Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 Body

Packed with innovative features to get the best shot, the rugged Sony α850 DSLR camera features a 35mm full frame 24.6 mega-pixel Exmor™ CMOS image sensor that provides a larger capture area, improved wide angle performance, and tighter depth of field control. The A850 also incorporates Steady-shot INSIDE™ in-camera image stabilizer which actually shifts the image sensor to compensate for camera shake without sacrificing image quality. Additional features include Dual BIONZ™ imaging processors for continuous shooting at up to 3 fps, an ultra-bright glass penta-prism viewfinder, 3.0` Xtra Fine LCD™ display and HDMI™ output.

35mm full frame 24.6MP Exmor™ CMOS image sensor

The A850 features a 35mm full frame Exmor™ CMOS image sensor that is approximately 2.35x larger than the APS-C sized sensors found in many DSLR cameras. The result is a larger capture area, improved wide angle performance, and tighter depth of field control. In addition, its 24.6MP resolution maximizes the resolving power of your existing lenses and delivers sharper, higher contrast photos.

Ultra bright, 98% coverage glass penta-prism viewfinder

A large, ultra bright glass penta-prism viewfinder provides you with amazing clarity and high optical performance for tighter focus control. In addition, it offers viewfinder magnification of 0.74x, allowing you to see an image nearer to its actual size, as well as 98% field coverage for detailed framing work.

Photo-TV HD viewing w/ HDMI™ output

The α850 provides direct HDMI™ output to your BRAVIA® HDTV and other compatible HDTV screens, so you can view and share photos in breathtaking clarity and detail Additionally, Photo-TV HD capable BRAVIA^® HDTVs will automatically optimize display settings, such as sharpness, gradation, and color to display your images in a way that more closely matches the natural look of printed photographs

Moisture/dust-resistant design

Sealed viewfinder optics and rubber gasket surrounds on all buttons, dials, and switches help resist the entry of dust and moisture into the camera, and allow for safe use in a wide range of environments.

Durable Shutter Design

The shutter mechanism in the A900 is designed to achieve shutter speeds up to 1/8000 seconds and proven for 100,000 cycle operation.

Dynamic Range Optimizer

To recover details in dark or bright areas of the image, the A900 provides multiple levels of Dynamic Range Optimization: Standard mode, to improve shadow detail using standard gamma curves; Advanced Auto mode, allowing you to select any of 5 DRO correction levels, or DRO Advanced Bracketing, which automatically takes three shots at different DRO levels with a single shutter press.

F2.8 Sensor

The auto-focus system in the α850 features a highly accurate F2.8 sensor for improved focus precision when using lenses faster than F2.8.

Viewfinder magnification of 0.74x

Viewfinder magnification of 0.74x lets you see your subjects nearer to actual size.

Optional Focusing Screens (sold separately)

User-replaceable focusing screens for shooting specific subject types can be purchased as optional accessories.

Rubberized Grip

Sony drew upon its extensive experience designing and building heavy professional broadcasting camcorders to develop a rubberized grip that allows you to hold the α850 with comfort and confidence.

Picture Motion Browser (PMB) Software

Sony^® Picture Motion Browser (PMB) software provides a simple and intuitive way to sort and archive your image collection, as well as perform common editing operations and output to data disc or the Web.

Steady-Shot INSIDE™ in-camera image stabilization:

Building on years of expertise, Sony has developed the world’s first body-integrated image stabilization solution for a full frame DSLR¹. The Steady-Shot INSIDE™ in-camera image stabilizer actually shifts the image sensor to compensate for camera shake without sacrificing image quality. The compensation effect is equal to as many as four shutter speed steps, giving you more creative freedom when shooting in low light. And, because it is integrated into the camera body, Steady-Shot INSIDE technology works with all compatible α system lenses.

Intelligent Preview Function

The Intelligent Preview function allows you to see the effects of manual adjustments to exposure value, shutter speed, aperture, Dynamic Range Optimizer and White Balance before you take the shot, so you can determine the optimum settings before you take the shot, instead of losing time to trial-and-error.

Precise and fast 9-point AF system w/ 10 point assist

A high-performance auto-focus system uses 9 focus points (center dual-cross type) and 10 assist points to deliver fast and precise focusing.

