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Sony A1 vs A900

The Sony A1 and the Sony Alpha A900 are two professional cameras that were announced, respectively, in January 2021 and September 2008. The A1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the A900 is a DSLR. Both cameras are equipped with a full frame sensor. The A1 has a resolution of 49.8 megapixels, whereas the A900 provides 24.4 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Sony A1
versus
Sony A900
Sony A1   Sony A900
Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
Sony E mount lenses Sony A mount lenses
49.8 MP – Full Frame sensor 24.4 MP – Full Frame sensor
8k/30p Video no Video
ISO 100-32,000 (50 - 102,400) ISO 200-3,200 (100 - 6,400)
Electronic viewfinder (9437k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 1440k dots 3.0" LCD – 922k dots
Tilting touchscreen Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
10 shutter flaps per second 5 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
530 shots per battery charge880 shots per battery charge
129 x 97 x 81 mm, 737 g 156 x 117 x 82 mm, 895 g
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Check A1 price at
amazon.com
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Check A900 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Sony A1 and the Sony Alpha A900? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Sony A1 and the Sony A900 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Sony A1 vs Sony A900
Compare A1 versus A900 top
Comparison A1 or A900 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A900 is considerably larger (46 percent) than the Sony A1. Moreover, the A900 is markedly heavier (21 percent) than the A1. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the A1 gets 530 shots out of its Sony NP-FZ100 battery, while the A900 can take 880 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FM500H power pack. The power pack in the A1 can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony A1 129 mm 97 mm 81 mm 737 g 530 Y Jan 2021 6,499 amazon.com
2.
 
Sony A900 156 mm 117 mm 82 mm 895 g 880 Y Sep 2008 2,999ebay.com
3.
 
Sony A7 III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 610 Y Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
4.
 
Sony A7 IV 131 mm 96 mm 80 mm 659 g 580 Y Oct 2021 2,499 amazon.com
5.
 
Sony A7R II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 625 g 290 Y Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com
6.
 
Sony A7R III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com
7.
 
Sony A7R IIIA 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
8.
 
Sony A7R IV 129 mm 96 mm 78 mm 665 g 670 Y Jul 2019 3,499ebay.com
9.
 
Sony A7R IVA 129 mm 96 mm 78 mm 665 g 670 Y Apr 2021 3,499 amazon.com
10.
 
Sony A7R V 131 mm 97 mm 82 mm 723 g 530 Y Oct 2022 3,899 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony A7S II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 627 g 370 Y Sep 2015 2,999ebay.com
12.
 
Sony A7S III 127 mm 97 mm 81 mm 699 g 600 Y Jul 2020 3,499 amazon.com
13.
 
Sony A9 127 mm 96 mm 63 mm 673 g 650 Y Apr 2017 4,499ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A99 147 mm 111 mm 78 mm 812 g 500 Y Sep 2012 2,799ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A99 II 143 mm 104 mm 76 mm 849 g 490 Y Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A850 156 mm 117 mm 82 mm 895 g 880 Y Aug 2009 1,999ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The A900 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 54 percent) than the A1, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a full frame sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the large-sensor cameras that aim for top notch image quality. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

In terms of chip-set technology, the A1 uses a more advanced image processing engine (Dual BIONZ XR) than the A900 (BIONZ), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

Sony A1 and Sony A900 sensor measures

While the two cameras under review share the same sensor size, the A1 offers a higher resolution of 49.8 megapixels, compared with 24.4 MP of the A900. This megapixels advantage translates into a 43 percent gain in linear resolution. On the other hand, these sensor specs imply that the A1 has a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 4.16μm versus 5.94μm for the A900). In this context, it should be noted, however, that the A1 is much more recent (by 12 years and 4 months) than the A900, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that compensate for the smaller pixel size. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the A1 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Sony A1 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the A1 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 43.2 x 28.8 inches or 109.7 x 73.2 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 34.6 x 23 inches or 87.8 x 58.5 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 28.8 x 19.2 inches or 73.2 x 48.8 cm. The corresponding values for the Sony A900 are 30.2 x 20.2 inches or 76.8 x 51.2 cm for good quality, 24.2 x 16.1 inches or 61.4 x 41 cm for very good quality, and 20.2 x 13.4 inches or 51.2 x 34.1 cm for excellent quality prints.

The A1 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

Unlike the A900, the A1 has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (YESMP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Sony A1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 32000, which can be extended to ISO 50-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha A900 are ISO 200 to ISO 3200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-6400.

In terms of underlying technology, the A1 is build around a Stacked BSI-CMOS sensor, while the A900 uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

A1 versus A900 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under review, the A1 provides substantially higher image quality than the A900, with an overall score that is 19 points higher. This advantage is based on 2.2 bits higher color depth, 2.2 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.1 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Sony A1 Full Frame 49.8 8640 57608k/30p25.914.5316398
2.
 
Sony A900 Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none23.712.3143179
3.
 
Sony A7 III Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7373096
4.
 
Sony A7 IV Full Frame 32.7 7008 46724K/60p25.414.7337997
5.
 
Sony A7R II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.013.9343498
6.
 
Sony A7R III Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
7.
 
Sony A7R IIIA Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
8.
 
Sony A7R IV Full Frame 60.2 9504 63364K/30p26.014.8334499
9.
 
Sony A7R IVA Full Frame 60.2 9504 63364K/30p26.014.8334499
10.
 
Sony A7R V Full Frame 60.2 9504 63368k/24p26.514.83187100
11.
 
Sony A7S II Full Frame 12.0 4240 28324K/30p23.613.3299385
12.
 
Sony A7S III Full Frame 12.0 4240 28324K/120p23.713.9252086
13.
 
Sony A9 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.913.3351792
14.
 
Sony A99 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p25.014.0155589
15.
 
