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Reviewed:
Oct 2008
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The DSLR-A900 is Sony's full-frame flagship and a true photographer's camera. It offers a great viewfinder, in-body image stabilization and, at the time of its launch, at 24.6 MP the highest nominal resolution of its class. The camera is capable of stunning results at up to ISO 400 (and is fine at ISO 800-1600 as long as you're not printing posters), and it is incredibly fast and responsive in use.
On the downside the performance at higher sensitivities is not quite up to par with the direct competition in this sector and, while the camera seemed like quite a bargain at its launch, other attractively priced full-frame cameras entered the market soon after. As a result the A900 probably struggled to make a serious impression on anyone other than the Sony/Minolta faithful. One thing is clear, however: anyone who thought a consumer electronics giant could not make a heavyweight photographic tool was seriously misguided.
| Quick links: | Announcement | Review | Sample gallery 1 | Sample gallery 2 | Forum |
| Announced: | Sep 9, 2008 |
| Body type | ||
| Body type | Mid-size SLR | |
| Sensor | ||
| Max resolution | 6048 x 4032 | ? |
| Other resolutions | 4400 x 2936, 4400 x 2936, 3024 x 2016, 6048 x 3408, 4400 x 2472, 3024 x 1704, 3924 x 2656, 2896 x 1928, 1984 x 1320 | ? |
| Image ratio w:h | 3:2, 16:9 | ? |
| Effective pixels | 24.6 megapixels | ? |
| Sensor photo detectors | 25.7 megapixels | ? |
| Sensor size | Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) | ? |
| Sensor type | CMOS | ? |
| Processor | Bionz | |
| Image | ||
| ISO | Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, (up to 6400) | ? |
| White balance presets | 7 | ? |
| Custom white balance | Yes (1) | ? |
| Image stabilization | Sensor-shift | ? |
| JPEG quality levels | Extra Fine, Fine, Standard | ? |
| Optics & Focus | ||
| Autofocus |
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| Digital zoom | No | |
| Manual focus | Yes | ? |
| Number of focus points | 9 | |
| Lens mount | Sony/Minolta Alpha mount | |
| Screen / viewfinder | ||
| Articulated LCD | Fixed | ? |
| Screen size | 3" | ? |
| Screen dots | 921,600 | ? |
| Touch screen | No | |
| Screen type | TFT Xtra Fine color LCD | |
| Live view | No | ? |
| Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) | ? |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100 % | ? |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.74× | ? |
| Photography features | ||
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec | ? |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000 sec | ? |
| Aperture priority | Yes | ? |
| Shutter priority | Yes | ? |
| Manual exposure mode | Yes | |
| Subject / scene modes | No | |
| Built-in flash | No | |
| External flash | Yes (Hot-shoe, Wireless plus Sync connector) | |
| Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless | |
| Continuous drive | Yes (5 / 3 fps, unlimited JPEG, 12 RAW, 10 RAW+JPEG images) | ? |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | |
| Metering modes |
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| Exposure compensation | ±3 EV (at 1/3 EV steps) | ? |
| AE Bracketing | ±2 (3, 5 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps) | |
| WB Bracketing | No | ? |
| Videography features | ||
| Microphone | None | |
| Storage | ||
| Storage types | Compact Flash (Type I or II), Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo, UDMA Mode 5, Supports FAT12 / FAT16 / FAT32 | ? |
| Storage included | None | ? |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | ? |
| HDMI | Yes (mini HDMI Type C) | ? |
| Wireless | None | ? |
| Remote control | Yes (Wired or Wireless (Optional)) | |
| Physical | ||
| Environmentally sealed | Yes (Water and Dust resistant) | |
| Battery | Battery Pack | ? |
| Battery description | Lithium-Ion NP-FM500H rechargeable battery & charger | ? |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 880 | ? |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 895 g (1.97 lb / 31.57 oz) | |
| Dimensions | 156 x 117 x 82 mm (6.14 x 4.61 x 3.23") | |
| Other features | ||
| Orientation sensor | Yes | |
| Timelapse recording | No | ? |
| GPS | None | |
Reviews and specs
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Galleries
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Challenges
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 | 36.3 megapixels 3.2" screen Full frame sensor |
