This review is from: Sony Alpha A900 24.6MP Digital SLR Camera (Black) (Electronics)
Let me start by saying that I teach a digital photography class at the local community college, and I've seen/used/taught about every major brand and many minor brands of digital cameras, and I think every manufacturer makes a camera that is right for different people with different requirements. That being the case, the alpha900 is amazing. The resolution is not only record breaking, but the clarity of each of those pixels is quite good (with the right lens). The image stabilization on a full-frame sensor is a first (and so far, only). 5 Frames per second? At 24.6 megapixels? It is a testament to Sony's knowledge of electronics. The view finder really does exemplify why "live view" is more of a marketing checklist item, and not really necessary; looking through the view finder is a joy.
But, the world of the a900 isn't all roses. If you have a collection of Sony/Minolta lenses, hopefully they're all full-frame. Yes, the a900 supports APS-C lenses, but there is no real advantage to them with this body over other Sony DSLRs. The a900 does "find focus" better than previous Sony DSLRs, but the location of the focus points aren't as well laid out as other Sony models. While I usually carry an external flash, so the lack of a pop-up flash isn't a problem for me, many users will find the lack of one to be, at least, an annoyance.
And last, but certainly not least, is post production once the images are off of the camera. If you primarily shoot in RAW (as I do), and do much post-production, be prepared to bring your computer to it's knees. These files are huge, and all that wonderful resolution comes at cost; that being the amount of pure computing horsepower required.
Given those few caveats, the alpha900 really is a big step forward in digital SLRs, in many ways. If you can justify the cost of this body, it really is worth having, and you'll be surprised at just how much detail a single image can have when its almost 25 megapixels.
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This review is from: Sony Alpha A900 24.6MP Digital SLR Camera (Black) (Electronics)
Sony has finally claimed the high ground with its long awaited full frame sensor. And at 24 megapixels, this sensor probably achieves the nominal resolution of 35 mm color film. According to Digital Photography Review, this sensor achieves a resolution of 2,700 lines per 24mm of sensor height, which equals 2,700*25.4/24.0=2,858 lines per inch.
This camera is well built with plenty of buttons to control its functions. It is easy to use and produces stunning picture quality when used with high end Zeiss, Sony or Minolta lenses. When used in continuous shooting mode, the camera captures 5 RAW images per second for 3 seconds, for a total of 15 images, before its image buffer fills and the image capture rate becomes limited by the speed of the Compact Flash card.
However, the A900's high resolution sensor is somewhat susceptible to noise. Packing 24 megapixels into this full frame sensor means that each pixel collects less light per unit time than does each pixel of a 12 megapixel full frame sensor. In consequence, the 24 megapixel full frame sensor is less immune to noise than the 12 megapixel full frame sensors of the Canon 5D or Nikon D700 cameras. When no in-camera noise reduction is applied by the A900, noise becomes apparent at ISO 800 and objectionable at ISO 1600. However, it is possible to extend the usable ISO range to 1600 or 3200 through the use of at least these three RAW converters: (1) Image Data Converter SR version 3 that Sony has released for free download, (2) DxO Optics Pro Elite version 5.3.6, 5.3.7 or 6, or (3) Adobe Lightroom 3. To my eye, the Sony Image Data Converter SR version 3 achieves slightly better noise suppression than the other two options.
The A900 places large demands on the computer where images are stored and post processed. The best image quality is obtained from RAW mode which consumes 36 megabytes per image file and stores 12 bits per pixel. Compressed RAW (cRAW) mode, which consumes 24 megabytes per image file and appears to store only 8 bits per pixel may be less useful for subsequent photo editing. And opening one of these 36 megabyte RAW image files using Adobe Photoshop can be time consuming. I have upgraded my 1.5GHz PowerPC G4 Mac mini to a 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Mac mini in order to decrease the time required to open a RAW image file to a reasonable delay.
The high resolution of the 24 megapixel sensor is achievable only with high end lenses such as the Zeiss 85mm f1.4, 135mm f1.8, 24-70mm f2.8 and 16-35mm f2.8 lenses, as well as the Sony G and Minolta G lenses. My own measurements with the Imatest lens test software reveal that many of the lower quality, non-G Minolta lenses (and presumably also the equivalent Sony lenses) are not sharp enough to exploit the high resolution sensor. Exceptions to this statement include the Minolta 28mm f2, 35mm f2, 50mm f1.4, 100mm f2.8 macro, 100mm f2.8 soft focus and 70-210mm f4 lenses, which are not G lenses but approach G in quality. Nevertheless, be prepared to purchase an expensive set of lenses if you want to get the most out of the A900. And be certain to perform autofocus microadjustment on all of your lenses using the LensAlign focus calibration system if you want to get the most out of each lens.
For these reasons, the A900 is a camera best suited to those who demand, and are willing to pay for the highest possible resolution from a digital SLR. For those who would prefer to invest less money in the camera while obtaining the same resolution, the Sony Alpha DSLRA850 24.6MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) is another professional camera with the same full frame sensor as the A900 but which can capture only 3 frames per second instead of 5, and which has a 98% viewfinder instead of a 100% viewfinder.
