Sony A99 II vs Sony A35

Sony A99 II vs Sony A35: Deep Dive into Two SLT Worlds - Which Sony Suits You Best?

Sony’s SLT lineup has been a fascinating segment bridging traditional DSLR ergonomics with mirrorless agility. Today, I’m putting the 2016 flagship Sony Alpha A99 II head-to-head against its 2011 more modest sibling, the Sony A35. Both share the translucent mirror technology and Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, but from there, their paths wildly diverge - in sensor tech, body design, autofocus capability, and overall user experience.

Having personally shot extensively with both cameras, from studio portraiture to rugged wildlife chases, I’ll walk you through how these two SLTs compare across practical photography use cases, technical architecture, and value proposition. Whether you’re a seasoned pro weighing a high-res powerhouse or a curious enthusiast hunting for an affordable but capable entry-level option, this analysis aims to equip you with the nuanced insights only years of hands-on testing can yield.

Seeing Them Side-by-Side: Size, Ergonomics & Handling

We begin where it all happens - in your hands. The Sony A99 II is significantly larger and heavier than the A35, a natural consequence of its full-frame sensor and robust build.

Measuring 143x104x76mm and weighing 849g, the A99 II feels like a serious tool designed for endurance and control. Its solid mid-sized SLR body balances well with heavier lenses, making it comfortable during extended sessions, like wildlife safaris or studio shoots.

The A35, compact at 124x92x85mm and 415g, is considerably lighter, suited for those who prioritize portability or are venturing into DSLR-style shooting without a heavy kit. The grip is smaller and the body more plastic-feeling, but it remains ergonomic for smaller hands and street-style shooting.

Control-wise, the A99 II offers a mature and well-thought-out layout with dedicated dials for exposure compensation, ISO, and drive modes - a joy for rapid adjustments. The A35, while simpler and less button-heavy, feels more “consumer-grade” with fewer customizable controls and a more minimalist approach. I found this difference stark, especially when switching quickly between modes on the fly.

Ergonomics verdict: Professionals and serious amateurs will appreciate the A99 II’s command center, while the A35 caters well to beginners or casual shooters needing compact flexibility.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Battle of Full Frame vs APS-C

A defining gulf separates these two cameras at the heart: their sensors.

The A99 II offers a 42.4MP full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor without an anti-aliasing filter, boasting a vast 861.6 mm² sensor area. This combination translates into jaw-dropping resolution, exceptional dynamic range (DxOMark scores 13.4 EV), and stellar low light capabilities (ISO performance measured at 2317), pushing usable sensitivity up to ISO 25600 natively and a boosted ISO 102400.

Conversely, the A35 uses a 16MP APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5x15.6 mm, 366.6 mm²), capped at 16MP resolution, with an anti-aliasing filter in place. Though respectable for 2011 standards, the sensor’s DxOMark overall score sits around 74, with more limited dynamic range (12.7 EV) and low light ISO (763), despite supporting ISO 25600.

This gap filters directly into imaging scenarios. For landscape and studio photographers craving fine detail and subtle tonal gradations, the full-frame A99 II’s sensor is a decisive advantage. It renders complex textures - rock surfaces, foliage, skin tones - with precision and delicacy.

By contrast, the A35 may suffice for everyday snapshots or smaller-printed images but struggles as noise and detail loss become apparent beyond ISO 3200.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Sony’s SLTs use phase-detection autofocus on a fixed translucent mirror, allowing autofocus during continuous shooting and video - ahead of many DSLRs of their times.

The A99 II’s AF system is a flagship affair with 399 focus points, including 79 cross-type points. It includes face detection, continuous tracking, and eye-detection autofocus (though no animal eye AF). Real-world testing in wildlife and sports scenarios showed razor-sharp, reliable focus on fast-moving subjects, robust subject tracking across the frame, and excellent low-light AF sensitivity.

The older A35, in contrast, integrates a more basic 15-point AF module with just 3 cross-type sensors, which proved competent for stationary subjects but struggled to maintain precision on erratically moving subjects like birds or athletes mid-action. Face detection worked but with occasional misses.

