Full Review
Sony Alpha DSLR-A900
A Full Review covers everything, including operation. (more)
Sony A900 compared to other "compact" full-frame DSLRs
The chart below compares the Sony Alpha A900 with the Canon 5D Mark II and Nikon D700. What we've done below is presented something of a hybrid comparison between these three models. A red cell means that a given camera performs below the other two, a green cell means that it performs better than the other two, and a yellow cell means it falls between the other two. In cases where two cameras share a superior capability, both cells will be colored green.
| Sony A900 vs other "compact" Full Frame DSLRs | ||||
|
Manufacturer
|
Canon
|
Nikon
|
Sony | |
|
Model
|
EOS 5D Mark II
|
D700
|
DSLR-A900 | |
|
Imaging
System |
Sensor Manufacturer
|
Canon
|
Sony
|
Sony
|
|
Sensor Type
|
CMOS
|
CMOS
|
CMOS
|
|
|
Color Filter Array
|
RGB
|
RGB
|
RGB
|
|
|
Total Megapixels
|
22.0
|
12.87
|
25.7
|
|
|
Effective Megapixels
|
21.1
|
12.1
|
24.6
|
|
|
Effective Sensor Size (mm)
|
36.0 x 24.0
|
36.0 x 23.9
|
35.9 x 24.0
|
|
|
Pixel Pitch (µm)
|
6.4
|
8.5
|
5.9
|
|
|
Focal Length Multiplier (approx.)
|
1.0x
|
1.0x
|
1.0x
|
|
|
Image Processor
|
DIGIC IV
|
EXPEED
|
Dual BOINZ
|
|
|
Viewfinder
|
Type
|
Eye-level pentaprism
|
Eye-level pentaprism
|
Eye-level pentaprism
|
|
Coverage
|
98%
|
95%
|
100%
|
|
|
Magnification (-1 diopter with 50mm lens at infinity)
|
0.71x
|
0.72x
|
0.74x
|
|
|
Eyepoint (mm)
|
21
|
18
|
20
|
|
|
Dioptric Adjustment Range (diopters)
|
-3.0 to +1.0
|
-3.0 to +1.0
|
-3.0 to +1.0
|
|
|
Focusing Screen
|
Interchangeable,
Eg-A standard focusing screen provided, Eg-D: Grid lines, Eg-S (point of Focus) available |
Fixed
Type B BriteView Clear Matte VI, with on-demand grid lines |
Interchangeable,
Spherical Acute Matte focusing screen (type G) provided, Type L (grid) and Type M (super-spherical acute matte) available |
|
|
Built-in Eyepiece Shutter
|
No | Yes | Yes | |
|
Viewfinder
Info Display |
AF (AF points, focus confirmation light), Exposure (shutter speed, aperture, ISO speed, AE lock, exposure level, spot metering circle), Flash information (flash ready, flash exposure compensation, High-speed sync, FE lock), Image information (Highlight tone priority, monochrome shooting, maximum burst, white balance correction, CF card information), battery information
|
AF (AF points, focus confirmation, focus range-finder), on-demand framing grid, Exposure (exposure mode, shutter speed, shutter speed lock, aperture, aperture lock, aperture stop, ISO speed, Auto ISO, AE lock, exposure level, center-weighted metering circle, metering mode), Flash information (flash ready, flash exposure compensation, flash sync, FV lock), Image information (maximum burst, space on card, white balance recording), battery status, tilt indicator
|
AF (AF points, focus confirmation, manual focus), 16:9 area, APS-C crop area, Exposure (shutter speed, aperture, aperture, EV scale, AE lock, exposure level, spot metering circle), Flash information (flash ready, flash exposure compensation, wireless flash, high-speed sync), Image information (maximum burst, shake warning, SteadyShot level, aspect ratio
|
|
|
Depth of Field Preview
|
Enabled with depth-of-field preview button
