Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 vs Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

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Overview

In this comparison, we will evaluate the Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 and the Canon PowerShot SX30 IS, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 was introduced in October 2008 and Canon PowerShot SX30 IS was introduced in September 2010. Let us first list highlights of the models.

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 Highlights

24.6 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
100 - 6,400 Native ISO
9 Focus Points
Image Stabilization
3.0" 922k dot Fixed Screen
Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
Wheather Sealed Body

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Highlights

14.1 MP 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
80 - 1,600 Native ISO
9 Focus Points (9 Cross-type)
Image Stabilization
2.70" 230k dot Fully Articulated Screen
Electronic Viewfinder
0.6 fps Continuous Shooting
1280 x 720 Video Shooting
Built-in Flash

Table of Contents

Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

Pros and Cons

In this section we present pros and cons of Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 and Canon PowerShot SX30 IS.

PROS

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

Large Sensor
Image Stabilization
High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
HDMI Output
Environmental Sealing
2 Storage Slots
Orientation Sensor

Video Capture
80 Lowest Native ISO
1,600 Highest Native ISO
Live View Autofocus
Image Stabilization
Fully Articulated Screen
Built-in Flash
HDMI Output
Orientation Sensor

CONS

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

No Video Capture
Timelapse Recording
9 Focus Points
No Face Detection
Fixed Screen
No Live View
No Built-in Microphone
No Microphone Input
No Headphone Output
No Built-in GPS
No Built-In Wi-Fi
No Built-In Bluetooth

Small Sensor
Low Resolution Sensor - 14.1 Megapixel
Timelapse Recording
9 Focus Points
0 Cross-type Focus Points
No Face Detection
Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/3200 sec
Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.6 fps
Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
No Microphone Input
No Headphone Output
No Built-in GPS
No Built-In Wi-Fi
No Built-In Bluetooth
No Environmental Sealing

And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

AVERAGE

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

Sensor Resolution - 24.6 Megapixel
100 Lowest Native ISO
6,400 Highest Native ISO
Screen Size - 3.0"
Screen Resolution - 922k dot
Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
DxO Overall Score - 79
Weight - 895 g (1.97 lb / 31.57 oz)
Battery Life - 880 shots

Screen Size - 2.70"
Weight - 601 g (1.32 lb / 21.20 oz)

Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

Sony DSLR-A900

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 over Canon PowerShot SX30 IS.

	Sony Alpha DSLR-A900	vs	Canon PowerShot SX30 IS
Larger Sensor	Full Frame	vs	1/2.3-inch
Higher Sensor Resolution	24.6 Megapixel	vs	14.1 Megapixel
Max Image Resolution	6048 x 4032	vs	4320 x 3240
RAW Support		vs
Center Autofocus		vs
Selective Autofocus		vs
Continuous Autofocus		vs
Phase Detection for Autofocus		vs
Larger Screen	3.0"	vs	2.70"
Higher Resolution Screen	922k dot	vs	230k dot
Top LCD Screen		vs
Lower Min Shutter Speed	30 sec	vs	15 sec
Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)	1/8000 sec	vs	1/3200 sec
Higher Max Continuous Shooting	5.0 fps	vs	0.6 fps
Environmental Sealing		vs
More Storage Slots	2	vs	1

Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha DSLR-A900.

Sony DSLR-A230

APS-C

10.2 MP

Sony DSLR-A380

APS-C

14.2 MP

Sony DSLR-A300

APS-C

10.2 MP

Sony DSLR-A290

APS-C

14.2 MP

Sony DSLR-A550

APS-C

14.2 MP

Sony DSLR-A560

APS-C

14.2 MP

Sony DSLR-A700

APS-C

10.24 MP

Sony DSLR-A500

APS-C

12.3 MP

Sony DSLR-A200

APS-C

10.2 MP

Sony DSLR-A850

Full Frame

24.6 MP

Sony DSLR-A390

APS-C

14.2 MP

Sony DSLR-A450

APS-C

14.2 MP

Advantage of Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

Canon SX30 IS

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot SX30 IS over Sony Alpha DSLR-A900.

