Sony A9 enters beast mode with new real-time tracking AF
Amazing real-time tracking footage showcases Sony A9's latest monster firmware feature
The upcoming firmware updates for the Sony A9 is packed to the brim with new functionality. Its killer feature, however, looks to be the real-time tracking and eye autofocus – which has been shown off in spectacular fashion in a new video.
Sony Artisan (ambassador) Patrick Murphy-Racey shared footage of the A9's new tracking features while filming two boxers. The camera looks spectacular in its ability to track both faces and eyes in real-time action conditions.
Each clip is shown once in real time, then again at 45% speed so you can see exactly what and when the camera is tracking.
"This was a test of how the A9 was able to use the new hybrid tracking feature by combining the use of distance, movement, Face Detection, Eye AF, color, and pattern," wrote Murphy-Racey.
"By using all of these together the AI (artificial intelligence) residing in the camera’s programming is able to see the human body type, pattern of clothing & hair, movement, employ Eye AF and Face Detection all at the same time."
The new tracking features will come to the Sony A9 with the firmware 5.0 update in March, and they're already built into the newly announced Sony A6400 that starts shipping in February.
Read more:
Get the Digital Camera World Newsletter
The best camera deals, reviews, product advice, and unmissable photography news, direct to your inbox!
James has 22 years experience as a journalist, serving as editor of Digital Camera World for 6 of them. He started working in the photography industry in 2014, product testing and shooting ad campaigns for Olympus, as well as clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal. An Olympus / OM System, Canon and Hasselblad shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and he loves instant cameras, too.