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Sony Alpha A900 24.6MP Digital SLR Camera (Black) | 
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| Brand: Sony
Category: Photography
Buy New: $2,899.00
New (11) Used (1) Refurbished (1) from $2,750.00
Avg. Customer Rating:  2 reviews
Sales Rank: 999
Media: Electronics
Floppy Disk Drive: None
Monitor Size: 300
Display Size: 3
Maximum Resolution: 24.6
Shipping Weight (lbs): 4.2
Dimensions (in): 8.2 x 7.9 x 7.2
MPN: DSLR-A900
Model: DSLR-A900
UPC: 027242745650
EAN: 0027242745650
ASIN: B001FOREK4
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | 35mm full-frame 24.6-megapixel Exmor CMOS image sensor | | • | Body only; lenses sold separately | | • | SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilization; Dual BIONZ processors for up to fast 5 fps performance | | • | 3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD photo-quality display; Intelligent Preview Function reduces trial-and-error | | • | Accepts CompactFlash and Memory Stick Duo Media memory cards |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
The flagship Sony A900 DSLR features a 35mm full-frame, 24.6-megapixel Exmor CMOS image sensor, as well as SteadyShot INSIDE, the worlds first body-integrated image stabilization solution for a full-frame DSLR, and Dual BIONZ imaging processors that deliver continuous shooting up to 5 fps with superb image quality and ultra-low noise. The A900 also offers a large, ultra bright glass pentaprism viewfinder with 100-percent coverage, an Intelligent Preview function that lets you see the effects of manual adjustments on an image before you take the shot, and best-in-class viewing with a 3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD photo-quality (921K pixels) display and HDMI output with PhotoTV HD compatibility.
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| Customer Reviews:
Sony's Flagship Camera November 10, 2008
11 out of 12 found this review helpful
Sony has finally claimed the high ground with its long awaited full frame sensor. And at 24 megapixels, this sensor matches the nominal 4,000 lines-per-inch resolution of 35 mm film. The camera is well built with plenty of buttons to control its functions. It is easy to use and produces stunning picture quality when used with high end Zeiss, Sony or Minolta lenses.
Indeed, a few discussions on the Digital Photography Review forums compare the A900 to a Hasselblad medium format camera equipped with a 31 megapixel digital sensor, and conclude by questioning whether a medium format camera is necessary any longer in view of the outstanding performance of the A900. However, the comparison between these two cameras was made on the basis of photos taken in the daylight instead of in low light, and even though some of the photos were taken at ISO 800, these photos are more useful for comparing the resolution of the two cameras than for comparing their relative noise characteristics, particularly in low light.
To continue with this thought, it must be said that the A900's high resolution sensor is somewhat susceptible to image noise. Packing 24 megapixels into this full frame sensor means that each pixel collects less light per unit time than does each pixel of a 12 megapixel full frame sensor. In consequence, the 24 megapixel sensor is less immune to noise than the 12 megapixel sensor. Noise becomes apparent in A900 photos at ISO 800. In contrast, the Nikon D700 Nikon D700 12.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) and Canon 5D Canon EOS 5D 12.8 MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) both have 12 megapixel full frame sensors and consequently introduce less noise than the A900.
The A900 places large demands on the computer where images are stored and post processed. The best image quality is obtained from RAW mode which consumes 36 megabytes per image file and stores 12 bits per pixel. Compressed RAW (cRAW) mode, which consumes 24 megabytes per image file and appears to store only 8 bits per pixel, may be less useful for subsequent photo editing. And opening one of these 36 megabyte RAW image files using Adobe Photoshop CS3 on my PowerPC-based Mac Mini requires 100 seconds. In contrast, a 13 megabyte RAW image file from my A100 requires only 30 seconds to open.
The high resolution of the 24 megapixel sensor is achievable only with high end lenses such as the Zeiss 85mm f1.4, 135mm f1.8, 24-70mm f2.8 and (presumably) the newly announced 16-35mm f2.8 lenses, as well as the Sony G and Minolta G lenses. My own measurements with the Imatest lens test software reveal that many of the lower quality, non-G Minolta lenses (and presumably also the equivalent Sony lenses) are not sharp enough to exploit the sensor. Exceptions to this statement include the Minolta 28mm f2, 50mm f1.4 and 70-210mm f4 lenses, which are not G lenses but are close to G in quality. Nevertheless, be prepared to purchase an expensive set of lenses if you want to get the most out of the A900.
For these reasons, the A900 is a camera best suited to those who demand, and are willing to pay for the highest possible resolution from a digital SLR. Sony has left a void in its product line for those who would prefer to invest less money in camera, lenses and computer. The next step down in the Sony product line is the A700 Sony Alpha A700 12.24MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) which, although an excellent camera, has a 12 megapixel half frame sensor instead of a full frame sensor. Perhaps Sony should consider introducing a camera with a 12 megapixel full frame sensor that would place fewer demands on the computer and lenses than does the 24 megapixel sensor. Such a camera would retain the advantages of a full frame sensor and in addition provide more immunity to noise at high ISO, as do the Canon 5D and Nikon D700 cameras.
Superb camera, amazing photoraphic tool! October 30, 2008
6 out of 16 found this review helpful
If you one of these who once upon a time really enjoyed great Minolta's bodies, this camera brings best of the best. The first thing you notice even before you tried anything is how amazingly beautiful it is. The sophisticated yet logical design of the cam, the layout of the controls, the perceived quality in its every detail are uncommon.
Words can't describe the feeling when you take this baby in your hands. It fits there as a glove, the balance is terrific and the way it handles is beyond compare.
Sony commissioned one superb camera in A900. I took some shots with it, and the way camera performs sounds as a music. The quality of the imaging is just beyond anything I saw in my life. The color, sharpness, details, balance are mind blowing. I made some portraits and on higher ISO it performs delightfully.
In four hours I had my hands on this camera, I realized that I must have it. When I analyzed the images back home, the quality of images left me speechless. Words can't describe the impact of its terrific quality. The macro (flowers) are so detailed, full of halftones, the faces are so natural, real, appealing.
I was amazed by different cameras at different times. As technology goes it makes imaging more advance and and sophisticated. But with all that in mind, this Sony's camera is a killer. Its quality goes as far as I never experienced it before.
For $3000 tag Sony makes you a gift. If this cam would be twice the price it would still be a bargain. Try it and you will forget in a second that any other cameras exist.
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