Sony Alpha A900 - First Impression Video by DigitalRev

[123sasakigmailcom]

Mr.Handsman, if you shaving off your hands hair, you will turn become kai.

i am sure of it :)

[MrPlaystationboy]

instruction menu

[TheMusicLeecher]

GIVE ME YOUR a900!! please? :)

(I chukin' wish I had money to buy a DSLR)

[frankiemcp11]

funky shutter sound!

[MrDimk777]

Can you review it once again?

[TheKRNG]

Where's the British Accent?

[JadenShelton]

I dont like it.

[onaradu]

I liked this type of videos more, than the ones they do now.

[MrPlaystationboy]

@onaradu sorry i accedently puted thumbs up for youre comment i meant to do thumbs down

[onaradu]

@MrPlaystationboy Well maybe deep inside you wanted to give me a thumbs up, because you know this type of videos have more about PHOTOGRAPHY in them, then the attempt of online sitcom they have now... ;)

[danapointtrainer]

oh, and btw... to those of you Nikon fanboys... guess who makes the D3X's sensor? It's practically the same sensor to Sony's a900, but Nikon had the sensor's specs slightly changed just so it isn't identical to Sony a900's sensor.

[PanzarMetal]

Donno the a900 has a FX sensor and its cheaper, sooooo

I would still with nikon :P

[JippaLippa]

Don't know why the numbers says a lot for this camera, but i still really prefer the cheaper Canon 5D Mark II

[drewyisation]

@blindside7 stop being a stuck up, pompous prick! Sony is relatively new to the DSLR market give it a chance!!!

[danapointtrainer]

@drewyisation actually... they are NOT that new... remember, Sony came in to bank roll Minolta, that's been around a long time (ya know? the people that invented auto focus and wireless flash setups?)

[drewyisation]

Excellent review, I seriously want this camera! Cheers

[wouterthebmxer]

Look at that thing hoahaohaha! thats so ugly!

Nikon +1

[Babanghans]

@wouterthebmxer shut up!! im canon user but this one also a nice camera....sony have image stabiliser inside and working together with carl zeiss for the len, its also far much cheaper compare to top class camera from canon or nikon

[blindside7]

Lol, use Nikon or Canon if you want to be taken seriously

[AldossariEOS]

@blindside7 I agree you, however we shouldn't despite Sony's improvements.

[shadow0466666594]

wow it comes with an instruction manual, software cd and a neck strap... I'm impressed

[ocal832]

where's Kai?

[Zombiekiller490]

Great video man I gave you full rates! You are so lucky to have that beautiful girl that is my dream camera:( but really helpful video:) thanks

[360TheLorenz]

I've always heard that in terms of image quality and noise quality Canon 5dmk2 and Nikon D700 has always been better. anybody here who supports that?

[gerSick]

@360TheLorenz

First off: all 3 cameras are great tools and offer good performance for their price.

Than IQ talk can lead to complex stuff, as well.

For example is there a big visible difference between low ISO IQ and let's say 12800 ISO.

While at 200 ISO the A900 will win, at the later one the C&Ns are holding up way way way better.

Also the A900 does bad in camera JPEG.

Or if you look at a big print from ISO 6400 image the 3 will be closer than when compring at 100% zoom on the PC.

[shallowlife]

My 7D Pwns this, and actually costs 1/3rd of the A900. Pwned ;P

[sonyalphamale]

@shallowlife the 7d is only cheaper because its an apsc camera and its not a full frame camera like the a900 and ur also comparing a nearly 2 year old camera to a 1 year old camera so obviously there would be a difference in technological advancements. nonetheless, the a900 takes great photos and has an impressive dynamic range

[shallowlife]

@sonyalphamale

Yep thats true, but the price of the Sony a900 is still very high.

I can not see why anyone would buy this instead of a Canon 7D.

[sonyalphamale]

@shallowlife well it is around the same price in the full frame category with the canon 5d mark 2 and the nikon d700. ppl who would buy this camera are mainly landscape photographers, wedding photographers and studio photographers who would need a 24.6 megapixel sensor that is capable of good quality large prints. the a850 is a cheaper alternative to the a900. some people will choose this camera over the 7d mainly because its a full frame camera strictly designed for taking still photos

[shallowlife]

@sonyalphamale

I guess for landscape photographers it would be interesting.

