Sony has finally revealed its new flagship digital SLR. The Alpha 900 features a ?full-frame? (35mm film sized) CMOS sensor, containing 24.6 effective megapixels and an impressive range of features, including sensor-based image stabilisation, high resolution LCD screen and a 100% viewfinder.

The Alpha 900 makes Sony the third DSLR manufacturer to offer a full-frame option, along with Canon and Nikon, though Sony?s newcomer boasts the world?s highest resolution for a 35mm type DSLR.

Aimed at the professional and advanced enthusiast user, the A900 features a high-tensile aluminium and magnesium alloy body, with dust and moisture seals on all sensitive areas. Inside, Sony?s Exmoor sensor performs on-chip analogue/digital conversion and noise-reduction, and dual BIONZ processors for extremely high speed operation, allowing 5 frames per second shooting at full 24MP resolution.

A bright, ground optical glass pentaprism viewfinder offering 100% coverage is complemented by the 3-inch high resolution (921k dot) Xtra Fine LCD screen as used to great acclaim on the a700. Focusing screens are interchangeable.

A 9-point AF system supplemented by 10 focus assist points ensure accurate focusing, while the inclusion of SteadyShot makes the a900 the first full frame DSLR with built-in sensor-based image stabilisation.

Wireless flash is supported, and there is an optional VG-C90AM Vertical Grip, which holds up to two additional batteries for extended shooting time.

Other features taken from other Sony DSLRs include the D-Range Optimiser for contrast control, PhotoTV HD mode, but not Live View.

The camera is expected to be available in November. No UK price has yet been confirmed though a US price of $3000 would suggest a sub £2000 price point in the UK.

For more details visit: http://www.sony.co.uk/hub/dslr


Press Release

Sony introduces the world?s first 24.6 megapixel full frame sensor D-SLR camera

The α 900 delivers unmatched image quality, creative expression and performance demanded by professional and enthusiastic hobbyist photographers

– Superlative, detail-packed images from full-frame 24.6 effective megapixel CMOS sensor Exmor?
– Bright optical glass pentaprism viewfinder with 100% coverage
– Enhanced SteadyShot INSIDE? offering up to 4.0 steps anti-shake performance with α lenses
– Ultra-sharp shooting responses and flawless, low-noise images from dual BIONZ? image processor
– Review images on High Resolution 3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD
– Fast, high-accuracy 9-point AF with 10 focus assist points
– 5fps continuous shooting at full resolution 24.6 megapixels

The alpha 900 digital SLR camera 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 alpha 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 ? delivers 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 alpha 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 aid 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 alpha 900 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 gives access to HD picture viewing on any compatible TV.

Designed to provide years of unstinting service in challenging environments, the α 900 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 α 900, with magnesium alloy and rubber parts.

There?s now a wide range of compatible alpha 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 alpha 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. Its unique ?Quick Shift Bounce? design makes 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.