• 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 50.6 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Detailed specifications
  • Sony Alpha SLT-A99
  • Canon EOS 5DS
Links
Prices: Compare Prices Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor:    
Successor: Sony A99 II
A99 vs A99 II
 
General
Model Number: A99 5DS
Alternate Model Number(s): SLT-A99V  
Camera Format: SLR Pro SLR
Currently Manufactured: No Yes
Retail Price: $2799.99 $3699.00
Street Price: $1,998.00 $1,549.00
Date Available: 2012-10-15 2015-06-15
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 29.2 oz (828 g)
includes batteries
33.4 oz (946 g)
includes batteries
Size: 5.8 x 4.4 x 3.1 in.
(147 x 111 x 78 mm)
6.0 x 4.6 x 3.0 in.
(152 x 116 x 76 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer: Sony Canon
Effective Megapixels: 24.3 50.6
Sensor Format: 35mm 35mm
Sensor size: 855.62mm2 (35.80mm x 23.90mm) 864mm2 (36.00mm x 24.00mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 5.97 microns 4.14 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 1.0x 1.0x
Aspect Ratio: 3:2 3:2
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed Fixed
Self-Cleaning: Yes Yes
Sensor shift image stabilization: Yes No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score: 89 87
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 25.0 24.7
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 14.0 12.4
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 1,555 2,381
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 6000 x 4000 (24.0 MP, 3:2),
6000 x 3376 (20.3 MP, 16:9),
3936 x 2624 (10.3 MP, 3:2),
3936 x 2216 (8.7 MP, 16:9),
2640 x 1760 (4.6 MP, 3:2),
2640 x 1488 (3.9 MP, Other),
1728 x 1152 (2.0 MP, 3:2),
1728 x 976 (1.7 MP, Other),
12416 x 1856 (23.0 MP, Other),
8192 x 1856 (15.2 MP, Other),
2160 x 5536 (12.0 MP, Other),
2160 x 3872 (8.4 MP, Other)
8688 x 5792 (50.3 MP, 3:2),
7680 x 5120 (39.3 MP, 3:2),
5760 x 3840 (22.1 MP, 3:2),
4320 x 2880 (12.4 MP, 3:2),
1920 x 1280 (2.5 MP, 3:2),
720 x 480 (0.3 MP, 3:2),
6480 x 4320 (28.0 MP, 3:2),
4320 x 2880 (12.4 MP, 3:2),
8688 x 4888 (42.5 MP, 16:9),
7680 x 4320 (33.2 MP, 16:9),
5760 x 3240 (18.7 MP, 16:9),
4320 x 2432 (10.5 MP, 16:9),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
720 x 408 (0.3 MP, Other),
7712 x 5792 (44.7 MP, 4:3),
6816 x 5120 (34.9 MP, 4:3),
5120 x 3480 (17.8 MP, Other),
3840 x 2880 (11.1 MP, 4:3),
1712 x 1280 (2.2 MP, Other),
640 x 480 (0.3 MP, 4:3),
5792 x 5792 (33.5 MP, 1:1),
5120 x 5120 (26.2 MP, 1:1),
3840 x 3840 (14.7 MP, 1:1),
2880 x 2880 (8.3 MP, 1:1)
Image File Format: JPEG (EXIF 2.3), 14-bit RAW (ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG JPEG (EXIF v2.3), RAW, M-RAW (28MP), S-RAW (12.4MP); 14-bit CR2
Continuous-mode frames/second: 5.9 4.8
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1920x1080 (60p/​28Mbps/​PS or 60i/​24Mbps/​FX or 60i/​17Mbps/​FH or 24p/​24Mbps/​FX or 24p/​17Mbps/​FH)
1440x1080 (30p/​12Mbps)
640x480 (30p/​3Mbps)
1920x1080 (30p/​25p/​24p)
1280x720 (60p/​50p)
640x480 (30p/​25p)
Movie File Format: AVCHD 2.0 / MP4; Audio :Dolby Digital (AC-3) / MPEG-4 AAC-LC .MOV (MPEG-4 AVC / H.264), ALL-I and IPB modes
Composite Video Out: No Yes
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: n/a Yes
Video Usable as Viewfinder: n/a
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Sony Alpha (Minolta A) Canon EF
Lens: n/a n/a
Focal Length (35mm equivalent):    
Focal Length (actual):    
Zoom Ratio:    
Aperture Range:    
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range:    
Macro Focus Range:    
Filter Thread: n/a n/a
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: No No
Digital Zoom: Yes Yes
Digital Zoom Values: 1.4x / 2x 1.3x and 1.6x crop modes
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: Dual Phase-detection: 19 points (11 points cross type) CCD line sensors, 102 assist points focal plane phase-detection sensors; Wide (auto, 19 points), Zone, Spot, Local selectable Phase Detect : 61-point (up to 41 cross-type points); One to five cross-type AF points at f/2.8, 10 to 20 cross-type AF points at f/4, and 15 to 21 cross-type AF points at f/5.6; iTR AF
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes No
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: EVF / LCD Optical / LCD
Viewfinder Type: EVF type; 1.3cm (0.5-inch) 2,359K-dot XGA OLED, ~100% coverage, 0.71x magnification, 22mm eyepoint at -1 diopter (CIPA standard), -4 to +3 diopter, eye sensor. SLR type; fixed eye-level pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.71x magnification, 21mm eyepoint, -3 to +1 diopter, fixed focusing screen, on demand grid
Focus Peaking: Yes No
EVF Resolution: 2,359,000 dots n/a
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.71x 0.71x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 0.71x 0.71x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 3.2
Rear Display Resolution: 1,228,800 dots (307,200 px) 1,044,000 dots (348,000 px)
Touchscreen: No No
Articulating Screen: Yes No
Tilt Swivel Screen: Yes No
Selfie Screen: Yes No
Max Playback Zoom: 16.7x 10.0x
Top Deck Display: Yes Yes
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 25600 6400
Minimum ISO (native): 100 100
ISO Settings: Auto (100-6400 with selectable limits), 100-25600 in 1/3 EV steps, extendable down to ISO 50; Multi-frame NR up to ISO 51200 Auto, 100-6400 in 1/3 or 1 EV steps, expandable to 50 (L), 12800 (H1)
