Canon EOS 90D vs Sony a99 II
This is a full comparison between the cameras Canon EOS 90D and Sony a99 II. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Canon EOS 90D is made by Canon, while Sony a99 II is made by Sony. Both brands have unique strengths and specializations, catering to different photography needs.
Release Date and Price
Release Year
Canon EOS 90D was released in 2019, making it a newer model compared to Sony a99 II, which was released in 2016.
Release Date
Canon EOS 90D was released on 2019-08-28, making it a newer option than Sony a99 II, which was released on 2016-09-19.
MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price)
The MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) helps compare the original cost of the camera, offering insight into its market position.
Sony a99 II is priced higher at $3199, compared to Canon EOS 90D which has an MSRP of $1199. This indicates Sony a99 II might offer better features or performance.
Camera and Sensor Type
Camera Type
The camera type (DSLR, mirrorless, etc.) affects size, handling, and features, impacting its usability for different photography styles.
Canon EOS 90D is a dslr camera, while Sony a99 II is a slt camera. These differences could affect their performance and suitability for different types of photography.
Sensor Size
Sensor size influences image quality, depth of field, and low-light performance, with larger sensors generally producing better results.
Canon EOS 90D has a APS-C (approx 22.3 x 14.9 mm) sensor, while Sony a99 II uses a Full Frame (approx 36 x 24 mm) sensor. These differences can impact image quality, low-light performance, and depth of field.
Sensor Type
The sensor type (e.g., CMOS, CCD) determines how light is captured, affecting image quality, speed, and power consumption.
Canon EOS 90D uses a CMOS sensor, while Sony a99 II is equipped with a BSI-CMOS sensor. The differences in sensor types can influence image quality, dynamic range, and overall performance.
Resolution and Megapixels
Higher megapixels allow for larger prints and more detailed images but may result in larger file sizes.
Sony a99 II has a superior resolution with 42,177,408 pixels and 42 megapixels, while Canon EOS 90D features 32,294,400 pixels and 33 megapixels.
Processor
The image processor affects camera speed, image processing quality, and power efficiency.
Canon EOS 90D uses the DIGIC 8 processor, while Sony a99 II is powered by the Bionz X processor. These differences could impact overall speed, performance, and image processing quality.
ISO Range
The ISO range measures the camera’s sensitivity to light, impacting performance in low-light environments and image noise levels.
Both Canon EOS 90D and Sony a99 II offer the same ISO range: 100 - 25600. This means their performance in various lighting conditions should be quite similar.
Image Properties
White Balance Presets
White balance ensures colors are accurately represented by adjusting the camera for the lighting conditions.
Sony a99 II offers more white balance presets (10) than Canon EOS 90D, which has 6 presets. This gives Sony a99 II an edge in fine-tuning color accuracy in different lighting environments.
Custom White Balance
Custom white balance allows users to manually adjust color tones, ideal for achieving precise color in challenging lighting conditions.
Both Canon EOS 90D and Sony a99 II offer custom white balance, allowing for precise color adjustments in challenging lighting conditions.
Uncompressed Format Support
Uncompressed formats retain more data for higher image quality, useful for professional editing.
Both Canon EOS 90D and Sony a99 II support the same uncompressed format: RAW. This means they provide similar flexibility in post-processing and image quality.
Optics and Focus
Image Stabilization
Image stabilization reduces camera shake, allowing for sharper images, especially in low light or handheld shooting.
Sony a99 II provides image stabilization, while Canon EOS 90D does not, making Sony a99 II a better option for handheld or low-light photography.
Image Stabilization Details
Sony a99 II is equipped with image stabilization: Sensor-Shift (5-axis for stills and video).
CIPA Image Stabilization Performance
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating | N/A | N/A |
Autofocus Motor
An autofocus motor allows lenses to focus automatically, improving the speed and accuracy of focusing.
