Sony Alpha DSLR A900 Digital Camera Body with 24.6 Megapixel & 3.0" LCD Screen, HDMI Output

2012-03-11T20:00:00

I had a Cannon for decades - it broke and they did not make the same model, thankfully! I went with a Sony and over the course of 10 years I have been so pleased that I have worked my way up. Having the a100, a 55 now the a900. I don't think I will ever have another camera! Very impressed with the constant strive to improve on already something great. The weight is only downfall for beginning to have trouble with my thumbs so hope to see that improve in the years ahead!

CEO3ringcircus

Originally posted at

2012-01-22T19:00:00

I shoot mostly small-school sports in poorly lighted gyms and fields. I always get some useable shots. My only complaint is slow auto-focus in extremely low light, but this would be a problem with any camera. The a900 is the latest in a line of alpha mount cameras since I bought my first Minolta 7000 when my screw-mount Pentax broke the day before leaving on a vacation.

RIK F.

2012-01-15T19:00:00

Low ISO Image Quality is very good. Low ISO Image Quality as much as "Nikon D3x". Best camera system in Studio use(with ZEISS Lens).

peri

2012-01-05T19:00:00

I opted for the A900 after considering the other more modern offerings during the holiday period. I also looked at the equivalent full-frames from the 'other guys' but the Alpha just seem to feel more comfortable and ergonomic in my hands. Interestingly, the graphics make the body appear somewhat elongated but it’s really more of an optical illusion due to the conical crown, which I actually like. Likewise, it's more nimble and lighter than I anticipated. The feature set is basic and yet pro-level with an easy to learn menu structure. Build is above average and placement of controls are well configured. Mated with the ZA 135/1,8 lens it’s an excellent combination for my needs. No regrets ~

SaberOne

Originally posted at

2011-10-24T20:00:00

I upgraded to the 900 about six months ago and love this camera. I find it very easy to use on most settings (auto and manual), however if i hand my camera over to inexperianced shooters they often have trouble getting good shots. I have alowed some young kids to shoot aswell and they end up learning how to use it very quick and in a few min can get great pics. Over all this is a great product

jrc5533

Originally posted at

2011-10-22T20:00:00

No one should buy this camera. I canceled mine after found out this classic cam cannot do video.

igotmadatsony

Originally posted at

2011-09-26T20:00:00

LIVE VIEW IS A ABSOLUTE MUST, IT ALLOWS YOU TO SEE WHAT YOUR IMAGE WILL LOOK LIKE PROIR TO TAKING THE PHOTO AND SONY A 900 DOESN'T HAVE IT!!!!!!!!....NO LIVE VIEW, NO SALE.......I OWN THE SONY A380 AND A33, MUCH LESS EXPENSIVE MODELS AND THEY BOTH HAVE LIVE VIEW...SONY, YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING.......

HBHBHB

Originally posted at

2011-06-26T20:00:00

I have the sony alpha A-200 that I have owned since 2008; and have loved it ever since, and plan to upgrade to the A-900 some time. You'll never go wrong with Sony. They make the best cameras by far! No one builds like Sony. The DSLR's are compatible with the old Minolta lenses which is fabulous, the cameras are user friendly, well built, and incredibly resilient with processing photos, and are impressively damage resistant on the body. You don't even have to try to get a good photo, but yet you still get the best. I won't use any other brand. I love my Sony; and hope to continue top have fun with it. Thanks Sony.

Jonesee

Originally posted at

2011-06-13T20:00:00

I have had my A900 for over 2 years and am truly amazed by the sheer tonality of the images (as long as the ISO is kept at or below 800 and shot RAW). The 100% OVF is a treat and is a singular distinguishing feature of the product. I think the product designers blundered by not equipping the A900 with main-sensor Live-view. How could they do this, when the entire world of dSLRs, all the way from the Canon 1DSMKIII or Nikon D3 and onto the lowest level of consumer products like the Canon Rebel series, had moved onto providing main-sensor Live-view, over 1 year prior to the A900's introduction ? Stupid decision is all I can say on this particular "attribute".

