Nikon D3x

	Sony A900 Comparison Summary
Sony's first foray into the world of full-frame SLRs didn't perform as well as other cameras at a similar level of price and sophistication. By no accounts was it a failure, but it didn't match the performance of competitive models in our lab testing. The A900 is one of the few cameras that the D3x out-performed more often than not. In the Sony's defense, it is significantly more user-friendly, with more automatic controls and a wider range of picture effects, and priced at $2699 compared to the $8000 Nikon.
	Canon 5D Mark II Comparison	Page 15 of 18	Nikon D90 Comparison

	Comparison Specifications
	Nikon D3x	Sony A900
Price	$7999 (body only)	$2699 (body only)
Dimensions	56.3 x 6.2 x 3.4 in./159.5 x 157 x 87.5mm 43 oz./ 1,220	6.25 x 3.25 x 4.63 in./156.3 x 81.9 x 116.9mm 30 oz./ 850g
Resolution	24.5-megapixels	24.6-megapixels
Processor	EXPEED	Dual BIONZ
Sensor size/type	35.9 x 24.0mm (35mm Full-frame) CMOS	35.9 mm x 24mm (35mm Full-frame) Exmor™ CMOS image sensor
Kit Lens	None	None
Viewfinder	Eye-level pentaprism, .07x magnification, 100% coverage	TTL, 0.74x magnification, 100% coverage
LCD	Super density, wide-viewing angle, 3 inch, 920,000 pixels	3.0" TFT Xtra Fine™ (921k pixels) LCD
Live View	Tripod mode Handheld mode	No
Shutter Speed	1/8000 to 30 sec., bulb	1/8000 to 30 sec., bulb
Burst Speed	Max. 5 shots/sec in FX format, max. 7 shots/sec in DX format	5 fps max
Autofocus	Autofocus TTL phase detection, 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors)	Dual-cross 9 point AF w/ 10 assist focus points
Exposure Compensation	±5EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV	Manual: ±3 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments
Noise Reduction	High ISO (three levels), Long Exposure	High ISO (three level), Long Exposure
ISO range	ISO 100-1600 (in 1/3, 1/2 or 1-stop increments), expandable to ISO 50-6400 equivalent	ISO 100-6400
Flash	External only	External only
Media Format	Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Lossless compressed): approx. 60-80 percent Uncompressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW) Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Compressed): approx. 45-60 percent TIFF (RGB) JPEG: JPEG-baseline-compliant; can be selected from Size priority and Optimal Quality Uncompressed 12-bit NEF (RAW)	JPEG, RAW, cRAW
Movie Mode	No	No
Media Type	CF, UDMA compatible	CF, Memory Stick Duo
Connections	NTSC, Hi-speed USB, 10-pin Terminal, HDMI, PAL	DC in, HDMI, Proprietary USB/video out
Other Hardware	No	Remote Commander wireless remote included

Performance
The A900 was the only comparison camera we looked at that scored lower in our lab tests than the D3x consistently, but even then we're not talking about a huge discrepancy. The major difference was in color and resolution, and the A900 managed to squeak ahead with dynamic range. The Sony also had a better automatic white balance performance, but the D3x was more accurate when manually set.

Components
In general, we preferred the hardware on the D3x compared to the A900. The A900's monochrome LCD provides less information than it's counterpart on the D3x, and we disliked the non-standard flash mount on the A900. The D3x also has the impressive 51-autofocus points, compared to the Sony's nine. In the A900's favor, the color LCD information display automatically rotates when the camera is held vertically, and the viewfinder has a useful sensor to turn off the LCD when hold the camera up to your eye. Both cameras have viewfinders that offer 100% field of view, which is a significant factor when framing a shot.

Handling
While both cameras are substantial, the D3x is the much larger and heavier of the two. Even given the size difference, we preferred the layout and handling of the D3x, as the buttons and grip on the A900 felt slightly awkward. Of course, for shooting in the field, we'd rather have the Sony strapped to our neck rather than the considerably more weighty Nikon.

Controls
The D3x has wider exposure compensation, more ISO choices and a much deeper set of controls over file quality. It also provides a wider variety of white balance presets, as well as better fine control over them, a larger range of exposure compensation, and more options for image quality, and setting focus areas across the 51-autofocus points. Where the Sony has a little victory is that is has more picture effects/color modes, which are useful to some shooters.

	ISO Examples
	Nikon D3x	Sony A900
ISO 50
	Nikon D3x	Sony A900
ISO 100
	Nikon D3x	Sony A900
ISO 200
	Nikon D3x	Sony A900
ISO 400
	Nikon D3x	Sony A900
ISO 800
	Nikon D3x	Sony A900
ISO 1600
	Nikon D3x	Sony A900
ISO 3200
	Nikon D3x	Sony A900
ISO 6400

Canon 5D Mark II Comp	Page 15 of 18		Nikon D90 Comparison
Nikon D3x Digital Camera Review Navigation
Intro	Product Tour	Color	Noise
Resolution	White Balance	Sample Photos	Playback
Hardware	Controls	Design & Handling	Speed & Timing
Nikon D700 Comparison	Canon 5D Mark II Comp	Sony A900 Comparison	Nikon D90 Comparison
Conclusion	Specs & Ratings