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Sony a900 24.6-Megapixel Full-Frame DSLR Official, Only US$3000
Posted by Matt Buchanan at 11:50 PM on September 9, 2008
A day before we expected, Sony's 24.6-megapixel full frame DSLR, the a900, just quietly got official. Shockingly, while it doesn't touch the US$2000 mark, it slides in at just US$3000. Billed as rocking the world's highest resolution 35mm CMOS sensor, it's the first full-framer to use in-body image stabilisation (Sony's SOP). Unfortunately, as DP Review's sample gallery makes clear, all those pixels make for a touch of noise, especially compared to Nikon's D700.
That's at 1600 6400 ISO. You can see the tradeoff in the pixel war: It's definitely uglier than what the the D3 and D700 deliver at that ISO using half the res. Crave has a sample gallery too, and is sorta disappointed with the image quality so far.
Other specs include a 100k shutter cycle, a 3-inch 921,000-dot LCD screen (so it should look gorgeous), and a 5FPS burst, up to 12 shots in RAW. Speaking of, it's got in-camera RAW editing—light stuff, naturally. Weirdly, unlike most high-profile DSLRs released in the last year, it doesn't have Live View, but has an "Intelligent Preview," that takes like a pre-shot so you can mess around with settings like ISO and exposure before you shoot. DP Review has a full preview if you wanna know a lot more in depth, but the value proposition on this looks fairly outstanding.
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 9, 2008 - Sony is introducing its full-frame α (alpha) DSLR-A900 camera, aimed at serious photo enthusiasts looking for traditional SLR performance with the added benefits of digital photography.
It is designed to deliver ultra-fine picture quality with the world's highest resolution, 24.6-megapixel, 35 mm full-frame CMOS sensor and fast image processing with a new dual BIONZ® processing engines. The camera is also the first to have a body-integrated image stabilisation system for a full-frame sensor with Sony's SteadyShot® Inside anti-shake system.
One look at the camera's distinctive pentaprism and nostalgic body design will evoke its full-frame optical performance. It features a bright, clear optical viewfinder with 100% field of view coverage that would impress even film photography loyalists.
"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."
Ultra-Fine Images As The Human Eye Perceives Them
The camera's Exmor™ CMOS sensor delivers the photographic expressive power of wide angles and perspective that only a 35 mm full-frame sensor can offer, and is designed to take advantage of the resolving power of high-precision α (alpha) lenses. Its high pixel count and large size provide enhanced image detail and a wider dynamic range for natural colour reproduction and subtle tonal gradations.The sensor is produced using proprietary Sony planarization technologies to ensure an ultra-flat surface across the entire imaging area. Instead of a single analog/digital convertor, the sensor uses over 6,000 on-chip, column-parallel A/D converters to convert analogue signals to noise-resistant digital signals at the earliest possible stage. The result is reduced noise and high-speed transfer of data.
Image processing gets a boost in speed and power from the application of two BIONZ image processing engines. Large amounts of data captured by the 24.6-megapixel sensor can be quickly processed to achieve a fast shooting response. Additionally, this dual BIONZ processing system applies advanced noise reduction algorithms producing images of exceptional quality and detail, especially at high ISO sensitivities.
World's First Anti-Shake System for a Full-Frame Sensor
The camera's newly-developed, body-integrated SteadyShot Inside unit achieves an anti-shake effect equivalent to shutter speeds faster by 2.5 to 4 stops. This new unit provides stabilisation for Sony, Minolta and Konica-Minolta wide angle, large-aperture lenses, which is difficult for lens-integrated systems.State-of-the Art Optical Performance and Responsiveness
The ultra-bright viewfinder with 100% field of view coverage and 0.74x magnification enables accurate framing and preview. It features a high-power condenser lens, an eyepiece with high reflective-index glass, and a multi-layer, anti-reflective coating on every optical surface to deliver its extraordinarily bright and accurate view.
Additionally, the focusing screen is user-replaceable, with additional L-type (grid pattern) and M-type (super spherical acute matte) screens sold separately.
The camera's newly-developed autofocus system consists of nine wide-area sensors with 10 assist points for improved tracking of moving subjects. A centre dual cross sensor comprised of two horizontal and two vertical line sensors as well as a dedicated f/2.8 sensor are included to achieve greater precision, especially when using fast-aperture lenses.