Anti-Dust Technology

Changing lenses in a DSLR can allow dust to enter the camera -- so to help keep the CMOS imagery cleaner for better pictures, the Sony® α; (alpha) DSLR-A900 utilizes both static-free anti-dust coating on the imagery`s filter and anti-dust vibration that automatically shakes the sensor to dislodge dust each time the camera is shut off.

Dual Card Slots

The A900 features a dual card slots and accepts both Compact-Flash® and Memory Stick Duo™ Media (sold separately).

On-Chip Column A/D Conversion

Analog-to-digital signal conversion is performed by the full frame Exmor™ CMOS image sensor.

Updated Image Data Converter SR3

Updated Image Data Converter SR3 software improves your work-flow with faster RAW file processing and improved image correction.

Eyepiece Shutter

The α850 includes a built-in eyepiece shutter which can be shut to help shield against entering light and prevent exposure errors.

Mirror Lockup Mode

Mirror Lockup Mode raises the main mirror before exposure to reduce vibration at shutter release, resulting in better performance during long exposure shots of fireworks, stars, etc.

Image Data Light-box software

The Image Data Light-box software included with your Sony^® α DSLR helps you browse, rate, and compare your images, making it easier to select your favorites for further processing.

Convenient Button Placement

Concentrate on your shooting and make adjustments on the fly thanks to convenient button placement. The ISO and White Balance adjustment buttons are located on the top of the camera body near the shutter button for easy thumb operation

Dual BIONZ™ processors for up to fast 3fps performance

The α harnesses the power of Dual BIONZ™ image processing engines to deliver true-to-life images with ultra-low noise and continuous shooting at up to 3 fps.

3.0” Extra Fine™ LCD (921K pixels)

Review your images in stunning detail on the 3.0” Extra Fine™ LCD display (921k pixels). With photo-quality resolution of 270ppi (pixels per inch), you can identify any necessary focus or exposure corrections at the time of capture, rather than discovering them when you transfer your images to your PC.

Rugged magnesium alloy shell

The body of the A900 is entirely covered in a die-cast magnesium alloy shell, providing a rugged feel and surprisingly lightweight.

Battery Performance

A supplied Info LITHIUM® lithium-ion battery provides long-lasting performance, allowing you to capture approximately 880 images on a single charge.

40-Segment Multi-Pattern Metering

A 40-segment multi-pattern metering system provides superior exposure control accuracy in a wide range of lighting conditions.

Dual Noise Reduction Processing

In addition to digitizing analog signals, the full frame Exmor™ CMOS image sensor also performs both analog and digital noise reduction. This on-chip dual noise reduction process aids in the high speed transfer of noiseless digital signals.

APS-C Size Capturing

In addition to full frame image capture, the α850 can also crop images to the APS-C size format, allowing the use of lenses designed specifically for APS-C sized image sensors.

AF Micro Adjustment

AF Micro Adjustment allows you to fine tune focus for various lenses. The α850 can store adjusted focus values for up to thirty lenses.

2EV Exposure Bracketing (3 exposures)

The α850 allows you to bracket up to three exposures in 2.0EV-step increments.

Remote Camera Control

Remote Camera Control allows you to control your α850 from your PC.

Product Specifications

General

• • Camera Type : Sony α Digital 35mm SLR full-frame camera w/ penta-prism viewfinder and inter-changeable lenses

  • Color Filter System : RGB primary color filters

  • Effective Picture Resolution : Approx. 24,6 mega-pixels

  • Imaging Sensor : 35mm Full-frame Exmor™ CMOS sensor

  • Lens Mount Type : Sony α lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens

  • Pixel Gross : Approx. 25,7 mega-pixels

  • Processor : Dual BIONZ™ image processors

  • Recording Media Type : Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media / Compact Flash Type I, Type II (Micro drive),UDMA(Mode5) compliant

  • Recording Mode : cRAW+JPEG(Fine), RAW+JPEG(Fine), cRAW(compressed), RAW, JPEG Extra fine, JPEG Fine, JPEG Standard

  • Still Actual 16:9 : L size: 6048 x 3408 (21M) M size: 4400 x 2472 (11M) S size: 3024 x 1704 (5.2M)

