Sony Introduces Highest Resolution Full-Frame DSLR

2008.09.09

Just today Sony introduced their first full-frame DSLR camera, the Sony Alpha A900. This high end camera boasts a number of outstanding features and world's first. The Sony A900 is now the highest resolution DSLR available, full-frame or not, with a 24.6 megapixels sensor capable of sensitivities from ISO 100 to 6400 at the maximum resolution. This full-frame DSLR can shoot continuously at 5 FPS, making it also the highest throughput DSLR in terms of megapixels per seconds. The Sony Alpha A900 boats all of the following unique characteristics:

• World's only full-frame DSLR with built-in image stabilization. Sony claims an advantage between 2.5 and 4 stops over hand-holding.
• World's only relatively compact, with no integrated vertical grip that is, full-frame DSLR with a 100% coverage viewfinder.
• Worlds smallest full-frame DSLR, achieved using a parallel movement mirror-mechanism.
• Unique digital preview for adjustment simulation.
• Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) in Sony full-frame.
• The second largest viewfinder available, just behind the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III.

This new flagship DSLR marks Sony's entry into the truly high-end photography market, something which was certainly expected of Sony since they have often produced high-end devices for other markets. By building the Alpha brand upwards, Sony has had time to fill-up its lineup of lenses and accessories, something which is essential for professional photographers. Speaking of which, Sony is also introducing two new full-frame coverage lenses, the 16-35 F2.8 and 70-400 F4-5.6.

Unusual of Sony is that the Alpha A900 is being introduced at an aggressive price-point of $3000. The only other similarly priced full-frame DSLR cameras have half its resolution and neither feature built-in stabilization nor 100% coverage viewfinders. Despite the newly launched lenses, the A900's biggest handicaps remains a relatively thin lens lineup, at least compared to both other companies with full-frame DSLRs, Canon and Nikon. The Sony Alpha A900 is due in stores next month. It can also be pre-ordered from Amazon directly.

• Digital Camera