One final recommendation: the Sony Alpha PCK-LH4AM LCD Protective Cover (Transparent) is an inexpensive way to protect the expensive LCD screen of the A900. I have used my A900 for less than one year, and despite the fact that I treat my A900 with great care, I am amazed at the large number of dings and scratches that have appeared on the LCD protective cover. Were it not for the presence of the cover, those dings and scratches would be etched into the LCD screen itself.
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This review is from: Sony Alpha A900 24.6MP Digital SLR Camera (Black) (Electronics)
Ultimately the Sony A900 was built for Minoltan's who wanted a full frame upgrade path to the discontinued KM 7D. In a sense, this camera is a confluence of that camera, the Sony A700, and the Minolta Maxxum 9 film camera- that never saw a digital Minolta equivalent come to life.
Sony's Alpha A900 represents performance value. It is a high end/professional DSLR with a rather conservative feature set when compared to its peers on the market. It does not offer live view or video, instead it offers arguably the best 100% coverage viewfinder in a DSLR to date, excellent 24.6mp resolution, the worlds only image stabilized full frame sensor, excellent Quick-Navi Gui interface, top notch build quality, and large easy to use external controls.
Handling is excellent and intuitive. The A900 is built to handle an extreme range of weather conditions with an excellently sealed body. The external buttons are designed to be larger on purpose, and spaced out so that it can be used with gloves on in cold weather situations (it definitely passed my test in the Sierras).
Build quality on the A900 is top notch, all external panels and framework are made from an advanced Magnesium Alloy, giving an overall excellent strength to weight ratio. The grip is large and comfortable with recesses for the fingertips on the right hand that aid in portrait shooting and overall ease of grip, reassuring less hand fatigue for all day shooting for all hand sizes.
The design itself is rather compact for a full frame camera (without the vertical grip) when compared to its peers, yet is large enough to let you know that this is one serious camera for advanced enthusiasts and professionals (even though Sony is careful not to classify it strictly for professional use). Add a vertical grip to it, and it is actually larger than Canon or Nikon's largest professional cameras by a hair. The vertical grip is probably one of the best designs ever made, nearly perfectly mimicking the back panel of the A900 itself and is very comfortable.
Autofocusing is by way of a diamond arranged 9 AF points, with the center point being optimized for a f/2.8 aperture. The surrounding 8 points have been increased in sensitivity compared to the A700, for more reassuring AF performance. The speed of the in body focus motor is snappy, and the overall speed of the autofocus varies depending on the lens itself (due to different internal gearing and programming, etc.
The A900 has 3 custom presets built into the main menu dial that are quickly accessible, but the bread and butter of your adjustments will be made the way of the Quick Navi system which employs the LCD and use of thumb and front wheels and/or the multi controller joystick. Adjustments can be made to most functions without having to go one level into the menu system, which saves time and headache in moments you need to make quick decisions.
The Alpha A900 boasts an overall impressive feature list. It will shoot 5 frames per second at full 24.6mp resolution on Jpegs until the memory card is used up, ISO sensitivity ranges from 100-6400, has an excellent low light autofocusing illuminator, intelligent preview function for making changes to WB/exposure/DRO etc., lens micro AF adjustment (with memory up to 30 lenses), HDMI output, dual memory card slots, sensor based dust reduction, APS-C capture mode, 1/300th sec flash sync, built in viewfinder shutter (to black out light on long exposures), user changeable focus screens (with 3 total optional screens), 880 shot per charge battery life, 3" 920K dot LCD screen, a top deck illuminated LCD panel, comes with a wireless remote, and much more.
In use, the A900 is designed to be intuitive and is, it is simple enough so that it won't leave you perplexed but featured enough to handle most job situations. While the current trend is to add video and other such gizmos to DSLR designs, the A900 remains conservative. Film SLR users will feel right at home.
To me the A900 is more utilitarian in design, and less about a features war with competitors. Sometimes I wish it had more creative software features or live view, but I never miss video on it. Intelligent Preview is good enough to replace the live view feature for many applications although not all, such as zoom micro focus aid, but it gets most of the job done and helps to save storage space by not having to take several test frames.
In a way the Sony A900 is an old fashioned DSLR with just the right amount of modernization, which may throw some who expected the opposite from Sony for a loop. The A900 is reliable, right out of the box. It has not exhibited any focusing issues or firmware/hardware errors once. It is a well designed camera in this aspect, and reliability is first on my order checklist. It does all I need it to do for most circumstances.
Image Quality is simply fantastic. As long as your sensitivity needs aren't higher than ISO 3200 for nearly noise free images, the A900 will impress you with color gradation, excellent dynamic range, and mind boggling detail. Raw files are out of this world good and compare well to medium format rigs costing thousands and thousands of dollars more.
This camera is for the enthusiast with deep pockets, a budding professional, or a professional that wants a lot of camera for the buck. It is really hard to find any faults with this camera within its specification sheet, a real joy to use and own.
