Sony has delivered a breakthrough in digital imaging technology with the launch of its flagship Alpha D-SLR model, the Alpha 900. Sporting the highest resolution in its class, this serious photographic tool delivers ultra-fine, high image quality with its 24.6-megapixel, 35mm full-frame size “Exmor” CMOS sensor. The result is not only unprecedented image detail, but also a wide dynamic range that enables subtle colour and tonal gradation to be captured just as the human eye sees them.
Key features of the new Alpha 900 digital SLR from Sony include:
- The world’s first “SteadyShot Inside” body-integrated anti-shake system for a full-frame size D-SLR
- Speedy image processing from a dual BIONZ image processor
- Bright, full size 100% highest performance optical view finder
24.6-megapixel resolution
The Alpha 900 is at the cutting edge of digital imaging technology with the world’s highest 24.6 megapixel resolution on a 35mm full-frame size CMOS sensor. Utilising the full merit of photographic expressive power, this never-before-achieved resolution delivers virtually noiseless images and allows wider angles and perspective only possible with a 35mm full frame size SLR.
Produced using proprietary Sony planarisation technologies to ensure an ultra-flat surface across the entire imaging area, it uses over 6000 on-chip column parallel analog/digital converters to convert analog signals to noise-resistant digital signals at the earliest possible stage. The ISO sensitivity ranges from 200-3200 in 1/3 EV steps (ISO 100-6400 can be set as an expanded range).
SteadyShot
A world first, the Alpha 900 integrates the SteadyShot Inside anti-shake system into its body, achieving an anti-shake effect equivalent to shutter speeds faster by 2.5 to 4 stops with a larger and heavier image sensor. The body-integrated system delivers stabilisation even for wide, fixed-focus, large aperture lenses, which is usually difficult for a lens integrated system.
This sensor-shift, optical image stabilisation system works with all Alpha series lenses, including wide, fixed focus and large aperture lenses, which have traditionally been difficult to implement in lens-based stabilisation systems. To prevent dust particles from marring images captured, a special anti-dust coating is applied on the low pass filter to prevent dust adherence. Also, an anti-dust mechanism vibrates the sensor at high speed every time the camera is switched off.
Dual BIONZ image processor
Equipped with two BIONZ image processing engines working parallel to process high pixel count image data with top level speed, the Alpha 900 is customised to get the most out of the 24.6 megapixel “Exmor” CMOS sensor, especially when shooting continuously at five frames per second. Optimised for the Alpha 900 and working hand-in-hand with the image sensor, the dual BIONZ engines work to deliver natural colour reproduction, rich tones, as well as excellent image resolution with minimum noise.
The D-Range Optimiser (including an Advanced mode that offers five optimisation levels for finer control) adjusts exposure and tone for a more natural-looking and balanced exposure, even for backlit shots.
Source: Sony