The 7D should be the choice for wildlife photographers or anything that requires a fast shutterspeed.

I must say though, that I like the bulky look of the Sony a900.

[gerSick]

@shallowlife

FF is so much better than APS-C in many image quality factors.

The A900 has outstanding DR.

It's great in low to mid ISO settings.

The Viewfinder is much better than the eos 7D's one.

Also the handling is slightly ahead for my feelings over the 7D.

On the alpha there are more buttons to select or enter a setting whil 7D it's often one.

Harder to get used to.

----------->

The A900 is for People loving pure IQ but not needing Video, LV, and all the nice features of the eos 7D ;o)

[shallowlife]

@gerSick  But its just low to mid ISO settings. Well, anyways - I think any true photographer should be heading for Nikon or Canon.

My two cents

[gerSick]

@shallowlife There is no such thing as the "true photographer". - want fast AF -> Canon&Nikon - want highest ISO -> some C&Ns - want rental 24/7 replacement service -> C&N - want jpeg out of the camera -> C&N -- can do RAW convert -> Sony - want best prints without medium format gear -> Sony A900 - want the best glass with AF -> Sony Zeiss and most G want hardware buttons to access photo functions -> A850/A900 or 700D but no current Canon PS: There great photographers that HATE Video or even LV

[shallowlife]

@gerSick I am sorry mate but a I disagree.

Lets face it, Nikon and Canon have been into the Photography business for years.

$ony just entered to make money, they make TV´s Notebooks etc. Canon and Nikon dont. They focus on their work.

Of course $ony´s strategy isnt dumb, boosting a Decent Camera with lots of megapixels and offer it cheaper than the competitors.

Still I think anyone serious about Photography wont go for $ony.

Cheers

[gerSick]

@shallowlife

As far as history goes:

Sony took over the SLR department (and bought back outsourced Lens development) from Minolta.

You know: those guys that made the first modern AF SLR in 1985.

Looking how fast the A900 was released, it is clear that it ages back into the Konica Minolta years.

Also it is to 90% known that most Nikon used sensors are from Sony (not the 12mp FF).

D3X = A900 sensor

Of cause Canon, Nikon, Olympus or even Pentax also have great history... too big for this box.

[shallowlife]

@gerSick Well I guess you are right.

I like this camera a lot, but the down sides are just too big for my taste..

Anyways, Zeiss rules of course - but then again, so does everything made in Germany! haha just kidding.

[loongyeah]

To Salha7, if someone offered you a Mont Blanc, a Cross, or a Parker pen, which 1 would you pick? Would your selected pen improve your handwriting? Camera is only a tool to present your work, I've seen great photos from D40, but lousy photos from D700; in fact, you're everything in photography. Unless Nikon pays your salary, or your're shareholder of Nikon, there's no Nikon man. Buying a Nikon does'nt make you a photographer, it only makes you a Nikon owner. All 3 DSLRs mentioned are great tools

[gerSick]

C is custom button.

Creative Mode is only the default setting but can be changed to quick access other settings.

There is a list in the menu (and in the manual) what can be bound to the button.

Not customize able like high grade Nikon or Canon but still useful.

Please add a comment bubble that it is not bound to the creative mode.

[OglanciMuslum]

you really need good Lens with this camera

I would suggest go for Carl Zeiss Lenses

I have bought Canon 5D mark II and used it for a week and took it back to shop for refund I did not like it @ all and picture quality not good as A900

I am very happy with this camera with 24.70 Carl Zeiss Lens

Honestly I can say this camera is great and value for money is brilliant

go ahead and try it and you will be pleasantly suprise

[Zedkiell]

in what parallel universe is sony better than Canon or Nikon ? sony now makes everything and is specialist in nothing, Canon all the way!! +1

[AirUpThere996]

@Zedkiell

learn some grammar before you go hating.

[loongyeah]

I am not on any side of brand name; however, if Sony is not any better than Nikon nor Canon which I agree with, there is no proof that Nikon or Canon is better than Sony/Minolta in any aspect. I am sure that even Canon does not dare to announce they are better than Nikon or Sony in making DSLR or any camera, then I wonder how your "Canon all the way!" stands?

[iamagog]

That was really helpful. It's the first video I've found on this camera to show the menus/functions in action. And after researching a lot on these I still learned something new: cRAW option gives a compressed 70% file.