Both Canon EOS 90D and Sony a99 II are equipped with an autofocus motor, allowing for fast and accurate focusing with a wide range of lenses.
Autofocus Modes
Autofocus modes determine how the camera focuses, with options like continuous, single, and tracking autofocus for different scenarios.
Autofocus Modes for Canon EOS 90D
- Contrast Detect (sensor)
- Phase Detect
- Multi Area
- Center
- Selective Single Point
- Tracking
- Single
- Continuous
- Touch
- Face Detection
- LiveView
Autofocus Modes for Sony a99 II
- Contrast Detect (sensor)
- Phase Detect
- Multi Area
- Center
- Selective Single Point
- Tracking
- Single
- Continuous
- Face Detection
- LiveView
Autofocus Points
Focus points define how much of the scene can be focused automatically, impacting flexibility in composition.
Sony a99 II has more autofocus points (399) than Canon EOS 90D, which only has 45 points. This provides Sony a99 II with better control over focus precision.
Lens Mount Compatibility
The lens mount determines compatibility with different lenses, affecting the versatility of the camera.
Lens Mounts for Canon EOS 90D
- Canon EF
- Canon EF-S
Lens Mounts for Sony a99 II
- Sony A
Focal Length Multiplier (Crop Factor)
Focal length multipliers (crop factor) impact the effective field of view, especially for non-full-frame cameras.
Focal Length Multiplier for Canon EOS 90D
APS-C Sensor
1.6x multiplier
Example:
24 mm becomes 38 mm
50 mm becomes 80 mm
100 mm becomes 160 mm
200 mm becomes 320 mm
Focal Length Multiplier for Sony a99 II
Full frame
No multiplier
Example:
24 mm remains 24 mm
50 mm remains 50 mm
100 mm remains 100 mm
200 mm remains 200 mm
Screen and Viewfinder
Screen Dots (LCD Resolution)
The number of dots on the camera screen affects display clarity, useful for reviewing images and navigating menus.
Sony a99 II offers better screen resolution with 1228800 dots, while Canon EOS 90D has only 1040000 dots.
Touchscreen
A touchscreen allows for easier navigation, focusing, and menu selection, providing a more intuitive user interface.
Canon EOS 90D has a touchscreen, giving it an edge in usability over Sony a99 II, which lacks this feature.
Live View
Live view allows users to see a real-time preview of their shot on the camera’s display, making it easier to compose and focus.
Both Canon EOS 90D and Sony a99 II support live view, making it easier to preview shots in real time on the LCD screen.
Photography Features
Frames Per Second (FPS)
FPS, or Frames Per Second, measures how many photos a camera can take in one second during continuous shooting. A higher FPS is particularly beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as in sports, wildlife, or action photography, where timing is critical to get the perfect shot.
Sony a99 II provides a higher burst rate of 12 fps, giving it an edge in action or sports photography over Canon EOS 90D, which shoots at a slower rate of 11 fps.Shutter Speed
Shutter speed determines how long your camera's sensor is exposed to light. A slower shutter speed is ideal for low-light photography and capturing motion blur, while a faster shutter speed is better for freezing fast-moving subjects like in sports or wildlife photography.
Minimum Shutter Speed
Both Canon EOS 90D and Sony a99 II offer the same minimum shutter speed of 30 seconds, allowing for long-exposure shots like light trails or astrophotography.
Maximum Shutter Speed
Both Canon EOS 90D and Sony a99 II offer the same maximum shutter speed of 1/8000, making them equally capable of freezing fast motion.
Built-in Flash
A built-in flash can be handy for quick shots in low-light environments, especially when an external flash isn't available. However, built-in flashes are typically less powerful than external ones and are best for shorter ranges.
Canon EOS 90D features a built-in flash, giving it an advantage over Sony a99 II, which lacks this feature.
