14 DAY TRIAL // Photokina is just around the corner, so it's about time for the big boys in the imaging industry to start rolling out the big “guns” in preparation for this very important show. Thus, today, Sony has just announced the release of its first full-frame DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera, the α (alpha) DSLR-A900, accompanied by a couple of very useful accessories, which include two new lenses, a flash unit and a grip.
But first things first, let's take a look at what the A900 has to offer. Although it's largely based on the previous A700 (as far as the chassis and the controls are concerned), Sony's new DSLR packs a 24.6-megapixel, 35 mm full-frame CMOS sensor designed to take advantage of the resolving power of high-precision α (alpha) lenses, at the same time providing enhanced image detail and a wider dynamic range.
Furthermore, the camera incorporates a body-integrated SteadyShot Inside unit, which achieves an anti-shake effect equivalent to shutter speeds faster by 2.5 to 4 stops. This new unit provides stabilization for Sony, Minolta and Konica-Minolta wide angle, large-aperture lenses, and, according to Sony's statement, represents the "world’s first anti-shake system for a full-frame sensor."
Another important novelty incorporated in the new A900 is represented by the ultra-bright viewfinder with 100% field of view coverage and 0.74x magnification, which enables accurate framing and preview. It features a high-power condenser lens, an eyepiece with high reflective-index glass, and a multi-layer, anti-reflective coating on every optical surface.
The camera is equipped with a brand-new autofocus system, which includes nine wide-area sensors with 10 assist points for improved tracking of moving subjects. The center dual cross sensor is formed out of two horizontal and two vertical line sensors as well as a dedicated f/2.8 sensor for greater precision, especially when using fast-aperture lenses.
The A900 will also be able to deliver superior in-camera image processing, and that's because it has been equipped with no less than two of Sony's BIONZ image processing engines. The dual BIONZ processing system allows for large amounts of data captured by the 24.6-megapixel sensor to be processed at high speeds and applies proprietary noise reduction algorithms, for clean and clear images even at very high ISO sensitivities.
It's also important to mention that Sony's new full-frame DSLR offers high-speed continuous shooting of 24.6 megapixel images at five frames per second, users being able to view their shots on the 3-inch, Xtra Fine LCD screen. However, if that's not enough, they can always view their work of art on their widescreen HDTVs, via the HDMI output and Photo TV HD mode.
The α (alpha) DSLR-A900 is slated to arrive in stores at some point in November and will retail for a clean 3,000 US dollars (plus several accessories). Although it's quite a hefty sum, we should mind the prices for Nikon's D3 ($5,000) and Canon's EOS 1Ds Mark III ($8,000) before passing judgment.
As mentioned earlier, besides the A900, Sony has also introduced a couple of interesting accessories. The most important ones are the new Vario Sonnar T* 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA Carl Zeiss Series Lens (a super wide angle 16-35mm f/2.8 constant aperture zoom lens) and the 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G lens (a 5.7x super telephoto zoom lens and the latest addition to Sony’s G-series line of premium lenses), which will arrive in January 2009 for about $1,800 and $1,500, respectively.
Aside from the lenses, Sony has also introduced the HVL-F58AM flash unit, with an innovative Quick Shift Bounce system and the Sony VG-C90AM vertical grip, which offers the same ease of operation when shooting vertically as horizontally, with its button layout and low-position shutter-release button.