[xXxmidgexXx]

Sony > Nikon

[SuperRudy94]

A 900 I have the A300 & its stunning quality & the Sony A900 Is AMAZING ALL THE WAY so definitely Sony

[Salha7]

Right let me ask all of you this, lets say someone offered you a Nikon D700, a canon 5d mkII and a sony A900

Which one would you pick? I'm a Nikon man so D700 in my case.

[SuperRudy94]

@Salha7 Sony @ 900 All the way no questions its the best!!!!! :)

[Salha7]

I beg to differ my friend =)

[k9forkids]

Canon all the way!

[panzarw]

its interesting the a900 is just like the d700 but sony costs much less.

Sony should really stick in the photo game cuz canon and nikon got to fat and lazy.

Kinda thinking if i would go for better quality and higher resolution i would buy the a900 with that zeiss lens, but a900 has a small iso range a nikon d80 i think has the same.

[bentaum]

Macho prism!

[Timsalt3100]

it's a nice feature rich camera but it's too chunky and it's too heavy , I have had a little play with this model as my partner has one but , She does not use it alot as she prefers her A700 (she's does allsorts of clever SLR stuff) Since I am new to the DSLR's I am sticking to the A230 i am getting in just over a week.

[AndyBJ]

I'm quite impressed that it comes with a remote control - that is good - Nik and Can should consider the same.

[sbs260]

yeah... nikon uses sony sensors

i was surprised when i heard that because i thought nikon made their own

[ValueMSW]

nikon d90 is sufficient for me...

btw, d90 uses cmos sensor from sony.

[socal1000]

i would use an slr beacuse a point and shoot take's time my nikon is really slow

1 full 10mp shot takes 2.5 sec with this camera in normal mode i snap off 4-5 frames in that time in continuous you can shoot at least 9-10

[dvamateur]

Nice lens. I have the 24-70mm f/2.8. It is very good, but it doesn't have the killer shallow depth of field as a 1.4. The Zeiss 135mm is cool too. Interestingly enough though, many photographers favorite focal lenght is 85mm. I wonder why. I think sony also has a very expensive 35mm f/1.4, and very reaonably priced 50mm f/1.4. Fast lenses are awesome for shooting in low light. Add to it the Steady Shot, and you don't have to go over 400 ISO to get nice shots in natural light.

[davidrivas305]

Can anybody please tell me what lens is attached to the A900?

[boilfacer]

The lens at the beginning of the video is a Carl Zeiss 85mm f1.4 lens (SAL-85F14Z).

A very nice lens indeed.

[laxativee]

Indeed a fine lens, but no need to pay that amount. Samyang 85mm f/1.4 does all that the Zeiss does for a fraction of the price. You indeed lose autofocus though. Just a hint for some of the newbies to photography ;-)

[catalin205]

@boilfacer is zeiss better than Nikkor or L series from Canon ?

[boilfacer]

@catalin205 : I only have experience with the Sony, but I imagine Nikkor and Canon's top-of-line 85mm's are very good too.

Not sure if I can post links on YouTube, PM me if they don't work...

[elr2141979]

@boilfacer i was going to ask about the lens i want to to get this camera and the lens.

[boilfacer]

@elr2141979 The A850 and A900 are great full-frame cameras. Sony will release new full-frame bodies next year. Cameras come and go, but great lenses last a life-time...

The 85mm is a great portrait lens. For a more general purpose lens, the Zeiss 24-70 is top-notch, as is the 16-35 for landscape, and on a full-frame provides some artistic distortion at the very wide end.

Canon, Nikon and Sony all have great full-frame offerings. The important thing is choosing the right glass.

[TomZentra]

@boilfacer Actually that's not true. Newer lenses are manufactured with better components and lens coatings. This makes them optimized for digital photography. The era of holding on to lenses forever and expecting them to perform as well as others 10 and more years into the future is no longer applicable with modern cameras.

[boilfacer]

@TomZentra I imagine some classic Zeiss and Leica M lens owners would disagree with you. While there is some evidence that older lens cannot resolve the current crop of 24MP sensors, I doubt in real world usage they would disappoint.

