Sony DSLR A900 Review – Whopping 24.6 Megapixel SLR Wonder From Sony

June 15, 2009

In September 2008, Sony launched its one of the finest ventures so far, The Alpha DSLR A900 a camera with a lot of firsts! It is the full frame SLR camera that also allows digital photography. Unique in style and functions, this camera has 35mm frame CMOS sensor, it is powered by two BIONZ® engines that make the functioning quick and perfect and has 24.6 mega pixel resolutions which is, by the way, the maximum resolution any camera in the world offers. Producing fine, clear and bright images, this camera is the first ever designed to incorporate an anti shake system in tit which is mandatory with large sensors. The optical performance is supported by a field coverage of 100% that produces images with beauty and perfection.

Talking of the Exmor™ CMOS sensor, it has two unique properties; one is that it allows viewing at wide angles and the other one is the lenses that permit high power resolution. The sensor has an ultra flat surface making use of Sony pulverization technologies that allows the 600 on chip column parallel A/D converters to reduce noise production by converting analog signals to noise resistant signals. The two processing engines enable the camera to shoot large amount of data and the resultant photos are outstanding in quality.

The camera has a specially designed body that has an anti shake system, the steady shot inside which prevents blurring of image when shooting an object moving with high speed. The view finder has 100% field coverage and 0.74Xmagnification that provides a sharp and accurate preview. It also offers a revised Auto focus system which has a wide area sensor and 10 assist points to help you capture wonderful shots of the fast moving object.

The RAW preview function allows the user to take premature shot in desired Settings to have an understanding about the image results that prevents wastage of time on taking various shots. An LCD screen is present to display the preview on which you can adjust the white balance, light exposure and other settings without actually taking a shot. However, the preview image is not saved by the camera hence it keeps the memory card free for more images.

One of the very important features of Sony DSLR A900 is the Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) that has 5 levels of scene analysis and correction that can be selected by the user. Making photography more fun are 13 creative styles available and 26 mode setting to beautify the shots by balancing color, contrast, sharpness and brightness. There is also a RAW file processor and Image Data converter SR3 software that ensures quick transferring of the files as well as simple and easy camera adjustments along with the Peripheral Illumination function that compensates for the lighting imbalance.

You can also view your masterpiece on a compatible HD TV thanks to the camera’s HDMI output and Photo TV HD mode available. This gives the photos a look of printed sharp, well contrasted and brightly coloured images even on the TV. The camera is built of magnesium alloy so its not susceptible to corrosion or rusting so can be fearlessly in heavy rain or at beach, assisted by the moisture resistant rubber seals for buttons and dials. The camera is also light to carry and has an anti- static coating to prevent settling of dust on it. The 3 inch, Extra fine LCD screen (921 K) allow you to have accurate focus and imaging. An LCD panel is given on top of the camera which contains the display key settings so you can select the common functions without discontinuing the photography session.

The Sony HVL-F58AM flash unit is provided along with the camera which is assisted by its novel Quick Shift Bounce system to ensure an awesome output with 58 guide number, and a wireless auto flash ratio control making it possible to create pictures and videos closest to reality. Not only this, the Sony® VG-C90AM vertical grip enables the user to take snaps or shoot movies both vertically and horizontally owing to the suitable button layout and the shutter-release button given at a lower position. Its powered by two InfoLITHIUM® batteries (not included in the kit) that allows endless shootings for hours and playbacks. Well, if that’s the case then I think Sony has once again not only surprised its fans world over but has also done an impressive job.

The A900 currently retails around £2000 which is a price tag certianly out of reach for many but worth every penny for true photography enthusiasts who seek the finest technology which comes at a special price.