With its image quality, handling ease, robust construction, and brilliant viewfinder, the DSLR-A900 should prove a serious tool for professionals and advanced consumers. The benefits of full frame are plentiful; better dynamic range, more natural skin rendition, a cushy viewing experience and superior capacity to blur backgrounds. Super wide angle zooms start at focal lengths more befitting professional instruments, and are awash upon the secondhand market.
Description:
Sonys Alpha DSLR-A900 camera, their first "full frame" model, has alerted the industry and consumers in the DSLR world that theyre in the digital SLR camera business for the long haul.
The DSLR-A900 starts with a 24 x 35.9mm size CMOS sensor developed especially for this camera. Though that imaging canvas is utterly packed with pixels, the pixels themselves dominate the landscape of the image receiving area, instead of the elements of image sensors which are necessary but not actually collecting the image. Indeed, the A900s pixels are larger than the fine consumer-grade Alpha 700, despite having twice as many pixels.
On the physical side of things, the Alphas designed for professional use: all operations are weather-sealed, its high-performance shutters tested to 100,000 cycles, and its viewfinder (the forgotten critical SLR element in the age of squinty APS-C size viewfinder dominance) is as good as they come. Despite these claims, together with batteries and a memory card it tips the scales at ~2 lbs (900g), a good competitive number especially considering the enjoyable view.
Beyond physical elements, the DSLR-A900s got plenty of brains. To speed up throughput for pro sports and action use, Sonys employed dual "Bionz" image processors. Its two analog-to-digital engines swallow large chunks of information, shoving up to ~5 frames per second into a fast memory card-quite bold capacity considering those big RAW files.
With its image quality, handling ease, robust construction, and brilliant viewfinder, the DSLR-A900 should prove a serious tool for professionals and advanced consumers. The benefits of full frame are plentiful; better dynamic range, more natural skin rendition, a cushy viewing experience and superior capacity to blur backgrounds. Super wide angle zooms start at focal lengths more befitting professional instruments, and are awash upon the secondhand market
Features:
• 35mm-Style "Full Frame" 24.6MP Exmor CMOS Sensor
The 35.9 x 24mm 35mm-size "Exmor" CMOS image sensor is ~2.35x larger than typical APS-C size sensors, and the large capture area affords more sharpness, tonal graduation, and depth of field control. Best of all, pixels themselves dominate the square footage.
• World-Class Viewfinder
Glass pentaprism optical viewfinder with 100% coverage, 0.74x magnification, and 20mm eye relief. Low magnification makes the composition canvas small, distant, and unengaging. High magnification makes a viewfinders eye relief impossibly short for eyeglass users. Getting both right gives an ideal conduit between ideas and images. Though tough to have long eye relief and full coverage without obnoxiously large glass atop an SLR, Sonys succeeded here. Beyond the numbers, the brightness, size, and viewing comfort of this viewfinder returns to the forefront the primary element of camera/user interaction. Theres also a built-in shutter blind and integrated -3 to +1 dioptric correction, and bringing it to the eye disengages the LCD screen.
• Professional Construction
Weather, dust, and impact sealing befits a professional SLR, and the DSLR-A900s carbon fiber shutter is high-specification; tested for a min. 100,000 cycles, its 1/8000th second top speed and flash sync with any flash at 1/250th second (1/200th with stabilizer activated) display its manufacturing strength.
• Full Frame "SteadyShot INSIDE" Stabilization
Alpha 900s in-camera stabilization redefines common belief; a steadying effect of ~4 shutter speed steps, but with a full frame. Previous in-camera stabilizing corrected movements of ~15x22mm image receiving areas within 24 x 36mm full frame confines, as full frame in-camera correction was believed to result in wider, taller, and thicker housings. At 6.1 x 4.6 x 3.2" (156 x 117 x 82mm), it isnt too big a camera-a little thick, but within professional DSLR standards. The stabilizer works with every mounted lens, instead of being an expensive and occasional component within lenses. As with all stabilizers, they dont speed shutters-only more light, higher ISOs, or larger apertures can do that. Stabilizers benefit typical low light pics as well as handling monster telephoto lenses.
