Evaluation: 
Conclusion: Biased Opinion
Review: Let me start by saying that I teach a digital photography class at the local community college, and I've seen/used/taught about every major brand and many minor brands of digital cameras, and I think every manufacturer makes a camera that is right for different people with different requirements. That being the case, the alpha900 is amazing. The resolution is not only record breaking, but the clarity of each of those pixels is quite good (with the right lens). The image stabilization on a full-frame sensor is a first (and so far, only). 5 Frames per second? At 24.6 megapixels? It is a testament to Sony's knowledge of electronics. The view finder really does exemplify why "live view" is more of a marketing checklist item, and not really necessary; looking through the view finder is a joy.
But, the world of the a900 isn't all roses. If you have a collection of Sony/Minolta lenses, hopefully they're all full-frame. Yes, the a900 supports APS-C lenses, but there is no real advantage to them with this body over other Sony DSLRs. The a900 does "find focus" better than previous Sony DSLRs, but the location of the focus points aren't as well laid out as other Sony models. While I usually carry an external flash, so the lack of a pop-up flash isn't a problem for me, many users will find the lack of one to be, at least, an annoyance.
And last, but certainly not least, is post production once the images are off of the camera. If you primarily shoot in RAW (as I do), and do much post-production, be prepared to bring your computer to it's knees. These files are huge, and all that wonderful resolution comes at cost; that being the amount of pure computing horsepower required.
Given those few caveats, the alpha900 really is a big step forward in digital SLRs, in many ways. If you can justify the cost of this body, it really is worth having, and you'll be surprised at just how much detail a single image can have when its almost 25 megapixels.
Evaluation:
Conclusion: Sony's Flagship Camera
Review: Sony has finally claimed the high ground with its long awaited full frame sensor. And at 24 megapixels, this sensor matches the nominal 4,000 lines-per-inch resolution of 35 mm film. The camera is well built with plenty of buttons to control its functions. It is easy to use and produces stunning picture quality when used with high end Zeiss, Sony or Minolta lenses.
However, the A900's high resolution sensor is somewhat susceptible to noise. Packing 24 megapixels into this full frame sensor means that each pixel collects less light per unit time than does each pixel of a 12 megapixel full frame sensor. In consequence, the 24 megapixel full frame sensor is less immune to noise than the 12 megapixel full frame sensor. When no in-camera noise reduction is applied by the A900, noise becomes apparent at ISO 800 and it becomes objectionable at ISO 1600. In contrast, the Nikon D700 and Canon 5D both have 12 megapixel full frame sensors and consequently introduce less noise than the A900.
The A900 places large demands on the computer where images are stored and post processed. The best image quality is obtained from RAW mode which consumes 36 megabytes per image file and stores 12 bits per pixel. Compressed RAW (cRAW) mode, which consumes 24 megabytes per image file and appears to store only 8 bits per pixel, may be less useful for subsequent photo editing. And opening one of these 36 megabyte RAW image files using Adobe Photoshop CS3 on my PowerPC-based Mac Mini requires 100 seconds. In contrast, a 13 megabyte RAW image file from my A100 requires only 30 seconds to open.
The high resolution of the 24 megapixel sensor is achievable only with high end lenses such as the Zeiss 85mm f1.4, 135mm f1.8, 24-70mm f2.8 and (presumably) the newly announced 16-35mm f2.8 lenses, as well as the Sony G and Minolta G lenses. My own measurements with the Imatest lens test software reveal that many of the lower quality, non-G Minolta lenses (and presumably also the equivalent Sony lenses) are not sharp enough to exploit the high resolution sensor. Exceptions to this statement include the Minolta 28mm f2, 50mm f1.4 and 70-210mm f4 lenses, which are not G lenses but are close to G in quality. Nevertheless, be prepared to purchase an expensive set of lenses if you want to get the most out of the A900.
For these reasons, the A900 is a camera best suited to those who demand, and are willing to pay for the highest possible resolution from a digital SLR. Sony has left a void in its product line for those who would prefer to invest less money in camera, lenses and computer. The other professional camera in the Sony product line is the A700 which, although an excellent camera, has a 12 megapixel half frame sensor that is about as susceptible to noise as the A900 sensor. Perhaps Sony should consider introducing a camera with a 12 megapixel full frame sensor that would place fewer demands on the computer and lenses than does the 24 megapixel sensor. Such a camera would retain the advantages of a full frame sensor and in addition provide more immunity to noise at high ISO, as do the Canon 5D and Nikon D700 cameras.
Evaluation:
Conclusion: Superb camera, amazing photoraphic tool!
Review: If you one of these who once upon a time really enjoyed great Minolta's bodies, this camera brings best of the best. The first thing you notice even before you tried anything is how amazingly beautiful it is. The sophisticated yet logical design of the cam, the layout of the controls, the perceived quality in its every detail are uncommon.
Words can't describe the feeling when you take this baby in your hands. It fits there as a glove, the balance is terrific and the way it handles is beyond compare.
Sony commissioned one superb camera in A900. I took some shots with it, and the way camera performs sounds as a music. The quality of the imaging is just beyond anything I saw in my life. The color, sharpness, details, balance are mind blowing. I made some portraits and on higher ISO it performs delightfully.
In four hours I had my hands on this camera, I realized that I must have it. When I analyzed the images back home, the quality of images left me speechless. Words can't describe the impact of its terrific quality. The macro (flowers) are so detailed, full of halftones, the faces are so natural, real, appealing.
I was amazed by different cameras at different times. As technology goes it makes imaging more advance and and sophisticated. But with all that in mind, this Sony's camera is a killer. Its quality goes as far as I never experienced it before.
For $3000 tag Sony makes you a gift. If this cam would be twice the price it would still be a bargain. Try it and you will forget in a second that any other cameras exist.
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