Always in focus: new a77 II keeps shots razor-sharp with record-breaking 79-point autofocus system

New A-mount camera with world's highest phase-detection AF point count[i] - 79 points[ii] with 15 cross points

Translucent Mirror Technology delivers ultra-fast, intelligent AF tracking and up to 12 fps burst of up to 60 full-resolution frames[iii]

24.3 megapixel[iv] Exmor CMOS image sensor delivers wide ISO 100-25600 sensitivity range

XGA OLED Tru-Finder and 3-way tiltable LCD

Tough magnesium body with dust- and moisture-resistant seals

BIONZ X processor for pro-quality images and Full HD 50p video

NFC/Wi-Fi for One-touch sharing and remote control by mobile

From dynamic sports to the sudden flutter of a startled bird: the new 77 II stays locked right on target, frame after crisply-focused frame.

Building on the heritage of Sony's much-loved original 77 and 700, the 77 II gives advanced amateurs a string of exciting enhancements in a tough, weather-resistant body that's up to any challenge.

Image quality is boosted while sensitivity is increased by approximately 20% compared to the 77 for flawless, exquisitely-detailed stills and Full HD video, even in low light. Non-stop continuous burst shooting stamina is enhanced and there is a clutch of pro-friendly new video functions for movie makers.

Best of all, the 77 II rips up the rule book with an advanced phase detection autofocus system. With approximately 2x wider coverage area than the previous 77 model, it outpaces the AF capabilities of many professional cameras.

New-generation 79 point phase detection AF system

For the first time ever, the 77 II features no less than 79 autofocus detection points, including 15 cross points within most frequently-used central area of the sensor. This aids super-accurate focusing, even with horizontally-striped subjects that confuse many other cameras.

There's also a dedicated F2.8 AF point placed horizontally in the centre of the sensor. This centrally-mounted sensor supports apertures up to F2.8, ensuring maximum AF precision when using large-aperture lenses. The AF system also performs well in low light, accurately locking onto subjects in scenes with illumination levels as low as EV-2 (ISO100), where even the human eye can struggle to discern fine detail.

Vast amounts of metering data from all 79 focus points are processed by a brand new AF algorithm that's been fine-tuned in extensive field tests. This predicts the subject's next movement, combining AF metering data together with data on the subject's position. AF precision is further improved when Lock-on AF is used, recognising the subject from its colour as well as its position in the frame.

Whether you're framing through the viewfinder or on screen in Live View mode, Sony's unique Translucent Mirror Technology maintains razor-sharp tracking focus on your subject, whether you're capturing stills or Full HD movies. This powerful new system is less likely to be distracted by other objects - like a rogue balloon moving across your shot at a football match. It performs brilliantly in low-light conditions, capturing crisply-focused images of moving subjects on moonlit nights.

There's a suite of sophisticated new AF functions that make the most of the new 79-point system. Expanded Flexible Spot mode maintains focus even if the selected AF point loses track of the subject, activating eight surrounding AF points that recognize the subject. In combination with AF-C AF mode, this dramatically increases performance with moving subject.

Lock-on AF mode lets users select one of four AF area modes (Wide, Zone, Flexible Spot or Expanded Flexible Spot). Once its target is acquired, the camera keeps tracking as long as the shutter button remains half-pressed. As the subject moves or framing changes, the camera automatically selects the most appropriate AF point from the 79 available. When subject movement is too fast for the new Expanded Flexible Spot mode alone, it's combined with Lock-on AF for class-leading tracking performance.

For even greater control, the degree of subject-tracking duration can be fine-tuned in five steps (when shooting still images in AF-C mode). With subjects whose movement is predictable, a low setting reduces the risk of the camera focusing on another object suddenly entering the area around the subject. High settings deliver more responsive focusing - ideal when you're rapidly shooting different subjects at different distances, such as wildlife. AF Tracking Duration can also be selected between High, Medium and Low during Full HD movie shooting.

Other new features include an Eye AF function that precisely detects and focuses on the subject's eyes when photographing people. AF Range Control allows AF to be limited to a specified range, with five AF Tracking Duration settings to optimally match the subject's motion. There's a Balanced Emphasis mode that complements the release and focus priority modes by providing the ideal balance between focus and release timing. Users can manually select the most appropriate mode to shoot the situation and their precise creative objectives.

Shoot a continuous burst of 60 full-resolution frames at up to 12 fps

Continuous shooting stamina outpaces many professional cameras, too. The 77 II can capture a non-stop burst of up to 60 full-resolution JPEG images at a maximum continuous shooting speed of approximately 12 frames per second (in Continuous Advance Priority AE mode).

24.3 megapixel Exmor CMOS image sensor with improved sensitivity

A showcase for Sony's world-leading expertise in imaging sensing technology, the 24.3 megapixel Exmor CMOS image sensor features the same gapless on-chip lens structure as used in the acclaimed 7R and 6000. Thanks to an array of latest-generation imaging innovations, it now offers 20% greater sensitivity than its predecessor that offers the same pixel count. Toge

LINK:	http://presscentre.sony.eu/content/detail.aspx?ReleaseID=9739&NewsArea...
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