Strengths:
Build
Features for price
Viewfinder
Speed
Image Quality (ISO 3200 and under)
Resolution is extraordinary (close to medium format DSLR backs)
Noise reduction can be turned off
Lightest in class
Excellent LCD Panel
Well thought out controls
Built in Full Frame Image Stabilization (2-4 stops advantage)
A landscape shooters dream DSLR (weight, size, resolution)
Reassuring mechanical mirror/shutter cycle sound
Has character and some old fashioned heritage
AF Zeiss Lenses
Weaknesses:
No live view (if thats for you)
Jpeg Image Quality above ISO 3200
Tends to underexpose .3-.7 EV (at least consistently)
Proprietary flash shoe (although superior in design- locks on flash heads etc)
AF motor drive in camera can be a bit noisy
Mirror slap is also a bit loud
No pop up flash (debatable weakness)
- Carl (see more at alphamountworld)
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This review is from: Sony Alpha A900 24.6MP Digital SLR Camera (Black) (Electronics)
Competition is a very good thing and Sony just joined the professional full-frame DSLR competition with the a900 by hitting the ball out of the park.
I love this camera. It's got big, bright viewfinder thanks to a pentaprism that reminds me of the Nikon F that I owned many years ago. It's built solid as a brick - just like cameras were in the good old days
Sure, it's got twenty-four-and-a-half-million-pixels, but that's only part of the story. The files are excellent with lots of shadow detail and tack sharp thanks to the growing line of Zeiss lenses.
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This review is from: Sony Alpha A900 24.6MP Digital SLR Camera (Black) (Electronics)
The Sony A900 is a camera built for photographers. Wonderfully agile, great ergonomics and stunning image quality. It does require the high-end lenses to get the most out of that resolution though, so factor that into your budget. Both the 24-70 and 70-300 operate beautifully on the A900.
The thing I like about the A900 over the Nikon D700 or Canon 5D Mk2 is how fast I can work with it. The camera just "gets out of the way". No endless pages of menus like the Nikon D700, and the quick access screen/joystick combination makes adjustments on the fly quick and easy.
I was also pleasantly surprised with the high ISO image quality. After reading some of the reviews I was hesitant, but I got very nice images up to ISO 1600.
The preious mentions about the file sizes are correct - you'll also need a fast computer to process them and 16GB memory cards.
But in the end, this is by far my favorite "affordable" Full Frame digital camera.
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This review is from: Sony Alpha A900 24.6MP Digital SLR Camera (Black) (Electronics)
Best bang for the buck. I have other legacy cameras from Nikon, but for simplicity and execution the Sony works well for me. Forget about noise., that discussion is a big yawn. Unless it's sports that pays your bills, this Sony hangs with the rest of them. I use Raw Photo Processor to work on my files, and CS5 to finish with.
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This review is from: Sony Alpha A900 24.6MP Digital SLR Camera (Black) (Electronics)
I've been shooting the A900 with most of the Minolta 'G' lenses and especially like its capabilities with the F 2.8 300 mm G for birding and wildlife. I have one gripe. The "manual" for the camera is less substantial than those for the A100 or the A700. With the time Sony took to get this fine beast to market you would think they would have a full featured companion manual and have provided code for Adobe, Microsoft et al to render its RAW output. Here I am with Vista 64 and 8 Gig of ram and Vista and Lightroom both balk at the RAW output. I love the product but want a professional level back to be more integrated with the other tools sophisticated users employ. Cannon would not be caught this way with a new high end product. Kudos to the Minolta engineers for continuing to refine the surperb ergonomics but help us fully utilize what's been achieved in hardware in the field!
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This review is from: Sony Alpha A900 24.6MP Digital SLR Camera (Black) (Electronics)
If you one of these who once upon a time really enjoyed great Minolta's bodies, this camera brings best of the best. The first thing you notice even before you tried anything is how amazingly beautiful it is. The sophisticated yet logical design of the cam, the layout of the controls, the perceived quality in its every detail are uncommon.
Words can't describe the feeling when you take this baby in your hands. It fits there as a glove, the balance is terrific and the way it handles is beyond compare.
Sony commissioned one superb camera in A900. I took some shots with it, and the way camera performs sounds as a music. The quality of the imaging is just beyond anything I saw in my life. The color, sharpness, details, balance are mind blowing. I made some portraits and on higher ISO it performs delightfully.
In four hours I had my hands on this camera, I realized that I must have it. When I analyzed the images back home, the quality of images left me speechless. Words can't describe the impact of its terrific quality. The macro (flowers) are so detailed, full of halftones, the faces are so natural, real, appealing.
I was amazed by different cameras at different times. As technology goes it makes imaging more advance and and sophisticated. But with all that in mind, this Sony's camera is a killer. Its quality goes as far as I never experienced it before.
For $3000 tag Sony makes you a gift. If this cam would be twice the price it would still be a bargain. Try it and you will forget in a second that any other cameras exist.
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This review is from: Sony Alpha A900 24.6MP Digital SLR Camera (Black) (Electronics)
The Sony A900 is everything that they advertise. A little back ground, I came up through the ranks shooting the Minolta max 7 & max 9. And when Minolta produce their first 7D digital. From the 7D came the A100. I shot the A100 until the A900 was produced.
The A100 was slow about focus and not very accurate but the A900 is very accurate focus and with the five frames per second very fast.
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