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Sony Alpha 900
60
SCORE
Sony · DSLR · 24.6 MP · Full Frame

Sony Alpha 900

General 60Optics 66Features and Benefits 41Storage and Battery 71
From $2,699.99 — 1 offer
KEY FACTS
BrandSony
ModelAlpha 900
Released2008
Announcement date09/09/2008
Camera typeDSLR

General 60

Brand
Sony
Model
Alpha 900
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2008
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
09/09/2008
Camera type
DSLR
Camera size
156 x 117 x 82 mm
Camera weight
895 g

Optics 66

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24.6 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6048 x 4032
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOS
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
24 x 36
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Full Frame
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
5 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Sony Alpha
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Bionz
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:2
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
20030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
32003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
10030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
64003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
3044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
800080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
90300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Yes
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder dots
N/A
Read our notes on optics

The Sony Alpha 900 scores 60/100 in general specifications. Introduced in 2008, this DSLR camera had a launch price of $3000. With dimensions of 156 x 117 x 82mm and weighing 895g, it is a substantial piece of equipment. Compared to today’s market, the Alpha 900 has a lower score due to its age and the rapid advancements in camera technology. Despite its age, this camera still possesses valuable features for photography enthusiasts.

Sony Alpha 900 Overview and Optics

The optics of the Sony Alpha 900 receives a score of 66 out of 100. This camera boasts 24.6 megapixels, a shooting speed of 5 frames per second, and a CMOS sensor. It is powered by a Bionz processor and has a DXOMARK sensor score of 79. The full-frame sensor size and the Sony Alpha lens mount contribute to the camera’s performance.

The image stabilization feature in the Sony Alpha 900 enhances image quality, and the 3:2 aspect ratio ensures well-balanced photos. In today’s market, these specifications are decent but not groundbreaking, as many newer cameras offer higher megapixel counts, faster shooting speeds, and better overall performance.

The Sony Alpha 900’s optics may not be the most advanced in the market, but it still offers solid performance for photographers. Its features are reliable and produce good-quality images, making it a viable option for those seeking a capable camera without needing the latest technology.

Sony Alpha 900 Video Performance

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
No
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
N/A
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
N/A
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
N/A
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
No
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
N/A
Read our notes on sony alpha 900 video performance

The Sony Alpha 900 lacks video capabilities. This camera focuses on photography only, with no option to record video.

Sony Alpha 900 Features and Benefits 41

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
No
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes
Screen type
LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size
3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
9216001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Yes
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
No
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
No
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
No
Read our notes on sony alpha 900 features and benefits

The Sony Alpha 900 features a score of 41/100. The camera has a 3-inch screen with a resolution of 921,600 dots, providing clear and detailed image previews. However, it lacks a touchscreen, which is a common feature in modern cameras for easy navigation and control.

The Alpha 900 comes with a flip screen, which is useful for capturing images from different angles and for vloggers. However, it falls short in terms of connectivity options, as it does not have GPS, WIFI, or Bluetooth capabilities. These features are essential for today’s photographers who want to easily share and transfer images or control their camera remotely.

Despite its limitations, the Sony Alpha 900 has its merits, such as the flip screen, but it struggles to compete with the advanced features found in other cameras on the market.

Sony Alpha 900 Storage and Battery 71

Memory card
Compact Flash (Type I or II), Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo, UDMA Mode 5, Supports FAT12 / FAT16 / FAT32
Dual memory card slots
Yes
Battery type
NP-FM500H
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
880 shots1505000
USB charging
No
Read our notes on sony alpha 900 storage and battery

The Sony Alpha 900’s storage and battery section scores 71 out of 100. This camera has two memory card slots, accepting Compact Flash (Type I or II), Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo, UDMA Mode 5, and supports FAT12 / FAT16 / FAT32 formats. The battery life lasts for 880 shots, using the NP-FM500H battery type. However, this camera does not have USB charging capabilities.

In the current market, the Sony Alpha 900’s battery life is above average, providing ample shooting time without needing frequent battery replacement. The variety of memory card formats and dual slots offer flexibility in storage options. Despite lacking USB charging, the camera’s storage and battery performance is reliable and efficient.