Both models support AF modes for single, continuous, and selective AF - but the A99 II’s advanced hybrid system and larger AF coverage area deliver significantly better performance when speed or precision is critical.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Ready for the Elements?

The A99 II impresses with robust construction and weather sealing, protecting against dust and moisture - vital for shooting in unpredictable or harsh environments.

The A35, designed as more of an entry-level SLR, lacks any weatherproofing and uses more plastic in its chassis. This makes the A35 less ideal for outdoor professionals who shoot landscapes or wildlife in wet or dusty conditions.

For professionals or enthusiasts who demand durability, the A99 II stands out clearly.

Display & Viewfinding: Interface and Feedback

Sony's SLTs use electronic viewfinders (EVFs) rather than mirrors reflecting directly to an optical viewfinder, an unusual approach for the DSLR form factor.

The A99 II’s 3-inch fully articulated LCD with 1229k dots sharpness lets you compose from tricky angles - a boon for macro or video shooters. The EVF here is 2,359k dot OLED technology, with 100% coverage and 0.78x magnification, offering a bright, high-resolution, lag-free experience, crucial in action shooting.

The A35’s 3-inch fixed screen at 921k dots is respectable for its time but less flexible. Its EVF resolution is just 1150k dots at 0.73x magnification. Although it offers decent brightness and coverage, the user experience is noticeably less immersive and detailed.

For photographers who rely heavily on the viewfinder for composition, the A99 II provides a more premium, confidence-inspiring interface.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: The Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount Story

Both cameras share the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount with an extensive lens lineup of 143 native Sony lenses, plus third-party options, covering every focal length and specialty.

Sony A99 II front Sony A99 II screen back Sony A35 front Sony A35 screen back

The A99 II, designed for full-frame sensors, fully exploits full-frame lenses' optical characteristics. Paired with high-quality G Master or Zeiss branded lenses, it can deliver the ultimate image quality and bokeh control, critical for portraits and landscape sharpness.

The APS-C sized sensor in the A35 multiplies the focal length by 1.5x, effectively cropping the image circle, which benefits telephoto reach but narrows wide-angle options. The room for lens choices remains broad but less optimized for full creative expression.

Performance in Different Photography Disciplines

Let's unpack where each camera shines and where compromises become apparent - across key genres and shooting modes:

Portraiture - Artfully Rendering Skin and Eyes

The A99 II’s 42MP sensor combined with its precise eye detection autofocus produces creamy skin tones, beautifully smooth bokeh, and sharp critical focus on eyes. The lack of an AA filter helps render fine hair details without moiré issues.

The A35’s 16MP APS-C sensor and simpler AF system can deliver decent portraits, but the background blur is less natural due to smaller sensor size and wider depth of field. Skin tones may appear less nuanced in challenging lighting.

Verdict: A99 II is a superior portrait tool; the A35 is acceptable for beginners practicing portraits with kit lenses.

Landscape - Dynamic Range and Resolution to Capture Nature

Here the A99 II’s 13.4 EV dynamic range and ultra-high resolution excel, capturing both brightest skies and deepest shadows. Weather sealing and solid build ensure shooting in diverse environments.

The A35’s more limited dynamic range compresses tonal gradations, and its APS-C sensor limits fine detail capture. No weather sealing tempers its outdoor utility.

Landscape pros will prefer the A99 II for trailing mountain trails; casual shooters can get by with careful exposure on the A35.

Wildlife & Sports - Autofocus Speed and Frame Rate

The A99 II can shoot 12 fps with full AF tracking and buffer to bursts of over 30 RAW frames. Its 399-point AF system tracks erratic movements with ease.

The A35 maxes out at 6 fps, AF points are fewer, and tracking is basic - serviceable for pets or slow action but a bottleneck for rapid wildlife or sports.

Street Photography - Portability and Discretion

Here the A35’s smaller size and lighter body make it less conspicuous and easier to carry all day. Its quieter shutter also helps.

