Sony Alpha ILCE-9 II + FE 24-70mm f2.8 GM II

Sony Alpha ILCE-9 II

The Alpha 9 II (model ILCE9M2), the latest model in Sony's full-frame system camera segment, has been developed to meet the needs of professional photographers, including those in the fields of sports photography and photojournalism. The new Alpha 9 II builds on the impressive performance of the first Alpha 9. It boasts the same groundbreaking speed, including blackout-free continuous shooting at up to 20 frames per second, with autofocus and auto-exposure tracking at 60 AF/AE calculations per second. At the same time, however, it offers even more improvements based directly on feedback from professional photographers. These include significant advantages in connectivity and file transfer, continuous shooting at up to 10 frames per second with mechanical shutter, higher AF performance with optimized algorithms and a renewed body that improves durability and usability.

Unique tool for professionals

"The voices of our customers are of the utmost importance to Sony - we always listen," emphasizes Yann Salmon Legagneur, Director of Product Marketing, Digital Imaging, Sony Europe. "The Alpha 9 II is the direct result of countless feedback conversations we've had with agency, sports and news photographers since the launch of the original Alpha 9. We've expanded the connectivity and networking capabilities, which greatly improves professional workflows. We've also made subtle adjustments to the design, interface and processing power to round out the user experience. Complemented by our exceptionally versatile E-mount system with its 55 native lenses - including the 600mm and 400mm super telephoto zoom lenses of the G Master series, this new camera is a unique tool for professionals facing challenges of all kinds."

Advanced connectivity simplifies professional workflows

The Alpha 9 II features an integrated 1000BASE-T Ethernet terminal for fast and stable data transfers in the gigabit range. In addition, the camera supports file transfer with SSL or TLS encryption (FTPS) to increase data security. The performance of PC-controlled shooting (tethering) has also been improved: the shutter release delay has been reduced, as have delays in the Live View screen when using the "Remote Camera Tool" desktop application. To increase the speed of the built-in WLAN functionality, a stable, fast 5 GHz band (IEEE 802.11ac) has been added to the 2.4 GHz band of the first Alpha 9. The IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards are all supported

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Combined voice and image transmission

The Alpha 9 II is specifically designed to improve workflows in news agencies. It features a new voice memo function that allows spoken information to be attached to images as voice memos, which can then be played back as the images are reviewed. The voice data can also be added to photos sent to editors to provide them with important information required for effective editing. Alternatively, a photographer in the field can also use the "Transfer & Tagging Add-on" together with the Imaging Edge Mobile App from Sony to transfer voice tags along with the photos to their mobile device, automatically convert the voice notes to text and add them to the JPEG images in the form of IPTC metadata . All of this can be done automatically or manually, depending on the photographer's preference. Thanks to the combination of wireless voice-to-image transfer and automatic voice-to-text conversion with the ability to automatically transfer images with attached voice notes via FTP, photographers can take pictures and send them to an FTP server without even having to use a smartphone. The FTP settings in the app can also be sent to a camera via Bluetooth to speed up the workflow

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Top performance in speed and autofocus

Just like the original Alpha 9, the new Alpha 9 II is equipped with the acclaimed multi-layer 35mm Exmor RS full-frame CMOS image sensor with 24.2 megapixels and built-in memory. It offers the same unrivaled speed and outstanding image quality as its predecessor. The camera enables uninterrupted, completely silent continuous shooting at 20 frames per second for up to 361 JPEG images or 239 compressed RAW images without viewfinder blackout. This allows the photographer to follow the subject and scenes in the electronic viewfinder during shooting without interruption. In situations where the mechanical shutter is preferred or required, the new Alpha 9 II can take up to 10 pictures per second - about twice as many as the first Alpha 9. The camera can calculate the autofocus up to 60 times per second. This is made possible by optimized AF algorithms that significantly improve the precision and performance of the autofocus and ensure that even the most unpredictable movements of the subject, such as those that often occur in sports, are captured with high precision. Sports events also benefit from the Alpha 9 II's new anti-flicker mode, which automatically detects fluorescent or other artificial lighting and makes adjustments to ensure optimum image quality. The sophisticated focusing system of the new Alpha 9 II comprises 693 phase autofocus points, which cover around 93% of the image area. These are supplemented by 425 contrast AF points. This hybrid autofocus system ensures that even fast-moving subjects are accurately captured. Other impressive features of the focusing system include real-time AF with eye detection, which can be used to select between right and left eye, real-time eye AF for animals - with a new algorithm - real-time eye AF for videos, real-time tracking, focus frame color selection, setting the focus point via touchpad when using the viewfinder and more. Autofocus can track the subject even when shooting continuously with an aperture value greater than F16, providing greater accuracy when shooting at slower shutter speeds.

