Sony Alpha 900: Camera Test

What happens when an electronics behemoth jumps into DSLRs? In Sony's case, it pushes development into overdrive for a couple of years. Then it makes a full-frame 24.6MP CMOS sensor and steals the title of most megapixels in the 35mm format from Canon, which has held the title for as long as anyone can remember.

But a camera is more than just megapixels. And the Alpha 900 ($3,000, street, body only) packs a gorgeous viewfinder that covers the entire frame, plus real-world resolution greater than that of any camera we've tested.

In terms of design, the A900 follows previous Sony DSLRs. The grip has a deep cutaway for your middle finger and a long divot on the inside for your fingertips, making a very comfortable hold. There are dual scroll wheels to set shutter speed and aperture independently, plus dedicated buttons for exposure compensation, white balance, ISO, and drive mode, as well as a dial for exposure mode. Add the fact that you can press the function button to jump into a menu of most of the settings, and you've got a really versatile imaging tool.

Like too many pro-level DSLRs, the A900 doesn't pack a pop-up flash. Ask Sony, though, and you'll hear that the A900 isn't meant for pros. We doubt that'll stop wedding and event photographers from flocking to it. That goes doubly once they check out Sony's new HVL-F58AM flash ($500, street). Since the entire flash head swivels horizontally instead of twisting, you can keep the head in the same basic position for vertical portraits as for horizontal shots. So, while the white bounce card in most on-camera flash units faces in the wrong direction when you shoot verticals, it faces your subject with this Sony.

Philip Ryan

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