Sony A900 Review

If you currently have Canon or Nikon lenses it's a tough call. Canon owners have the option of the new 5D MKII at a price comparable to the A900, complete with video capability and Live View, so I don't see too many defections from that camp.

For the Nikon camp, at least those who want or need resolution higher than 12MP, the D3x is an attractive but really expensive call. Though there's likely a lower cost version on the way at some point, a 24MP D700x for example, my sense is that this may be some time off. The current almost $4,000 sensor premium of the D3x over the otherwise identical D3 simply doesn't translate into a D700x appearing any time soon.

For those without major lens commitments to other brands the Sony A900 offers tremendous value for the money. In almost every objective test criteria measured on DxOMark the A900 comes in in the top two or three, and in many categories does so against camera either costing twice as much or offering half the resolution. While not the king of any one hill, it is a sterling all-around performer in almost every category.

When it comes to build quality and handling, the A900 has little to fault and much to like. Yes, I've bitched about a few things in the above review, but then there's always something to criticize, because no product is perfect. It just comes down to the compromises that one is will to make.

These are hard economic times for almost everyone, and the indications are that things are going to get tougher before they get any better. In that type of climate a good all-rounder at a competitive price is what's needed, and the Sony A900 DSLR offers just that, along with class leading resolution.

I believe that for the first half of 2009 the two hot pro and serious amateur cameras are going to be the Canon 5D MKII and the Sony A900, both priced under US $3,000 and both offering some unique features and capabilities.

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