David Busch's Sony a99 II Fast Track Guide

Sony doesn’t play it safe. Since the company entered the digital photography arena, it hasn’t been satisfied with the old paradigms and technology. At a time when the top dogs in the digital camera world are still mired in the race to produce the best single lens reflex models, Sony has concentrated on non-dSLR cameras, including SLT (semi-translucent mirror) models like the Sony Alpha a99 II.

Sony has packaged up the most alluring features of advanced digital SLRs and stuffed them into a rugged body, which has some features you won’t find on other cameras. The a99 II has tucked inside a large 42-megapixel full frame sensor with the same size, light-gathering power, and resolution of those found in the most professional digital SLRs. Add in the ability to use an expanding roster of interchangeable A-mount lenses and a reasonably affordable price tag, and you have a compact camera that sacrifices nothing in terms of features and capabilities. The original products in the Alpha lineup were great, and the new camera is even better. 

Indeed, the a99 II retains the ease of use that smoothes the transition for those new to advanced digital photography. For those just dipping their toes into the high-end camera realm, the experience is warm and inviting.