Photography news, before it happens

Sony surprised us all today with the announcement of their new Sony a9 II. The US price is $4,498.

• 24.2MP Full-Frame Exmor RS CMOS Sensor
• BIONZ X Image Processor & Front-End LSI
• 693-Point Phase-Detection AF System
• Up to 20 fps Shooting, ISO 100-204800
• Pre-orders: Adorama | B&H

The new model is not "revolutionary" as some previous "rumors" have suggested (I generally stay away from reporting Sony rumors becuase most of the time they are not accurate) but the a9 II still has several new improvements. Here are the changes:

• 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[xix]
• 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[xx]
• 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

Additional information:

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Nokishita reports that a new Sony A9 II mirrorless camera appeared on a "famous international news site" as a draft which indicates that the a9 II review is ongoing and the official announcement should be coming soon. Stay tuned for additional info.