Sony Alpha A900

	Sony A900 versus Canon 50D Summary
These two cameras are clearly in different classes, the Sony A900 with its full-frame sensor at 24.6-megapixel resolution, the Canon 50D with an APS-C-sized 15.1-megapixel sensor, yet there are several areas in our testing where the 50D proved a worthy competitor. It outperformed the Sony in color accuracy and delivereding the best white balance score in our test group. The Canon is also far more affordable, with a $1600 price difference. That said, the Canon 50D isn't actually that much smaller or lighter than the Sony A900, which delivers far superior resolution, long exposure and dynamic range results, offers more extensive user customization options and a great optical viewfinder.
	Canon 5D Mark II Comparison	Page 14 of 18	Nikon D90 Comparison

	Comparison Specifications
	Sony A900	Canon 50D
Price	$2999 (body only)	$1399 (body only)
Dimensions	6.25 x 3.25 x 4.63 in./156.3 x 81.9 x 116.9mm 30 oz./ 850g	5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 in./145.5 x 107.8 x 73.5mm 25.7 oz./730g
Resolution	24.6-megapixel	15.1-megapixels
Processor	Dual BIONZ	DIGIC 4
Sensor size/type	35.9 mm x 24mm (35mm Full-frame) Exmor™ CMOS image sensor	22.3mm x 14.9mm CMOS
Kit Lens	none	28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
Viewfinder	TTL, 0.74x magnification, 100% coverage	Eye-level pentaprism, 0.95x magnification, 95% coverage
LCD	3.0" TFT Xtra Fine™ (921k pixels) LCD	TFT color, liquid-crystal monitor, 3 inch, 920,000 pixels
Live View	No	Manual focus Autofocus (Live View image interrupted for AF): Quick mode, Live mode, Live Face Detection mode
Shutter Speed	1/8000 second - 30 seconds, bulb	1/8000 to 30 sec., bulb
Burst Speed	5 fps max	Max. 6.3 shots/sec.
Autofocus	Dual-cross 9 point AF w/ 10 assist focus points	9 AF points (Cross-type)
Exposure Compensation	Manual: ±3 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments	Manual: ±3 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments (can be combined with AEB)
Noise Reduction	High ISO (three level), Long Exposure	High ISO (three levels), Long Exposure
ISO range	ISO 100-6400	ISO 100-3200 (in 1/3-stop increments), expandable to ISO 100-12800
Flash	External only	Retractable, auto pop-up flash
Media Format	JPEG, RAW, cRAW (compressed RAW)	JPEG, RAW (14-bit, Canon original), sRAW, RAW+JPEG
Movie Mode	No	No
Media Type	CF (UDMA compatible), Memory Stick Duo	CF, UDMA compatible
Connections	DC in, HDMI, Proprietary USB/video out	USB, Video out, HDMI, WFT-E3A extension system
Other Hardware	Remote Commander wireless remote included	No

Performance
Especially considering the $1600 price gap between the two cameras, the Canon 50D produced some impressive comparative results, besting the Sony A900 in two color-related categories (color accuracy and white balance) and coming close in our image noise testing under studio lights (though lagging in the long exposure testing in subdued lighting). The Canon 50D offers a snappy 6 shots per second tested burst mode performance shooting at 15 megapixels, but the Sony is remarkably close with 4.44 fps at 24.6 megapixels.

Components
With it 24.6-megapixel full-frame sensor, the Sony A900 is clearly in a different class of camera when it comes to producing photo files that withstand tremendous enlargement and/or cropping with minimal image deterioration. If you're in a dark room, though, the Canon 50D does offer a convenient pop-up flash, versus the Sony expectation that you'll carry an external flash along with the already-bulky camera and lens. Both cameras provide 3-inch LCD screens with 921,000-dot resolution, so going with the Canon doesn't mean compromising on that score, though the excellent Sony A900 viewfinder is much more comfortable to use, and provides a more complete picture of the picture at hand.

Handling
The Canon 50D is a middleweight contender, not all that much lighter or smaller than the Sony A900 despite their different sensor configurations. However, we do prefer the grip on the 50D, particularly with the more agreeable button positioning that lets you reach key controls without repositioning your hand the way the Sony A900 demands. We also like the circular control wheel mounted on the back of the 50D, which rotates more smoothly and comfortably than the more conventional thumb-wheel controls on the A900.

Controls
The expanded ISO range of the Canon 50D gives it an apparent advantage, but given the noise levels when shooting at ISO 12800, that edge is more mathematical than practical. The two cameras match up spec for spec when it comes to shutter speed, exposure compensation and noise reduction capabilities, though the Canon 5D does offer the Live View feature the Sony lacks. We like the Canon menu system, which works efficiently and looks great on the high-res screen, but the Sony A900 Quick Navi system, which makes all the key settings accessible from a single LCD display, gives Sony the edge in this regard, particularly with the addition of automatic screen orientation rotation, a major boon when shooting in portrait mode.

	ISO Examples
	Sony A900	Canon 50D
ISO 100
	Sony A900	Canon 50D
ISO 200
	Sony A900	Canon 50D
ISO 400
	Sony A900	Canon 50D
ISO 800
	Sony A900	Canon 50D
ISO 1600
	Sony A900	Canon 50D
ISO 3200
	Sony A900	Canon 50D
ISO 6400
	Sony A900	Canon 50D
ISO 12800	Not Available
	Sony A900	Canon 50D

This section of the review was updated with revised results and scores on July 15, 2009. These changes did not affect the relative ratings of the reviewed cameras.

Canon 5D Mark II Comp	Page 14 of 18		Nikon D90 Comparison
Sony A900 Digital Camera Review Navigation
Intro	Product Tour	Color	Noise
Resolution	White Balance	Sample Photos	Playback
Hardware	Controls	Design & Handling	Speed & Timing
Canon 5D Mark II Comp	Canon 50D Comparison	Nikon D90 Comparison	Nikon D700 Comparison
Conclusion	Specs & Ratings