• Dual Image Processing Engines
Side-by-side "BIONZ" processors yield fast 5-frames-per-second performance despite A900s enormous files
• Speedy, Intelligent AF
Precision 19-point autofocus system with 9 supremely-sensitive horizontal/vertical points, 10 outer assist points, and customized AF microadjustment for up to 30 lenses
• Great 3" LCD Monitor
3.0" 921,000-Pixel LCD monitor has stunning detail and 270 pixels-per-inch resolving power like fine photo prints
• Intelligent Preview Function
Alpha 900s "Intelligent Preview" allows seeing effects of changing ISO, shutter speed, aperture, dynamic range optimizer and white balance settings before capturing an image, eliminating trial-and-error
• HDMI Output
Direct HDMI output to BRAVIA and other HDTV-compatible screens and projectors, with "PhotoTV HD"-capable BRAVIA sets benefitting from automatically optimized display settings
• Fantastic Lens Family
Sonys Alpha lens lineup includes Carl Zeiss specialties and "G"-series flagships with in-lens silent focusing motors
Specifications:
Options
- Burst Mode: 5 fps
- Color Mode(s): Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night view, Autumn, B/W, Sepia (All other color modes use the sRGB color space)
- Red-Eye Reduction: N/A
- Self Timer: Yes (10 seconds, 2 seconds with mirror-up function)
- White Balance: Auto plus 6 Modes (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash); +/- 3-step adjustable Kelvin temperature control (2500-9900k w/19-step Magenta/Green compensation).
Hardware
- LCD: 3.0"
- Microphone: N/A
- Viewfinder: Optical: TTL, 0.74 x, Diopter -1m-1 100% coverage of 35 mm Full-frame area.
Power
- Battery Capacity: 7.2V, CIPA standard: approx. 650 pictures 3
- Battery Type: NP-FM500H
General
- Imaging Device: 24.6 megapixel (effective) 35mm full frame Exmor CMOS image sensor; RGB primary color filter
- Megapixels: 24.6
Convenience Features
- AF Illuminator Light: Yes (Built-in LED)
- Movie Mode(s): N/A
- Multi-Pattern Measuring: Switchable: 40 segment honeycomb pattern; Center Weighted, Spot
- Scene Mode(s): Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night view, Autumn, B/W, Sepia
Optics/Lens
- Focus: Auto Focus: TTL Phase Detection, Dual-cross 9 point AF w/ 10 assist focus points for Wide AF
- Focus Mode: Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF, Direct Manual Focus, Manual focus Focus Area: Wide focus (Auto ? 9 areas), Spot focus, Local focus (9 local areas selection with the multi-selector)
- Lens Type: Interchangeable A-mount
- Shutter Speed: 1/8000 second - 30 seconds, bulb
Software
- Operating System Compatibility:
Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, XP Home and Professional, Vista;
Macintosh OS X (v 10.1.3 or later).
OS must be installed at the factory.
- Supplied Software: Image Data Converter SR (Windows & Macintosh) Image Data Lightbox SR (Windows & Macintosh) Remote Camera Control (Windows & Macintosh) Picture Motion Browser (Windows only)
Operating Conditions
- Flash Effective Range: No Built-in Flash (Compatible with Sony System Flash)
- Flash Mode(s): Auto, Fill-flash, Rear flash sync, High Speed Sync, Wireless off camera flash (with Flash HVL-F56AM, F36AM)
Inputs and Outputs
- HD Output: Yes (w/ optional HDMI cable)
- Output(s): Video and HMDI: NTSC/PAL Selectable
- USB Port(s): Yes, Supports USB 2.0 Hi-speed
Physical Specifications
- Dimensions (Approx.): (WxHxD) 6-1/8 x 4-5/8 x 3-1/4 in (156.3 x 116.9 x 81.9 mm) (excl. protrusions)
- Weight: TBD
Service and Warranty Information
Shipping Methods & Details
- Ground: FREE
- 3 Days Delivery: $16.95
- 2 Days Express: $26.95
- Next Day Delivery: $36.95
- Add to cart for extra saving and discounts
Ground Delivery (7-10 Days):
Ground Delivery is basic shipping service. The product will be shipped out via UPS, USPS, DHL or Fedex. For oversized products, this service will provide you with a Curbside delivery. If you require the product to be brought to your door, please refer to trucking delivery. This service is not available in some remote locations.