aaykay

Originally posted at

2011-02-25T19:00:00

For the features you get in this camera, the price cannot be beat. The viewfinder is big, bright and clear, and the sensor is big, accurate and excellent dynamic range. The shutter lag is insignificant, the in camera steady shot works really well and the camera is a tank. Therein lies its weakness for some - the camera weighs a lot with the grip attached and a good lens. When using the camera vertically, the grip balances perfectly, landscape orientation will leave you with strained fingers if you shoot all day. It is unballanced without the grip in that case. I have been using the A900 daily, for over 2 years now. I've put it through being dropped, dragged and doused at world championships and studio shoots. It's not perfect, but takes a beating in stride, and I've never had to clean my sensor beyond the in camera vibration cleaning and a bulb blower.

Jlav

Originally posted at

2011-02-12T19:00:00

I have Owned the A700 since it first came out. I have a long relationship with Sony products and I have never been disappointed. Before I got into the DSLR many of my friends were either Nikon or Canon users so when I purchased the Sony they all laughed at me. Sony took over Minolta which was a leader in the camera industry. With Minolta's experience and Sony's ability to think outside the box in terms of Technology I knew it would be a force to be reckoned with and has emerged in the DSLR market as a Solid #3. I have never been disappointed with the A700 so the choice to purchase the A900 was a no brainer. Being a nature Photographer I need something that will be bulletproof and provide alot of bang for the Buck. The closest camera to the A900 in the price range is the Canon 5D MkII. There was a 49/51% split amoug most professional reviews with Canon slimly edging out the A900 5 stars to 4.5... probably due to the HDvideo feature on the Canon... I have just purchased it so I am still learning more and more but in 10 shoots in 2 weeks I have not had any issues. Snow and Subfreezing temperatures have not slowed this beast down. I love the weight and with the Vertical Grip it is huge! I also have the A55 and I actually perfer the weight for a steady shot... Speaking of Steady shot having the feature on the body makes for less expensive lenses nearly 1/2 price in some cases and also using older minolta lenses and having the image stability available is a huge plus.

ryu0279

Originally posted at

2011-02-01T19:00:00

I decided to go with Sony's DSLR line when considering a DSLR. Sony makes the best stuff when it comes to gadgets -- so I had no reason to believe that Sony would steer me wrong. I was not disappointed. In the near future, I'd like to see a built-in vertical grip on the a900. I'd also like to see more Carl Zeiss lenses, especially a Carl Zeiss "macro" lens. I started with the a350, and then I upgraded to the a900 about 2 years ago. I'm especially appreciative of the fact that the a900 costs significantly less than other DSLRs in its class. I'll admit, Sony hasn't been around in the DSLR market as long as Canon and Nikon have. But, considering that Sony's DSLR line has only been around for 5 years, I'd have to commend Sony for their fast approach of DSLRs. Then, to come out with a full-frame senor camera within 3 years of entering the DSLR market -- I have to say that that's pretty darn AWESOME! Sony is making up a lot of ground....after all, it's Sony.

Gibi

Originally posted at

2011-01-28T19:00:00

Have used the A900 since it was released. I purchased it for its full frame sensor and the bright viewfinder. As a bonus, it was of high resolution too. As an avid outdoor photographer I have had no problems while using the camera outside (winter too) Image quality superb. I am using my Minolta collection of lenses too but the Sony 24-70 ZA and 70-400 G are used on a majority of my outings to cover most desireable focal lengths. I also may carry the 16-35 ZA for very wide angle photography, if backpack room and weight allow. This is all heavy, and apparently well built equipment. The A900 has moisture and dust seals and it appears that a comparable Canon or Nikon is approximately twice the price. And, the Sony HVL-58AM is a very nice flash unit. Perhaps soon, Sony will add tilt shift lenses to their selection.

