SONY alpha900 ACCESSORIES - OEM vs COMPATIBLES
Sony offer a range of accessories for their alpha series DSLR's. None of these accessories are particularly good value for money, and it wasn't too long before I began to notice compatibles available for much less. To save you the chore of searching I have compiled technically equivalent accessories priced as advertised June 2010. Of course we all like a bargain, but a bargain isn't much of a bargain if it turns out to be an inferior copy of the oem product. Most of these compatibles I have acquired as part of my Sony a900 outfit. I have used them and found them perfectly satisfactory. I will go as far as to recommend them. Why pay more for the Sony oem when you can buy a Chinese compatible for a fraction of the cost? There are only two accessories on my list for which there is no Chinese compatible, the vertical grip and the leather hand strap. Note that Sony's hot shoe is not ISO standard. If you buy a hot shoe fitting IR remote receiver you need a Sony Hot Shoe adapter.

SONY OEM:

VERTICAL CONTROL GRIP VG-C90AM 370 <http://www.sony.co.uk/product/dsa-vertical-control-grip/vg-c90am> Holds two battery packs and enables duplicate controls for the DSLR body when in portrait orientation. Note you cannot use the vertical grip & mount the camera body on a tripod.
HAND STRAP STP-HS1AM <http://www.sony.co.uk/product/dsa-cases---straps/stp-hs1am> Hand strap for holding camera grip without having to keep your grip tight. Use instead of shoulder strap supplied.
LEATHER HAND STRAP STP-GB1AM 60 <http://www.sony.co.uk/product/dsa-cases---straps/stp-gb1am>
REMOTE COMMANDER RM-S1AM 50 <http://www.sony.co.uk/product/dsa-remote-releases/rm-s1am> Use as an electronic cable release. Can be used for releasing shutter and by half pressing button, focussing. Cannot be used with mirror lock-up despite what Sony claim to the contrary.
REMOTE COMMANDER RM-L1AM 50 <http://www.sony.co.uk/product/dsa-remote-releases/rm-l1am> Electronic cable release with a longer cable.
LCD PROTECTIVE COVER SET PCK-LH4AM 24 <http://www.sony.co.uk/product/dsa-other-accessories/pck-lh4am> Polarised clear plastic protective cover for the LCD screen. I consider this accessory essential. The cover makes it easier to read the screen in direct sunlight, and it gets covered in grease from your forehead, not the LCD screen.
infoLITHIUM BATTERY PACK NP-FM500H 80 <http://www.sony.co.uk/product/dsa-batteries---chargers/np-fm500h> Replacement rechargeable Li-ion battery pack.
ANGLE FINDER FDA-A1AM 170 <http://www.sony.co.uk/product/dsa-viewfinder-accessories/fda-a1am> x1 & x2 focusing right angle viewfinder attachment. I bought one from Parks July 2009 for 150.
TYPE L FOCUSING SCREEN FDA-FL1AM 41 <http://origin.www.sony.co.uk/product/dsa-viewfinder-accessories/fdafl1am/tab/compatibles> Grid with clear centre and focusing chevrons. Chevrons are illuminated by the AF, indicating which AF areas are being selected. Essential for astro-photography. Beneficial for architectural photography.
AC ADAPTER PW10AM AC 70 <http://www.sony.co.uk/product/dsa-batteries---chargers/ac-pw10am> External psu. Supplied with UK mains plug, and DC-IN lead and plug. Hard to locate. Warehouse Express had them in June 2010 @ 70.
HOT SHOE ADAPTER HS1AM Flash 69 <http://www.sony.co.uk/product/dsa-flashes---lights/fa-hs1am> Hot shoe adapter with surge protection. Enables ISO Flash guns to be used with a900.

SONY COMPATIBLES:

VERTICAL CONTROL GRIP SIMPLY ELECTRONICS Sony VG-C90AM Vertical Battery Grip 240 <http://www.simplyelectronics.net/mainproduct.php? pid=7390&gclid=CP-W45P5rZ0CFcRq4wodgkBHkw> Simply Electronics is an Importer/Distributor based on the Isle-of-Man. You pay no VAT or Duty when you buy on-line with Simply Electronics. This is a Sony oem vertical grip, but it costs 120 less than the price you would pay at a UK Mainland Sony Distributor.
A simplified version sans duplicated Fn, C & Joystick functions can be purchased from LINK DELIGHT <http:// www.linkdelight.com/Standard-Battery-Grip/Battery-Grip-for-Sony-A900-A850-VG-C90AM-+2-NP-FM500H-Battery/ flypage.tpl.html> for 44, or with x2 NP-FM500H infoLITHIUM BATTERY PACK, 57. The grip is manufactured by Hongkong Meike (MK) Digital Technology Co, Ltd <http://www.mkgrip.com/yw_version_en/www/intro.htm?ActiveNode=2> HAND STRAP STP-HS1AM <http://www.sony.co.uk/product/dsa-cases---straps/stp-hs1am>

LEATHER HAND STRAP STP-GB1AM 40 <http://www.bestcameras.co.uk/shop/acatalog/ Online_Catalogue_Sony_STP_GB1AM_Leather_hand_Strap_565.html> Genuine Sony oem hide hand strap from Best Cameras. You save 20.
REMOTE COMMANDER RM-S1AM Compatible Sony RM-S1AM, RM-L1AM remote cord for SONY Alpha 900 7.70 <http:// www.amazon.co.uk/Compatible-RM-S1AM-RM-L1AM-remote-Alpha/dp/B0033QV4O4/ref=sr_1_155? ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1275728314&sr=1-155> PowerPlanet are a Jersey based Importer/Distributor. You pay no VAT or Duty or postal fees. This product is a Chinese compatible imported from Hong Kong. You save 42.30p.
DX DEAL EXTREME JJC TM-F LCD Timer Remote Shutter for Sony/Minolta SLR/DSLR Cameras (RM-S1AM/RM-S1LM Compatible) $40 <http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.19695> JJC products are marketed from Hong Kong. Deal Extreme is an on-line Distributor. I purchased this Intervalometer unit earlier this year (2010). I have used it to shoot time lapse sunset sequences. It is easy to use and well made. It is a robust unit. Sony do not make an intervalometer, but similar products retailed in the UK cost between 80 to 120 and are no better.
GADGET INFINITY IR Shutter Release for Sony A900 $20 <http://www.gadgetinfinity.com/product.php? productid=17133&cat=285&page=2> Gadget Infinity are based in Hong Kong. This infra-red transmitter and receiver is a very clever gadget. You can use it as an IR remote. Unlike the Sony IR remote it can be used from behind the camera, and in front, not only from in front. If the IR receiver battery fails (they use coin cells and they don't last long, although they are cheap) you can wire the transmitter directly to the camera body REMOTE socket.
DX DEAL EXTREME RF Wireless Remote Control for SONY Alpha Series and Minolta a7D/a5D Digital Camera (DSLR) 16 <http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.25928> I bought this Hong Kong based YongNuo 16 channel radio remote in May 2010. It takes a 1x23A and 1xCR2 battery (both included). UK retailed RF remotes cost between 80 & 240, depending on the range & frequency. This unit has a range of 100m & RF interference protection; it is the range a 240 unit would be rated for. You save a whopping 224.

LCD PROTECTIVE COVER SET PCK-LH4AM Sony PCK-LH4AM Hard LCD Protecting Cover 12 <http://www.play.com/ Electronics/Electronics/4-/9006152/-/Product.html? title=9006152&source=9593&_%24ja=tsid%3a11853%7cprd%3a88610> A Sony oem LCD screen cover from PLAY.com UK on-line retailer. The genuine article at half the price. You save 12.
infoLITHIUM BATTERY PACK NP-FM500H PowerPlanet NP-FM500H Compatible Digital Camera Battery for SONY Alpha DSLR-A<http://www.amazon.co.uk/ gp/product/B001TUP6UO/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=A2YIQ5A8YK0AP> PowerPlanet are a Jersey based Importer/Distributor. Why pay 80 for the Sony oem infoLITHIUM battery pack when you can get the same pack for 11. And yes the C cells within the casing are identical, I know, I've split packs open to identify the cells. They are Sanyo UR18500FK Li-ion C cells. You save 69.
ANGLE FINDER FDA-A1AM SEAGULL 3.3x Right Angle Finder for SONY 33 <http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ViewItem&item=110401728016> This unit comes out of Hong Kong. Seagull is a long established Chinese camera manufacturer. I have compared this x1 & x3.3 unit to the Sony oem x1 & x2. They are mechanically of the same high machining, fabrication & finish quality. Optically this unit is excellent. The screen is vignetted at x3.3, but if you use it in conjunction with screen L, the clear centre and chevrons fit neatly within the fov. Eye relief remains constant between x1 & x3.3 (22mm) and the screen remains in focus as the power is flipped. If you don't want x3.3, but x2 or x2.5, Seagull supply those also. You save 137.
TYPE L FOCUSING SCREEN FDA-FL1AM PLAY.COM 15 <http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronics/-/256/336/-/9006354/Sony-FDA-FL1AM-Type-L-FocusingScreen/Product.html?searchtype=genre> PLAY.com Sony oem L screen. You save 26.
AC ADAPTER PW10AM AC Sony AC-PW10AM / PW10AM replacement AC power adaptor 14 <http://www.digi-quick.co.uk/Sony-AC-PW10AMPW10AM-replacement-AC-power-adaptor__846?utm_source=ProductSearch&utm_medium=GoogleBase> digi-Quick is an on-line retailer based in Cornwall, founded in 2005. This unit is a Chinese import. You save 56.
HOT SHOE ADAPTER HS1AM Flash Flash Hot Shoe Adapter for SONY A500/A550/A850 FA-HS1AM 8 <http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Flash-Hot-Shoe-Adapter-forSONY-A500%2fA550%2fA850-FA-HS1AM_W0QQitemZ220603239713QQcmdZViewItem?
rvr_id=&rvr_id=&cguid=5b2ff2f11260a0e201c00f10ffb2e373> This particular hot shoes adaptor offers the same surge protection as the Sony oem, unit. It is a Chinese copy. Use it if you want direct hot shoe flash connection to an ISO flash gun. You save 61.

GADGET INFINITY 4-pin FS-1100 Hot Shoe Adapter for Konica Minolta / Sony Alpha camera $16 <http:// www.gadgetinfinity.com/product.php?productid=16892> Gadget Infinity are a Hong Kong based Distributor. You need this hot shoe fitting with their IR remote. It is a mechanical adapter with a socket for the REMOTE socket on the camera body. The lead comes with their IR remote. You can use a non-TTL ISO flash gun with this unit.

700 DSLR

Breathtaking quality from capture to playback. Sony 700 the DSLR youve been waiting for.
Sensational image quality
12.24 MP Sony Exmor CMOS sensor with on-chip noise reduction before and after A/D conversion to create clean, low-noise images even at high sensitivity settings. Powerful Bionz image processor screens out noise
before RAW data conversion and image processing to achieve rich image detail, contrast, and color while speeding camera response.
Super SteadyShot in-camera image stabilization enables hand-held shooting at shutter speeds 2.5 to 4 steps slower than would otherwise be possible effective with all system lenses.

Screen image simulated

Zoom Lenses and Vertical Grip
See the back cover for camera specifications and a full lineup of 700 system accessories.
DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 (SAL1870) Compact, lightweight standard zoom lens that covers a wide range of shots, from wide-angle to medium telephoto (35mm equivalent: 27 to 105mm).
DT 16-105mm F3.5-5.6 (SAL16105) High-performance compact standard zoom lens with 16mm wide-angle coverage and high 6.6x magnification (35mm equivalent: 24 - 157.5mm).
State-of-the-art camera features
Fast, accurate 11-point center dual cross AF sensor with Eye-Start autofocus system that begins focusing the instant you bring your eye to the camera. 5 frame-per-second continuous shooting at full resolution,
so you can capture fast motion.

Spectacular viewing

Built-in HDMI Output2 terminal for direct connection to Sony BRAVIA HDTV and other compatible HDTV screens so you can view photos in the awesome quality of PhotoTV HD. Large 3.03 XtraFine LCD screen with 921k pixels and
wide-angle viewing for photo-quality viewing and sharing.
Creative Style settings for smooth, fast shooting in a wide range of image styles with advanced D-Range Optimizer to bring out more detail in bright highlights and dark shadows.
Intuitive Quick Navigation interface for simple, comfortable one-handed camera setup and operation. Sony Anti-Dust Technology combines anti-static coating plus sensor vibration function that shakes off dust each time the camera is turned off. Strong, lightweight magnesium alloy body with rugged
construction that resists dust and moisture.1
G Series 70-300mm F4.5-5.6

(SAL70300G)

DT 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 (SAL18250) All-in-one, high-magnification 14x zoom in a compact, lightweight design (35mm equivalent: 27 - 375mm).
Vertical Grip (VG-C70AM) Provides a firm, comfortable grip, with duplicate controls for easy vertical shooting and holds two NP-FM500H InfoLITHIUM batteries.
Telephoto zoom lens with responsive SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) and minimum focus distance of about 4 ft. (35mm equivalent: 105 - 450mm). Available in Spring 2008.

Optional accessories for

Lens System A total of 24 lenses, including 3 new items, are available for full focal range coverage. Flash / Macro Flash / Ring Light External Flash HVL-F56AM External Flash HVL-F36AM Macro Twin Flash Kit HVL-MT24AM Ring Light HVL-RLAM Flash Accessories External Battery Adapter for Flash FA-EB1AM Off-Camera Shoe for Flash FA-CS1AM Triple Connector for Flash FA-TC1AM Off-Camera Cable for Flash FA-CC1AM Extension Cable for Flash FA-EC1AM Multi-Flash Cable FA-MC1AM Battery / Charger Rechargeable Battery Pack NP-FM500H AC Adapter/Charger AC-VQ900AM

Cases / Straps Exclusive to 700 Soft Carrying Case LCS-AMLC2* (Camera case) Soft Carrying Case LCS-SC20* (System case) Soft Carrying Case LCS- AMSC30 (System case) Lens Accessories Circular PL Filters VF-49CPAM, 55CPAM, 62CPAM, 72CPAM, 77CPAM ND Filters VF-49NDAM, 55NDAM, 62NDAM, 72NDAM, 77NDAM MC Protectors VF-49MPAM, 55MPAM, 62MPAM, 72MPAM, 77MPAM Lens Cases LCL-60AM, LCL-90AM, LCL-140AM Front Lens Caps ALC-F49A, ALC-F55A, ALC-F62A, ALC-F72A, ALC-F77A, ALC-F62Z, ALC-F72Z, ALC-F77Z Rear Lens Cap ALC-R55 Lens Hoods ALC-SH0001, ALC-SH0002, ALC-SH0003, ALC-SH0005, ALC-SH0006 , ALC-SH0007, ALC-SH0008, ALC-SH0009, ALC-SH00010, ALC-SH00011, ALC-SH00013, ALC-SH00014, ALC-SH00016 Others Memory Stick Memory Stick Duo series, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo series CompactFlash Card NCFB & NCFC Series, NCFD Series Digital Photo Printer DPP-FP90 HDMI Cable VMC-15MHD, VMC-30MHD 700
Shooting Accessories Exclusive to Vertical Grip VG-C70AM
Exclusive to 700 LCD Protect Cover PCK-LH1AM
Exclusive to 700 LCD Protect Sheet PCK-LS1AM
Body Cap ALC-B55 Magnifier FDA-M1AM Angle Finder FDA-A1AM Eyepiece Cup FDA-EP2AM Eyepiece Correctors FDA-ECF05, FDA-ECF10, FDA-ECF15, FDA-ECF20, FDA-ECF30, FDA-ECN10, FDA-ECN20, FDA-ECN30, FDA-ECN40 Remote Commander RM-S1AM Remote Commander RM-L1AM
Shoulder Strap STP-SS2AM (Nylon) Shoulder Strap STP-SH2AM (Genuine leather) Shoulder Strap STP-SB1AM (Neoprene) Shoulder Strap STP-SH1AM (Genuine leather) Shoulder Strap STP-SS1AM (Nylon)

Main specifications of

System Camera type Lens mount Lens compatibility Image Capture Image sensor type Image sensor size Total pixel number Effective pixel number Anti-Dust system Recording Media Slot File system Image format Image size Color space Noise reduction CMOS
Viewfinder Shutter Fixed eye-level system with optical glass type pentaprism 95% 0.9 x, with 50mm lens at infinity Approx. 25 mm from the eyepiece, Approx. 21 mm from the eyepiece frame at -1 diopter -3.0 to +1.0 m-1 Spherical Acute Matte 11 points 0 EV to +18 EV (at ISO 100 equivalent) Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF, Direct Manual Focus, Manual Focus Wide focus area (Auto,11 areas), Spot focus area, Local focus area (11 local areas, selection with the multi-selector) On/Off selectable Type:TTL metering Cell: 40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC Light metering Range: 0 EV to 20 EV (+2 EV to +20 EV with Spot metering) (at ISO 100 equivalent with F1.4 lens) Mode: Multi segment, Spot, Center weighted Exposure setting Exposure compensation AE bracketing ISO sensitivity (REI) ISO range ISO steps Auto Focus System Built-in flash system Flash metering system Flash mode Flash compensation Manual popup; approx. GN 12 (in meters at ISO 100); coverage of up to 16 mm (in the focal length); approx. 3 sec. recycling time; flash-ready indicator ADI flash / Pre-flash TTL / Manual flash Autoflash, Fill-flash, Rear sync, Slow sync, Manual flash Red-eye reduction, High speed sync (with external flash) +/- 3.0 EV (0.3 / 0.5 EV steps selectable) 3/5 frames, 0.3 / 0.5 / 0.7 EV steps selectable Auto, Program AUTO (with Program Shift), Shutter priority, Aperture priority, Manual, Scene selection (Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports action, Sunset, Night view/portrait) +/-3.0 EV, 0.3 EV / 0.5 EV steps selectable Bracket: Cont. / Bracket: Single, with 0.3 / 0.5 / 0.7 EV increments, 3/5 frames selectable AUTO: ISO 200 - 1600 (lower limit / upper limit selectable) ISO100 - 3200 equivalent (Up to ISO 6400 can be set as expanded ISO range) 1/3 EV step Type Speed range Flash sync speed Drive Drive mode Continuous advance rate No. of frames recordable w/ continuous advance Camera Function Depth-of-field preview Auto review LCD Monitor LCD screen size Total number of dots Field of view LCD brightness setting Print Print function Interface HDMI type C minijack HDMI Out USB Out Sync. terminal Video Out Remote Control Wired Wireless PC control Power Power source Battery charger Battery life Power saving mode Others Battery: Solely with the Recheageable Battery Back NP-FM500H (7.2 V) AC adapter: AC-VQ900AM (optional) (7.6 V) BC-VM10 Approx. 650 shots (CIPA measurement) Shut down after 1 / 3 / 5 / 10 / 30 min Approx. 141.7 x 104.8 x 79.7 mm (excl. protrusions) Approx. 690 g (w/o batteries, memory card, body accessories) With optional RM-S1AM or RM-L1AM With RMT-DSLR1 Image data transfer and camera control with supplied software 1920 x1080i 59.94/50 Hz, 1280 x 720p 59.94/50Hz, 720 x 480p 59.94 Hz, 720 x 576p 50 Hz SB2.0 (Hi-Speed), USB Connecting (Mass Storage, PTP, Multi LUN) Adaptable to the sync. terminal of the opposite polarity NTSC / PAL selectable (in Menu) Exif Print, Print Image Matching III, PictBridge, DPOF setting 7.5 cm (3.0 type) TFT 921,600 (640 x 3 (RGB) x 480) dots 100% +/-5 steps Yes (by pressing Depth-of-field preview button) 10 sec. / 5 sec. / 2 sec. / Off selectable Single-frame advance, Continuous advance (H/L selectable), Self-timer (10 sec. / 2 sec. delay, with mirror-up function) Hi: approx. 5 frames/sec. max., Lo: approx.3 frames/sec. PEG (Extra fine): 8, RAW: 17, cRAW (compressed): 24,RAW+JPEG: 11 cRAW+JPEG:12, JPEG (Standard / Fine): No limit (until the memory card is full) Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane type 1/8000 sec. - 30 sec., bulb 1/250 sec. (Super SteadyShot off), 1/200 sec. (Super SteadyShot on) Type Field of view Magnifiation Eye relief Diopter adjustment Focusing screen Auto Focus System No. of focus points Sensitivity range Focus mode Focus area Eye-Start AF system Auto Focus System

