Nov 21, 2009Your source for the most comprehensive and informative digital camera reviews
Camera home > Camera Reviews > Sony Reviews > Sony Alpha DSLR-A900Full Review
Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 A Full Review covers everything, including operation. (more)
Links
Model Name: Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 
Check Prices: Check Now!
Photo Gallery URL: Photo Gallery
Device Forum URL: Forum
Manufacturer URL: Mfr. Website
General
Model Number: A900 
Camera Format: Pro SLR 
Currently Manufactured: Yes 
Retail Price: $2999.99
Street Price: $2645.00
Date Available:  
Tripod Mount: Yes (Metal)
Weight: 33.1 oz
(939 g)
Weight With Batteries? Yes 
Size: 6.2 x 4.6 x 3.2 in.
(156 x 117 x 82 mm)
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS 
Sensor Manufacturer: Sony 
Total Megapixels: 25.7
Effective Megapixels: 24.6 
Sensor Format: 35mm 
Sensor Size (dia.): 1.70"
Focal Length Multiplier: 1.0
Color Filter Type: RGBG 
Self-Cleaning: Yes 
Sensor-shift Stabilized: Yes 
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 6048 x 4032 (24.4 MP, 3:2),
6048 x 3408 (20.6 MP, 16:9),
4400 x 2936 (12.9 MP, Other),
4400 x 2472 (10.9 MP, Other),
3984 x 2656 (10.6 MP, 3:2),
3024 x 2016 (6.1 MP, 3:2),
2896 x 1928 (5.6 MP, 3:2),
3024 x 1704 (5.2 MP, 16:9),
1984 x 1320 (2.6 MP, 3:2)
Image File Format: JPEG (EXIF 2.21), RAW, cRAW, RAW+JPEG; (ARW 2.0) 
Video Capture
Movie Mode: No 
Movie Resolution: n/a
Movie Frame Rate: n/a
Movie Audio: n/a 
Movie File Format: n/a 
Optics
Lens Mount: Sony Alpha (Minolta A) mount 
Kit Lens: n/a
Focal Length (35mm equivalent):  
Zoom Ratio:  
Aperture Range:  
Normal Focus Range:  
Macro Focus Range:  
Optical Image Stablization: No
Digital Zoom: No 
Digital Zoom Values: n/a
Filter Thread: n/a
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes 
Auto Focus Type: 9-point TTL phase detection with 10 assist points, center dual-cross at f/2.8. 
Face Detection:  
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes 
Manual Focus: Yes 
Optical Viewfinder
Optical Viewfinder: Yes 
Optical Viewfinder Type: SLR type; eye-level pentaprism with 100% coverage, 0.74x mag., 20mm eyepoint, -3 to +1 diopter 
Display
LCD Viewfinder: No 
LCD Size (inches): 3.0
LCD Resolution (pixels): 921,600
Articulating LCD: No 
Max Playback Zoom: 19.0x
Exposure
ISO Settings: Auto, 200-3200, Extensions to 100 and 6400
Auto ISO Mode: Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Color Temperature from 2,500K to 9,900K, Custom (3) 
Shutter Speed Range: 30 - 1/8000
Bulb Mode: Yes 
Exposure Compensation: +/- 3.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: 40-segment Honeycomb Pattern, Center-weighted, Spot 
Program AE: Yes 
Aperture Priority: Yes 
Shutter Priority: Yes 
Full Manual Exposure: Yes 
Creative Exposure Modes:  
Self Timer: 2 or 10 seconds
Time Lapse:  
Flash
Built-in Flash: No 
Flash Modes: n/a
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): n/a
Flash Range Description: n/a
Max Flash Sync: 1/250 
Flash Exp Compensation: +/- 3.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Ext Flash Connection: Hot shoe, PC-sync 
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: CF1 / CF2 / MS Duo / MS PRO Duo / Microdrive 
Memory Included (MB):  
File System: FAT32 
DCF Compliant: Yes 
Connectivity
Composite Video Out: Yes 
NTSC/PAL Switchable: Yes 
Video Usable as Viewfinder: No 
HD Video Out: Yes 
HD Video Connection: HDMI 
Built-In Wi-fi:  
Computer/Printer: USB 2.0 High Speed
PictBridge Compliant: Yes 
DPOF Compliant: Yes 
Remote Control: Yes 
Remote Control Type: Wired or wireless 
Other Connection: DC input, Multi-connector, Sync termimal, Remote terminal, HDMI Type-C minijack 
Power
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary 
Usable Battery Types: NP-FM500H Lithium-ion rechargeable 
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary NP-FM500H Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included: Yes 
CIPA Rating: 880 
Software
Included Software: Image Data Converter SR, Image Data Lightbox SR, Remote Camera Control (all Windows & Macintosh), Picture Motion Browser (Windows only).  
OS Compatibility: Windows 2000Pro/XP/Vista; Mac OS X (v 10.1.3+) 
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: 24.6MP Full-frame CMOS sensor, In-body SteadyShot Image Stabilization, Intelligent Preview, Enhanced DRO, Magnesium-alloy Body, Dust/Moisture Resistance, 100K Shutter, 3 User Programmable Memory Modes, AF Micro-adjustment, Top Mounted LCD, Quick Navigation system, Custom button, PhotoTV HD output via HDMI optimized for Sony Bravia TVs. 

 


Reader Comments! --> Visit our discussion forum for the Sony Alpha DSLR-A900!

Print the specs page for the Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 digital camera reviewPrint this Page

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.

Bookmark/Share this review: Blinklist BlogMarks Del.icio.us Digg FeedMe Furl Google Ma.gnolia Mr.Wong MyWeb Netvouz RawSugar Reddit Scuttle Socializer StumbleUpon Spurl Yigg

Also Consider...

Click below for similar cameras from our Dave's Picks section.

image of Canon EOS 5D Mark II digital camera Canon EOS 5D Mark II
21.1 megapixels
$2,617.88
Check Prices!
Astonishing image quality even at high ISOs, and the bonus of video capture, all for a relatively reasonable price

image of Nikon D3X digital camera 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.

image of Nikon D700 digital camera Nikon D700
12.1 megapixels
$2,611.98
Check Prices!
The price of full-frame digital SLR excellence just went down a notch


Shopping for someone else? Try some other Dave's Picks categories:

All Around | Long Zoom | Budget | Pocket | Consumer SLR | Mid-size | Enthusiast SLR | Macro

Imaging Resource Monitor Calibration Checker
Stay up to date with all the latest - Sign up for our free biweekly email newsletter!


Purchase memory card for Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 digital camera

Got BATTERIES?

Digicams eat batteries!
You need good rechargeable NiMH cells, and
Thomas
Distributing

has the best prices on the web. (You'll want at least 2-3 sets, plus a charger.) Check them out!

Free Photo Lessons

Check out the Free Photo School program for lessons and tips on improving your photographs!

Simple pro lighting and use tips let you snap stunning photos. Check out our free Photo School area!