24.6MP CMOS full frame sensor
The world-leading 24.6 megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor captures exceptionally fine detail like fine strands of hair, trees in a landscape and the texture of cloth.
The
900 sensor is as large as a 35mm film frame, meaning it can capture very fine detail that’s rich in colour, highlight and contrast. As a full frame sensor, it takes full advantage of the resolving power of the
lens line-up without the image cropping issues associated with smaller sensors.
The 24.6MP sensor performs advanced processes such as analogue to digital conversion and Sony noise reduction that ‘cleans’ the signal output (both before and after conversion) to ensure crisp, sharp images even when shot at high ISO settings. And a 3-layer low pass filter preserves high resolution detail while suppressing moiré effects and colour artefacts.
The large sensor size also enriches your opportunities for creativity. The
900 takes high ISO shots with less noise, so you can shoot at much lower ISOs than previously, opening up a whole new world of available light shooting.
3” Xtra Fine LCD screen
The 3” Xtra Fine LCD screen of the α900 provides exceptionally high resolution image reproduction enhanced by an anti-reflective coating.
If the 270 ppi screen resolution was any higher, the human eye would be incapable of distinguishing the difference. That equates to around 920,000 dots of ultra-sharp image display for precise on-the-spot review plus the capacity to zoom in on detail to confirm focus.
The LCD screen displays detailed shooting information and at the touch of a button, the Quick Navi menu for easy adjustment of shooting parameters. The screen automatically switches to a vertical-format when you turn the camera sideways; and to conserve battery power, switches off altogether when you put your eye to the viewfinder.
Then when reviewing your images, histograms provide on-the-spot confirmation of exposure balance and highlight/shadow reproduction.
The
900 also features a handy top-mounted LCD for at-a-glance confirmation of settings like battery level, frames remaining, drive mode, shutter speed, aperture and exposure compensation.
Dual BIONZ processor
Exclusive to Sony, the Dual BIONZ image processor sits at the heart of the
900; processing the wealth of visual information flowing through the lens to perfectly replicate colours, texture and depth.
900 captures a vast amount of information. So a dual processor has been incorporated to convert this mass of data into stunning images.
The advanced Dual BIONZ system processes at lightning speed, providing quick shooting response and totally natural colour and tonal gradation. At the same time, noise is suppressed both before and after RAW data conversion, so detail, colour and contrast are perfectly captured every time.
This powerful processor also provides more creative options, reflecting the desired settings and Creative Styles you’ve selected and allowing you to further customise styles to your own individual preference.
SteadyShot INSIDE
The
900 features the world’s first 35mm full frame sensor image stabilisation system to neutralise the effects of camera shake, regardless of the lens you are shooting with.
The slightest movement can spoil a beautifully constructed shot. So the
900 incorporates SteadyShot INSIDE to keep images as sharp as possible.
Some anti-shake systems are lens-based so to benefit from the technology, you are restricted to certain lenses. But Super SteadyShot INSIDE is actually built into the
900 body, shifting the full frame image sensor to compensate for camera shake in real time. So blur is reduced whatever lens you are using, even if it’s a macro or wide-angle one.
SteadyShot INSIDE is faster and more powerful than previous systems, allowing you to shoot 35mm full frame images at shutter speeds from 2.5 to 4 steps slower than would otherwise be possible. So even shots that would normally require the use of a tripod or flash can now be taken handheld.
D-Range Optimiser
The D-Range (Dynamic Range) Optimiser works with the
900 full frame sensor to provide better balance to images shot with extremes of light and shadow.
High-contrast or strongly backlit scenes can lead to loss of highlight and shadow detail and tonal gradations.
While normal exposure compensation maintains low-light detail at the expense of burnt out highlights, the
D-Range Optimiser gives you perfectly exposed photographs. It does this by automatically adjusting the exposure levels for the whole scene.
The
900 also features an Advanced Mode, which offers a higher degree of compensation by analysing and adjusting each tonal area of the image separately. Bracketing functions also record the image at different optimisation levels for easy ‘best shot’ selection.
Dual Anti-Dust System
The combination of an anti-static coating and high-speed sensor vibration on turn-off, keeps your images dust free every time
All
900 buttons, dials and switches are protected from dust and moisture using gaskets and sealants. But what about dust particles contaminating the sensor when you’re changing lenses?