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto WB, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent (Warm white/Cool white/Day white/Daylight), Flash, C. Temp 2500 to 9900K, C Filter G7 to M7 (15-step), Custom, AWB micro adjustment Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White Fluorescent, Flash, Custom, Color Temperature
Shutter Speed Range: 1/8000 - 30 sec 1/8000 - 30 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes Yes
Exposure Compensation: +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: 1200-zone Evaluative, Center-weighted, Spot 150K-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor, 252-zone Evaluative, Center-weighted, Partial, Spot
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait, Night Scene, Hand-held Twilight, Sweep Panorama, Telezoom Continuous Priority AE n/a
Self Timer: 2, 10; 3 or 5 frames after 10s seconds 2, 10 seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer):   Yes
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: No No
Flash Modes: Auto, Off, Fill-flash, Rear sync, Wireless, High-Speed sync, Slow sync, Red-eye reduction: On/Off n/a
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): n/a n/a
Flash Range Description: n/a n/a
Max Flash Sync: 1/250 1/200
Flash Exposure Compensation: +/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: Multi Interface Shoe, PC-Sync terminal Hot Shoe, PC Sync
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:    
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: MS Duo / MS PRO Duo / SD / SDHC / SDXC CF1 / SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support: UHS-I UHS-I
Other Memory:   UHS-I/UDMA compliant
Dual Card Slots: Yes Yes
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: 14-bit RAW (ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG RAW, M-RAW (28MP), S-RAW (12.4MP); 14-bit CR2
Movie File Format: AVCHD 2.0 / MP4; Audio :Dolby Digital (AC-3) / MPEG-4 AAC-LC .MOV (MPEG-4 AVC / H.264), ALL-I and IPB modes
Included Memory: No memory included No memory included
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No No
NFC: No No
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: Yes No
Microphone Jack: Yes Yes
Headphone Jack: Yes No
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed USB 3.0 Super Speed
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: Yes Yes
Remote Control Type: Optional Wireless or Wired Optional Wired or Wireless
Connections (extended): Type-C HDMI Mini Connector (BRAVIA Sync, PhotoTV H); Wired Remote Terminal, External Stereo Micophone Jack, External Stereo Headphone Jack, DC Input, Vertical Grip connector, Sync Terminal, Multi Interface Shoe, Built-in GPS Mini HDMI (Type C), Remote Jack, Stereo Mic Jack, PC-Sync Terminal
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 0.50 <0.3
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): 0.56  
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): Unlimited  
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot): 0.58 <0.3
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 5.9 4.8
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 17 28
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 5.9 4.9
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames): 18 15
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 5.9 4.9
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames): 13 11
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.13 seconds 0.27 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele):    
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR):   0.092 seconds
Shutter Lag (manual focus): 0.081 seconds 0.189 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash):    
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.055 seconds 0.057 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes): Full AF lag, Wide-area AF mode = 0.125s Prefocused shutter lag with Electronic First Curtain Off = 0.108s  
Startup Time: 0.7 seconds 0.5 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 1.1 seconds 0.3 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power:    
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View): 500 shots 220 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): 410 shots 700 shots
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary NP-FM500H Proprietary LP-E6N/LP-E6
Usable Battery Types: Lithium-ion rechargeable Lithium-ion Rechargeable or optional battery grip
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary NP-FM500H Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary LP-E6N Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: Yes Yes
Internal Charging Supported: No No
Software
Included Software: Software CD-ROM (includes Picture Motion Browser, Image Data Converter 4, Remote Camera Control 3) Canon EOS Digital Solution Disc
OS Compatibility: Windows XP SP3/Vista SP2/7, Mac OS X (v.10.5 +); PMB is Windows only  
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: 24.3MP full-frame image sensor, SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization, dual phase-detect AF, 200K shutter, AVCHD 2.0 video, hi-res OLED EVF, articulating 1.3M-dot LCD, 6 fps bursts at full resolution, up to 10 fps Tele-zoom mode, two card slots (SD/MS, SD), real-time Full HD video out via HDMI, built-in GPS. New 50.6-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 6 image processors, EOS iTR AF, 150,000-pixel RGB+IR 252-zone metering, "Fine Detail" Picture Style, 30.5MP 1.3x crop mode and 19.6MP 1.6x crop mode, Full HD 30p video.