PrairieBoy

Originally posted at

2011-01-26T19:00:00

With the arrival of the Alpha a900, Sony is officially paving the way for innovation in the DSLR market. Although I made the plunge in May 2010, about a year and half after it was introduced, I can easily say that this has been the best technology purchase I have ever made. The QuickNavi menu made learning the functions of the camera a breeze. Its magnesium alloy case along with its dust-proofing makes it perfect to use in a variety of environments: be it cold or warm. The 100% viewfinder is very bright and makes it easy to lock focus properly on your subject. With the install of Firmware Version 2.0, Auto-Focus is significantly quicker and more precise. The Alpha 900's best feature by far is it's 24.6 MP Exmor CMOS sensor which makes it the world's highest resolution full-frame digital SLR on the market ... In simple terms, the detail it is capable of offering is incredible. Image quality is out of this world. It is important to understand that the Alpha 900 is indeed a professional camera - intended to be used by either professional photographers or enthusiasts who are passionate about photography like me. In no way is this a camera that should be undermined ... It is capable of competing with the high end cameras of any SLR system. All in all the Alpha 900 is a camera that paving way in terms of image quality in the DSLR market all the while staying true to Konica Minolta's legacy of professional imaging. When paired with high quality Carl Zeiss and G Lenses, this camera delivers class leading image quality and handling. Once again great job SONY for delivering an outstanding camera!

iAlpha

Originally posted at

2011-01-17T19:00:00

I went from an a350 to the a900 what an improvement in all around preformance and clarity. The features in focusing and WB and setting of the lens. You can control or let the camera do it. Great camera for all users from beginners to professional. It help you improve your abilites.

jes1831

Originally posted at

2010-11-29T19:00:00

This camera gives you exactly what it's supposed to. A quality full frame DSLR, and it's the best I've used so far. You'll read a lot of reviews from people complaining that this doesn't have video, but you have to ask why these people bothered to buy this camera in the first place when it was never advertised as having that function. This camera was designed for serious photographers, and that's it. Not for people who are taking pictures on family vacations who just suddenly feel like taking videos of their baby walking around in puddles. As someone who makes short films, if I want to shoot video I'll use a video camera or get a DSLR that shoot HD Video for the sole purpose of shooting... I did not get this camera to be the Jack of ALL trades, only to be the master of ONE. PHOTOGRAPHY!

AVESTA

Originally posted at

2010-11-12T19:00:00

This is a perfect camera for me. The images when shot where I do, in the studio at around 100 asa. Provides shots that are almost like good transparencies. I only shoot in raw, and when converted into black and white for some of my work looks as smooth as my old agfa pan 25. The Dynamic range allows me to dodge and burn , getting detail that was unheard of before in digital slrs. I feel like I am back in the old darkroom. This camera has renewed my passion. The viewfinder is so big you could fall into it, even my tired old eyes find composition and focussing a pleasure, maybe this is why I am shooting more than I have for the last ten years, it makes it a pleasure.Solid with a perfect feel, a studio camera as good as any, absolutely any 35mm slr size camera on the market. Outside it is just as fine, for nature and airshows I have had great success. I used the Minolta range professionally for years, and this camera takes up where they left off. 37 years as a photographer and this camera is the first in a long time that really makes me love it. I have a Minolta 9xi that is really no use to me but I keep, as it was such a wonderful instrument and served me so well. The A900 is right up with it and will probably be with me till it is no longer workable.

dragoonpvw

Originally posted at

2010-07-30T20:00:00

I first bought the 100, then the 350. As I wondered aloud about switching to Canon or other brand, I bought the 750. Still that question of switching hovered over my head. Just bought the 900 last week. I love it. No switching. No thought of switching. With the Zeiss lenses all the prior concerns have evaporated. Should have bought this body first!

