24-Megapixel Sony A900 Announced

[Anbesol]

I read everything this morning. I am amazed, and at $3000! This is going to profoundly move the direction of the industry. Canon better work on their next iteration of their 5D, and Nikon, what can they do? Beg Sony to use the same sensor, so they can compete? Sony just rendered the D700 obsolete.

I knew Sony was going to release a 24 mp full frame, but at $3000?! With Anti-shake!? Incredible!!!

Slightly too expensive for me now though - if I got it, I'd also have to upgrade my computer, which is maxxing out on my 12 megapixel shots as is. Perhaps another year or so.

[Photo-John]

You're making some pretty bold statements, there. Saying the D700 is obsolete is a bit short-sighted. If it was all about the latest and greatest technology, that might be the case. But it's not. It's about the system, and what people are used to and comfortable with, what they're already invested in - and for pros, it's also about support. I am doubtful that there will be many invested Canon and Nikon photographers who are going to bail on their systems because of this camera. Beginning to mid-level photographers with entry-level SLRs and a couple of lenses, they seem like the prime target. And as always, you have to ask yourself, "what do I really need?" Do you need 24-megapixels? We keep being lured into thinking we need more. I thought I was good at 8-megapixels. And I really thought I had enough at 10. Now I'm up to 12 and I'm thinking of moving to 15. But is it really going to help my photos? Maybe. I can think of reasons it will. But the truth is, I do pretty well with what a lot of people consider to be a sub-par 10-megapixel DSLR.

So yeah, it's an awesome camera. no doubt about that. Sony has done a very, very impressive job with the KM technology they bought. I'm definitely excited about the A900 and look forward to testing one out. But although it's a step in the right direction for Sony - they need a real pro-level body and this is a doozy - I don't think we're going to see mobs of Canon and Nikon owners selling their D300s, D700s, D3s, 1s Mark IIIs, etc to get an A900. However, it will put some pressure on Nikon, Canon and the rest and I am very interested to see how they respond. They are paying attention. Image-stabilizaed kit lenses with the XSi and D60 are the evidence that they care what the other guys are doing.