3 Days Delivery (3-5 Days):
3 Days Delivery guarantees that your package will arrive between 3 and 5 days from the date shipped. Choose this option if you need your package within a certain time period.
3 Days Trucking Delivery (3-5 Days):
3 Days Trucking Delivery guarantees that your package will arrive between 3 and 5 days from the date shipped. It is a fully insured type of shipping which includes delivery to your front door or garage and no steps are included Choose this option if you need your oversized package within a certain time period.
2nd Day Delivery (2 Days):
2nd Day Delivery guarantees that your package will arrive on the 2nd day from the date shipped. Choose this option if you need your package within a certain time period.
Next Day Delivery (1 Day):
Next Day Delivery guarantees that your package will arrive on the following day from the date shipped. Choose this option if you need your package within a certain time period.
Trucking Delivery (7-14 Days):
Trucking Delivery is a good option for your oversized package. Trucking Deliver is a fully insured type of shipping which includes delivery to your front door or garage and no steps are included. Check your delivery upon arrival. If there is any noticeable damage, refuse the delivery and note it on the airway bill. Call us immediately to report any damage.
White Glove Delivery (7-14 Days):
White Glove Delivery is a special service that is safest for large and overweight items. It is a fully insured both ways service which includes a two man delivery to the room of your choice with your product unpacked and all of the packaging debris removed. This service does not include installation of any type. Delivery includes shipment to the first floor. There will be a $15 per floor charge for any item being delivered to past the first floor. The white glove delivery time is normally between 3 and 10 business days. Our carrier of choice will contact you directly to arrange a convenient delivery time. Please inspect your item at the time of delivery. If you notice any damages, please contact our customer service department immediately.
Store Pickup:
Avoid paying for shipping. Come down to our Retail Store and pick up your order. Call ahead to ensure your order will be ready when you reach the store. Store Hours and Directions can be found at the bottom of this page.
In Stock:
Usually Ships Same Day.
Available:
Usually Ships within 24-48 Hours.
Temporarily Out of Stock:
Will be back in stock within 48-72 hours.
Pre-Order:
Ships Upon Receipt.
Special Order:
This is a special order item and cannot be cancelled nor returnable once the item is allocated. Est. arrival is 2-4 weeks (subject to availability). You will be contacted via email with a status on the item within 3 Business Days.
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When purchasing a digital camera, you must decide on the type of camera that is suitable for how you are using it, the life of the battery, how much memory is required, which type of lenses are needed, and etc. This guide will assist you in buying a digital camera and the necessary accessories.
Types of Cameras:
There are many different types of cameras. Depending on how often and for what purpose you are using the camera, there is a camera out there for all users.
Starter Cameras:
For users who are looking to start digital photography, but don’t want to spend a lot of money, this is the type of camera for you. A decent point-and-shoot camera should be suitable for 4”x6” photo prints.
Amateur Cameras:
For users that are knowledgeable about digital photography or want a high-quality camera to learn with, this category is best for you. These cameras offer ease of use with very high specification features, but not a large range of controls that you can get from professional cameras. Typically, you can make up to 11”x17” photo prints with these cameras.
Professional Cameras:
These cameras are intended for professionals to use. The lower-end professional cameras have a similar resolution to some high-end amateur cameras. The main difference is that, they have more elaborate setting control, better lenses, and better flash options. Most of the time, you can use lenses from your older SLR (Single Lens Reflex) film cameras. The resolution on these cameras could exceed 21 megapixels (21 million pixels). This type of camera is intended to produce very high quality prints for newspapers, magazines, and books, or for users who like to have control over how their pictures will look.