Webmess

Originally posted at

2010-06-19T20:00:00

Simply the best camera ever made, hands down. A pro's choice when you demand the best, yet simple enough for anyone to use. The color and detail this camera catches, is in a class of its own. I decided I wanted this camera when I found out it had no video, live view or any other gimmick. This is built to do one thing, to take pictures. And with Zeiss glass, its simply breathtaking. Best viewfinder on the market, gives you a clear full view into the moment of time you are about to capture. I finally have my lifelong dream camera thanks to Sony. If you haven't picked one up and tried it yet, go do it. You will fall in love too.

stanleytools

Originally posted at

2010-04-27T20:00:00

I originally bought the A100 several years ago. Next I upgraded to the A700 as soon as it came out. Both cameras fit my needs at the time and performed excellently. I purchased the A900 in September of 2009 along with the grip and two lenses, Ziess 16-35mm f/2.8 and Zeiss 24-70mm f/2.8. I also grabbed the HVL-58 Flash. This camera has been a dream to use. I’m old school so I don’t miss the liveview and I didn’t want video. If I want to take movies I’ll get one of Sony’s very fine HD movie cameras. I love that this feels and acts like a real professional still camera. I have used this camera in the -10 degree snow covered canyons of Utah and the very humid marshes of Florida without any issues. As everyone already noted, the viewfinder is awesome. The controls are well placed and the grip is very well designed. Some folks say the camera is a bit heavy. Most cameras reaching the pro level are heavy. That is why specialty straps are available to get the weight off your neck. If the camera was any lighter folks would complain that it feels like a toy. I myself love the heft of the camera. It feels durable and ready to go out and experience the ever changing environment of the real world. I’m one who goes off the beaten path to get pictures of things many folks would otherwise never see and I need a camera that’s ready when I get there. Not enough lenses? How many do you need? With 3 of the lenses in my small collection I have a range of 16mm-200mm at f/2.8. When I use the 2x Teleconverter with the 70-200 G SSM I have a high quality 140-400mm f/5.6 lens. I’m set for everything from landscape to nature photography. I do agree that I’d like to see a 24 or 28mm tilt-shift lens for architecture. Sony and Zeiss offer what I consider the best prime lenses available for those really low light occasions and I will eventually pick up one of those. The 24.6MP Full Frame sensor is wonderful. I love the rich details available in my images. Some folks like all the pixels for the cropping ability. I however, love to use all the pixels. I fill the entire viewfinder when shooting. I love seeing my images printed very large so all the details captured with this camera are visible. Customers appreciate the details as well. I also really like the depth of field control one gets with the full frame. Is this camera perfect for everyone? Nope. But it does fit me at the time. Any improvements I’d suggest? Maybe a bit better High ISO performance and add selectable autofocus points closer to the rule-of-thirds points in the viewfinder. Otherwise I’m very satisfied with this camera.

Ocular

Originally posted at

2010-04-15T20:00:00

Still one of the Hotties; Image Quality with good glass is astounding. The good glass is expensive. Faster shooting would help in sports shooting, but 5 fps is no slouch.

Shooter

Originally posted at

2010-03-12T19:00:00

As a long time pro and Nikon shooter, this is the camera I've been waiting for. Everything I need with nothing I don't. Fantastic handling, build quality, performance and most importantly, image quality. Please, please, please Sony, keep making and improving on this camera (I just spent a ton on glass, LOL). After more years than I can count as a Nikon photographer, I've "jumped ship" and moved to Sony. I have been on 10 shoots so far and this camera has performed wonderfully. I get some weird looks for shooting a Sony (that’s their professional photography marketing's problem) but I love this camera. The only gripe I have is the ISO performance.

MichaelDorman

Originally posted at

2010-03-09T19:00:00

I have two-Alpha 300s and I love them. However, I'm ready to move up to full frame but would like a Sony with live view full frame. I have a bucket of excellent Minolta prime lenses just waiting to be used with full frame.

wmbldn

Originally posted at

2010-02-21T19:00:00

Just up-graded from Maxxum 7D. I should have done it a year ago. In the week and a half I've had the Sony I've shot two wrestling tournaments, basketball, soccer and an indoor charity event. Very few out of focus frames even when continuous high speed shutter release. I use release priority when shooting sports and the Sony auto focus keeps up much better than the Maxxum. So far have sold images to three small papers. Performance in an auditorium with all black drapes using flash was about what I expected. Since I mostly shoot sports I don't like to use flash. With the Sony I'm getting useable images even in small-school gyms with low-budget lighting.

RIK F.