It also offers high-speed continuous shooting of 24.6 megapixel images at five frames per second. A newly-designed mirror box features a unique parallel-link mirror mechanism that moves on two horizontal axes to accommodate both 100% viewfinder coverage and the body-integrated image stabilisation system without increasing the camera's size. The mirror box also has a new moving magnet actuator, a high-powered coreless motor for a faster shutter charge, and a magnet catcher to minimize mirror bounce and light refraction within the box.
Versatility to Unleash Creative Possibilities
The model's innovative intelligent preview function takes the guesswork out of setting up a shot and the hassle of taking multiple shots to achieve a desired effect.After pressing the depth of field preview button, the camera "grabs" a RAW preview image which is processed and displayed on the LCD screen. You can then fine tune white balance, determine the best level and effect of dynamic range optimization, adjust exposure compensation and check histogram data, all before you actually take the picture. Preview images are not recorded on the camera's memory card, thus saving capacity.
Other key features aimed to expand creative options include the Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) with five levels of user-selectable correction as well as DRO bracketing for enhanced scene analysis and graduation optimization. EV bracketing with ±2EV range makes it easy to create high dynamic range composite images.
Thirteen creative styles can be selected to enhance images and then fine-tuned by customising contrast, sharpness, zone matching and other parameters, while 3 user-programmable memories provide instant access to as many as 26 different mode settings.
Powerful RAW file processing control is put in the photographer's hands with the included Image Data Converter SR3 software that delivers faster file processing speeds, easy adjustment of image parameters, Dynamic Range Optimization and a new Peripheral Illumination function that compensates for corner light fall off.
With the camera's HDMI output and Photo TV HD mode, your creative output can be enjoyed on a compatible HD television. This mode brings the look of actual printed photography to the television, by fine-tuning such image parameters as sharpness, gradation and color.
Comfort in Your Hands
Its construction features rugged, lightweight magnesium alloy with moisture-resistant, rubber seals for buttons and dials, an anti-static coating to prevent dust adherence to the imager, and a high-endurance shutter rated for more than 100,000 release cycles.It has a 3-inch, Xtra Fine LCD screen (921K) makes it possible to check focus and image quality with accuracy. It incorporates an easy-to-see display with a quick navigation menu to easily access common functions without interrupting your creative flow. A backlit LCD panel sits on top of the camera and displays key settings.
System Expansion with New Accessories
The A900 camera will be accompanied with an array of accessories like the recently-announced Sony HVL-F58AM flash unit with its innovative Quick Shift Bounce system, powerful performance with a guide number of 58, and wireless auto flash ratio control.The Sony® VG-C90AM vertical grip offers the same ease of operation when shooting vertically as horizontally, with its button layout and low-position shutter-release button. It also houses two InfoLITHIUM® batteries (sold separately) for longer shooting and playback.
The DSLR-A900 body will be available in November for about $3,000 along with related accessories.
[DPReview]
Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
Ollie
Posted September 10, 2008 10:15 AM
I'd argue a 3 year old 5D with half the MP produces a better image per ISO speed... can even be picky with the ISO 800 shots. I'm sure someone will do a crop comparison soon enough :)
As for the in-body Image Stabiliser (sorry, Super SteadyShot or whatever they call it)... yeah it makes the lenses cheaper, but there's a reasons Canon and Nikon stick with in-lens IS... you can see the results in real time through the viewfinder!
kaylix
Posted 12:28 AM 10/9/08
Doesn't the Nikon D300 use a Sony sensor? And hasn't everyone been critical of its performance?
I like the idea of a full frame sensor but I'm not sure about this camera. Plus I have a decent investment in Nikon lenses.
kaylix
ARP
Posted 12:18 AM 10/9/08
I wish there was at least an armistice in the megapixel wars. Concentrate on giving me images that look good at any size as compared to mediocre images that I can print billboard sized prints. That likely means increasing sensor sizes or allowing some space between the individual CCD sensors.
Fuji was on the right track by having two types of sensors to reduce noise, but they've fallen victim to the wars as well and have very few cameras with that feature.
