Sony Alpha DSLR-A300

84

Very Good

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5 User Reviews | add yours »

Pros
"Live View" handling is quite impressive
Very easy to navigate and operate
Cons
Noticeable noise at high ISO settings
Artifacting in high-contrast edges

$431.49 - $599.00
From 3 Merchants

Sony Alpha DSLR-A300K Digital SLR Camera Review

by Kathleen Cullen, PC World

- Updated 12/23/08: Like competing compact digital SLRs designed for users stepping up from the point-and-shoot realm, the 10.2-megapixel Sony Alpha DSLR-A300K has live-view functions--but it enjoys an edge over its rivals in that its flexible live-view LCD works in real time. Priced at $550 (available in a kit only, with a 18mm-to-70mm lens; price as of 12/10/08), this camera offers tilt-screen tricks that may make it attractive to stealth shooters and to people who want to capture unique images.

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User Reviews for Sony Alpha DSLR-A300

Reviewed by: xdr4gon

Duration of ownership:

Strengths: Very user friendlyDecent amount of advanced user functionsGreat as a first cameraBuilt in image stabilization into the body

Weaknesses: Kit lens not so greatNoise at higher ISOs, but works well for smaller prints/pictures.

Overall Evaluation: This was my first dSLR and I love it. It has all the features I wanted. It's everything you expect out of a dSLR. It's built off of the a200 but it's got the addition of live view and a tiltable screen. The liveview comes in handy sometimes, but I find myself using the viewfinder the most. The screen is nice and big and shows pictures nicely. You won't find liveview on many other cameras (nikon and only the newer canons). I've taken a bunch of pictures with this and am very proud of the camera. The built in SSS stabilizer saves a ton of money on lenses, let's see canikon do that!Just a great camera overall.Oh yeah, and don't bother with the a350, there's no improvements and a larger 14.2 MP sensor will not help. It's the same image processor and has the same amount of noise (if not more at the higher res). Get the a700 for that price range.
Reviewed by: davelin

Duration of ownership:

Strengths: Unbeatable value for your money; Live View w/ no AF lag; 700+ shot battery; built-in image stabilization; fast 9-point auto focus

Weaknesses: Included kit lenses are above average performers, but not as good as some competitor kit lenses; shutter click is noticeable in quiet settings; accessories can be expensive; no SDHC support

Overall Evaluation: This is a great camera value. While Sony is traditionally associated with design, technology and performance (not value), the consumer electronics conglomerate is making a hard push into the digital SLR market. As a result, their pricing these cameras below competitors, while adding premium features to swing the undecided. If you can get over not having a Canon or Nikon branded camera, you'll find yourself with a very capable camera deeply rooted in the rich photographic legacy of Konica-Minolta. **Caveat: This is my first digital SLR and I've only owned the camera for about a month, but I wanted to provide readers some insight into the thought process and early reflections of a person like me: a novice dSLR-user, who relied on online and magazine research. More details: Unbeatable value for your money (closest comparables Nikon D60 and Canon XSi) are hundreds more, except Olympus E510 Live View allows for point-and-shoot convenience with only slight AF lag, due to unique Sony live view technology 700+ shot battery w/ capacity gauge is an industry best Second-generation image stabilization is built-in to camera and produces great results with any lens 9-point autofocus is really fast and very accurate Large 2.7" LCD is bright, but not as clear as on other cameras Great accessory support, including battery grip, memory stick adapter for CompactFlash, wide assortment of Sony and legacy Minolta lenses.

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