Built-in Flash Range
Canon EOS 90D has a longer built-in flash range of 12 m, which is more powerful than Sony a99 II's range of N/A.External Flash Compatibility
An external flash provides more power and flexibility compared to a built-in flash. External flashes can be mounted on the camera’s hot shoe and offer greater lighting control, making them ideal for professional and low-light photography.
Both Canon EOS 90D and Sony a99 II support external flashes, providing more control over lighting for professional-grade photography.
Self-Timer Functionality
A self-timer allows you to delay the shutter release, giving you time to get into the frame for group shots, self-portraits, or to avoid camera shake when shooting on a tripod.
Both Canon EOS 90D and Sony a99 II have a self-timer feature, making them convenient for group shots or self-portraits.
Time-Lapse Photography
The time-lapse feature allows you to capture a sequence of photos at intervals and combine them into a video, creating stunning visual effects like speeding up slow-moving subjects such as clouds, sunsets, or cityscapes.
Canon EOS 90D offers a time-lapse feature, allowing you to capture creative time-lapse videos, while Sony a99 II lacks this functionality.
Metering Modes
Metering modes help your camera measure the light in a scene to determine the proper exposure. Different metering modes are useful in different situations, such as multi-pattern for general use, center-weighted for portraits, spot metering for precise areas, and more.
Metering Modes for Canon EOS 90D
- Multi
- Center Weighted
- Spot
- Partial
Metering Modes for Sony a99 II
- Multi
- Center Weighted
- Highlight Weighted
- Spot
Videography Features
Video Recording Capability
Video recording is an essential feature for users who want to capture high-quality videos alongside still photography. Cameras with video recording capabilities allow for versatility, whether you're creating cinematic content, vlogging, or capturing everyday moments.
Video Recording
Both Canon EOS 90D and Sony a99 II support video recording, making them versatile options for users who want to shoot both photos and videos.
Built-in Microphone and Speakers Comparison
Having a built-in microphone and speakers can help you quickly capture and review audio when recording video. While they may not replace professional equipment, they are useful for casual video recording and on-the-go playback.
Both Canon EOS 90D and Sony a99 II are equipped with built-in microphones, allowing you to record audio directly with the camera.
Both Canon EOS 90D and Sony a99 II have built-in speakers, allowing you to play back recorded audio without needing headphones.
Connectivity
HDMI Output, Microphone, and Headphone Ports Comparison
These ports are important for video professionals who need external monitoring and audio control. HDMI allows external display connections, while microphone and headphone ports offer superior audio recording and monitoring options.
Both Canon EOS 90D and Sony a99 II have HDMI output, making them ideal for real-time monitoring and external recording.
Both Canon EOS 90D and Sony a99 II have a microphone port, allowing you to use an external microphone for better audio quality.
Both Canon EOS 90D and Sony a99 II have a headphone port, allowing you to monitor audio while recording.
Wireless Connectivity Comparison
Wireless connectivity allows for convenient sharing of photos and remote camera control. Some cameras offer advanced wireless options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC for easy file transfer and remote shooting.
Both Canon EOS 90D and Sony a99 II feature wireless connectivity, making it easy to transfer photos or control the camera remotely.
Canon EOS 90D supports wireless features like Built-In 802.11b/g/n with Bluetooth, while Sony a99 II includes features like Built-in (802.11/b/g/n with NFC).
Remote Control Feature Comparison
Remote control functionality allows photographers to control the camera without physically touching it, which is useful for reducing camera shake during long exposures or self-portraits. Some cameras offer compatibility with dedicated remotes, while others support wireless or app-based control.
Both Canon EOS 90D and Sony a99 II support remote control functionality. Canon EOS 90D offers Yes (Wired , wireless or smartphone), while Sony a99 II provides Yes (wired, wireless, or smartphone), allowing for hands-free control during shooting.
Camera Body and Dimensions
Environmentally Sealed Comparison
An environmentally sealed camera is protected against dust, moisture, and sometimes freezing temperatures. This feature is important for photographers who often shoot in challenging environments like rain, snow, or desert landscapes.
