Sony A900 Full Frame DSLR
Sony Sets Resolution Standard With 24.6 Megapixel Full Frame Sensor
Sep 20, 2008
While the Sony alpha A900 is the new benchmark for the most megapixels in a DSLR, it does lack a couple of the latest developments. The latest high spec DSLRs from Nikon and Canon feature Live View and can record video as well as the normal still images. The A900 remains a more traditional style of high performance camera even down to its retro pentaprism styling.
“The α (alpha) DSLR-A900 introduction solidifies Sony’s position as a leading camera manufacturer that can meet the demands of serious enthusiasts,” said Phil Lubell, director of digital camera marketing at Sony Electronics. “It represents the best in sensor and image processing technologies and offers enhanced functions, performance and reliability so photographers can push their creativity to the limit.”
Exmor Sensor
Large high megapixel sensors present a number of problems to engineers and the team from Sony has concentrated on dealing with these rather than incorporating extra features.
To reduce noise and maintain a reasonable shooting rate there are over 6000 analog to digital convertors in the sensor itself to convert analog signals to noise-resistant digital signals at the earliest possible stage.
To deal with the inevitable larger image data quantities produced by the Exmor sensor Sony have equipped the A900 with dual image processors, resulting in a very commendable shooting rate of up to five frames per second.
To minimize any inherent noise in images Sony’s dual BIONZ processing system applies advanced noise reduction algorithms, especially at high ISO sensitivities. Photographers can adjust the level of noise reduction applied in by the A900.
Digital Lens Compatibility
The range of lenses from the Sony/Minolta mount is not as extensive as the main opposition, Nikon and Canon, so the A900 has number of features to maximize those that are available.
Even though the Sony A900 has a full frame sensor, there are a number of so-called digital lenses sold for the Sony/Minolta system. They are smaller diameter lenses and their image circle is matches the smaller dimensions used for the APS-C image sensor on most DSLRs. The Sony A900 accommodates these lenses only using part of the full frame image information producing an 11 megapixel APS-C size image file.
Shake Reduction
Here the Sony A900 shines as it uses a sensor shift system to reduce the effect of camera shake and vibration. This means that unlike and Nikon and Canon lenses where only a limited number come with optical shake reduction, all images on the A900 can be sharper as special lenses are not required.
Construction
As expected of a flagship DSLR camera the design Sony A900 caters for serious photographers with a light but strong magnesium chassis and weather sealing on all the buttons and flaps for those times when you have to get the shot, no matter what the weather. Although with the optional battery grip and one of the premium Carl Zeiss designed lenses attached, the Sony A900 is an imposing piece of equipment.
Optical Viewfinder
To make up for the current lack of Live View for convenient composing while the A900 is tripod mounted, Sony has given it a real viewfinder. This is a proper pentaprism, not a cheaper arrangement of mirrors, corresponding to 100% of the resultant image.
The Sony A900 does have a form of image preview, mainly aimed at exposure settings. Using the depth of field preview button, the camera “grabs” a RAW preview image which is processed and displayed on the LCD screen. The photographer can then fine tune parameters such as white balance, exposure compensation and check the histogram data, before taking the picture. Preview images are not recorded on the camera’s memory card, saving capacity
The Sony A900 body will be available in November for about $3,000 along with related accessories. Online pre-orders begin on Sept. 10.
 |
 |
 |
