Sony Middle East and Africa (MEA) has introduced its latest digital camera, the α9 (model ILCE-9), at an exclusive event at Photography Live.
The new α9 offers a level of imaging performance that is simply unmatched by any camera either mirrorless or SLR.
The new camera offers many impressive capabilities that are simply not possible with a modern digital SLR camera including high-speed, blackout-free continuous shooting at up to 20fps, 60 AF/AE tracking calculations per second, a maximum shutter speed of up to 1/32,000 second and much more.
These are made possible thanks to its 35mm full-frame stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor – the world’s first of its kind – which enables data speed processing at up to 20x faster than previous Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras. This unique sensor is paired with a brand new, upgraded BIONZ X processing engine and front-end LSI that maximises overall performance.
This industry-leading speed and innovative silent shooting is combined with a focusing system that features an incredible 693 phase detection AF points. Covering approximately 93% of the frame, the focusing system ensures that even the fastest moving subjects are reliably captured and tracked across the frame.
The new α9 also features a vibration free, fully electronic, completely silent anti-distortion shutter with absolutely no mechanical mirror or shutter noise, making it an extremely powerful photographic tool for any shooting situation that demands quiet operation.
“The α9 breaks through all barriers and limitations of today’s professional digital cameras, with an overall feature set that simply cannot be matched considering the restrictions of mechanical SLR cameras. It is a fresh look at what a camera is and what a camera should be and really enhances how a professional camera person does his or her job” said Taro Kimura, Managing Director, Sony MEA.
To ensure maximum usability and reliability, the camera features a new Z battery with approximately 2.2x the capacity of W batteries, as well as dual SD media card slots, including one that supports UHS-II cards. An Ethernet port (wired LAN terminal) is available as well, and there is a wide variety of new settings, controls and customisability options that are essential for working professionals.
“Sony is a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer. The α9 is a welcome addition to our line-up of industry leading Interchangeable Lens Cameras that include the much acclaimed α7 Series and α6000 series. This year, we are aiming to achieve a 52 per cent sales growth in the Interchangeable Lens Camera business and expect the Full Frame Camera segment to grow by 108%,” Kimura added.
Sony MEA also unveiled its furthest reaching E-mount lens, the FE 100-400mm F4.5–5.6 GM OSS Super Telephoto Zoom (model SEL100400GM), at Photography Live. The new full-frame lens maintains the high standard of resolution that is the hallmark of Sony’s flagship line-up of G Master™ lenses, while also offering incredibly fast, precise AF capabilities, a lightweight, portable design and a variety of professional functions and customisability. It’s an exceptionally powerful photographic tool for a variety of enthusiast and professional shooters, particularly those that are commonly shooting sports or wildlife.
The new FE 100-400mm GM model produces outstanding corner-to-corner sharpness throughout the lens’ zoom and focus ranges and beautiful rendered ‘bokeh’ or background defocus, ensuring the finest details are brought out in every subject and scene. The complex design features 22 lens elements configured in 16 different groups, including one Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and two ED glass elements, all of which are working together to minimise chromatic aberration and ensure the ultimate resolution is captured.
The α9 interchangeable lens camera will be available in the Middle East from June 8, 2017 onwards at AED 17,499. Pre-booking is open from May 4 until June 7 and customers will receive a free battery (NP-FZ100) worth AED299. Meanwhile, the new FE 100-400mm GM Super Telephoto Zoom Lens is available in the Middle East at AED 10,999 from June 8, 2017 onwards.