Both Canon EOS 90D and Sony a99 II are environmentally sealed, making them durable options for photographers who need protection against harsh weather conditions.
Battery Life Comparison
Battery life is an important consideration, especially for photographers who shoot for long periods. The number of shots per charge is measured according to CIPA standards, giving a reliable estimate of real-world performance.
The battery life of Canon EOS 90D is rated at 1300 shots, which is better than Sony a99 II's 490 shots. This makes Canon EOS 90D a better choice for long shooting sessions.
Camera Dimensions Comparison
Camera dimensions affect portability and comfort when using the camera. Here's how the two cameras compare in size.
The Canon EOS 90D has dimensions of 141 mm in width, 105 mm in height, and 77 mm in depth.
The Sony a99 II measures 143 mm in width, 104 mm in height, and 76 mm in depth.
The Sony a99 II is more compact with a total volume of 1130272 mm³ compared to the Canon EOS 90D, which has a larger volume of 1139985 mm³.
Camera Weight Comparison
The weight of a camera can affect portability and handling, especially for long shooting sessions. Here’s how the two cameras compare in terms of weight, including the battery.
The Canon EOS 90D weighs 701 grams including the battery.
The Sony a99 II weighs 849 grams including the battery.
The Canon EOS 90D is lighter, weighing 701 grams, compared to the Sony a99 II which weighs 849 grams.
View and Compare Specifications for Canon EOS 90D and Sony a99 II
Product |
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Name This is the official name of the camera as listed by the manufacturer. |
Canon EOS 90D | Sony a99 II |
Manufacturer The company that designs, manufactures, and markets this camera model. |
Canon | Sony |
SKU The Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) is a unique identifier used by retailers to track inventory. Some cameras might have multiple SKUs depending on the bundle or specific features. |
ILCA-99M2 | |
Release Date and Price |
||
Release Year The year when this camera model was officially released to the public. |
2019 | 2016 |
Release Date The exact date when this camera model was launched. |
2019-08-28 | 2016-09-19 |
MSRP The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is the price at which the manufacturer recommends that the retailer sells the product. This can vary by region and retailer. Here the price is listed in US Dollars. |
$ 1199 | $ 3199 |
Camera Type |
||
Camera Type The camera type defines the fundamental design of the camera, whether it uses a mirror for its viewfinder (DSLR), a translucent mirror (SLT), or no mirror at all (Mirrorless). |
DSLR | SLT |
Sensor |
||
Sensor Size The sensor size determines the amount of light that can be captured, impacting image quality, depth of field, and low-light performance. Different sensor sizes are used for various camera types and applications. |
APS-C (approx 22.3 x 14.9 mm) | Full Frame (approx 36 x 24 mm) |
Sensor Type The type of sensor used in the camera, which could be CCD, CMOS, or others, affecting how the image data is captured and processed. |
CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Resolution Resolution is the number of pixels used to create an image. Higher resolution allows for larger prints and more detailed images. |
6960 x 4640 pixels | 7952 x 5304 pixels |
Megapixels Megapixels refer to the number of millions of pixels the sensor can capture, impacting the detail and print size of the images. |
33 MP (32,294,400 pixels) | 42 MP (42,177,408 pixels) |
Image Processor The image processor is responsible for converting the data captured by the sensor into a viewable image, impacting speed, quality, and performance. |
DIGIC 8 | Bionz X |
Image |
||
ISO Range The ISO range indicates the sensitivity of the camera's sensor to light. A lower ISO is ideal for bright conditions, while a higher ISO allows for shooting in low light but may introduce noise. |
100 - 25600 | 100 - 25600 |
White Balance Presets White balance presets allow the camera to adjust colors to match different lighting conditions, ensuring that your photos have accurate and natural colors. |
6 | 10 |
Custom White Balance Custom white balance allows you to manually set the white balance using a neutral reference, such as a gray card, ensuring accurate color reproduction in various lighting conditions. |
Yes | Yes |