Power Conservation Tips:
Turn off the LCD:
When you are not using it, turn the LCD off. If you are low on power and want to make some more pictures, turn the LCD off and use the viewfinder instead. Doing so will increase the battery life of the camera, as LCD screens will eat up a lot of power.
Stop the Zoom:
Some cameras automatically release the lens when you turn the camera on. Unfortunately, it drains power significantly. To prevent this from happening you can change the settings to the sleep mode.
Turn off the Flash:
If you think the lighting is adequate for pictures, turn off the flash. Flashes will consume a large amount of energy, which is wasted if not in use.
Plug it in:
Some cameras have power adapter which allows you to plug in your camera to a wall socket. This will allow you to save your battery power when you are using the camera near a power socket.
Accessories to boost your Digital Experience:
Batteries:
Batteries are an important resource to digital cameras because if there is no power left, you can miss a special moment. If your camera uses disposable alkaline batteries, you should get a set of rechargeable batteries, thus saving you a lot of money in the long run, compared to purchasing new disposable batteries each time. For cameras that use Lithium Ion, it is suggested to purchase a backup battery for instances when you will be away from home for a period longer than 2 hours.
Memory Cards:
Memory card are equivalent to film in digital cameras. Each type of camera will use a different type of card, so make sure to check which card is compatible with your camera. Secure Digital (SD) is currently the most popular because it has become relatively cheap. Capacities of up to 16GB are currently available. Remember, you can never have too much memory, so invest in a larger capacity memory card when you purchase your digital camera. Here is a chart to help you make a decision on the memory card size right for yourself.
Tripods/Monopods:
If you have problems taking sharp, clear images, it could be because your hands were shaking. In order to solve the problem, you can get a tripod or monopod. It is important to keep the cameras steady if you want perfect pictures. A tripod is also important when you want to tweak the settings and take long exposure shots.
Card Readers:
Card readers are essential for any serious digital photographer. Instead of transferring photos directly from the camera, you can use a card reader to transfer them from your memory card straight to your computer. Doing so will conserve the camera’s batteries when transferring pictures.
Cases and Bags:
While digital cameras may be pricey, they can still break if dropped, so be sure to you protect your investment with either a case or bag. Cases make it safer and easier to carry. Cases can also protect your camera from sand, dust, dirt, and water. They are available in all types of sizes and styles. You can even purchase an Underwater Housing Case, allowing you to use your digital camera in water. These cases are more expensive and are only designed for some models. The cases usually come with cameras straps to put the camera around your neck or wrist. This provides an extra layer of protection for your camera, by preventing it from falling to the ground.
Lenses and Flash:
The quality of your photos depends on the quality of your lens. Flashes can help improve the brightness of your pictures. On most cameras, the lenses are built onto the camera, so you don’t have any upgradeability of the lens. But, if you own an SLR camera, you can replace the lens with a higher quality one, with better zoom or a different focal length. Flashes assist you when you are taking photos in low light settings. Most digital cameras have an internal flash that works fine for normal use, but you might want more light for the best possible results.
Important Camera Features:
Resolution:
A photograph is measured in the number of pixels in the picture. A pixel is a tiny dot of color. In digital photography, quality of the photo is megapixels. One-megapixel is the same as one million pixels. Nowadays, most cameras have more than 6 Megapixels, which is more than sufficient for a beginner’s camera.
Zoom:
Zoom is an important factor because it helps you get closer to the subject. There are two types of zoom available in digital cameras, digital and optical zoom. Digital zoom is a way of magnifying the picture by processing techniques. Unfortunately, digital zoom lowers the quality of the image a little. Optical zoom is where the magnification is done by using the camera’s lens. It would be ideal to use the Optical zoom over digital zoom because of the quality difference.
Photography 
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