Optimized design and operation

The advanced BIONZ X image processor takes maximum advantage of the sensor's fast readout speed. In combination with the front-end LSI, the processor improves the speed of AF/AE detection, image processing and the accuracy of face recognition. The improved dust- and moisture-resistant design meets the requirements of professional photographers, even in the toughest outdoor conditions. The seals on all housing edges as well as on the battery compartment cover and the media connection have been reinforced. State-of-the-art image processing algorithms reduce noise in the medium to high sensitivity range and simultaneously optimize subjective resolution and image quality. The camera also features an optical image stabilization system with five axes, which corresponds to a shutter speed that is 5.5 steps faster. The Alpha 9 II is compatible with the VG-C4EM vertical grip from Sony for an improved grip, even more comfort and a secure hold. The design and feel of the buttons on the Alpha 9 II have also been optimized: a larger diameter and better feedback for the AFON button, a sophisticated joystick-style multi-select button, a locking button for the exposure compensation dial and a change in the shape and position of the rear dial are among the new features. The redesigned shutter system suppresses even the smallest movements that could lead to image blurring. With a tested service life of more than 500,000 cycles, the system is extremely durable.

Fast connections for fast data transfer

The USB Type-C connection ensures fast data transfer in accordance with USB 3.2 Gen 1. The two media slots are both compatible with UHS-I and UHS-II SD cards, enabling higher overall capacity and faster read and write speeds.
The camera's multi-interface accessory shoe (MI accessory shoe) has been expanded to include a digital audio interface. This allows the new ECM-B1M shotgun microphone or the XLR-K3M XLR adapter kit to be connected directly to the MI accessory shoe for cleaner, clearer audio recordings

Sony FE 24-70mm f2.8 GM II

The Sony SEL2470GM2 full-frame lens is an extra-lightweight lens with wide aperture, superior image quality and improved operability for stills and movies. It features advanced optical design, two XA elements (extreme aspherical element) for incredibly high resolution across the entire image area and beautiful background blur (bokeh). Four XD (Extreme Dynamic) linear motors ensure fast and quiet autofocus and precise tracking in this powerful and lightweight Sony G Master lens.

The SEL2470GM2 is also an excellent lens for video shooting, offering continuously accurate and fast autofocus performance for videographers with minimized focus breathing and focus and axis shift when Zooming for outstanding shots

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Incredibly sharp

Two ED (Extra Low Dispersion), two Super ED, two XA (Extreme Aspherical) and three aspherical elements provide excellent resolution right to the edge of the image, making this outstanding E-mount lens from Sony ideal for photography, content creation and video recording

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Wonderfully soft background

Thanks to the circular aperture with 11 blades, this 24-70 mm G Master lens creates beautiful bokeh effects with background blur at a constant F2.

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Fast and precise autofocus

Four XD (Extreme Dynamic) linear motors enable faster and more accurate focusing when shooting videos and photos. With this standard Zoom lens, you'll never miss a moment again.

High speed

A constant maximum F2.8 aperture throughout the Zoom range ensures consistent brightness, even when the focal length changes. The front element of this G Master lens has a fluorine coating that repels water, oil and other contaminants.

Professional ergonomics

A dust and water-repellent design and versatile controls make this G Master lens the ideal companion, even in the most demanding situations - indoors and outdoors

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