Sony Quietly Announces the A9 II

Sony has quietly announced the a9 II today, with the same full-frame 24MP sensor as its predecessor.

Although the same processor is used apparently its faster Bionz X processor improves AF speed and precision, along with EVF display response. It retains the same 693-point on-sensor PDAF system as the a9, but with new algorithms that improve subject tracking. T

The camera can still shoot at 20 fps with no blackout using the electronic shutter, and the burst speed using the mechanical shutter has risen to 10 fps. There’s also a new anti-flicker system when using the mechanical shutter, making it much more usable under artificial light.

Upgraded BIONZ X™ image processing engine gains maximum benefit from the sensor’s fast readout speed. Processor works with front-end LSI to enhance speed in AF/AE detection, image processing, face detection and accuracy, and more
Upgraded dust and moisture resistant[xviii] design to meet the needs of professionals in even the most challenging outdoor conditions. Stronger sealing provided at all body seams as well as the battery compartment cover and media slot
Latest image-processing algorithm reduces noise in the medium-to-high sensitivity range while improving subjective resolution and image quality
5-axis optical in-body image stabilisation system that provides a shutter speed advantage of 5.5 steps
Improved grip configuration for even greater comfort and sure hold. Compatible with Sony VG-C4EM Vertical Grip
Improved button design and feel. Increased diameter and feedback of the ‘AF-ON’ button; a refined multi-selector joystick design; an exposure compensation dial lock button and a redesigned shape and new position for the rear dial
Redesigned shutter mechanism to suppress even the slightest movement that can cause image blur. Tested for durability in excess of 500,000 shutter cycles
USB Type-C™ connector that supports fast USB 3.2 Gen 1 data transfer
Dual media slots that are both compatible with UHS-I and UHS-II SD cards, allowing higher overall capacity and faster read/write speeds
Digital audio interface has been added to the camera’s Multi Interface Shoe™ (MI Shoe) enabling the new ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone or XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit to be connected directly to the MI Shoe for cleaner, clearer audio recordings

The a9 II shares the same body upgrades as the Sony a7R IV, with improved weather-sealing around ports and doors.

The rear control dial now sits on the top plate, the EV comp button has a lock and the AF-On button and joystick are a bit larger. Battery life has gone up – and the camera can be powered over its USB 3.2 Type C port – and both SD card slots now support UHS-II speeds.

The a9 II has a slightly improved in-body IS system, which can reduce shake by an additional 1/2-stop, while its 3.76M-dot EVF, tilting LCD and oversampled 4K video capture remain unchanged (meaning 8-bit and no Log modes).

The new Alpha 9 II will be available in November 2019 priced at approximately $4,500 US and $6,000 CA. It will be available in Europe in October 2019 priced at £4,800 or €5,400.