ARP
bjarnia
Posted 12:09 AM 10/9/08
This is sony @ 3200 iso; [a.img-dpreview.com]
Looks sort of bad~~
bjarnia
bjarnia
Posted 12:08 AM 10/9/08
This is sony @ iso 3200:
[a.img-dpreview.com]
Looks sort of bad tbh
bjarnia
bjarnia
Posted 12:07 AM 10/9/08
However, in any case.. This pic is from the Canon 50D at 6400 iso as well;
[a.img-dpreview.com]
50D Looks much better IMO, but of course it's hard to tell with different subjects and conditions.
bjarnia
bjarnia
Posted 12:05 AM 10/9/08
Sony Alpha 900 Preview Samples (10 of 39), 70 mm equiv, ISO 6400, 1/640 sec, F2.8, +0.0 EV, Sony 24-70mm f2.8 ZA
lrn2read giz
bjarnia
okeo
Posted 12:01 AM 10/9/08
Well, I should have looked closer. That image was shot at ISO 6400, Giz.
okeo
okeo
Posted 12:00 AM 10/9/08
That an amazing amount of noise for ISO 1600, in a downsampled image.. I didn't have a look at the full-size sample, but it must not be pretty. That's pointless.
okeo
hindsight2020
Posted 11:58 PM 9/9/08
"will be available in November for about $3,000 along with related accessories."
ok, at this point I will just hire a photographer for that kind of money!
hindsight2020
SigmundTheSeaMonster
Posted 12:44 AM 10/9/08
When I use to shoot ISO (asa) Film at 400 or 1600 (Fujicolor), grain was what you got in sacrifice of low light and faster shutter.
This isn't all that bad as most don't shoot beyond 200/400.
What I want to see is a ISO80 or 100 at full res.
And who makes the glass for Sony?
(I'm still on fence over the D700...I love Nikon optics)
SigmundTheSeaMonster
1.21Gigawatts
Posted 12:35 AM 10/9/08
Looks like the price and the small sample of pics have me leaning towards Nikon so far.
1.21Gigawatts
matt buchanan
Posted 12:35 AM 10/9/08
@kaylix: Didn't say nuthin' bout no D300. =) Though, the D300 is a solid camera in our experience, Blam's been using it extensively, like for our iPhone 3G review.
@Kevo113: Well, it does flip down on Sony's a300 and a350 models.
matt buchanan
Kevo113
Posted 12:31 AM 10/9/08
That "intelligent preview" is one of the best ideas I've heard recently. A great idea.
Live view is useless. The only way it would be at all worthwhile is if the LCD would physically flip down so that I can see what I'm shooting when I need to hold the camera high overhead. I might be able to avoid capturing so many dude's bald spots. And that would be nice.
Kevo113
timjustindodd
Posted 12:01 AM 10/9/08
According to your own source of DPreview, That picture you show is at 6400 ISO, NOT 1600 ISO... please change that so people don't think this is just a noisy piece of crap! At 6400 ISO that's fairly respectable!
timjustindodd
friendslikeJimRome
Posted 1:17 AM 10/9/08
@SigmundTheSeaMonster: Really, the ISO 6400 pictures might have been helpful if it was a better "real world" example like extreme telephoto in low light.
I've got a D70 and I still love it mostly because of the 80-200mm f/2.8 lens. Sony's lens selection looked pretty basic.
friendslikeJimRome
ShachiZuu
Posted 12:55 AM 10/9/08
This is nothing to do with megapixels. This is a full frame sensor so if you are looking it in terms of size of each pixel location this sensor should have larger pixel locations than most 14 Megapixel camera's as the sensor area is about twice the size. IIRC on the last DSLR Sony did featuring the Bionz processors Sony got slated by the high end amateur users for having noise reduction built in to it's raw image capture process. And at that point all the users said they would rather have the noise and remove it themselves in post process than loose original details forever due to noise reduction on a RAW image. High end users want RAW to be a digital negative. In that respect you may be comparing images with zero noise reduction and images with noise reduction done in the camera's software. Maybe Sony Listened maybe there is either no noise reduction in the RAW images or they may have made it an option to switch it on/off. In pro situations all images would be post processed so if you want to compare like for like I feel it would be fairer to compare the 2 camera's on the same day with the same subject and after post processing has been done. IMHO looks like a nice bit of kit and a full frame sensor would definitely suit me down to the ground (can't remember ever having to take a shot at 3200 never mind 6400). When you get to this sort of camera and prices though I reckon people would specialise and you will likely have cameras that are the best in Studio lighting conditions, Some that are best on low ISO and some that are best at High ISO. For me you would pick you camera based on your needs and not dismiss one because 6400 is not as good. If the one with worst ISO 6400 produces the best results (and most versatile for crops to be enlarged) at 100-400 and 100-400 is where you take 99.9% of shots then you would pick that camera. I am sure we will see plenty more tests and some more scientific comparisons over the next few weeks. I will watch with interest. Cheers John The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, Registered in Scotland No. 90312. Registered Office: 36 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2YB Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. This e-mail message is confidential and for use by the addressee only. If the message is received by anyone other than the addressee, please return the message to the sender by replying to it and then delete the message from your computer. Internet e-mails are not necessarily secure. The Royal Bank of Scotland plc does not accept responsibility for changes made to this message after it was sent. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken to avoid the transmission of viruses, it is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure that the onward transmission, opening or use of this message and any attachments will not adversely affect its systems or data. No responsibility is accepted by The Royal Bank of Scotland plc in this regard and the recipient should carry out such virus and other checks as it considers appropriate.
