SOURCE: Sony Europe
September 09, 2008 09:29 ET
Sony Introduces Alpha A900 the World's First Full-Frame 24.6 Megapixel DSLR: A900 Delivers the Unmatched Image Quality, Creative Expression and Performance Demanded by Professional Photographers
WEYBRIDGE, UK--(Marketwire - September 9, 2008) -
-- 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™ offers up to 4.0 steps anti-shake
performance with Alpha 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 A900 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 Alpha digital SLR camera 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 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 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 A900 digital SLR camera 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 access to HD picture viewing on any compatible TV.
Built for years of unstinting service in challenging environments, the A900 digital SLR camera 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 A900 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. 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.
* 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.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Model DSLR-A900
Camera type Digital SLR camera with interchangeable lenses
Lens mount Sony alpha mount compatible with Minolta A-type
bayonet mount (without DT le
Lens Compatibility Sony alpha Lens*1 and Konica Minolta
alpha/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-F58AMADI
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 (640x3(RGB)x480) dots
Battery type InfoLitium NP-FM500H, 7.2V
Battery life Approx. 88 0 shots (CIPA measurement)
Dimensions Approx.156x117x82mm (6 1/8 x 4 5/8 x 3 1/4 inches)
Weight Approx. 850g (1 lb 14 oz)
Environmental 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:
Environmental Information: 3Ps
-- Halogenated flame retardants are not used in cabinets and certain
printed wiring boards.
-- Corrugated cardboard and paper is used for the packaging cushions.
-- The body cap of a900 uses polyamide 11 vegetable-based plastic derived
from caster oil.
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
About Sony:
Sony manufactures audio, video, communications and information technology
products for the global consumer and professional markets. With its music,
pictures, game and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be one
of the world's leading digital entertainment brands. Sony recorded
consolidated global annual sales of EUR 55.44 billion (yen 8,871 billion)
for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, based on an average market
exchange rate for the same period of yen 160.0 to the EUR. It employs
approximately 180,500 people worldwide.
In Europe, the Sony Group recorded consolidated annual sales of EUR 12.73
billion (yen 2,328 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008. Sony
Europe, headquartered at the Sony Center am Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, is
responsible for the company's European electronics business and registered
consolidated sales of EUR 9.55 billion for the same period.
For more information on Sony Europe, please visit
http://www.sony-europe.com and
http://www.sony.eu/presscentre