Sony A99 II vs. Sony A850: An Expert Comparison for Modern Photographers

Choosing your next advanced DSLR can feel overwhelming - especially when comparing two cameras from the same manufacturer with roots in Sony’s rich Minolta DSLR heritage but several technological years apart. Today, we put side-by-side two titans of Sony’s Alpha series: the Sony Alpha A99 II (announced 2016) and its predecessor, the Sony Alpha A850 (released 2010). Both offer full-frame sensors and robust build quality, but they cater to different generations of photography technology and creative needs.

From sensor performance and autofocus systems to ergonomics and video capabilities, our deep-dive review covers all key aspects - helping you navigate this choice with confidence and clarity.

First Impressions: Size, Design, and Handling

Physically, the cameras are similar in that both embrace the mid-size SLR form factor, maintaining a traditional DSLR feel with solid durability.

The A99 II is more compact and lighter by about 50 grams. The smaller footprint makes it easier to handle for extended sessions. Its fully articulated rear screen is a huge boon for creative angles, video shooting, and self-portrait framing. The A850, in contrast, holds to a fixed screen and an optical viewfinder, which some professionals still prefer for its natural clarity, but you trade flexibility there.

The electronic viewfinder (EVF) on the A99 II offers 100% coverage and near-perfect magnification (0.78x), giving you a precise preview of the final image, including exposure and white balance corrections. This suits both beginners who want immediate feedback and pros who want accuracy. The A850 relies on a traditional pentaprism OVF with slightly less coverage (98%) and boost (0.74x), honest but more basic by modern standards.

When we look at the control layout, the A99 II adopts a more ergonomic and intuitive button arrangement with accessible dials and secondary control wheels, speeding up manual adjustments. The A850 keeps it simpler but with fewer customizable options, demanding more from manual menu diving in certain situations.

Sensor and Image Quality: Defining the Core Difference

At the heart of any camera lies the sensor - and here the gap is wide, impacting image quality with far-reaching effects.

The A99 II sports a back-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor, which dramatically improves light gathering efficiency, translating into better low-light performance and dynamic range compared to the A850’s older-generation CMOS sensor.

With 42 megapixels, the A99 II gains a huge resolution advantage beneficial for landscape, studio, and commercial portrait photographers seeking large prints or extensive cropping capability without detriment to detail. Thanks to the absence of an anti-aliasing filter, the A99 II captures sharper images with enhanced micro-contrast - a feature appreciated by texture-focused photographers and macro shooters.

The A850’s 24.6 MP resolution remains ample for many real-world applications, especially considering its era, but the narrower ISO range and lower dynamic range limit its flexibility in challenging lighting.

Autofocus and Speed: The Evolution of Precision

Autofocus systems saw quantum leaps between these models. The A99 II packs 399 phase-detection points, including 79 cross-type points for fine precision tracking - vital for wildlife, sports, and fast-action shooting.

The inclusion of advanced eye detection and facial recognition AF on the A99 II elevates portrait photography. It locks on to subjects’ eyes with remarkable reliability, even wide open with shallow depth of field lenses - something the A850 cannot approach.

The A850’s autofocus system, with just 9 phase points, feels archaic today, suited mainly for slow, deliberate shooting rather than dynamic environments.

Continuous burst speed further highlights advances: 12 fps on the A99 II (with AF tracking) enables capturing decisive moments in sports and wildlife, whereas the modest 3 fps on the A850 limits its utility for action.

Versatility Across Photography Disciplines

Now, let’s contextualize these key specs into real-world use cases to help you decide which camera suits your style and aspirations.

Portrait Photography

The A99 II shines in portraiture thanks to:

• High-resolution sensor for exquisite detail and skin texture rendering
• Excellent bokeh from large full-frame sensors and compatible fast lenses
• Advanced eye detection AF that ensures tack-sharp focus on the subject’s eyes
• Wide ISO range and stable dynamic range for natural skin tones under varied lighting

The A850, while capable in studio environments, lacks eye detection and has fewer focus points, which can be frustrating with moving subjects or wide apertures. Also, lower ISO performance and an AA filter reduce sharpness and tonal fidelity compared to the A99 II.

Landscape Photography

Here, resolution, dynamic range, and weather sealing matter most.

• A99 II: 42 MP sensor offers ample detail for large prints; 5-axis in-body stabilization supports handheld shooting; comprehensive weather sealing allows shooting in challenging conditions.
• A850: Lower 24 MP sensor delivers less resolution, though still sufficient; weather sealing is present but less refined.

If you’re looking for a travel landscape shooter who values weight and flexibility, the A99 II’s lighter design and articulated screen add convenience.

Wildlife Photography

Fast autofocus and burst speed are critical.