2009-12-08T19:00:00

Sony is very smart building a camera for the photographer and not the videographer. They should keep working on improving things like ISO noise reduction, Frames per second, adding more lenses and mirror lock-up. Basic things that a photographer needs for taking a STILL PHOTOGRAPH. Leave all of the live view, video etc. to the amateur cameras. The viewfinder is beautiful (due to no live view and video). Menus are simple to use. Now that they are bringing prices down, it is great to be a full frame photographer again. Maybe the next model will be even lower . Hint Hint. Overall the camera is excellent. Keep 'em coming Sony!

zapshots

Originally posted at

2009-12-01T19:00:00

I bought the a900 in the USA, I live in Thailand now. I had a motorcycle accident recently and the camera and the 85 mm lense that was on it was lost. I still have the 24-70 zeiss lense, and now that sony has released the a850, it's a no brainer to stay with sony. I will have my son bring from the USA next April along with a zeiss 16-35 lense. Many of my friends use Nikon, however I cannot change...I am in love with the Sony.

thaidonnie

Originally posted at

2009-11-30T19:00:00

With the beautiful viewfinder, excellent ergonomics and performance, amazing IQ and reasonable price, the Sony A900 will be remembered as a milestone in camera design. Sony must be commended for focusing on bringing the most important fundamentals to serious photographers with the design of the A900. There is no pop up flash, no video mode, no scene modes. Instead we get 3 custom settings via the mode dial which are very useful for advanced photographers and a shortage of the "fluff" seen as mandatory by too many camera makers. The result is a camera that seems more like the SLR equivalent of a Leica (R) or Contax (RTS) than anything built by Canon or Nikon in recent times. In other words, this camera is a no compromise tool in the rarest sense today. That is my highest compliment and having used the best professional cameras over the years, I think Sony deserves it. Well done Sony and please continue to build with the same excellent judgment shown on the A900.

VisionPro

Originally posted at

2009-11-27T19:00:00

Decent camera, but not worth the hefty price. Canon blows this camera away with the 5D mark ll. Sony will always be the copycat in the DSLR category. I returned mine and traded UP for the Canon 5D Mark ll after I used it for 2 months. SO much happier - even the salesman, who took a loss on the sale - agreed that the Canon was a better decision.

ALeadEndueEn

Originally posted at

2009-10-22T20:00:00

I had a Sony A 100 before this one and really liked it. But this camera feels like the 35mm I started out with. One son has a Pentax and the other son has a Canon, but I just like the performance of the Sony 900 better. I had already purchased the G series lens and 2.8x100 Macro lens with the A 100 and they transitioned well to the A 900. I purchased a Planar 1.4/85 Z A Zeiss lens to go with this camera and it does great in low light situations. I took some pictures with street lighting and was very impressed with the results. If you are looking for a pro quality camera, you won't be disappointed with this one.

tatkyep

Originally posted at

2009-10-21T20:00:00

Two years ago, I upgraded from a 7.2Mp Sony point and Shoot camera to the A200, and that was a big change. Now I upgraded to the A900 and WOW. I am very impressed. As you may deduct, I am a casual photographer, mostly my three year old daughter and family trips and events. However, this camera has increased my curiosity to photography overall and I started taking pictures of different subjects. I use it with the SAL-2470Z lens and the HVL-FM20 Flash which is the perfect combo. the pictures are razor sharp, the clarity is unbelievable. I can even shoot indoors without a flash, unless is completely dark of course. 2.8 aperture really makes a difference. I also got the leather hand grip because the camera is very heavy and I would not take chances when someone else takes pictures of me and my family in it. I wish I could upload some pics, but it does not make sense since the files are extremely heavy and the web allows up to 5mb max. Remember that this is a full frame camera, therefore not all the lens will get the 24MP. Make your research. The only drawback is that when I try to browse the pictures in iphoto in my two years MAC, it takes around three seconds to get the pictures fully loaded and displayable without the jaggy edges. Of course, this is not the camera problem; however, I kept that in mind when I bought this camera. When I connect it to my 55XBR TV, there is no problem whatsoever!

Karlthereviewer

Originally posted at