Yeah Sony α900 goes official, a full frame DSLR that features a 24.6 effective Mpix CMOS sensor, the advanced new dual BIONZ processor, a 3.0-Inch Xtra Fine LCD monitor, 9 Auto Focus point, an ISO range between 100 to 6400, an enhanced SteadyShot INSIDE that offers up to 4.0 steps anti-shake performance with lenses, and an HDMI output. Intelligent Preview function is added too, the camera is working with Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick PRO Duo/Memory Stick PRO HG Duo/ CF.
The Sony α900 will be available in October. More pictures after the break.
9th September 2008 - The α900 digital SLR from Sony sets a new benchmark for serious photo enthusiasts who demand the unrivalled quality and creative possibilities of full-frame imaging.
The flagship of the α DSLR range features the industry’s first ever 24.6 effective megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor. Developed by Sony, this groundbreaking sensor’s ultra-high pixel count and large size – equivalent to a 35mm film frame – deliver extraordinary image detail and wide dynamic range.
The new-generation sensor captures flawless images with unprecedented fidelity, characterised by vibrant colours, ultra-real textures and subtle tonal gradations. Complementing the extremely high native resolution of the sensor, Exmor™ performs on-chip analogue/digital (A/D) signal conversion and two-stage noise reduction. This guarantees ultra-low noise image files that take advantage of the superb resolving power of high-precision α lenses.
Realising the immense creative potential of the 24.6 megapixel full-frame sensor, the new advanced dual BIONZ™ processors handle massive amounts of image data at extremely high speed. Powerful noise reduction algorithms are applied prior to RAW data conversion and then again during image processing, yielding flawless, detail packed images with an absolute minimum of noise. The dual BIONZ™ processors also underpin the camera’s razor-sharp shooting responses, allowing sustained 5fps continuous shooting at full 24.6 megapixel resolution.
Serious photo enthusiasts will appreciate the ground-glass optical pentaprism viewfinder that offers exceptional brightness and a field of view covering 100% of the full-frame sensor’s imaging area (approx.).
The camera’s uncompromising credentials are underlined by a fast, high-accuracy 9-point AF system to ensure fewer missed shots. It’s supplemented by 10 focus assist points to assist subject detection, improved out-of-focus detection to reduce focus hunting and a dedicated F2.8 sensor for enhanced AF accuracy with wide aperture lenses.
The α900 is also the world’s first full-frame camera to feature SteadyShot INSIDE™. This enhanced in-body optical stabilisation system delivers up to 4 steps of anti-shake correction with all compatible lenses*, opening up even greater creative possibilities when shooting handheld.
Shots can be evaluated critically on the 3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD with an exceptionally high resolution (921k dot) that offers sharp, clear viewing – even outdoors or in bright ambient light. There’s a wide choice of index view options to simplify best-shot selection, plus a full-featured RGB histogram and shooting information display.
At the touch of a button, the LCD display switches to Quick Navi mode, allowing rapid on-the-fly adjustment of camera settings without disturbing your creative workflow.
A new Intelligent Preview function simulates the effect of White Balance, D Range Optimiser and exposure level on the LCD screen without actually taking a picture. By simple confirmation on the camera, all the new settings are applied to take the next picture. This simplifies precise control over the final image in complex setups.
Shots can also be viewed on a connected HD television. PhotoTV HD mode provides optimised still image viewing with breathtaking clarity and lifelike colours on compatible BRAVIA™ televisions. The HDMI terminal also give acces to HD picture viewing on any compatible TV.
Built for years of unstinting service in challenging environments, the α900 is ruggedly constructed from a high-tensile aluminium chassis with magnesium alloy body panels. Viewfinder, card slots, controls and other sensitive areas are protected from dust and moisture by rubber seals for worry-free shooting. The inside of the camera is also protected by an anti-dust system that safeguards the full-frame sensor from the effects of dust entering the body during lens exchange.
Allowing stable, comfortable handling in portrait or landscape orientations, the optional VG-C90AM Vertical Grip holds up to two high-capacity batteries for extended shooting time and all the major controls are available in vertical holding for easy operation. The grip has also been designed in the same high quality material as the α900 with magnesium alloy and rubber parts.
