A hands-on look at the full frame Sony Alpha 900 DSLR

[DPNow]

Here is a summary or excerpt from an article that has just been published on DPNow:

Here is our initial report on the new Sony Alpha 900 full frame 24.6 megapixel DSLR, launched last week. We explore the technical specifications and our experience using the camera on the launch day. And we have lots of sample images for you to download and evaluate.

More...

[Ian]

Originally Posted by DPNow

Here is a summary or excerpt from an article that has just been published on DPNow:

Here is our initial report on the new Sony Alpha 900 full frame 24.6 megapixel DSLR, launched last week. We explore the technical specifications and our experience using the camera on the launch day. And we have lots of sample images for you to download and evaluate.

More...

Apologies - there is a technical problem with the gallery on page 2 - we hope to fix it shortly!

Ian

[Barr1e]

...and page three Ian.

Regards. Barr1e

[Julia]

Hi,

All fixed - I hope

[Barr1e]

Originally Posted by Julia

Hi,

All fixed - I hope

'Tis true - thanks so much.

I know I am used to the 4/3rds format but it seems the camera with battery power pack stands rather tall. Pleasing to see the Ali body and I do like the flash.

No doubt you are looking forward to Photokina - lots of news to come.

Regards. Barr1e

Originally Posted by DPNow

Here is a summary or excerpt from an article that has just been published on DPNow:

Here is our initial report on the new Sony Alpha 900 full frame 24.6 megapixel DSLR, launched last week. We explore the technical specifications and our experience using the camera on the launch day. And we have lots of sample images for you to download and evaluate.

More...

By the way, in the gallery, clicking on the thumbnail there's this text:

"Here is our first look at the non-reflex interchangeable lens Lumix DMC-G1"

I don't think that's accurate

[Ian]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

By the way, in the gallery, clicking on the thumbnail there's this text:

"Here is our first look at the non-reflex interchangeable lens Lumix DMC-G1"

I don't think that's accurate

Fingers crossed - I think that's the last fault fixed!

Ian

[Ian]

My impression is that Sony has some work to do in developing the Alpha brand into something that can compete on equal terms with Canon and Nikon. I think it's much easier to get photographers excited about new Canon and Nikon models than new Alphas. This is completely apart from the technical specifications, because certainly Sony is now in the same league as Canon and Nikon in that respect. I would guess if Canon or Nikon started making TVs or laptops (yes, Canon did make laptops with built in printers, but they weren't very successful), they'd be at a disadvantage to Sony in that market.

So what does Sony need to do to really develop a strong following for the Alpha brand, or are they already doing it?

I'm also keen to hear what anyone thinks about the image quality from the pre-production Alpha 900 samples I've uploaded...

Ian

[devilgas]

Originally Posted by Ian

So what does Sony need to do to really develop a strong following for the Alpha brand, or are they already doing it?

make the camera lens mount compatible with nikon / canon glass. when someone has invested heavily in one type of lens mount, swapping to something else isn't always viable.

i don't look at anything that isn't canon EF compatible as i can't afford the like-for-like swap over costs.

[Ian]

Originally Posted by devilgas

make the camera lens mount compatible with nikon / canon glass. when someone has invested heavily in one type of lens mount, swapping to something else isn't always viable.

i don't look at anything that isn't canon EF compatible as i can't afford the like-for-like swap over costs.

Haha! That's a highly personal point of view

But what made you go with Canon in the first place? I've been through various brands over the years...

Ian

[devilgas]

Originally Posted by Ian

Haha! That's a highly personal point of view

But what made you go with Canon in the first place? I've been through various brands over the years...

Ian

price basically. tried a mates 10d at a rally, was highly impressed. decided i could do with a dSLR to replace the dimage 5. the 10d was the cheapest decent quality dslr at the time, therefore went down the canon route. having now got several grands worth of EF mount glass i don't really want to trade it in for another brand, especially as the lenses i do have are a known quantity re sharpness etc and suit the stuff i shoot.

so, whatever body i were to look to in the future, it would need to be compatible with the arsenal of lenses i own as i don't want to start again. so, yes, highly personal, but to me, a valid point.

just imagine where we'd be now body-wise if lens mounts were universal....

[Stephen]

Whats happened to the image samples here Ian http://dpnow.com/5166b.html there are only captions for me atm

[Ian]

Originally Posted by Stephen

Whats happened to the image samples here Ian http://dpnow.com/5166b.html there are only captions for me atm

OK - we've just moved our images server, looks like this bit has become disconnected - thanks for pointing this out...

Ian

[Ian]

Originally Posted by Ian

OK - we've just moved our images server, looks like this bit has become disconnected - thanks for pointing this out...

Ian

OK- all fixed now

Ian