A Dual Anti-Dust System is employed in the
900 to reduce the risk of blurry marks spoiling your photographs.
The first component is an anti-static coating that repels dust, making it easier to remove particles from inside the camera with a blower.
The second component is a high-speed sensor vibrator that shakes off any particles each time the camera is switched off.
Full Frame viewfinder
The optically-precise α900 viewfinder provides brilliant image previews covering virtually 100% of the area of the 35mm full frame 24.6MP sensor.
It combines a high-quality optical glass pentaprism with a new high-power condenser lens to deliver brightness and 0.74x magnification.
Distortion is practically eliminated while multi-layer anti-reflective coatings help prevent ghosting. A spherical acute matte focusing screen aids manual focusing, and alternative specifications are available as options, to match your personal preferences.
The
900 viewfinder also incorporates its own shutter to stop extraneous light affecting the settings when taking long exposure shots like night skies or fireworks.
Wide choice of lenses
A wide range of lens options including a Sony-exclusive suite from Carl Zeiss, gives the α900 enormous potential for creativity.
Even the most demanding creative photographer will now be satisfied by this expanded range of
-compatible lenses.
From 11mm wide angle to 500mm reflex; with fixed, zoom and specialist options in between; all possible shooting scenarios are covered.
9-point autofocus
The
900 centre-cross 9-point autofocus system reacts fast and accurately to make sure you catch every single photo opportunity with perfect clarity.
Featuring 10 additional sensors to assist in subject detection when Wide AF is selected, it also offers improved out-of-focus detection to reduce focus hunting, and has a dedicated sensor in the center of the frame to enhance accuracy when shooting at apertures of f2.8 or larger.
With the AF Micro Adjustment facility you can fine-tune the AF focus point for up to 30 different lenses in ±20-step increments. Then these adjustments can be stored in the camera's memory and are automatically applied when the same lens is mounted again.
High Definition output
The
900 HDMI port enables direct, high quality playback to the latest BRAVIA Full High Definition LCD TVs for spectacular slideshows.
Providing the ultimate home viewing experience, this Full HD 1080 display combines the transparent clarity, colour fidelity, and rich contrast of slide film with the big-screen impact of a slide projector.
With the HDMI connected, the BRAVIA Full HD LCD TV automatically applies PhotoTV HD settings optimised for still image display, assuring fast screen response and superb image quality. And you can easily control playback using the supplied wireless remote commander.
With the
900 range you can even choose to shoot with a wide-screen 16:9 ratio (using the viewfinder boundaries) for full un-cropped and un-black-bordered image display.
Advanced Quick Navi control
Quick Navi provides fingertip control of
900 settings for ease of adjustment while a shot is being composed.
When the perfect photo opportunity presents itself, you want fast access to your camera settings. So the
900 features Quick Navi to give you easy one-handed access to all the key ones.
Pressing the Function button switches the LCD from standard information display to Quick Navi information display, where you can quickly and easily adjust shooting parameters by choosing them with the multi-selector and rotating the front or rear control dial. So, you can exercise complete control using only the thumb and forefinger of your right hand, avoiding interruption to your creative flow.
The settings accessible via Quick Navi are:
- ISO
- Exposure compensation
- Flash compensation
- Flash mode
- Drive mode
- White balance
- AF area
- D-Range Optimiser
- Creative Style
- Image quality
- Image size
Premium design and build
The body, chassis and interface of the
900 incorporate design features that meet the highest standards, even in the worst operating conditions.
The designers of the
900 utilised techniques and materials used in the manufacture of the rugged broadcast-quality video cameras produced by Sony. These include the strong and lightweight magnesium alloy body which protects the
900 against the rigours of an active life; and O rings that seal the operating interface, keeping out dust and moisture.
Then within the camera, the combination of a high tensile-strength aluminium alloy chassis and high-rigidity engineering-grade plastics provides additional structural integrity with low weight.
The shutter unit is the hardest-working moving part in any DSLR. The
900 unit is built to handle 100,000 shutter release cycles between services, withstanding exceptional shooting demands like 1/8000 second shutter speeds and 5 frames per second continuous shooting.