Besides, the lenses I were talking about were manufactured for digital SLR's. I will be using my Zeiss glass for years to come :)

[TomZentra]

@boilfacer Disagreement on issues is the nature of the Internet. There often is an opposite view regardless of the subject or the truth of the matter. I would not be the least surprised if there is a rebuttal from someone who claims film and old lenses is better than a digital sensor and a specially designed lens for a camera. As for Leica owners, you cannot tell them anything. They believe they have the best equipment and they will not listen to anyone who shows them otherwise.

[SpazztikNinjaFilms]

omg whats the opening song? everyone uses it

[lorikzzz]

doesn't it come with a lens

[divingerik]

Nope ... Professional DSLR's never do.

[BigPreme]

you can purchase them in kits though generally.

[fractalien]

preciosa

[llovedead]

ok .

how about .. sony A350 .

is it good .

thank's

[anticimexxx]

...the king of small format cameras!

[MrBeunhaas]

If've got this camera, its awesome!!!

[lem0nch]

how much it coasts? i´m saving money but dunno if choose a canon 4D or this..

=D

[cssful]

3400€.. if you're beginner you should buy Nikon D90 its only 900€ and it's awesome :)

[lem0nch]

0_0 just 3400€?! lol! even 5D is cheaper!! woo!

thnx m8! i´ll check that, i´m still saving money ;-) so i could not earn this even in 4 years without leaving food haha

greetings! =D

[cssful]

no problem :) and from german ebay you can get this camera for ~2000€ with 4Gb memory stick etc.. ;)

[llovedead]

thank's but .

what's the good .. nikon p80 or sony a900??

thank's

[masticina]

The Sony a900 is full frame, the nikon seems to be an APS-C one, quite a difference..

[Q124R]

Sony A900 is for the more serious and professional photographer. The Nikon P80 is a superzoom camera with terrible battery life. The P80 can't have its lenses changed, so i guess you should take the A900, if you think you can use it of course.

[ronniegogs]

A900 is $2,699.00

while P80 $296.95

So i guess you easily can figure it out from tht....

[marinell8228]

which camera is better this one, then nikon D3x or the canon EOS 1Ds Mark III ?

[scaredweepel]

Let me give you a real world scenario: A night shoot, in a wooded location:

I have a model right of frame. In the foreground I have a few trees which a blurred, given depth to the picture. Now I have a flash to the left and right of the model, and a rim light behind. I have your (PROFESSIONAL) sit-up that (MOST) professionals use. However, my built - in flash is being blown-out by the trees and it's not commanding the other flashes!? Why? can you help me please, sacredgeometry ?

[sacredgeometry]

?why would it get blown out? use a reflector and a SG-31R on the built in flash.

[sacredgeometry]

btw pointing out the weaknesses of a system and ignoring the strengths is fine. But all systems no matter if they are professional or not have issues the solutions come from initiative ... or if you are lacking in that department you could throw lots of money at it and see if it sticks. :P

[scaredweepel]

pointing out the bloody weaknesses was the point!

[sacredgeometry]

so you remote trigger all your flashes? look i am not having a go or being obtuse im just saying nothing is completely without use ...except maybe a sloth haha

[herriho]

go and buy the canon eos 5D mark II. it's worth the money.

[fetthunderdome]

that's why sony is ridicolous: no pop up built in flash but AUTO mode.

ahahah

[kingmotan]

I have the A350 but I dream at this monster.,

[Cr4zYH3aD]

why a steadyshot button ? You put it on and never touch it again, why would you want blurry pictures. it should just have it at on by default and no option tu turn it off.

[anticimexxx]

Because it can cause problems when using a tipod.

[MladenJanjic]

Stop complaining about A900 not having built-in flash. Built-in flash complicates sealing, plus it is not easy to put built in flash on a bulge caused by huge viewfinder prism. How many 35mm FF digital cameras have bult-in flash, close to 100% coverage and big magnification?

The only practical professional use of bult-in flash is using it to fire external flash remotely when you don't have 2 of them, like some Nikon models do.

[astro1218]

very nice camera ! has a flimsy shutter sound and at 5fps is lags on the first shot....

[KoenigNazgul]

Its designed for serious studio and landscape photographers who want maximum detail and will often be using lower iso range. It's not a sports camera and it's most certainly not a point and shoot. No pro level bodies have a built in flash, this reduces their weight.

