Sony Alpha A900

	Sony A900 versus Canon 5D Mark II Summary
Both full-frame-sensor cameras shoot at very high megapixel counts (24.6 for the Sony, 21.1 for the Canon), with the A900 scoring higher in our overall resolution testing. Sony also delivers in-camera image stabilization, so unlike the Canon there's no need to buy image-stabilized lenses, along with the best optical viewfinder we've seen. The Canon 5D Mark II is easier to handle, though, and delivered lower image noise and superior color accuracy. And the Canon offers both Live View and movie shooting, while the Sony lacks both features.
	Speed & Timing	Page 13 of 18	Canon 50D Comparison

	Comparison Specifications
	Sony A900	Canon 5D Mark II
Price	$2999 (body only)	$2699 (body only
Dimensions	6.25 x 3.25 x 4.63 in./156.3 x 81.9 x 116.9mm 30 oz./ 850g	6.0 x 4.5 x 3.0 in./152.0 x 113.5 x 75.0mm 28.6 oz./810g
Resolution	24.6-megapixels	21.1-megapixels
Processor	Dual BIONZ	DIGIC 4
Sensor size/type	35.9 mm x 24mm (35mm Full-frame) Exmor™ CMOS image sensor	36.0mm x 24.0mm (35mm Full-frame) CMOS
Kit Lens	none	EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM
Viewfinder	TTL, 0.74x magnification, 100% coverage	Eye-level pentaprism, 0.71x magnification, 98% coverage
LCD	3.0" TFT Xtra Fine™ (921k pixels) LCD	TFT color, liquid-crystal monitor, 3 inch, 920,000 pixels
Live View	No	Quick mode (Phase-difference detection) Live mode/Face Detection Live mode (Contrast detection) Manual focusing (5x/10x magnification possible)
Shutter Speed	1/8000 second - 30 seconds, bulb	1/8000 to 30 sec., bulb
Burst Speed	5 fps max	Max. 3.9 shots/sec.
Autofocus	Dual-cross 9 point AF w/ 10 assist focus points	9 AF Points (1 Cross Type) + 6 AF Assist Points
Exposure Compensation	Manual: ±3 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments	Manual: ±2 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 100-6400 (in 1/3-stop or 1-stop increments), expandable to ISO 50-25600
Flash	External only	External only
Media Format	JPEG, RAW, cRAW (compressed RAW)	Still: JPEG, RAW (14-bit, Canon original), sRAW1, sRAW2, RAW+JPEG Video: MOV
Movie Mode	No	Yes
Media Type	CF (UDMA compatible), Memory Stick Duo	CF, UDMA compatible
Connections	DC in, HDMI, Proprietary USB/video out	USB, Video out, HDMI, WFT-E4A extension system
Other Hardware	Remote Commander wireless remote included	No

Performance
When it comes to color accuracy, the Canon 5D Mark II achieved the highest scores in our comparison group, while the Sony A900 was the worst by a substantial margin. In our resolution testing, though, the Sony is the top scorer, with the Canon 5D Mark II significantly lower. While color performance under studio lights favored Canon, in our low-lighting long exposure test the A900 maintained color accuracy better; image noise for the two cameras was similar here. Sony did pull a full-frame coup when it comes to burst mode, delivering 4.4 frames per second in our speed testing to the 3.81 shots the Canon 5D Mark II managed, even though the Sony files are larger. Of course, one enormous difference between the two cameras comes in shooting video: the 5D Mark II offers handsome 1080p high-definition results, albeit with a few control hiccups, while the Sony has no movie mode at all.

Components
The Sony A900 delivers a superior viewfinder, with near 100% coverage that none of the other cameras in our tests can match. On the other hand, Sony didn't include any Live View capability at all, and while it's still not a feature we rely on much, the Canon 5D Mark II implementation is well done. Sony offers in-camera image stabilization, eliminating the need to purchase more expensive stabilized lenses, though Sony lenses still aren't selling all that cheaply. Neither of these cameras offers a built-in flash, but at least Sony provides a built-in autofocus illuminator; we found Canon's reliance on an external flash to provide this function annoying. The Canon 5D Mark II does provide a superior monochrome display on the camera top, with far more complete information than the small Sony screen.

Handling
While the size and weight of these two cameras are similar (the Sony is slightly heavier, shorter and wider), we prefer the feel of the Canon 5D Mark II. The grip feels more comfortable, the balance more manageable and the button positioning is certainly easier to manage, particularly when it comes to the poorly placed exposure compensation, drive mode, white balance and ISO buttons on the A900 top surface.

Controls
Canon pushes the limit when it comes to ISO range, venturing out to ISO 25,600 in the extended range, where Sony plays it safe with a top ISO of 6400 (and even that's designated as an extended setting). Both cameras provide three custom settings slots for easy access to your favorite combinations, a welcome feature. As for the Intelligent Preview capability, the company gets points for ingenuity, but we didn't find it as useful as the missing Live View feature would be in visualizing the effects of settings changes on your final image.

	ISO Examples
	Sony A900	Canon 5D Mark II
ISO 50	Not Available
	Sony A900	Canon 5D Mark II
ISO 100
	Sony A900	Canon 5D Mark II
ISO 200
	Sony A900	Canon 5D Mark II
ISO 400
	Sony A900	Canon 5D Mark II
ISO 800
	Sony A900	Canon 5D Mark II
ISO 1600
	Sony A900	Canon 5D Mark II
ISO 3200
	Sony A900	Canon 5D Mark II
ISO 6400
	Sony A900	Canon 5D Mark II
ISO 12800	Not Available
	Sony A900	Canon 5D Mark II
ISO 25600	Not Available

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.

Speed & Timing	Page 13 of 18		Canon 50D 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