Image Stabilization Image stabilization helps reduce blur caused by camera shake, allowing you to capture sharper images, especially in low-light situations or when using longer focal lengths. |
No | Yes (Sensor-Shift (5-axis for stills and video)) |
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating The CIPA rating measures the effectiveness of image stabilization, indicating how many stops of exposure you can gain by using the stabilization feature. |
N/A | N/A |
Uncompressed Format An uncompressed format retains all the image data captured by the sensor, resulting in higher quality images with more detail, but also larger file sizes. |
RAW | RAW |
Optics and Focus |
||
Autofocus Motor The autofocus motor allows the camera to automatically focus on subjects. If 'Yes', the camera has a built-in autofocus motor, enabling faster and quieter focusing with compatible lenses. |
Yes | Yes |
Autofocus Different autofocus modes allow the camera to focus in various ways, such as detecting contrast, tracking moving subjects, or focusing on specific points in the frame. |
Contrast Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Touch Face Detection LiveView |
Contrast Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView |
Focus Points Focus points refer to the number of areas in the frame where the camera can lock focus. More focus points allow for more accurate focusing, especially in complex scenes. |
45 | 399 |
Lens Mount The lens mount indicates the type of lenses that are compatible with the camera. Different mounts are used by different manufacturers and camera types. |
Canon EF Canon EF-S |
Sony A |
Focal Length Multiplier The focal length multiplier, also known as the crop factor, affects the effective focal length of a lens when used with cameras that have sensors smaller than full frame. This value multiplies the lens's focal length, which can be beneficial for telephoto photography but limits the field of view for wide-angle lenses. |
APS-C Sensor 1.6x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 38 mm 50 mm becomes 80 mm 100 mm becomes 160 mm 200 mm becomes 320 mm |
Full frame No multiplier Example: 24 mm remains 24 mm 50 mm remains 50 mm 100 mm remains 100 mm 200 mm remains 200 mm |
Screen and Viewfinder |
||
Articulated LCD An articulated LCD allows for flexible screen movement, making it easier to capture shots from difficult angles. It can be particularly useful for vlogging, low-angle, or high-angle photography. |
Fully articulated | Tilting |
Screen Size The screen size is measured diagonally in inches. A larger screen can be beneficial for reviewing images and navigating menus. |
3” | 3” |
Screen Dots Screen dots refer to the resolution of the camera's LCD screen, with more dots generally indicating a sharper display. |
1040000 | 1228800 |
Touchscreen A touchscreen allows you to interact with the camera's menu and focus points directly by touching the screen. |
Yes | No |
Screen Type The screen type indicates the technology used in the camera's display, such as LCD, OLED, etc. |
TFT LCD | WhiteMagic TFT LCD |
Live View Live View allows you to use the LCD screen as a viewfinder, showing a live preview of the image before you capture it. |
Yes | Yes |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type specifies whether the camera uses an optical viewfinder (OVF), electronic viewfinder (EVF), or has no viewfinder. |
Optical (pentaprism) | Electronic |
Viewfinder Coverage Viewfinder coverage indicates the percentage of the scene that is visible in the viewfinder compared to what the sensor captures. 100% coverage means you see exactly what the sensor will capture. |
100% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification Viewfinder magnification describes the size of the image seen in the viewfinder relative to the size of the actual scene. |
0.95× (0.59× 35mm equiv.) | 0.78x |
Viewfinder Resolution Viewfinder resolution refers to the number of pixels in the electronic viewfinder. A higher resolution provides a clearer and more detailed image. |
N/A | 2359296 |
Photography Features |
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Frames per second Frames per second (fps) measures how many frames the camera can capture in one second. Higher fps rates are useful for action photography. |
11 fps | 12 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed is the longest exposure time the camera can achieve, allowing for more light to enter, which is useful in low-light situations. |
30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed is the shortest exposure time the camera can achieve, helping to freeze motion in fast-moving subjects. |