There’s now a wide range of compatible a lenses to fully realise the incredible imaging potential of the camera’s full-frame sensor.
The choice of premium G series optics by Sony is joined by the high-power 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM telephoto, featuring a High-torque Super Sonic wave Motor for fast, silent AF operation.
Also from Carl Zeiss, the Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM is a fast, high-performance wide angle zoom that’s ideal for interiors, landscapes and challenging photo-reportage applications.
The complete α system is further strengthened by the new HVL-F58AM – a high-power flash (GN 58 ) featuring Sony’s innovative ‘Quick Shift Bounce’ system that offers even more creative control over lighting, flash and bounce angles. It’s unique ‘Quick Shift Bounce’ design make the flash head able to rotate instantly in portrait mode to keep the bounce direction for much more natural and beautiful subject lightning. For those using studio setups, Wireless Auto Flash Control also computes power ratios for up to three groups of flashes, simplifiying the management of complex lighting set-ups.
The α900 full-frame digital SLR will be available from October 2008.
Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM and 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM lenses will be available from early 2009.
* Automatic crop factor is applied when DSLR-A900 is used with DT format lenses. Exposure accuracy is not guaranteed with DT lenses in certain shooting situations.
Environmental Info
Eco Info
Sony is engaged in a constant review of its manufacturing, operational and business practices to ensure that its products are developed in an environmentally responsible way. This approach can broadly be divided into three areas:
PRODUCT:
* Halogenated flame retardants are not used in cabinets and certain printed wiring boards.
PROCESS:
* Corrugated cardboard and paper is used for the packaging cushions.
* The body cap of α900 uses polyamide 11 vegetable-based plastic derived from caster oil.
PLANET: Sony is determined to lead the way as a responsible manufacturer, and as a result we are focussing on three key areas of investment:
1. Reducing CO2 gas emissions
2. Increasing the percentage of renewable energy used in manufacturing facilities
3. Minimising the resources used by our factories in manufacturing
Notes to Editors:
Key technical specifications
- Model: DSLR-A900
- Camera type: Digital SLR camera with interchangeable lenses
- Lens mount: Sony α mount, compatible with Minolta A-type bayonet mount (without DT le
- Lens Compatibility: Sonyα Lens*1 and Konica Minolta α/MAXXUM/DYNAX Lens*1
- Image Sensor Type: “Exmor” CMOS Image Sensor
- Image Sensor Size: 35.9 X 24.0mm
- Effective Pixel Number: 24,610K pixels
- Anti-Dust: Charge protection coating on Low-Pass Filter and Image Sensor-Shift mechanism
- Recording media: Memory Stick Duo,Memory Stick PRO Duo,Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, Compact Flash Type I, Type II (Microdrive),UDMA(Mode5) compliant
- Media slot: Memory Stick Duo/Compact Flash Dual slot
- Image format: JPEG,RAW(ARW2.1 Format),RAW+JPEG
- D-RangeOptimizer: off,Standard/ Advanced: Auto/Advanced: Level
- Image stabislisation: On system image Sensor-Shift mechanism
- Noise reduction: On/Off, available at shutter speeds longer than 1 second, High/Normal/Low/Off, available at the ISO set to 1600 or above
- Auto Focus system: TTL phase-detection system, CCD line sensors, 9 points + 10 assist focus points
- ISO sensivity: ISO 200 - 3200 equivalent, ISO numbers up from ISO100 to ISO6400 can be set as expanded ISO range.
- Flash system: External, Wireless control with HVL-F58AM, ADI flash / Pre-flash TTL metering
- Shutter: Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane type
1/8000 second - 30 seconds speed range, bulb
- Continuous-advance rate: Hi:Approx.5 frames per second at maximum, Lo:Approx.3 frames per second
- LCD Monitor: 7.5 cm(3.0″), TFT Xtra Fine, 921, 600(640×3(RGB)x480) dots
- Battery type: InfoLitium NP-FM500H,7.2V
- Battery life: Approx. 88 0 shots(CIPA measurement)
- Dimensions: Approx.156×117x82mm(6 1/8 x 4 5/8 x 3 1/4 inches)
- Weight: Approx. 850g (1 lb 14 oz)
[via Akihabaranews]