ShachiZuu
Scaramanga
Posted 1:26 AM 10/9/08
For a full-frame a 24.6MP sensor is only 10MP when converted to an APS-C sensor. Pixel density isn't bad at all, and looking at the 6400ISO shot it looks MUCH better then the Canon 1DsMKIII at 6400 ISO. No where close to the D3/D700 obviously, but what is at low light.
Scaramanga
JChristopher
Posted 2:07 AM 10/9/08
Pixel size is larger than what is on the A700. And as mentioned, Noise Reduction is turned OFF. Completely. Per the request of the users. I think the sample pics look decent. As many others, I will wait for the full review.
JChristopher
StevieQ
Posted 1:50 AM 10/9/08
You people complain about the quality at 6400 ISO? Geez. I am a longtime photog from the film days an we had to jump though hoops to get anything at even 3200 iso -- and that looked like an impressionist painting. The fact that it gives an image suitable for a web page at such a high iso is amazing. True, the Nikon images are better but this looks pretty good.
@friendslikeJimRome: I agree, who would shoot boots in a lit room at 6400? How about a street scene at night, or sports?
StevieQ
LittleJon
Posted 2:16 AM 10/9/08
@ARP: I completely agree that ever-increasing megapixels is bad for image quality, but allowing space between the pixels is not a good idea. Regardless of the number of megapixels, maximizing fill-factor is good as is decreasing the gaps between micro-lenses.
p.s. Sorry to be pedantic, but they're not CCD sensors in this, or Canon or recent Nikon cases, they're CMOS pixels (photodiode, TX gate, source follower and row select transitor).
LittleJon
groovyone
Posted 3:09 AM 10/9/08
@hansning:
The high ISO Nikons are amazing, but that is what they were made for, and the 12MP vs 24MP helps. Granted, even when using the same sensors the Nikons typically edge out the Sony on Noise.
The Zeiss lenses are amazing. I was recently able to borrow a 24-70 Z and compare it to the 100mm Macro. Awesome lens. Looking forward to the 16-35Z.
I'd LOVE a T/S lens, and really hope that one comes soon.
groovyone
hansning
Posted 3:02 AM 10/9/08
at first, i was really dissapointed at the high iso performance, but i realised that it was because i compared it to the nikon images. this certainly isn't bad at all, but nikon's sensor is just incredible.
i'm a long time minolta fan, but am seriously tempted to switch to nikon.
@SigmundTheSeaMonster: they made their own, but they now also have zeiss lenses too. minolta also have some history with leica as well. the lenses are SHARP. in fact, their old 100mm macro was so sharp they made a "soft" version of it.
@friendslikeJimRome: there's more lenses than you ever will need to use. one lacking lens i do wish to see is a t/s lens, but i have a feeling you don't know what t/s lenses do anyway.
hansning
photophile
Posted 4:22 AM 10/9/08
Meh, whatever. 24mp is sweet, but the rest of it isn't that hot for $3300 CAD. Our Sony reps were in today telling us about it, but I didn't have the heart to tell them it was rather mediocre.
Better luck with the next one Sony.
photophile
Maxwells_Nylon_Hammer
Posted 8:46 AM 10/9/08
w0000t! The megapixel war is over (this week). The bigger the pixels the lower the noise, do the maths Sony. Same sized sensor with more pixels = more noise.
I'm waiting for the 1 pixel sensor, the ISO on that b*tch will be unbelievable.
Maxwells_Nylon_Hammer