IMHO, there are two things a manufacturer can do to actually make someone switch to their products.

1. resolution - not MP, {image IQ yes}.

2. Price

3. lens

Ok so that's actually three.

The 14 mp A350 ended up resolving the same lines as the 12mp D300. I for one was disappointed in that. However the lower price and availability of Zeiss lens, along with the better live LCD shooting function swayed the deal for me.

Canon may have trumped Sony with it's new 5D Mark ll if the Sony A900 doesn't resolve better. Price will be substantally lower for the new 5D as well. Image IQ isn't only resolving power, but is the first thing I look for, {ISO performance is second}.For me, a great image has to have the fine details, {devils in the details?}.

Sony still is far behind the big two in lens availability. I know there are lots of used lens around, but will they really do the A900 justice?

Sony does have a leg up on either Nikon or Canon when it comes to video. Will we see a killer video function in a future Sony DSLR?

Man these are exciting times ain't they?