|
Enabled with depth-of-field preview button
|
Enabled with depth-of-field preview button
|
|
|
Recording
System |
Recording Media / Slot Type
|
CF Card Type I and II, UDMA-compliant CF cards supported; (USB v.2.0 hard drive, via optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E4A)
|
Type I CF card
UDMA-compliant supported Wireless Transmitter WT-4A supported |
Dual CF Card (Type I and II, UDMA-compliant CF cards supported )
Memory Stick Duo slots |
|
Compatible File System
|
FAT 16 / FAT 32
|
FAT 16 / FAT 32
|
FAT 16 / FAT 32
|
|
|
Recording Formats
|
RAW, sRAW1, sRAW2 (CR2), JPEG, MOV
|
RAW 12-bit or 14-bit (uncompressed, lossless compressed or compressed NEF), TIFF (32-bit), JPEG
|
RAW, cRAW (ARW), JPEG
|
|
|
A/D conversion
|
14-bit
|
14-bit
|
12-bit
|
|
|
Dynamic Range Optimization Modes
|
Yes
(Highlight Tone Priority, on/off) |
Yes
(Advanced D-Lighting, 4 settings plus off) |
Yes
(D-Range Optimization, 7 settings plus off) |
|
|
Maximum Resolution
|
5,616 x 3,744
|
FX format (36 x 24): DX format (24 x 16): |
6,048 x 4,032
|
|
|
Reduced Resolutions (JPEG only)
|
4,080 x 2,720
2,784 x 1,856 |
FX format (36 x 24): DX format (24 x 16): |
4,400 x 2,936
3,024 x 2,016 16:9: APS-C: |
|
|
RAW + JPEG Recording
|
Yes, selectable JPEG resolution / compression
|
Yes, selectable JPEG resolution / compression
|
Yes, selectable JPEG resolution / compression
|
|
|
Processing Parameters,
Color Space & White Balance |
User-Selectable Color Space
|
Yes
sRGB + Adobe RGB |
Yes
sRGB + Adobe RGB |
Yes
sRGB + Adobe RGB |
|
WB settings
|
Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Light, White Fluorescent Light, Flash, Custom, Color Temperature setting
|
Auto, Direct Sunlight, Cloudy, Shade, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Flash, Custom, Color Temperature setting
|
Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, 3 Custom, Color Temperature setting
|
|
|
Manual Color Temperature Setting Range
|
2,500 ~ 10,000K
|
2,500 ~ 10,000K
|
2,500 ~ 9,900K
|
|
|
WB Adjustment Range
|
Blue/Amber and/or Magenta/Green bias
±9 steps |
Blue/Amber and/or Magenta/Green bias
±6 steps 5 mireds per step |
Blue/Amber and/or Magenta/Green bias
±9 steps |
|
|
Vignette Correction
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No | |
|
Adjustable High ISO NR (levels)
|
Yes
(3, plus off) |
Yes
(4, plus off) |
Yes (4, plus off) |
|
|
Phase
Detection Autofocus System |
Type
|
TTL-CT-SIR AF-dedicated CMOS sensor
|
TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM3500FX autofocus module
|
TTL phase detection by CCD line sensors
|
|
# of Focusing Points (Focusing Point Type)
|
9-point (1 center high-precision cross-type, 8 line-type, plus 6 line-type assist AF points), light source detection
|
51-point (15 cross-type, 36 line-type)
|
9-point (1 center dual cross-type, 8 line-type, plus 10 line-type assist AF points)
|
|
|
Superimposed Focus Point Display
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
|
AF Working Range
|
EV -0.5 ~ 18
|
EV -1 ~ 19
|
EV 0 ~ 18
|
|
|
AF-assist Beam
|
None. Emitted by EX-series Speedlite or optional ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter
|
Yes
Bright incandescent lamp |
Yes
Bright LED |
|
|
AF Servo Modes
|