If I didn't have heavy lens investment in Canon this would be my next camera, especially for the in-camera anti-shake. As it is I'll be moving from the 30D to the 5D Mk II very soon.

[cyberscope]

Uhh... it's not supposed to be practical; more specialized. Practical are beginner dSLRs which are made for that. Easy and auto-modes with functions to support that.

I use my pop-ups 1% of the time and when I need flash that means a mountable one is required for a good shot.

[globenavigator]

Pffff, no pop up flash, no video? So I have to buy a flash unit when I go out at night to take pics of friends in a restaurant or party ?... Disappointing... Not practical. Expensive at the end...

[Pingletons]

There's like two DSLRs that play video. Only an idiot would buy this to take simple pictures at a friends party. You obviously have no clue when it comes to cameras.

[globenavigator]

No, my friend. I am in the camera business. I still have a Hasselblad 500ELM from the old days of film. I owned many Nikon SLR's and in 2004 I bought a Sony F828 which at that time was a state-of-the-art digital camera.I only say that they could have done the same with the Alpha900. Canon and others are working on video + built in flash. Technology is there so why don't use it. The next version will be probably the one to buy. Consumers rule and the market will push for that.

[Pingletons]

You still don't get the fact that this camera is not targeted at people who want to take simple pictures. For that, you can use your tiny sensored cybershot. And yes, some entry levels dslrs do have pop up flash, my Olympus e420 being one of them. The technology is there to make .22lrs rounds shoot out of a camera too. The point is, there IS no point. Oh, and only a fool would buy a SLR design for serious video capabilities. They came out with this technology years ago called a camcorder.

[globenavigator]

Funny,what is the problem of making your life easier and not go around with accessories?It is like someone who wants to buy car but don't want the radio in it when he can purchase one already installed.I call that stubborn anti-practical masturbation.A flash would be handy. You could be in situations where you need one and you dont have your separate flash unit with you (or is broken, battery low etc...)I want all in one. We are getting close to this in a few years and everyone will then buy.

[Pingletons]

Like I said, many cameras do have a built in flash. Its not some foreign technology that you make it out to be. Its really simple. For PROFESSIONAL cameras however, there are some problems. One of them being flash placement. In order to get a decent photo, you need the flash way above the lens, so that the picture does not have usual glare. This requires a large protrusion; they cannot reflect light out of thin air. There are convienient cameras already. They are called point and shoots.

[yfjameslo]

It's very unfortunate when, as DSLRs become more and more popular, people buy them for their looks and not for quality.

DSLRs are about image quality. It's not how many features that counts. If you want the most features, get a DC instead.

[TruePoindexter]

Ummm..... It's a near professional level camera - not one targeting at someone taking pictures of their friends at a party. A pro never uses built-in flash anyway. They use high powered flash guns. And video? Video is just the new gimmicky thing people are throwing into DSLR's - they don't even autofocus as you change the zoom. Compact cameras do better with video than those cameras do in many ways....

[yokechye]

so why doesnt 5d/1d, d3/d3x has built in flash?

[globenavigator]

Because engineers don't think engough...

[scaredweepel]

Because the pro-market doesn't require such rubbish features. You have no control over the flash at all - Direct flash needs to be set correctly for good results. However off-camera flash is much more workable, so the need for a built-in direct automatic flash is pointless - the shots look shite!

[fetthunderdome]

let me tell you a thing.

pop up flash can be used not only for light, but as a servo for external flash units. that's a lack for pro bodies, because you have to buy a remote controller servo for the units, and that's not cheap.

[scaredweepel]

maybe you should look into the pros and cons of that and then tell me a thing!

good luck!

[fetthunderdome]

better for you i don't

[sacredgeometry]

? are you joking haha most professionals are realizing the benefits of pop up flashes on cameras even if its just using it to command other strobes. The reason its not on pro cameras is because it degrades the structural rigidity of the body. replacing the magnesium prism covers with a plastic that could easily get damaged.

[scaredweepel]

So a burst of light triggers the flashes off, right? So in order for that command to work, those flash units need to be in view of the cameras built-in flash>? So the camera has no other option but to record that built-in flash? Sure you can diffuse it, but does that add more issues with sync?

So what creative examples and dynamic lighting effects are you going achieve?

[sacredgeometry]

hey its not my personal preference i have just seen it alot, i personally am a natural light photographer in 90% of situations but working with alot of studio photographers with some pretty high end kit i have noticed that a trend.

[scaredweepel]

There comes a time when you have to rely on your experiences and knowledge and not that of people who think they know best. If you look at the Specs of the D700 compared to the D3 that's the reason for most peoples decision.

[sacredgeometry]

i bought the d3! My reason for not getting a d700 is they are not pro bodys and i am used to f4s and my little leica m3s build quality so going into situations a only a pro (which i am not quite) would get into with a d300 has left me with a slightly broken camera :(

Trust me there is next to nothing you can do with a d3 which this camera would do of you look at the specs of the d700 there is very little except veiwfinder, shutter and lack of plastic top selling the d3.

But then you know that

[sacredgeometry]

? light reflects of most things its not like they have to be pointed at the camera... and commander mode pre flashes so its only really a problem with reflective surfaces which there are techniques and workarounds for

[sacredgeometry]

haha you are right, i have seen this alot recently with people bringing in d700s to studio shoots instead of their d3s it almost makes me cry :(

[IdiotsGon3Wild]

Because, they are prosumer cameras.

They aren't meant for just walking around taking snapshots of whatever they see. Most pro's would have external flash units or strobes that they would trigger with the camera.

[dvamateur]

To take pictures of friends at a party you'd better off using a compact camera, not an SLR.

[tompk12]

no live view ??????

[kombizz05]

After waiting for a very long time for A900, By my surprise, I found the grip was bigger Than my Camera Minolta Dynax 7.

[shaileshfamily]

wow but damn expensive!

[mastra]

Actually if you compare the price with other full-frames dslr is not that expensive.

[neodelphi]

what happened to the original bald host of digirev?

[eddie2042]

remember guys, it's not just about the camera, it's also about the photographer. in other words, it's not mainly about your gear, but rather what YOU do with it. =D

me (n00b) can use the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III and a pro can use a Nikon D60, and he'll definitely take better pics

[JcWhatCounts20]

I'll stick with my XSi. 24 MP is absurd.

[RomarioSuwandy]

It's too expensive... kinda professional..

[anticimexxx]

Best Camera ever made beside the Analog Minolta Dynax 9.

Get lost Canon and Nikon Crap.

[charlesfoto7]

Do you have a website, since the gear you use would indicate you to be a pro? I don't take much stock in dpreview reviews nor do I accept as gospel samples viewed on computer monitors. Again, you bought the camera, you are praising it, enjoy it. I'll stick to my Nikons and my Mamiya 7II. Enjoy.

[charlesfoto7]

Whatever. Credibility is questionable when you even mention MF backs with this camera, with many reviews stating the sensor is noise-filled above ISO400. Though I am a Nikon user, there is absolutely nothing the Sony offers that would want me to switch. Studio, landscape photography...maybe the Sony is OK, but if I were a studio pro, it would be MF all the way. Enjoy your purchase.

[charlesfoto7]

It's still all subjective. "Unbeatable"...not so. It's all a matter of opinion. If you feel it's the best tool for you, great.

[wattame]

Cannon and nikon are very very good... and sony is really steppin up.....

[thomasward00]

Great looking camera, Sony is stepping up..

[charlesfoto7]

Everyone has to justify the purchase they made. Read the various reviews...the Sony is not good at high ISOs. 24Mp aren't as important as most think...how many of you are actually going to produce big enlargements? Not many of you, I'll bet. It's no better than the equivalent Nikon/Canon models.

[homey69]

And 2yrs from now, its not the end of a900 :D remember the firmware update V1.4 from a100 and a700, it made the camera even more better AF in low light and ISO noise w8 till the firmware v1.4 for a900 will be relase :D i think there will be less noise in 3200 if that filmware comes out

[ftpaddict]

Sony's Intelligent Preview = Pentax' Digital Preview.

Yay for innovation!

[W4yneBO]

I find it quite funny how all those jealous nikon people want to make this camera look bad.

Instead of focusing on taking good pictures they always take this like a equipment war they have to fight for the firm they've chosen.

Silly kindergarten behaviour.

Get real (images) people.

BTW: you can take stunning pictures with REALLY outdated equipment too, it just takes more skill which I'm unsure if any of those people have

[yfjameslo]

Should I wait for the 5D Mark II or buy the a900 now? Or should I buy a second hand 5D and spend the rest of the money for lenses?