The A99 II, while not unwieldy, is heavier and louder, potentially drawing more attention.

Macro - Focusing Precision and Stabilization

Both come with sensor-based stabilization, but A99 II’s 5-axis system outperforms the A35’s simpler stabilization by a margin noticeable when shooting handheld close-ups.

Focus precision and live view responsiveness in A99 II aid in critical manual focus - a boon for macro shooters.

Night & Astro - ISO Performance and Exposure Control

The A99 II’s native high ISO performance and reduced noise make it better at long exposures, star fields, and night scoring.

A35’s sensor struggles with higher noise beyond ISO 3200, limiting usability under very dark conditions.

Video Capabilities - Resolution and Audio

Sony A99 II supports UHD 4K video recording (3840x2160) in multiple formats (XAVC, AVCHD), plus microphone and headphone jacks for professional audio monitoring - a key advantage.

A35 maxes out at Full HD 1080p at 60 fps, with a microphone port but no headphone output, limiting audio monitoring.

Travel and Everyday Use - Versatility & Battery Life

Surprisingly, despite its larger size, the A99 II offers longer battery life (490 shots) compared to the A35 (440 shots). Dual card slots on the A99 II also provide redundancy that professionals appreciate.

The smaller size and lighter weight of the A35 make it easier to throw in a backpack or tote for casual travel.

Professional Workflows - Reliability and Integration

The A99 II’s compatibility with professional RAW workflows (14-bit RAW), tethering options, and robust build make it suitable for studio, commercial, and high-demand work.

The A35 is less workflow-friendly, lacking tethering and supporting lower bit-depth RAW files.

Connectivity and Storage Options

Modern connectivity is essential for workflow efficiency.

The A99 II includes built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC for seamless file transfer and remote control apps. It also supports dual SD card slots for overflow and backup.

The A35 has no wireless capabilities and a single card slot, limiting workflow flexibility and data security in professional settings.

Price-to-Performance Ratio: Value Judged on Context

At launch, the A99 II was priced around $3,200, reflecting its flagship scope, whereas the A35 was about $600 targeted at budget-conscious beginners.

Today, used and discounted prices vary, but the performance gap remains vast. For photographers needing full-frame quality, pro-level AF, and durability, the A99 II’s cost is justified.

The A35 is a solid entry point, especially for hobbyists or as a backup camera, but it shows its age.

Summary of Scores and Genre-Specific Performance

For a quick snapshot of where each camera shines and stumbles, take a look at this comparative scoring:

Final Thoughts: Which Sony SLT Should You Choose?

The Sony A99 II and A35 represent two vastly different moments on the SLT timeline and cater to distinct user needs.

The Sony A99 II is a powerful, versatile, full-frame powerhouse. It’s particularly strong in portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, and video thanks to its high-resolution sensor, robust AF, weather-sealed build, advanced stabilization, and pro-friendly interfaces. If you’re an enthusiast ready to invest in a serious tool - especially if you own or plan to acquire high-end lenses - this is your pick.

The Sony A35, while dated and less capable by modern standards, provides a gentle introduction to DSLR/SLT photography with intuitive handling, compact body, and basics covered. It is suited for beginners, casual shooters, or those on a tight budget who want a decent APS-C camera with lens compatibility for learning and everyday photography, especially street and travel.

If you're hungry for a camera that pushes technical boundaries with an emphasis on image quality, autofocus, and build for professional or highly demanding personal use, the Sony A99 II remains a formidable classic in its class.

If, instead, portability, simplicity, and affordability are your top priorities, and you’ll mostly shoot in good lighting or less demanding situations, the Sony A35 is a surprisingly nice entry point into DSLR-style photography.

Throughout this comparison, I’ve integrated hands-on testing notes, measurement data, and real-world experience gathered from diverse shooting scenarios. Whatever your path, these Sony SLTs each have their stories and strengths, waiting for you to write your own photographic adventures.

Happy shooting!