The Megapixel Monster Cometh - Sony Alpha DSLR-A900
Sony has just launched its highest-ever megapixel DSLR with the Alpha A900 and after we picked our jaws up from the ground, we got to trying out this new megapixel monster of a camera.
Sony Launches Megapixel Monster
Sony launched their 24.6MP full frame camera, the first in its Alpha lineup last Thursday and we had an opportunity to take a look at this new megapixel beast of a camera. Equipped with dual Bionz, the A900 gives you unprecedented image quality and amazing resolution. Together with SteadyShot™ INSIDE, the A900 is the first full frame camera to incorporate internal stabilization, allowing you to shoot up to 2.5 to 4 stops slower than normal.
Three lovely models show the A900s off to the media.
The 100% field of view in the viewfinder is a bonus and a pleasure for all users who lay their hands on the camera. With a high quality optical glass pentaprism embedded at the top of the camera housing, there is an excellent view for easier framing. And if that isn't enough, the A900 now comes with Intelligent Preview, a new feature in this latest iteration of the Alpha series.
What this does is to give you a preview of the shot you want to take, and you're allowed to then change the settings like shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) and white balance on the fly. You change the settings until the photo is of the desired effect, and you can then fire away without having to make any further changes to the settings. Neat, especially if you know you'll be shooting in a single situation. The 3-inch, 921,600 dot Fine LCD monitor also allows you to easily view your photos.
The A900 also features 13 different Creative Styles, each of which is fully customizable. You can adjust contrast, saturation, sharpness, brightness and zone matching, allowing you to create your own style at the change of the mode.
Fashion photographer Mark Law lends his appeal to the launch, endorsing the A900 with both thumbs up.
Physical Comparison with the A700
Having said that, we've had the A900 for about a week before the actual launch, and we brought it through its paces. Needless to say, the A900, together with the HVL-F58AM flash gun, proved to be a pretty nifty tool for most situations.
Firstly, the physical aspects. The A900 measures 156 x 117 x 82mm, a good 14 x 12 x 2mm bigger than the A700. The A900 also weighs a good 127g heavier as well, but that's acceptable considering the size of the pentaprism and the inclusion of the new 35.9 x 24mm sensor.
The first thing you'll realize about the camera is the size. The pentaprism housing has changed to accommodate for the enlarged pentaprism. The A900 is also the first DSLR in Sony's lineup that does not come equipped with a built-in flash.
The A900 also looks a little boxy. The grip is pretty big, but it fits comfortably in my hands. 25 adjustable knobs, dials and buttons adorn its magnesium alloy body, allowing you to access most functions at the touch of a button or the twist of a knob.
Again, the right side has not undergone any major overhaul. The A900 still takes one CF card and one Memory Stick, but you can now change the destination of the files on the fly, without having to go through the menus. Simply hit the Fn button at the back, and scroll to the bottom right selection on the screen; you can then switch between MS or CF.
The left side of the camera hasn't changed much from the A700 either, although the placements of the different connections are pretty apparent.
The rear of the camera looks pretty much the same as the A700. The LCD screen is of a slightly higher resolution than the A700 too, checking in at 921,600-dots. The 100% field-of-view is also an additional bonus.
One of the key differences you'll notice is the inclusion of the top LCD info monitor. It may just measure a measly 2 x 2cm, but it displays your key information like battery life, shutter speed, aperture and the number of shots left on your memory card. Nothing fancy here, but yet it displays everything you'll need.
The top LCD information panel will probably catch your eye immediately. This is the first Sony camera with a top LCD info panel.
Sample Images from the Pre-Production Unit
Here are a few sample images that I managed to get at a recent engagement party. All shots here were taken with the HVL-F58AM flash gun.
A sample shot from the pre-production A900 unit.
A sample shot from the pre-production A900 unit.
A sample shot from the pre-production A900 unit.
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