Auto, One-Shot AF, Predictive AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF, Manual Focus (MF)
|
Single (S), Continuous (C), Manual Focus (M)
|
Single (AF-S), Auto (AF-A), Continuous (AF-C), Direct Manual Focus (DMF), Manual Focus (MF)
|
|
|
AF Area Modes
|
Single point, Auto area
|
Single point, Auto area, Dynamic area (9-points, 21-points, 51-points, or 51-points with 3D-tracking)
|
Wide, Spot, Local (9 local focus areas selectable)
|
|
|
Focus Tracking
|
Focus tracking automatically activated by subject status in AI Focus or AI Servo mode
|
Focus tracking automatically activated by subject status
|
Focus tracking automatically activated by subject status
|
|
|
Exposure
Control |
Shooting Modes
|
Auto, Creative Auto, Program AE (shiftable), Shutter-priority AE, Aperture-priority AE, Manual, Bulb, 3 Custom settings
|
Program AE (shiftable), Shutter-priority AE, Aperture-priority AE, Manual mode
|
Auto, Program AE (shiftable), Shutter-priority AE, Aperture-priority AE, Manual mode, 3 Custom settings
|
|
Metering Zones
|
35
|
1,005
|
40
|
|
|
Metering Modes
|
Evaluative metering (linked to all AF points), Partial metering (approx. 8%; center), Spot metering (approx. 3.5%; center), Center-weighted average
|
3D Color Matrix Metering II, Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8, 12, 15, or 20mm dia. circle in center of frame, Spot: Meters 3mm dia. circle (about 1.5% of frame) centered on active focus area
|
Multi-segment, Center-weighted average, Spot
|
|
|
Metering System Working Range (with 50mm f/1.4 lens, ISO 100)
|
EV 1 ~ 20
|
EV 0 ~ 20
EV 2 ~ 20 (Spot metering) |
EV 0 ~ 20
EV 2 ~ 20 (Spot metering) |
|
|
ISO Range / Extended
|
100 ~ 6400 / 50, 25600
|
200 ~ 6400 / 100, 25600
|
200 ~ 3200 / 100, 6400
|
|
|
Exposure Compensation
|
+/-2 EV in 1/2 or 1/3 EV increments
|
+/- 5EV in 1/2 or 1/3 EV increments
|
+/-3 EV in 1/2 or 1/3 EV increments
|
|
|
Automatic Exposure Bracketing
|
3 exposures, +/-2 EV in 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps
|
2 to 9 exposures, +/- 5 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV
|
3 or 5 exposures, +/- 3 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 1 or 2 EV
|
|
|
Shutter
Speeds,
Frame Rate, Shutter Lag |
Shutter Type
|
Electronically-controlled focal-plane shutter; rated for 150K actuations
|
Electronically-controlled focal-plane shutter; rated for 150K actuations
|
Electronically-controlled focal-plane shutter; rated for 150K actuations
|
|
Shutter Speed Range
|
1/8000 ~ 30 sec. (1/2 or 1/3EV increments) and bulb
|
1/8000 ~ 30 sec. (1/2 or 1/3EV increments) and bulb
|
1/8000 ~ 30 sec. (1/2 or 1/3EV increments)
and bulb
|
|
|
Maximum Frames Per Second / Buffer depth
|
3.9 fps / 78 large/fine JPEG or 13 RAW frames
(manufacturer's spec) |
5 fps / 100 JPEG or 23 12-bit RAW or 20 14-bit RAW frames
up to 8 fps with optional MB-D10 battery pack (manufacturer's spec) |
5 fps / 105 large/fine JPEG or 12 RAW frames
(manufacturer's spec) |
|
|
Shutter lag, full AF (sec.)
|
TBD
|
0.197
|
0.183
|
|
|
Shutter lag, prefocus (sec.)
|
TBD
|
0.045
|
0.072
|
|
|
Flash
|
Built-in Flash / Guide Number at ISO 100.
|
No
|
Yes, (GN 12)
can act as Wireless Commander |
No
|
|
Max flash x-sync speed. (sec.)