	Sony Alpha DSLR-A900	vs	Canon PowerShot SX30 IS
Video Capture		vs
Lower Native ISO	100	vs	80
Higher Native ISO	6,400	vs	1,600
Live View Autofocus		vs
Contrast Detection for Autofocus		vs
Screen Type	Fixed	vs	Fully Articulated
Live View		vs
Built-in Flash		vs
Built-in Microphone		vs	Stereo
Lighter	895 g (1.97 lb / 31.57 oz)	vs	601 g (1.32 lb / 21.20 oz)

Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon PowerShot SX30 IS.

Canon SX10 IS

1/2.3-inch

10.0 MP

Canon SX50 HS

1/2.3-inch

12.1 MP

Canon SX40 HS

1/2.3-inch

12.1 MP

Canon SX20 IS

1/2.3-inch

12.1 MP

Canon SX60 HS

1/2.3-inch

16.1 MP

Canon SX70 HS

1/2.3-inch

20.3 MP

Canon R5 C

Full Frame

45.0 MP

Nikon Z8

Full Frame

45.7 MP

Nikon AW120

1/2.3-inch

16.0 MP

Sony a6100

APS-C

24.2 MP

Canon R3

Full Frame

24.1 MP

Canon 5DS

Full Frame

50.6 MP

Common Strengths and Weaknesses

We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

STRENGTHS	Sony Alpha DSLR-A900	Canon PowerShot SX30 IS
Image Stabilization	Sensor Shift
HDMI Output	Mini Type C
Orientation Sensor

WEAKNESSES	Sony Alpha DSLR-A900	Canon PowerShot SX30 IS
Timelapse Recording
Few Focus Points	9	9
No Face Detection
No Microphone Input
No Headphone Output
No Built-in GPS
No Built-In Wi-Fi		Eye-Fi Connection possible
No Built-In Bluetooth

Screen and Viewfinder

Screen

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 has a 3.0" Fixed screen with 922k dot resolution and Canon PowerShot SX30 IS has a 2.70" Fully Articulated screen with 230k dot resolution. Fully articulated screen makes Canon PowerShot SX30 IS selfie and vlogger friendly and generally very useful for video shooting.

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS with Fully Articulated screen

Viewfinder

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinderCanon PowerShot SX30 IS has a built-in Electronic viewfinder. Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 has 100% coverage with 0.74x magnification and magnification.

Sensor

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 features a 24.6 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 35.9 x 24 mm and a total area of 861.6 mm². Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400. Canon PowerShot SX30 IS features a 14.1 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 20.7 mm². Its native ISO range is 80 - 1,600.

Photography Features

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 is equipped with BIONZ processor and can take pictures up to 6048 x 4032 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4400 x 2936, 4400 x 2936, 3024 x 2016, 6048 x 3408, 4400 x 2472, 3024 x 1704, 3924 x 2656, 2896 x 1928, 1984 x 1320 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Canon PowerShot SX30 IS is equipped with DIGIC 4 processor and can take pictures up to 4320 x 3240 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3744 x 2104, 3072 x 2304, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480, 320 x 240 with 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratios.

Image Stabilization

The cameras have a built-in image stabilization. On Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 it means that you are still getting vibration reduction when it is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

Connectivity, Battery and Storage

USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 has a Mini Type C HDMI and Canon PowerShot SX30 IS has an HDMI connector for video signal output.

Battery

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 comes with NP-FM500H battery pack with battery life of 880 shots and Canon PowerShot SX30 IS comes with NB-7L battery pack.

External Storage Slots

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 has two card slots - one for Compact Flash (Type I or II), Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo and one for . Canon PowerShot SX30 IS has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus card slot.

Other Features

Shutter

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 has Electronically controlled Vertical-traverse Carbon Fiber Focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A900, and up to 1/3200 sec on Canon PowerShot SX30 IS. Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps. Canon PowerShot SX30 IS can shoot continuously up to 0.6 fps.

Flash

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS has a built-in flash with maximum range of 6.80 m and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Shoe Mount. Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Proprietary Hot Shoe (compatible w/ Sony & Minolta flashes). The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A900.

Physical Parameters

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 body has dimensions of 156 x 117 x 82 mm (6.14 x 4.61 x 3.23") and Canon PowerShot SX30 IS body has dimensions of 123 x 92 x 108 mm (4.84 x 3.62 x 4.25"). Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 weighs 895 g (1.97 lb / 31.57 oz) and Canon PowerShot SX30 IS weighs 601 g (1.32 lb / 21.20 oz).