• The A99 II dominates with 399 AF points and 12 fps burst, making tracking erratic animal movements feasible.
• The A850’s 9-point system and 3 fps is generally insufficient for action-packed wildlife photography.

A99 II also supports a broad ecosystem of telephoto lenses via Sony/Minolta mount, enabling high-quality reach equipment.

Sports Photography

Similarly to wildlife, the A99 II is far better suited for high-speed sports capturing because of its:

• Fast and accurate continuous AF
• High frame-rate burst mode
• Superior tracking algorithms

The A850 might struggle to keep subjects in focus during fast movement due to limited AF points and lower fps.

Street Photography

Here, discretion, portability, and quick handling matter.

• The A99 II, while not a compact mirrorless, is smaller and lighter than the A850, giving it a small advantage.
• Silent shutter modes aren’t offered on either, but the fully articulated LCD aids spontaneous framing.

Neither camera is particularly compact or quiet for street photography compared to modern mirrorless alternatives, but if you value advanced AF and image quality, A99 II serves better.

Macro Photography

Focus precision and stabilization define performance.

• The A99 II’s 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization aids handheld macro shots.
• High resolution also helps capture intricate details.
• The A850 lacks stabilization and has lower resolution, requiring tripods or additional support.

Night and Astrophotography

Low noise at high ISO and dynamic range are key.

• A99 II excels with extended ISO up to 102400 (boosted), and superior dynamic range (13.4 stops).
• The A850 operates at much lower max ISO (6400), which restricts usability in very low light.

Video Capabilities

A crucial differentiator.

If video is part of your creative workflow, the A99 II’s 4K recording, external audio inputs, and sensor-shift stabilization make it a significantly modern tool. The A850 lacks video functionality entirely, dating it increasingly as a photo-only device.

Powering Through: Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

The A850 boasts greater battery life by rating, but keep in mind modern creative workflows often leverage Wi-Fi or Bluetooth tethering - which the A99 II supports for quicker onsite image transfer and remote control.

Storage-wise, the A99 II uses widely available SD cards, while the A850 still relies on less common Compact Flash cards.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

Both cameras share the Sony/Minolta Alpha lens mount, granting access to an extensive native lens lineup of over 140 options, including Zeiss and G Master series glass.

The A99 II supports newer lenses designed for its advanced AF and sensor performance, including improved AF motors and stabilization integration. The A850 remains compatible with a broad array of glass but lacks firmware support for certain new lenses' advanced features.

Third-party lens options remain strong for both, with solid support from Tamron, Sigma, and others.

User Interface and Workflow Integration

The A99 II’s live view mode with hybrid AF, combined with a highly responsive menu, makes workflow smoother during studio shoots or on-location when you want to bypass the viewfinder quickly.

Summary and Recommendations

Sony A99 II front Sony A99 II screen back Sony A850 front Sony A850 screen back

Sony A99 II: Who Should Consider It?

• Enthusiasts and professionals needing a versatile, modern DSLR with excellent image quality and fast autofocus
• Photographers specializing in portrait, wildlife, sports, and landscape who require high resolution and dynamic range
• Creators who want 4K video and advanced stabilization
• Users seeking connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC
• People willing to invest in a camera that balances DSLR ergonomics with mirrorless-inspired tech advances

Sony A850: Who Might It Still Suit?

• Budding photographers on a limited budget looking for a full-frame DSLR experience without the need for speed or video
• Studio photographers focusing on controlled lighting portraits or still life who don’t require cutting-edge autofocus or video
• Those preferring optical viewfinders and do not need articulated screens or live view
• Users who already own Sony/Minolta Alpha glass from that era and want to maintain compatibility

The Bottom Line

After hands-on testing thousands of cameras over more than a decade, the truth is clear: the Sony A99 II represents a major technological leap, offering future-proof features, higher image fidelity, and expansive creative flexibility.

The A850, while historically significant and capable in its day, now shows its age - lacking the speed, autofocus sophistication, and video capabilities advanced users expect.

If you demand performance, versatility, and innovation, invest in the Sony A99 II. If your needs remain basic and budget is tight, the A850 can be an affordable entry to Sony’s full-frame DSLR world - but you’ll need to temper expectations accordingly.

Getting Started With Your Choice

• If you lean toward the A99 II, consider pairing it with fast prime lenses and telephotos to exploit its AF and stabilization power.
• For the A850, pairing with classic Sony/Minolta primes can yield excellent image quality; just be prepared for a more deliberate shooting approach.

No matter your choice, exploring these cameras hands-on, testing your preferred lenses, and shooting real subjects will be key to mastering your craft.

In summary, both cameras honor Sony’s dedication to craftsmanship and innovation but serve distinct photographer profiles. Your creative path and budget shape which Alpha will best empower you - start your exploration with this head-to-head insights guide.

Happy shooting!