Digital SLR Camera: Sony DSLR A900

Sony's description of the new DSLR A900: "The new standard in digital photography has arrived with the Sony α (alpha) DSLR-A900. Packed with features, this flagship DSLR is the first α (alpha) to incorporate a 35mm full frame image sensor and 24.6-megapixel resolution. It also incorporates the world's first body-integrated, full-size SteadyShot INSIDE™ image stabilization technology.You'll also experience a larger capture area, improved wide-angle performance and tighter depth of field control with the new full frame Exmor™ CMOS image sensor. Equipped with Dual BIONZ™ imaging processors, the alpha A900 delivers continuous shooting up to 5 fps with superb image quality and ultra-low noise. The A900 also offers a large, ultra-bright glass pentaprism viewfinder with 100 percent coverage, a 3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD™ display and HDMI™ output with PhotoTV HD compatibility."

35mm full frame 24.6MP Exmor™ CMOS image sensor
The A900 features a 35mm full frame Exmor™ CMOS image sensor that is approximately 2.35x larger than the APS-C sized sensors found in many DSLR cameras. The result is a larger capture area, improved wide angle performance, and tighter depth of field control. In addition, its 24.6MP resolution maximizes the resolving power of your existing lenses and delivers sharper, higher contrast photos.

SteadyShot INSIDE™ in-camera image stabilization:
Building on years of expertise, Sony has developed the world’s first body-integrated image stabilization solution for a full frame DSLR1. The SteadyShot INSIDE™ in-camera image stabilizer actually shifts the image sensor to compensate for camera shake without sacrificing image quality. The compensation effect is equal to as many as four shutter speed steps, giving you more creative freedom when shooting in low light. And, because it is integrated into the camera body, SteadyShot INSIDE technology works with all compatible ? (alpha)system lenses.
Dual BIONZ™ processors for up to fast 5fps performance:
The A900 harnesses the power of Dual BIONZ™ image processing engines to deliver true-to-life images with ultra-low noise and continuous shooting at up to 5 fps.

Ultra bright, 100% coverage glass pentaprism viewfinder
A large, ultra bright glass pentaprism viewfinder provides you with amazing clarity and high optical performance for tighter focus control. In addition, it offers viewfinder magnification of 0.74x, allowing you to see an image nearer to its actual size, as well as 100% field coverage for detailed framing work.

Intelligent Preview Function
The Intelligent Preview function allows you to see the effects of manual adjustments to exposure value, shutter speed, aperture, Dynamic Range Optimizer and White Balance before you take the shot, so you can determine the optimum settings before you take the shot, instead of losing time to trial-and-error.

3.0” Xtra Fine LCD™2 (921K pixels)
Review your images in stunning detail on the 3.0” Xtra Fine LCD™2 display (921k pixels). With photo-quality resolution of 270ppi(pixels per inch), you can identify any necessary focus or exposure corrections at the time of capture, rather than discovering them when you transfer your images to your PC.

PhotoTV HD viewing w/ HDMI™ output
The A900 provides direct HDMI™ output to your BRAVIA® HDTV and other compatible HDTV screens, so you can view and share photos in breathtaking clarity and detail3. Additionally, PhotoTV HD capable BRAVIA® HDTVs will automatically optimize display settings, such as sharpness, gradation, and color to display your images in a way that more closely matches the natural look of printed photographs3.

Precise and fast 9-point AF system w/ 10 point assist
A high-performance autofocus system uses 9 focus points (center dual-cross type) and 10 assist points to deliver fast and precise focusing.

Flagship design
The A900 features an impressive design befitting a premium flagship model. The simple form eschews ornamentation and exudes competence, while the iconic pentaprism design element conveys superior optical performance. The A900 also incorporates a distinctive cinnabar-colored ring circling the lens mount – a design element shared across every ? (alpha) DSLR camera.

Rugged magnesium alloy shell
The body of the A900 is entirely covered in a die-cast magnesium alloy shell, providing a rugged feel and surprisingly light weight.

Moisture/dust-resistant design
Sealed viewfinder optics and rubber gasket surrounds on all buttons, dials, and switches help resist the entry of dust and moisture into the camera, and allow for safe use in a wide range of environments.

Battery Performance
A supplied InfoLITHIUM® lithium-ion battery provides long-lasting performance, allowing you to capture approximately 880 images on a single charge7.

Durable Shutter Design
The shutter mechanism in the A900 is designed to achieve shutter speeds up to 1/8000 seconds and proven for 100,000 cycle operation.

Dual Card Slots
The A900 features a dual card slots and accepts both CompactFlash® and Memory Stick Duo™ Media (sold separately).

40-Segment Multi-Pattern Metering
A 40-segment multi-pattern metering system provides superior exposure control accuracy in a wide range of lighting conditions.

Dynamic Range Optimizer
To recover details in dark or bright areas of the image, the A900 provides multiple levels of Dynamic Range Optimization: Standard mode, to improve shadow detail using standard gamma curves; Advanced Auto mode, allowing you to select any of 5 DRO correction levels, or DRO Advanced Bracketing, which automatically takes three shots at different DRO levels with a single shutter press.

On-Chip Column A/D Conversion
Analog-to-digital signal conversion is performed by the full frame Exmor™ CMOS image sensor.

Dual Noise Reduction Processing
In addition to digitizing analog signals, the full frame Exmor™ CMOS image sensor also performs both analog and digital noise reduction. This on-chip dual noise reduction process aids in the high speed transfer of noiseless digital signals.

F2.8 Sensor
The autofocus system in the A900 features a highly accurate F2.8 sensor for improved focus precision when using lenses faster than F2.8.

Updated Image Data Converter SR3
Updated Image Data Converter SR3 software4 improves your workflow with faster RAW file processing and improved image correction.

APS-C Size Capturing
In addition to full frame image capture, the A900 can also crop images to the APS-C size format, allowing the use of lenses designed specifically for APS-C sized image sensors5.

Viewfinder magnification of 0.74x
Viewfinder magnification of 0.74x lets you see your subjects nearer to actual size.

Eyepiece Shutter
The A900 includes a built-in eyepiece shutter which can be shut to help shield against entering light and prevent exposure errors.

AF Micro Adjustment
AF Micro Adjustment allows you to fine tune focus for various lenses6. The A900 can store adjusted focus values for up to thirty lenses.
Optional Focusing Screens (sold separately)
User-replaceable focusing screens for shooting specific subject types can be purchased as optional accessories.

Mirror Lockup Mode
Mirror Lockup Mode raises the main mirror before exposure to reduce vibration at shutter release, resulting in better performance during long exposure shots of fireworks, stars, etc.

2EV Exposure Bracketing (3 exposures)
The A900 allows you to bracket up to three exposures in 2.0EV-step increments.

Rubberized Grip
Sony drew upon its extensive experience designing and building heavy professional broadcasting camcorders to develop a rubberized grip that allows you to hold the A900 with comfort and confidence.

Image Data Lightbox software
The Image Data Lightbox software4 included with your ? (alpha) DSLR helps you browse, rate, and compare your images, making it easier to select your favorites for further processing.

Remote Camera Control
Remote Camera Control allows you to control your A900 from your PC.

Picture Motion Browser (PMB) Software
Sony® Picture Motion Browser (PMB) software4 provides a simple and intuitive way to sort and archive your image collection, as well as perform common editing operations and output to data disc or the Web.

Convenient Button Placement
Concentrate on your shooting and make adjustments on the fly thanks to convenient button placement. The ISO and White Balance adjustment buttons are located on the top of the camera body near the shutter button for easy thumb operation.