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

156 mm

117 mm

123 mm

92 mm

82 mm

108 mm

Size comparisons of Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 and Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 and Canon PowerShot SX30 IS for Different Types of Photography

We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

Landscape Photography

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

GOOD

Large Sensor
Screen Resolution - 922k dot
No Live View
No Built-in GPS
Environmental Sealing

POOR

Small Sensor
Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
No Built-in GPS
No Environmental Sealing

Sports Photography

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

AVERAGE

6,400 Highest Native ISO
9 Focus Points
No Face Detection
Image Stabilization
Screen Resolution - 922k dot
No Live View
Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
Battery Life - 880 shots
2 Storage Slots
Orientation Sensor

AVERAGE

1,600 Highest Native ISO
9 Focus Points
0 Cross-type Focus Points
No Face Detection
Image Stabilization
Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.6 fps
Orientation Sensor

Wildlife Photography

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

AVERAGE

6,400 Highest Native ISO
9 Focus Points
Image Stabilization
Screen Resolution - 922k dot
No Live View
Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
Environmental Sealing
Battery Life - 880 shots
2 Storage Slots
Orientation Sensor

AVERAGE

1,600 Highest Native ISO
9 Focus Points
0 Cross-type Focus Points
Image Stabilization
Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.6 fps
No Environmental Sealing
Orientation Sensor

Portrait Photography

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

GOOD

Large Sensor
9 Focus Points
No Face Detection
Image Stabilization
Screen Size - 3.0"
Screen Resolution - 922k dot
No Live View
Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
Orientation Sensor

AVERAGE

Small Sensor
9 Focus Points
0 Cross-type Focus Points
No Face Detection
Image Stabilization
Screen Size - 2.70"
Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
Orientation Sensor

Street Photography

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

GOOD

Large Sensor
9 Focus Points
Image Stabilization
Fixed Screen
Screen Resolution - 922k dot
No Live View
No Built-in GPS
Environmental Sealing
Weight - 895 g (1.97 lb / 31.57 oz)

GOOD

Small Sensor
9 Focus Points
0 Cross-type Focus Points
Image Stabilization
Fully Articulated Screen
Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
No Built-in GPS
No Environmental Sealing
Weight - 601 g (1.32 lb / 21.20 oz)

Travel Photography

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

GOOD

Image Stabilization
Fixed Screen
Screen Resolution - 922k dot
No Built-in GPS
Environmental Sealing
Weight - 895 g (1.97 lb / 31.57 oz)
Battery Life - 880 shots

GOOD

Image Stabilization
Fully Articulated Screen
Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
No Built-in GPS
No Environmental Sealing
Weight - 601 g (1.32 lb / 21.20 oz)

Evaluations

We evaluate Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 and Canon PowerShot SX30 IS and give them scores of 65 and 57 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

OVERALL

Sensor

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

GOOD

Large Sensor
Sensor Resolution - 24.6 Megapixel
100 Lowest Native ISO
6,400 Highest Native ISO
DxO Overall Score - 79

POOR

Small Sensor
Low Resolution Sensor - 14.1 Megapixel
80 Lowest Native ISO
1,600 Highest Native ISO

Photo

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

GOOD

Timelapse Recording
Image Stabilization
High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec

AVERAGE

Timelapse Recording
Image Stabilization
Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/3200 sec
Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.6 fps

Video

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

BAD

Image Stabilization

POOR

Image Stabilization
Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720

Focusing

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

GOOD

9 Focus Points
No Face Detection

AVERAGE

9 Focus Points
0 Cross-type Focus Points
No Face Detection
Live View Autofocus

Screen and Viewfinder

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

GOOD

Fixed Screen
Screen Size - 3.0"
Screen Resolution - 922k dot

GOOD

Fully Articulated Screen
Screen Size - 2.70"
Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot

Connectivity

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

AVERAGE

HDMI Output
No Built-in Microphone
No Microphone Input
No Headphone Output
No Built-in GPS
No Built-In Wi-Fi
No Built-In Bluetooth

AVERAGE

HDMI Output
No Microphone Input
No Headphone Output
No Built-in GPS
No Built-In Wi-Fi
No Built-In Bluetooth

Battery, Storage and Physical

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

GOOD

Environmental Sealing
Weight - 895 g (1.97 lb / 31.57 oz)
Battery Life - 880 shots
2 Storage Slots

POOR

No Environmental Sealing
Weight - 601 g (1.32 lb / 21.20 oz)

For a full specification list please go to the specifications page: