The Sony Alpha DSLR A900 will be Sony’s first real high end model. At its launch the camera was being offered for about $3000, which is a steal when you take a look at what that includes.
Perhaps the most impressive feature of this camera is its astounding 24.6 MP 35mm format full-frame CMOS sensor, which is the highest in its class. The only other DSLR model to come close is Nikon’s DSLR D3x which costs quite a bit more. To address the issue of noise control, Sony has implemented a two stage noise reduction system. Even with this incredibly high pixel count, the A900 shoots at an impressive 5 frames per second.
Contrary to the belief that this was not possible, Sony has created a sensor-shift image stabilization system that is compatible with a full frame camera. Other manufacturers use image stabilization within the lens, but with Sony’s on camera stabilization system every lens the customer buys will be image stabilized. This means you won’t have to shell out extra cash for those image stabilized lenses.
Like most other high end cameras in this price range, the A900 is made out of a high quality aluminum chassis and magnesium body. All buttons and levers on the body are also sealed to help protect the camera against moisture and dust.
Although there are so many great things going for this camera, Sony has oddly left out a live view mode. Although I personally don’t like this view much and it doesn’t make a difference to me, it will to many other prospective buyers. Now buyers are faced with a difficult decision, will they choose the A900 for its high megapixel count or will they go with another camera that includes the increasingly popular live view mode.
For the money, the Sony Alpha DSLR A900 gives its buyers impressive specifications and performs well against its other rivals. But even with its impressive resolution and speed, it lacks the newest features that other cameras have, such as live view. Without the live view, it also misses out on the opportunity with a flip out LCD screen that appears on Sony’s entry level DSLR models. If these features had been implemented I think the camera would have really sets itself apart from other models, but without these features it relies mainly on its impressive megapixel count to convert buyers into sellers. I still highly recommend the camera to anyone in the market for a ‘cheap’ full frame DSLR.