence to tenaciously track moving subjects when shooting stills or movies. Accurate focus is maintained automatically while the shutter button is half-pressed. An advanced subject recognition algorithm uses color, pattern (brightness), and subject distance (depth) data to process spatial information in real time. If the subject is a person, AI is used to detect and keep track of the subject’s eye and face in real time for extremely high tracking precision. The focus area will seamlessly change between face and eye according to the condition of the subject. The subject to be tracked can also be specified by touching it on the monitor when the Touch Tracking function is engaged. Tracking On can also be assigned to a custom key so that the user can initiate tracking at any time.

Real-time Eye AF for Humans and Animals

Real-time Eye AF employs artificial intelligence to detect and process eye data in real time, and track the subject’s eye with unprecedented precision. This function can be activated via an assigned custom key, or by simply pressing the AF-ON button or half-pressing the shutter button. When used with the Real-time Tracking function, tracking will continue even if the camera is temporarily unable to locate the subject’s eye, so it is easier than ever to shoot dynamic portraits and moving subjects. In addition to automatic eye selection when using Eye AF, it is also possible to manually preselect the subject’s right or left eye⁵.

Advanced AI-based subject recognition technology now allows fast, precise, automatic detection and tracking of animal eyes⁶ when Animal Eye-AF mode is selected. This can vastly increase success rates when photographing animals in a variety of settings or pets at home. Real-time Eye AF animal mode only works for stills and in any AF mode and can be initiated either by pressing an assigned custom button or by half-pressing the shutter button. Animal Eye-AF also works with Real-time Tracking in order to achieve unprecedented precision in tracking the eyes of moving subjects. Accurate focus may not be achieved with certain subjects in certain situations and performance may not be as good as that in the human eye mode.

5 GHz⁷ wireless LAN support

The camera’s built-in wireless LAN functionality has been updated, adding a 5 GHz band⁷ to the 2.4 GHz band (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards are supported). The benefits of 5 GHz communication include less interference as well as faster, more stable data transfer.

1 Gbps Ethernet for fast communication

The Alpha 9 II provides upgraded network functionality with a built-in connector for wired 1000BASE-T Ethernet terminal, enabling high-speed gigabit communication for stable data transfer operations, including remote shooting¹². 1000BASE-T allows data transfer at up to 1 Gbps, up to 10x faster than the 100BASE-T (100 Mbps) connection provided on the original Alpha 9. FTPS (File Transfer over SSL/TLS) is supported, allowing SSL or TLS encryption for increased data security.

Remote Camera Tool¹² Ver. 2.1

The Remote Camera Tool application¹² has been updated to version 2.1 to support the improved wired LAN functionality of the Alpha 9 II. This update optimizes the Remote Camera Tool for the high-speed 1000BASE-T data communication capabilities including PC Remote (tethered) shooting, data transfer, and control. When using the Remote Camera Tool application with the Alpha 9 II for wired PC Remote (tethered) shooting, release time lag and live view delays are minimized for smooth, stress-free operation during image transfers. Data transfer speeds between the Alpha 9 II and computer are significantly increased, as are image transfer speeds during tethered shooting. Additionally, it allows remote SD card formatting, FTP server switching, and changes to the computer image storage location which provides improved support for professional photographers using fixed ceiling cameras at an arena or gymnasium, goal-line cameras at track events, and other situations where access to the camera is restricted.

FTP transfer functions

FTP background transfer capability is provided so the user can continue to shoot still images while image files are being transferred to an FTP server via a wired or wireless connection. It is also possible to specify protected and other file types for transfer, transfer single files by pressing an assigned custom key, specify JPEG or RAW file formats, and more. Up to nine FTP servers can be memorized for quick recall. In addition to direct transfer to an FTP server via a wired or wireless connection, transfer via the Transfer & Tagging add-on application installed on a mobile device is also possible. All this versatility can contribute greatly to the speed and efficiency of professional workflows. Movie files cannot be transferred and FTP transfer is not available during movie recording.

Blackout-free shooting⁸

Unlike mechanical camera systems with optical viewfinders, the Alpha 9 II viewfinder does not black out when an exposure is made. You can observe the reality of what you’re shooting with an uninterrupted view of the subject and scene that allows smooth, seamless framing and tracking even during high-speed continuous shooting. High readout speed from the Exmor RS sensor makes it possible to refresh the live view display on the EVF or LCD screen 60 times per second, while camera settings that affect the image are also applied to the EVF live-view display, providing a convenient preview of results.

