9th September 2008
α900 delivers the unmatched image quality, creative expression and performance demanded by professional photographers
The α900 digital SLR from Sony sets a new benchmark for serious photo enthusiasts who demand the unrivalled quality and creative possibilities of full-frame imaging.
The flagship of the a DSLR range features the industry’s first ever 24.6 effective megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor. Developed by Sony, this groundbreaking sensor’s ultra-high pixel count and large size – equivalent to a 35mm film frame – deliver extraordinary image detail and wide dynamic range.
The new-generation sensor captures flawless images with unprecedented fidelity, characterised by vibrant colours, ultra-real textures and subtle tonal gradations. Complementing the extremely high native resolution of the sensor, Exmor™ performs on-chip analogue/digital (A/D) signal conversion and two-stage noise reduction. This guarantees ultra-low noise image files that take advantage of the superb resolving power of high-precision α lenses.
Realising the immense creative potential of the 24.6 megapixel full-frame sensor, the new advanced dual BIONZ™ processors handle massive amounts of image data at extremely high speed. Powerful noise reduction algorithms are applied prior to RAW data conversion and then again during image processing, yielding flawless, detail packed images with an absolute minimum of noise. The dual BIONZ™ processors also underpin the camera’s razor-sharp shooting responses, allowing sustained 5fps continuous shooting at full 24.6 megapixel resolution.
Serious photo enthuasiasts will appreciate the ground-glass optical pentaprism viewfinder that offers exceptional brightness and a field of view covering 100% of the full-frame sensor's imaging area (approx.).
The camera’s uncompromising credentials are underlined by a fast, high-accuracy 9-point AF system to ensure fewer missed shots. It’s supplemented by 10 focus assist points to assist subject detection, improved out-of-focus detection to reduce focus hunting and a dedicated F2.8 sensor for enhanced AF accuracy with wide aperture lenses.
The a900 is also the world’s first full-frame camera to feature SteadyShot INSIDE™. This enhanced in-body optical stabilisation system delivers up to 4 steps of anti-shake correction with all compatible lenses*, opening up even greater creative possibilities when shooting handheld.
Shots can be evaluated critically on the 3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD with an exceptionally high resolution (921k dot) that offers sharp, clear viewing – even outdoors or in bright ambient light. There’s a wide choice of index view options to simplify best-shot selection, plus a full-featured RGB histogram and shooting information display.
At the touch of a button, the LCD display switches to Quick Navi mode, allowing rapid on-the-fly adjustment of camera settings without disturbing your creative workflow.
A new Intelligent Preview function simulates the effect of White Balance, D‑Range Optimiser and exposure level on the LCD screen without actually taking a picture. By simple confirmation on the camera, all the new settings are applied to take the next picture. This simplifies precise control over the final image in complex setups.
Shots can also be viewed on a connected HD television. PhotoTV HD mode provides optimised still image viewing with breathtaking clarity and lifelike colours on compatible BRAVIA™ televisions. The HDMI terminal also give acces to HD picture viewing on any compatible TV.
Built for years of unstinting service in challenging environments, the α900 is ruggedly constructed from a high-tensile aluminium chassis with magnesium alloy body panels. Viewfinder, card slots, controls and other sensitive areas are protected from dust and moisture by rubber seals for worry-free shooting. The inside of the camera is also protected by an anti-dust system that safeguards the full-frame sensor from the effects of dust entering the body during lens exchange.
Allowing stable, comfortable handling in portrait or landscape orientations, the optional VG-C90AM Vertical Grip holds up to two high-capacity batteries for extended shooting time and all the major controls are available in vertical holding for easy operation. The grip has also been designed in same high quality material as the a900 with magnesium alloy and rubber parts.
There’s now wide range of compatible α lenses to fully realise the incredible imaging potential of the camera’s full-frame sensor.
The choice of premium G series optics by Sony is joined by the high-power 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM telephoto, featuring a High-torque Super Sonic wave Motor for fast, silent AF operation.
.Also from Carl Zeiss, the Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM is a fast, high-performance wide angle zoom that’s ideal for interiors, landscapes and challenging photo-reportage applications.
The complete α system is further strengthened by the new HVL-F58AM – a high-power flash (GN 58) featuring Sony’s innovative ‘Quick Shift Bounce’ system that offers even more creative control over lighting, flash and bounce angles. It’s unique ‘Quick Shift Bounce’ design make the flash head able to rotate instantly in portrait mode to keep the bounce direction for much more natural and beautiful subject lightning. For those using studio setups, Wireless Auto Flash Control also computes power ratios for up to three groups of flashes, simplifiying the management of complex lighting set-ups.
* Automatic crop factor is applied when DSLR-A900 is used with DT format lenses. Exposure accuracy is not guaranteed with DT lenses in certain shooting situations.
