Voice Memo4

Designed to improve the speed of news agencies workflow, the Alpha 9 II features a Voice Memo function that allows spoken information to be attached to images which can convey important information when sent to the editor. Voice memos4 up to 60 seconds in length can be recorded and attached as a WAVE (.wav) file with the same name as the image file which can be transferred via FTP along with the corresponding image data without the need for additional equipment or software. Voice memos cannot be attached to movie files. Additionally, a photographer can also use the ‘Transfer & Tagging add-on’ Imaging Edge application to transfer voice tags with the images to their mobile device and have the voice memos automatically converted to text and added to the JPEG images in the form of IPTC metadata.

4 - Voice memos are associated to images as WAVE (.wav) file format with the same name as the image.

Transfer & Tagging add-on App

Voice memos can be read into the Transfer & Tagging add-on app (Version 1.1 or later) & automatically converted to text5 captions in regions where Google services are available. The Transfer & Tagging add-on app can then automatically add the converted text to JPEG images in the form of IPTC metadata or the text can be manually copied & pasted. When using the Transfer & Tagging add-on app to transfer images w/ attached voice memos from smartphone to FTP server, it's possible to select JPEG only or JPEG+WAVE for transfer. By combining the automatic voice to text conversion & text embedding functionality w/ the app’s ability to auto transfer images w/ attached voice memos via FTP, it's possible to automatically embed text info in images w/ attached voice memos that have been transferred from camera to smartphone & upload the results to an FTP server without having to operate the smartphone.

Real-time Tracking6 automatically tracks the subject

Real-time Tracking6 is a state-of-the-art feature that employs artificial intelligence to tenaciously track moving subjects when shooting stills or movies. Accurate focus is maintained automatically while the shutter button is half-pressed. An advanced subject recognition algorithm uses color, pattern (brightness), and subject distance (depth) data to process spatial information in real time. If the subject is a person, AI is used to detect and keep track of the subject’s eye and face in real time for extremely high tracking precision. The focus area will seamlessly change between face and eye according to the condition of the subject. The subject to be tracked can also be specified by touching it on the monitor when the Touch Tracking function is engaged. Tracking On can also be assigned to a custom key so that the user can initiate tracking at any time.

6- Real-time Tracking activated in the menu. Eye-AF for Animal works for stills only.

Real-time Eye AF (Human)

Real-time Eye AF employs artificial intelligence to detect and process eye data in real time, and track the subject’s eye with unprecedented precision. This function can be activated via an assigned custom key, or by simply pressing the AF-ON button or half-pressing the shutter button. When used with the Real-time Tracking function, tracking will continue even if the camera is temporarily unable to locate the subject’s eye, so it is easier than ever to shoot dynamic portraits and moving subjects. In addition to automatic eye selection when using Eye AF, it is also possible to manually preselect the subject’s right or left eye5.

5 - Voice to text requires the use of Imaging Edge application with ‘Transfer and Tagging Add-on’ app. Version 1.1 or later required (released in October 2019). Only available in regions where Google services are available. Voice Memo exceeding 50 seconds cannot be converted to text.

1 Gbps Ethernet for fast communication

The Alpha 9 II provides upgraded network functionality with a built-in connector for wired 1000BASE-T Ethernet terminal, enabling high-speed gigabit communication for stable data transfer operations, including remote shooting12. 1000BASE-T allows data transfer at up to 1 Gbps, up to 10x faster than the 100BASE-T (100 Mbps) connection provided on the original Alpha 9. FTPS (File Transfer over SSL/TLS) is supported, allowing SSL or TLS encryption for increased data security.

12 - Version 2.0 or later required.

Remote Camera Tool12 Ver. 2.1

The Remote Camera Tool application12 has been updated to version 2.1 to support the improved wired LAN functionality of the Alpha 9 II. This update optimizes the Remote Camera Tool for the high-speed 1000BASE-T data communication capabilities including PC Remote (tethered) shooting, data transfer & control. When using the Remote Camera Tool application w/ the Alpha 9 II for wired PC Remote (tethered) shooting, release time lag & live view delays are minimized for smooth, stress-free operation during image transfers. Data transfer speeds between the Alpha 9 II & computer are significantly increased, as are image transfer speeds during tethered shooting. Additionally, it allows remote SD card formatting, FTP server switching, and changes to the computer image storage location which provides improved support for professional photographers using fixed ceiling cameras at an arena or gymnasium, goal-line cameras at track events, and other situations where access to the camera is restricted.

FTP transfer functions

FTP background transfer capability is provided so the user can continue to shoot still images while image files are being transferred to an FTP server via a wired or wireless connection. It is also possible to specify protected and other file types for transfer, transfer single files by pressing an assigned custom key, specify JPEG or RAW file formats, and more. Up to nine FTP servers can be memorized for quick recall. In addition to direct transfer to an FTP server via a wired or wireless connection, transfer via the Transfer & Tagging add-on application installed on a mobile device is also possible. All this versatility can contribute greatly to the speed and efficiency of professional workflows. Movie files cannot be transferred and FTP transfer is not available during movie recording.

Wireless PC Remote (tethered) shooting

The Alpha 9 II can be connected to a computer via USB or wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) for PC Remote (tethered) shooting using Sony’s Imaging Edge “Remote” desktop application (Ver. 2.0 or later). Wireless connectivity means that the photographer can move around w/ fewer restrictions. 2.4 GHz or 5GHz7 Wi-Fi bands can be selected as required. In addition to wirelessly connecting the camera directly to the PC, the ability to connect via a wireless access point adds the flexibility needed to work w/ a variety of network environments. PC Remote shooting via a USB Type-C connector allows fast, stress-free wired PC Remote (tethered) shooting. In addition to providing a USB Type-C connector, data processing at both the camera and “Remote” (Ver. 2.0 or later) ends of the connection has been optimized, achieving notably faster transfer speeds compared to the Alpha 9. This allows smooth transfer of large uncompressed RAW image files for review on the computer without interrupting the flow of the session.