Nanocrystalline strontium bismuth tantalate (SrBi2Ta2O9; SBT) powders have been synthesized through complete dehydration of an aqueous solution mixture of tantalum tartarate, strontium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and bismuth-triethanolamine complex. Single-step calcination of the fluffy, mesoporous, carbonaceous dehydrated precursor mass at 700 degrees C/2 h results in nanosized SBT powders, with average particle size similar to 15 nm. When palletized and sintered at 950 degrees C/4 h these powders show a relative density of 97.6% of theoretical value, and a maximum dielectric constant value of 1387 at T-c (Curie temperature)=279 degrees C, when measured at 100 kHz.