|
1/200
|
1/250
|
1/250
(1/200 with SteadyShot active) |
|
|
PC Sync Terminal
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
|
Playback
System |
LCD Size / Pixel Count
|
3.0 in. LCD /
921,600 pixels |
3.0 in. LCD /
921,600 pixels |
3.0 in. LCD /
921,600 pixels |
|
Enlarged Playback / Scroll
|
Up to TBDx / Yes
|
Up to 27x / Yes
|
Up to 19x / Yes
|
|
|
LCD Monitor Brightness Adjustment Range
|
7 steps
|
7 steps
|
7 steps
|
|
|
Automatic Rotation for Vertical Shots
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
|
Extensive In-camera Image Editing
|
No
|
Yes,
D-Lighting, Red-eye Correction,Trim, Monochrome, Filter Effects, Color Balance, Image Overaly |
No
|
|
|
Other
Features
|
Live View mode
|
Yes
Phase- and Contrast-detect modes, Face detection, Exposure simulation |
Yes
Phase- and Contrast-detect modes |
No
(but has "Intelligent Preview") |
|
Computer Connection
|
USB 2.0 High-Speed, PTP-compliant
|
USB 2.0 High-Speed, PTP-compliant
|
USB 2.0 High-Speed, PTP-compliant
|
|
|
Direct Printing (PictBridge compliant printers)
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
|
Menu Languages (US model)
|
25 (English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Greek, Russian, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Romanian, Ukraine, Turkish, Arabic, Thai, Simplified/Traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese)
|
15 (Chinese [Simplified and Traditional], Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish)
|
6 (English, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese)
|
|
|
Camera Default Reset
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
|
Custom Functions (Quantity)
|
Yes (25)
|
Yes (50)
|
Yes (16)
|
|
|
Remote Control
|
Yes, wired and wireless
|
Yes, 10-pin terminal
|
Yes, wired and wireless
|
|
|
Info LCD Panel / Illumination
|
Yes / Yes (dedicated button)
|
Yes / Yes (power switch)
|
Yes / Yes (dedicated button)
|
|
|
Ultrasonic sensor dust-removal function
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
|
Eye-start AF
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
|
|
Anti-Shake
(Sensor shift) |
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
|
Movie Mode?
|
Yes,
HD (1920 x 1080 pixels, 30fps) or SD (640 x 480 pixels, 30fps), up to 4GB per clip |
No
|
No
|
|
|
HDMI output
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
|
AF micro- adjustment
|
Yes,
20 lenses, body |
Yes,
12 lenses |
Yes,
30 lenses |
|
| Virtual Horizon |
No | Yes | No | |
| C.A. Reduction |
No | Yes | No | |
|
Body
|
Construction
|
Magnesium Alloy
|
Magnesium Alloy
|
Magnesium Alloy
|
|
Dust and weather resistant
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
|
Power
System
|
Battery Compatibility
|
LP-E6,
optional battery grip |
EN-EL3e,
optional battery grip |
NP-FM500H,
optional battery grip |
|
CIPA Rated Shooting Capacity at 23°C/73°F
|
850
(no flash) |
1000
(50% flash) |
880
(no flash) |
|
|
Dimensions
& Weight
|
Dimensions (WxHxD, mm)
|
152 x 114 x 75
|
147 x 123 x 77
|
156 x 117 x 82
|
|
Weight (body only)
|
810g / 28.6 oz.
|
995g / 35.1 oz.
|
850g / 30 oz.
|
|
|
Operational
Environment |
Operating Temperature Range
|
0 ~ 40°C / 32 ~ 104°F
|
0 ~ 40°C / 32 ~ 104°F
|
0 ~ 40°C / 32 ~ 104°F
|
|
Operating Humidity Range
|
< 85%
|
< 85%
|
< 85%
|
|
|
Lens Compatibility
|
Lens Mount / Compatibility
|
Canon EF, TS-E, and MP-E lenses (EF-S lenses not supported)
|
Nikon F-Mount
(FX, DX, AF, AF-S, AI lenses supported) |
Sony Alpha / Konica Minolta Maxxum AF
|
| APS-C Crop Mode? |
No, APS-C lenses not supported |
Yes | Yes, (metering may not be accurate) |
|
|
M.S.R.P.
|
Body only
|
US$2,700
|
US$3,000
|
US$3,000
|
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Note: For details, test results, and analysis of the many tests done with this camera, please click on the tabs at the beginning of the review or below.
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Also Consider...
Click below for similar cameras from our Dave's Picks section.
 |
Canon EOS 5D Mark II 21.1 megapixels |
$2,596.08 Check Prices! |
|
Astonishing image quality even at high ISOs, and the bonus of video capture, all for a relatively reasonable price
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||
 |
Nikon D3X 24.5 megapixels |
$7,498.65 Check Prices! |
|
Nikon's D3x is the ultimate picture-taking machine, with the highest image quality we've ever measured.
|
||
 |
Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 24.6 megapixels |
$1,916.74 Check Prices! |
|
The Sony A850: 24.6 megapixels of full-frame goodness for under $2,000
|
||
Shopping for someone else? Try some other Dave's Picks categories:
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