Sony A99 II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p25.413.4231792
16.
 
Sony A850 Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none23.812.2141579

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The A1 indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the A900 does not. The highest resolution format that the A1 can use is 8k/30p.

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the A1 has an electronic viewfinder (9437k dots), while the A900 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the A1 has a higher magnification than the one of the A900 (0.9x vs 0.74x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Sony A1, the Sony A900, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Sony A19437 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
2.
 
Sony A900optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
3.
 
Sony A7 III2359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
4.
 
Sony A7 IV3686 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
5.
 
Sony A7R II2400 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
6.
 
Sony A7R III3686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
7.
 
Sony A7R IIIA3686 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
8.
 
Sony A7R IV5760 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
9.
 
Sony A7R IVA5760 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
10.
 
Sony A7R V9440 n3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
11.
 
Sony A7S II2400 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
12.
 
Sony A7S III9440 n3.0 / 1440 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
13.
 
Sony A93686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A992359 Y3.0 / 1229 full-flex n 1/8000s 6.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A99 II2400 Y3.0 / 1229 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A850optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The A1 has a touchscreen, while the A900 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the A1 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Sony A1 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The A1 writes its imaging data to CFexpress (type A) or SDXC cards, while the A900 uses Compact Flash or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Sony A1 and Sony Alpha A900 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Sony A1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
2.
 
Sony A900Y- / ---mini2.0---
3.
 
Sony A7 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
4.
 
Sony A7 IVYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
5.
 
Sony A7R IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
6.
 
Sony A7R IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
7.
 
Sony A7R IIIAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
8.
 
Sony A7R IVYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
9.
 
Sony A7R IVAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
10.
 
Sony A7R VYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
11.
 
Sony A7S IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
12.
 
Sony A7S IIIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
13.
 
Sony A9Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY
14.
 
Sony A99Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0---
15.
 
Sony A99 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY
16.
 
Sony A850Y- / ---mini2.0---

It is notable that the A1 offers wifi support, while the A900 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

The A1 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Sony. In contrast, the A900 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the A900 was succeeded by the Sony A99. Further information on the features and operation of the A1 and A900 can be found, respectively, in the Sony A1 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A900 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Sony A1 or the Sony A900 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.


Arguments in favor of the Sony A1:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (49.8 vs 24.4MP) with a 43% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (19 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (2.2 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (2.2 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (1.1 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (Dual BIONZ XR vs BIONZ).
  • Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 8k/30p movies.
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.9x vs 0.74x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1440k vs 922k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (129x97mm vs 156x117mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 158g or 18 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More modern: Reflects 12 years and 4 months of technical progress since the A900 launch.


Reasons to prefer the Sony Alpha A900:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (880 versus 530) out of a single battery charge.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (54 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2008).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the A1 is the clear winner of the match-up (26 : 6 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

A1 26:06 A900

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Sony A1 and the Sony A900 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the A1 and the A900 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony A15/5o4.5/593/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2021 6,499 amazon.com
2.
 
Sony A900..+ +..+ +4.5/55/5 Sep 2008 2,999ebay.com
3.
 
Sony A7 III..+ +4.5/589/1005/55/5 Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
4.
 
Sony A7 IV5/5+ +4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2021 2,499 amazon.com
5.
 
Sony A7R II5/5+ +5/590/1005/55/5 Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com
6.
 
Sony A7R III..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com
7.
 
Sony A7R IIIA..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
8.
 
Sony A7R IV5/5+4.5/591/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2019 3,499ebay.com
9.
 
Sony A7R IVA5/5+4.5/591/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 3,499 amazon.com
10.
 
Sony A7R V5/5+ +4.5/592/100.... Oct 2022 3,899 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony A7S II5/5+....4.5/55/5 Sep 2015 2,999ebay.com
12.
 
Sony A7S III4.5/5+ +5/591/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2020 3,499 amazon.com
13.
 
Sony A95/5+ +4.8/589/1005/55/5 Apr 2017 4,499ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A995/5....84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 2,799ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A99 II....4.5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A8503/5....75/100..4.5/5 Aug 2009 1,999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Sony A1 vs Sony A900

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Sony A1 Sony A900
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Sony E mount lenses Sony A mount lenses
    Launch Date January 2021 September 2008
    Launch Price USD 6,499 USD 2,999
    Sensor Specs Sony A1 Sony A900
    Sensor Technology Stacked BSI-CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.9 x 24.0 mm 35.9 x 24.0 mm
    Sensor Area 861.6 mm2 861.6 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm 43.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 49.8 Megapixels 24.4 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 8640 x 5760 pixels 6048 x 4032 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.16 μm 5.94 μm
    Pixel Density 5.78 MP/cm2 2.83 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 8k/30p Video no Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 32,000 ISO 200 - 3,200 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 102,400 ISO 100 - 6,400 ISO
    Image Processor Dual BIONZ XR BIONZ
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 98 79
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 25.9 23.7
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.5 12.3
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 3163 1431
    Screen Specs Sony A1 Sony A900
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.9x 0.74x
    Viewfinder Resolution 9437k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1440k dots 922k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Sony A1 Sony A900
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s 5 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/32000sno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CFexA or SDXC cards CF or MS cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
    Connectivity Specs Sony A1 Sony A900
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 3.2 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port full HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Sony A1 Sony A900
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Sony NP-FZ100 Sony NP-FM500H
    Battery Life (CIPA)530 shots per charge880 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 129 x 97 x 81 mm
    (5.1 x 3.8 x 3.2 in)
    156 x 117 x 82 mm
    (6.1 x 4.6 x 3.2 in)
    Camera Weight 737 g (26.0 oz) 895 g (31.6 oz)
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    Check A1 price at
    amazon.com
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    Check A900 offers at
    ebay.com

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