1/8000 seconds | 1/8000 seconds |
Built-in Flash A built-in flash provides additional light when shooting in low-light environments, improving image quality. |
Yes | No |
Built-in Flash Range The built-in flash range indicates how far the flash can effectively illuminate a subject. This is measured in meters. |
12 m | N/A |
External Flash An external flash option allows you to attach a separate flash unit, providing more powerful lighting options and flexibility. |
Yes | Yes |
Self-Timer The self-timer feature allows you to set a delay between pressing the shutter button and when the photo is actually taken. This is useful for including yourself in photos or reducing camera shake. |
Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse Time-lapse photography allows you to capture a series of frames at set intervals, which are then combined into a video that shows a process, like a sunset, happening much faster. |
Yes | No |
Metering Modes Metering modes determine how the camera measures the brightness of the scene to set the exposure. Different modes are suited to different lighting conditions. |
Multi Center Weighted Spot Partial |
Multi Center Weighted Highlight Weighted Spot |
Exposure Compensation Exposure compensation allows you to adjust the exposure set by the camera, making the image brighter or darker as needed. |
+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
Videography Features |
||
Video Recording Indicates whether the camera supports video recording functionality. |
Yes | Yes |
Video Format The camera supports various video formats, which determine the compression and quality of the recorded video. |
MPEG4 H.264 |
MPEG4 XAVC-S AVCHD |
Video Resolution The resolutions supported by the camera determine the clarity and detail of the recorded video. |
1280 x 720 1920 x 1080 3840 x 2160 |
1920 x 1080 3840 x 2160 |
Built-in Microphone Indicates whether the camera has a built-in microphone for recording audio during video capture. |
Yes | Yes |
Built-in Speakers Indicates whether the camera has built-in speakers for audio playback. |
Yes | Yes |
Storage |
||
Memory Card Indicates the types of memory cards that are compatible with the camera. |
SD/SDHC |
Memory Stick Pro Duo SD/SDHC |
Connectivity |
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HDMI Output Indicates whether the camera has an HDMI output port for connecting to external displays. |
Yes | Yes |
Microphone Port Indicates whether the camera has a dedicated microphone input port. |
Yes | Yes |
Headphone Port Indicates whether the camera has a headphone port for monitoring audio during recording. |
Yes | Yes |
Wireless Indicates whether the camera has wireless capabilities for transferring files or remote control. |
Yes Built-In 802.11b/g/n with Bluetooth |
Yes Built-in (802.11/b/g/n with NFC) |
Remote Control Indicates whether the camera supports remote control functionality. |
Yes (Wired , wireless or smartphone) | Yes (wired, wireless, or smartphone) |
GPS Indicates whether the camera has built-in GPS functionality for geotagging images. |
No | No |
Body and Dimensions |
||
Environmentally Sealed Indicates whether the camera is sealed against dust and moisture. |
Yes | Yes |
Battery The type of battery used by the camera. |
Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details Additional information about the battery, such as capacity or specific model details. |
LP-E6N lithium-ion battery & charger | NP-FM500H lithium-ion battery & charger |
Battery SKU The specific SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) associated with the camera's battery. |
LP-E6N | NP-FM500H |
Battery Life The estimated number of shots the camera can take on a full battery, based on CIPA standards. CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) sets the industry standard for measuring and comparing battery life across different camera models. |
1300 shots according to CIPA | 490 shots according to CIPA |
Width The width of the camera body, measured in millimeters. |
141 mm | 143 mm |
Height The height of the camera body, measured in millimeters. |
105 mm | 104 mm |
Depth The depth of the camera body, measured in millimeters. |
77 mm | 76 mm |
Weight The weight of the camera body, including the battery, measured in grams. |
701 grams including battery | 849 grams including battery |
Written by Henrik Törner
Camera Expert and Founder of Cameraby
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