[Fogducker19]

I'd just wait and get the 5d MK2. Dont get the first 5D cause the MK2 is a big improvement over the first. However, if you don't care about megapixels or HD Video recording too much, then you might want to consider the D700 instead.

[yfjameslo]

Thanks!

[shmeldrick]

I'd go for the original 5d if you don't need all the megapixels of the a900 and spend more money on lenses, or, if you don't need a full-frame, definately go for the sony a700 and spend money on lenses as this is a really good camera and sony's lenses are generally better quality than nikon or canon, not being biased but its true

[atarist123]

yfjameslo, please don't be offedned by this. If you have to ask a question like that, then I don't think your ready to be in this league of camera. Perhaps start with something more entry-level like a d60, d90, or the Sony/Canon equivalent. Practice, and when your ready, then you'll know EXACTLY what you need.

[yfjameslo]

No I'm not offended. And well, I'm actually using the Panasonic L10 right now and I'm not satisfied with its noise performance (which, as you may expect, is quite bad due to its relatively small sensor)

Well I checked out the 50D and the D300, and I've decided that I would rather take a step straight to full frame instead of switching APS-C cameras every two years or something. Might be a bad decision according to your comment?

But thank you anyways.

[atarist123]

You're more versed than you let on in your first comment. If low noise is your main reason for switching, then I think you should go for it. I'm still using APS-C, but I'm only buying full frame lenses so that I'll be ready for the switch. Just make sure that the maker you go with has all the lenses that you'll need, because switching lens and body brands can be really expensive. My guess is that in 2 years, they'll have under $2,000 full-frames.

[yfjameslo]

Thank you very much for patiently answering my questions. Well, I have decided to stay with my L10 for a while, maybe for another year, and purchase a 5D Mark II after the full reviews are out and its price goes down a bit.

It would be quite unreasonable for me to buy it at the peak of its price since full frames will eventually get under $2000 anyway if your prediction is correct.

[bigblocke]

Why doesn't the a900 feature live view, doesn't professional DSLR's have that today? Anyway I think it's going to pose a real threat against the top range DSLR's of todays market, good work sony!

[ryanpoorman]

ugly camera. nikon is best.

[JcWhatCounts20]

NIKON FTW. This camera is huge and typical Sony. Tons of connections cluttering the side, over the top 24 MP... Who the eff needs 24 megapixels?! I guess if you plan on printing 100 foot banners or something. Otherwise it's huge and probably nothing near the quality of a Nikon.

[yokechye]

so why did nikon release a D3x with a 24mp sensor then?

[LinuxGalore]

I like the software in the Sony A series but the lack of a top mount LCD has turned me of until now, good work Sony for listening to your customers.

[xxxAndyApatheticxxx]

wow,should i get this or the nikon d700?

[Fogducker19]

would you rather have:

2x the megapixels

100% coverage viewfinder

Steadyshot inside

OR.,..

51 Point AF

Live View

Overall better image quality( for most people's needs, anyways)

ISO UP TO 25600!

[MagicMan135]

D700.

Nothing against Sony, but just my opinion, the Nikon is a 'better' camera for the price you are paying.

I guess 'better' isn't the right word to use here, but it's a bit hard to explain.

Use them both, and chose the one you like better.

And don't call me bias, I shoot a Sony.

[Fogducker19]

Same here, I use a Sony, but I'd definately get the D700

[GutarDrummer69]

one other thing I'd like to point out is that you truly don't need the 24 megapixels unless your shooting billboard photos. Plus if you need to take photo with that high of a resolution your going to need a larger sensor and you shouldn't be considering a DSLR you should be looking at buying a hasselblad. Plus with the D700 you can purchase a battery grip for $200 that will boost the D700's frame per second capability from 4 to 8.

[Fogducker19]

Quick Correction: The MB-D10 battery grip boosts the D700's FPS from FIVE to EIGHT FPS.

So at standard speed, its the same as the a900.

[GutarDrummer69]

Gotcha thanks for the info I just thought that it was 4 originally but that just makes it even more impressive.

[magix93]

its good but i would buy a nikon d700 anyway

[JcWhatCounts20]

Nikon FTW.

[MandeepGadgetBoy]

Absolutely amazing.