Unboxing the Sony a99: Will It Be At Par with The Big 2?

 

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 Sony a99

 

 

I’d like to invite you all  to join me as I unbox  Sony’s  new flagship full frame dslr camera the Sony a99!

 

I’ve been using my entry level Nikon camera for 3 years now and I never thought the day would come where I would actually think of upgrading to a pro cam.  I never thought that this hobby which I started 3 yrs ago which supposed to help me “heal” would lead me to so much blessings and open doors to sooo many opportunities and experiences. Photography has indeed changed Frank and I for the good. 

 

I love my camera very much! It continues to serve me really well until today but now, I believe it’s high time for me to add another to join the team. Picking a new camera is indeed very crucial since I have to consider getting the features which my current doesn’t have.

 

For this feature, I’ll try not to give you a headache  with technical photography terms… hehehehe

 

 

Let me tell you why there’s a lot to like about the Sony a99!

 

The Sony a99 has all the kick-ass features I’ve been wanting to have specially with the ISO! this means I can shoot better on low-light conditions now!

 

Here are the Key features for the Sony a99: 24.3MP 35mm full-frame sensor, 14-bit RAW output, uncompressed Full 1080 HDMI® output in 60p/60i, up to 25600 ISO, Dual AF, continuous AF in all modes, up to 10 fps in Tele-zoom mode, 3″ tiltable LCD

 

 

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sooo excited to meet the new Sony a99!

 

 

 

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 placed on top of the body were the manual, warranty card and electric cords. Unboxing the Sony a99 was indeed an exciting experience!

 

 

 

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this is it! I feel like I’m opening a treasure chest! lols 

it also came with a generic Sony a99 strap

 

 

 

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 love at first sight…. <3

when I first held it, it was quite heavy and way bigger than my current cam. This is really good because it signifies more stability

the Sony a99 also has a special dial at the lower left  to easily switch from a variety of  AF (auto-focus) modes.

 It weighs only 733 grams (body only), thanks to features like Translucent Mirror Technology and high-rigidity magnesium alloy panels.

 

 

 

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 it may look quite complicated but  actually, I didn’t have any problem with the controls. I was able to get used to it really quick! 

I was surprised when I noticed it didn’t have a pop-up flash! I can’t wait to shoot at night! You may add an external flash if you want of course! I’m very satisfied with the hand grip! It fits the fingers well! Feels very stable!

 

 

 

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audio and video ports. The Sony a99 has a Full 1080 HDMI® output in 60p/60i!  I’m sure videographers will find this feature really swell! Oooh it also has GPS!

 

 

 

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 it has a 3″ lcd screen that can swivel and tilt into any direction possible! 

I’m really liking the controls! The Sony a99 is very easy to operate. No hassle in switching to Sony.

 

 

 

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 here’s how the lcd screen looks like. I believe I have to get used to the new controls and features. Good thing I’m already familiar with most of it. 

 

 

 

Of course, the big question is… How about the picture quality? Can the Sony a99  compete head to head with the big 2?  Let’s find out…… 

 

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I used a 16-80mm  lens with F3.5 as the widest opening. This is a very versatile kit lens I think as compared with the usual 18-55mm offered by Canon and Nikon. The 16mm would give me  wider landscape shots while  a max of 80mm would be great for portraits.

 

 

 

Of course, I had to try it with the subject which I’m known for… FOOD!

 

 

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 I immediately tried it out while having breakfast.. what I got were very clear and detailed shots which came with realistic and vibrant colors. Although I must admit I still prefer using a macro lens for this… I wonder how much it costs? hmmmmm

 

 

 

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 I also used it on my most recent food shoot. I didn’t use any flash with this set.

 

 

 

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clear, crisp, vibrant HD shots even with high ISO! 

 

 

 

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 The shots produced  were quite impressive! Pretty much at par with the shots I produce with my prime lens.

 

 

 

So is the Sony a99 at par with the leading brands? Surprisingly from a loyal Nikon fan like me….  I would have to say that it’s a YES! It even exceeded all expectations! Is it worth the price? Judging by all the features, definitely YES! Definitely a great choice for a pro camera! I can’t wait to try the video feature and try to shoot it on low light conditions! The Sony a99 is definitely a performer! Something which photography enthusiasts should check out when in Manila!

 

 

 

 

SONY PHILIPPINES

 

 

 

 

To know more about our adventures and misadventures, visit us on EATS A DATE!

 

 

To read more of our WHEN IN MANILA adventures, click HERE

 

 

 

 

Unboxing the Sony a99: Will It Be At Par with The Big 2?