Digital SLR camera with built-in flash and interchangeable lenses Sony mount; compatible with Minolta A-type bayonet mount All Sony lenses and Konica Minolta DYNAX lenses / MAXXUM/
23.5 x 15.6 mm (APS-C type) Approx. 13,053,000 pixels Approx. 12,246,000 pixels Charge protection coating on low pass filter and Image-sensor shift mechanism Memory Stick: Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo Dual slot for Memory Stick Duo / CompactFlash FAT 12, 16, 32 JPEG, RAW (ARW 2.0 format), RAW + JPEG RAW: 4288 x 2856, L (12M, 3:2); 4272 x 2848, M (6.4M, 3:2): 3104 x 2064, S (3.0M, 3:2): 2128 x 1424 sRGB, Adobe RGB Long Exp. NR: On/Off, available at shutter speeds longer than 1 sec. High ISO NR: High / Normal / Low, available at ISO 1600 or higher Base Styles: Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Adobe RGB User setting registration: 3 style boxes; Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Adobe RGB, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night view, Autumn leaves, B/W, Sepia Adjustable Items: Contrast (-3 to +3 steps), Saturation (-3 to +3 steps), Sharpness (-3 to +3 steps), Brightness (-3 to +3 steps), Zone Matching (-1 to +2 steps) Mode: Off, Standard / Advanced: Auto / Advanced: Level Advanced Level setting: 5 levels DRO advanced bracketing: 3 frames, H/L selectable

Creative Style

D-Range Optimizer
White Balance Mode Color temperature Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy,Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Color Temperature / Color filter, Custom 2500 - 9900 k with 19-step Magenta / Green compensation
White balance bracketing 3 frames, H/L selectable Super SteadyShot System Capability Image-sensor shift mechanism Approx. 2.5 EV - 4 EV decrease in shutter speed (varies according to shooting conditions and lens used)

Flash bracketing

Not waterproof nor splash-proof. HD Output requires a Sony HDMI connector cable; HDTV sold separately. Viewable area, measured diagonally.

Dimension (WxHxD) Weight

2007 Sony Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved. Sony, the Sony logo, , Bionz, Cyber-shot, Exmor, Memory Stick Duo, like.no.other, InfoLITHIUM, BRAVIA, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo Memory Stick PRO Duo, Stamina, Super SteadyShot and XtraFine are trademarks of Sony. HDMI is a trademark of HDMI Licencing, LLC. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.