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What should we expect from a $3000 Sony Alpha 900? Can you imagine that is a 24.6 MP FF DSLR camera comes with some really impressive features and built quality? Just before that only the Canon 1Ds Mark III in the market offering 21MP resolution and asking more than double of the current price for a Sony Alpha 900.
Since Nikon released the D3, we have been focusing in the debates on higher ISO performance and pixel quality. The release of Sony Alpha 900 sets a new direction in the DSLR development - higher pixels inspiration. There are only very few people would have Sony Alpha 900 hand-on experience at the time being, based on some very limited image samples, Sony Alpha 900 is not particularly impressive in terms of image quality comparing with the Canon 1Ds Mark III, well, but it is a very usable camera!
There is no justified reason for heavily-invested Canon or Nikon system users go switch to the Sony Alpha 900. I also doubt professionals who requires 20+ MP would acquire the Sony Alpha 900 for their mission-critical work. The Sony Alpha 900 would be for royal users and new enthusiasts purchasers at this stage.
However, we should not over look the fact - Carl Zeiss 16-35mm F2.8 lens released together with Alpha 900 has special implications to Sony's ambition. We will see some new Sony DSLR cameras in the future addressed for serious users and professional work. While the Sony Alpha 900 may not be a real challenge at the time being, it definitely starts a new competition, not only technologies breakthrough, but also the price tag and marketing implication given by Sony. We should appreciate Sony for the good job!
Sony Alpha 900 features at a glance:
* 24.6 MP 35mm format full-frame CMOS sensor (highest res in class)
* SteadyShot INSIDE full frame image sensor shift stabilization (world first)
* High Speed Dual Bionz processors
* Eye-level glass Penta-prism OVF, 100% coverage, 0.74x magnification
* 9 point AF with 10 assist points, center dual-cross AF w/2.8 sensor
* 5 frames per second burst, newly developed mirror box
* Intelligent Preview Function
* 3 User programmable custom memory modes on mode dial
* Advanced Dynamic Range Optimizer (5 step selectable)
* 40 segment honeycomb metering
* 3.0" 921K pixel Photo Quality (270 dpi) LCD display, 100% coverage
* Direct HDMI output
* ISO 200-3200 (ISO 100-6400 expanded range)
* User interchangeable focusing screens (3 options)
* CF Type I/II and MS slots, LI-ION battery, STAMINA 880 shots
* Weight 850g (without battery, card, accs)
* New Image Data Converter SR software (includes vignetting control)
* New Vertical Grip
* Supplied with wireless remote control
* Magnesium Alloy body and rubber seals for dust and moisture resistance
* AF micro adjustment
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