Specifications |
DSLR-a900 |
Camera Type |
|
Camera Type |
Digital SLR camera with interchangeable lenses |
Lens mount |
Sony mount; compatible with Minolta A-type bayonet mount |
Lens compatibility |
Sonyα Lens*1 and Konica Minolta α/MAXXUM/DYNAX Lens*1 *1 DT lenses are not recommended for use with 35mm full-frame sensors due to their differing image circle size, |
Image Capture |
|
Sensor |
Exmor™ CMOS sensor |
Image sensor size |
35.9 X 24.0mm |
Total pixel number |
Approx. 25,700,000 pixels |
Effective pixel number |
Approx. 24,610,000 pixels |
Anti-Dust system |
Charge protection coating on low pass filter and image-sensor shift mechanism |
Recording |
|
Recording media |
Memory Stick: Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, |
Slot |
Memory Stick Duo/Compact Flash Dual slot |
Image format |
JPEG, RAW (ARW 2.1 format), RAW + JPEG |
Image size |
[Aspect Ratio 3:2] L size: 6048x4032 (24M), M size: 4400x2936 (13M), S size: 3024x2016 (6.1M) [Aspect Ratio 16:9] L size: 6048x3408 (21M), M size: 4400x2472 (11M), S size: 3024x1704 (5.2M) [APS-C Size Capture] L size: 3984x2656 (11M), M size: 2896x1928 (5.6M), S size: 1984x1320 (2.6M) |
Colour space |
sRGB, Adobe RGB |
Noise reduction |
Long exposure NR: On/Off selectable, available at shutter speeds longer than 1 sec., |
Creative Style |
13 image styles: Standard/Vivid/Neutral/Clear/Deep/Light/Portrait/Landscape/Sunset/Night View/Autumn Leaves/B&W/Sepia |
D-Range Optimiser |
Mode: Off, Standard / Advanced: Auto / Advanced: Level |
White Balance |
|
Mode |
Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash |
Colour temperature |
2500 - 9900 k with 19-step Magenta / Green compensation |
White balance bracketing |
3 frames, H/L selectable |
Super SteadyShot |
|
System |
Image-sensor shift mechanism |
Capability |
Approx. 2.5 EV - 4 EV decrease in shutter speed |
Viewfinder |
|
Type |
Fixed eye-level system with optical glass type pentaprism |
Field of view |
aprox. 100% |
Magnification |
0.74x, with 50mm lens at infinity |
Eye relief |
Approx. 20mm from the eyepiece (at -1m-1) |
Diopter adjustment |
3.0 to +1.0 m-1 |
Mirror |
Quick return mirror |
Focusing screen |
Spherical acute matte screen (G type) |
Auto Focus System |
|
Type |
(TTL) phase-detection system |
Sensor |
CCD line sensors |
No. of focus points |
9 points + 10 assist focus points |
Sensitivity range |
0 EV to +18 EV (at ISO 100 equivalent) |
Focus mode |
Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF, Direct Manual Focus, Manual |
Focus area |
Wide, Spot, Local (9 local focus areas, selectable with multi selector) |
Features |
AF Micro Adjustment (+/- 20-step increments for up to 30 different lenses), Predictive control, Focus lock, AF illuminator (LED, Range: approx. 1-7m, Auto/Off selectable) |
AF illuminator |
Type: built -in, LED |
AE System |
|
Light metering |
Type: TTL metering |
Exposure setting |
Mode: Auto, Program Auto (P, with program shift), Aperture priority (A), Shutter priority (S), Manual (M) |
Exposure compensation |
+/-3.0 EV, 0.3 EV / 0.5 EV steps selectable |
AE bracketing |
Exposure Bracketing: 3/5 frames selectable, Single or Continuous selectable, 0.3/0.5/0.7/2.0*EV steps selectable |
ISO sensitivity (REI) |
AUTO: ISO 200 - 1600 (lower limit / upper limit selectable) |
ISO range |
ISO100 - 3200 equivalent (Up to ISO 6400 as expanded ISO range.) |
ISO steps |
1/3 EV step |
Flash |
|
Built-in flash system |
NONE |
Flash metering system |
ADI flash / Pre-flash TTL / Manual flash |
External flash |
Wireless control with HVL-F58AM ADI flash / Pre-flash TTL metering |
Shutter |
|
Type |
Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane type |
Speed range |
1/8000 sec. - 30 sec., bulb |
Flash sync speed |
1/250 sec. (Super SteadyShot off), 1/200 sec. (Super SteadyShot on) |
Drive |
|
Drive mode |
Single, Continuous (Hi/Lo selectable), Self-timer (10 sec. /2 sec. delay selectable), Mirror lockup, Remote commander |
Continuous advance rate |
Hi: approx. 5 fps max., Lo: approx. 3 fps |
No. of frames recordable w/continuous advance |
Standard: 285, Fine: 105, Extra Fine: 11, RAW: 12, cRAW: 12, RAW & JPEG: 10, cRAW & JPEG: 10 |
Camera Function |
|
Depth-of-field preview |
Yes (by pressing Depth-of-field preview button) |
Auto review |
10 sec. / 5 sec. / 2 sec. / Off selectable |
LCD Monitor |
|
LCD screen size |
7.5 cm (3.0-inch) TFT |
Total number of dots |
921,600 (640 x 3 (RGB) x 480) dots |
Field of view |
100% |
LCD brightness setting |
+/-5 steps |
Print function |
Exif Print, Print Image Matching III, PictBridge, DPOF setting |
Interface |
|
HDMI Out |
HDMI type C minijack |
USB Out |
USB2.0 Hi-speed Mass Storage / Multi LUN / PTP / PC Remote Control |
Sync. terminal |
Adaptable to sync. terminal of opposite polarity |
Video Out |
NTSC / PAL selectable (in Menu) |
Remote Control |
|
Wired |
With optional RM-S1AM or RM-L1AM |
Wireless |
With supplied RMT-DSLR1 |
PC control |
Image data transfer and camera control with supplied software |
Power |
|
Power source |
Battery: InfoLitium NP-FM500H,7.2V |
Battery life |
Approx. 880 shots (CIPA measurement) |
Others |
|
Dimensions |
(WxHxD) Approx. 156x117x82mm (excl. protrusions) |
Weight |
Approx. 850 g (w/o batteries, memory card, body accessories) |
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