5-axis in-body image stabilization

The high-precision stabilization unit and gyro sensors, plus optimized image stabilization algorithms, achieve up to a 5.5-step⁹ shutter speed advantage. When shooting stills, live view shows the stabilized image while the shutter button is half-pressed, even when the MF Assist or Focus Magnifier functions are used. A stabilized viewfinder image makes it easier to frame and focus when using a telephoto or macro lens, for example. In-body image stabilization means that effective stabilization can be achieved with a wide range of lenses, including E-mount and other lenses attached via a mount adaptor that do not include stabilization of their own. 5-axis image stabilization is effective for movies as well as stills.

Silent, vibration-free anti-distortion shutter¹⁴

Shooting wide open in brightly lit conditions or freezing a fast-moving object in a moment without distorting the image due to slower shutter speeds is made possible with a fully electronic, high-speed, anti-distortion shutter¹³ that can achieve speeds as high as 1/32,000 sec., way beyond the limits of a mechanical system. In addition, the electronic vibration-free shutter delivers sharp images and is completely silent, without mechanical noise that can be disruptive when shooting sports or events in a quiet environment.

Touch Pad focus while using the viewfinder

The touchpad function allows the user to drag the focus frame to any desired point with a fingertip while using the viewfinder. Positioning is normally relative (relative position), with the focus frame responding to the distance a finger is moved on the monitor surface. Absolute positioning can also be selected, so that focus moves directly to the point touched on the monitor. Nine area patterns are provided for easy operation when viewing with the left or right eye, when using a thumb for touch control and is available even when touch tracking is engaged.

¹ Approximately effective megapixels
² “Hi” continuous shooting mode. At shutter speed 1/125 sec. or higher. In AF-C mode the maximum continuous frame rate will depend on the shooting mode and lens used. A software update may be required for some lenses. Visit Sony’s support web page for lens compatibility information
³ At shutter speeds of 1/125 sec. or higher. The number of AF calculations will depend on the lens used
⁴ Voice memos are associated to images as WAVE (.wav) file format with the same name as the image.
⁵ Voice to text requires the use of Imaging Edge™ application with ‘Transfer and Tagging Add-on’ app. Version 1.1 or later required (released in October 2019). Only available in regions where Google services are available. Voice Memo exceeding 50 seconds cannot be converted to text. For more information on the new application updates, please visit the ‘Transfer & Tagging add-on’ website at https://sony.net/ttad/
⁶s Rea-time Tracking activated in the menu. Eye-AF for Animal works for stills only.
⁷ Models sold in some countries/regions support IEEE 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz) wireless LAN only. 5 GHz communication may be restricted in some countries and regions
⁸ Electronic shutter mode. Display updating will be slower at slow shutter speeds
⁹ CIPA standards. Pitch/yaw shake only. Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA lens. Long exposure NR off
¹⁰ Only 100 Hz and 120 Hz flicker is detected. Continuous shooting speed may decrease. Flicker-free shooting is not available during electronic shutter, BULB exposure, or movie recording
¹¹ Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof
¹² Version 2.0 or later required. For more information on the new application updates, please visit the ‘Remote Camera Tool’ website at https://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/app/remotecameratool/l/index.php
¹³ A Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC card is required for XAVC S format movie recording. UHS speed class 3 or higher is required for 100 Mbps recording.
¹⁴ 1/32000 shutter speed is available only in the S and M modes (there are no intermediate settings between 1/16000 and 1/32000). The highest shutter speed in all other modes is 1/16000. Some distortion may occur when shooting fast-moving subjects or if the camera is moved sideways rapidly while using the electronic shutter.
¹⁵ Digital audio interface recording requires compatible Sony’s microphone, e.g. ECM-B1M or XLR-K3M XLR microphone adaptor
¹⁶ “Hi” continuous shooting mode, UHS-II memory card. Sony tests.
¹⁷ When the camera [Aperture Drive in AF] is set to [Focus Priority], the aperture value can be set greater than F16. The continuous speed slows down. Compatible lenses: SEL200600G, SEL35F18F, SEL400F28GM, SEL600F40GM
¹⁸ Sony internal tests with electronic front curtain shutter.