• Still Actual 3:2 : L size:6048 x 4032 (24.6M) M size: 4400 x 2936 (13M) S size: 3024 x 2016 (6.1M)

Weights and Measurements

• • Dimensions (Approx.) : (WHD) 6-1/8” x 4-5/8” x 3-1/4” (156.3 x 116.9 x 81.9mm) (excl. protrusions)

• Weight (Approx.) : Approx. 1lb-14oz (850g) without battery, memory card, accessories

Power

• • Battery Capacity : 7.2V, CIPA standard: approx. 880 pictures³

  • Battery Type : NP-FM500H Lithium-ion rechargeable battery

• Number of Shots : Approx. 880 shots (CIPA standard)

Convenience

• • Anti-dust function : Charge protection coating on low pass filter and image-sensor shift mechanism

  • BRAVIA® Sync™ : Yes, via HDMI with compatible BRAVIA HDTV

  • Burst Mode : 3 fps max

  • Creative Style : Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night, Autumn, B/W, Sepia

  • Self Timer : Yes (10 seconds, 2 seconds with mirror-up function)

• User Interface : Easy-to-read Graphic Display and on-screen Help Guide User-friendly function menu

Processor

• BIONZ™ Engine : Dual BIONZ™ processors

Control

• • AF modes : Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF, (AF/MF selectable)

  • Drive Mode : Single-shot, Cont., Self-timer, Bracket; single/cont./WB/DRO adv., Mirror Lock-up, Remote Commander

  • Exposure Compensation : ±3.0 EV, 1/3EV,1/2EV steps selectable

  • Exposure settings : Auto, Program Auto (A) (with Program Shift), Shutter priority (S), Aperture priority (A), Manual (M)

  • Focus Area : Wide (Auto, up to 9 areas), Spot, Local (9 local areas selectable)

  • Focus Points : 9 points + 10 assist focus points (local areas,selection with the multi-selector)

  • Focus Sensitivity : 0 EV to +18 EV(at ISO100 equivalent)

  • Focus System : TTL phase detection system

  • ISO : Auto, selectable 100 to 6400 (in 1/3 EV steps)

  • Metering : TTL metering w/ 40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC

  • Metering Modes : Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot, Auto Exposure Lock (AEL button)

  • Metering Sensitivity : 0 EV to 20 EV (+2 EV to +20EV with Spot metering), (at ISO 100 equivalent with F1.4 lens)

• White Balance : Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom

LCD Display

• • Brightness Control : ±5 steps manual

  • Coverage : 100% (Playback)

• Type : 3` TFT Extra Fine LCD (921,600 pixels)

Software

• • Operating System Compatibility : Windows 2000 Professional SP4 Windows XP* SP3 Windows Vista** SP1 Mac OS X(v10.1.3-v10.5)

• Supplied Software : Image Data Converter SR3.1 (Windows & Macintosh) Image Data Light-box SR2.1 (Windows & Macintosh) Remote Camera Control 2.0 (Windows & Macintosh) PMB-Picture Motion Browser 4.2.13 (Windows only)

Viewfinder

• • Diopter Adjustment : -1m -1

  • Eye relief : Approx. 20 mm from the eyepiece

  • Field of View : 98%

  • Focusing Screen : Spherical Acute Matte Screen

  • Magnification : 0.74x ,(with 50mm lens at infinity)

• Type : Fixed eye-level system with optical glass penta-prism

Operating Conditions

• Operating Temperature : 32 - 104 degrees F (0 - 40 degrees C)

Flash

• • Flash Compensation : ±3 EV (in 1/3EV, 1/2EV steps selectable)

  • Flash Metering System : ADI flash (automatic change for Pre-flash TTL)

  • Modes : Auto, Fill-flash, Rear sync, Wireless (with Flash HVL-F58AM, HVL-F42AM, HVL-F56AM, F36AM)

• Type : No pop-up flash. Hot shoe compatible with Sony α system flash.

Inputs and Outputs

• • HD Output : Yes (w/ optional HDMI cable)

  • Memory Card Slot : Dual memory card slot: Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media Compact Flash memory card

  • Tripod Mount : Yes, 1/4`-20

• USB Port(s) : Yes, Supports USB 2.0 Hi-speed