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June 18, 2008

Sony Alpha DSLR-A300 review

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A300's smooth Live View handling makes this model worth consideration for anyone graduating from a point-and-shoot camera.

Like competing compact digital SLRs designed for users stepping up from the point-and-shoot realm, the 10.2Mp Sony Alpha DSLR-A300 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 around £599, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A300 doesn't come cheap, but this camera's tilt-screen tricks may make it attractive to stealth shooters and to people who want to capture unique images.

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A300's 2.7in Live View screen offers optional real-time viewing, so you can compose images using your LCD just as you would with a point-and-shoot camera. A mechanical switch allows you to toggle back and forth between using the Live View LCD or the viewfinder for composing.

Because the Sony Alpha DSLR-A300's Live View uses a separate mirror and sensor to transmit what it sees, Live View mode imposes no slowdown on the sensor's handling of the actual images as you shoot. If you prefer to use the traditional viewfinder, though, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A300's works just fine; its eyecup and diopter comfortably fit my eye.

Thanks to the Sony Alpha DSLR-A300's Live View mode, composing shots of subjects at ground level was a breeze, since we didn't have to crouch down onto the ground to look through the viewfinder.

Although both the LCD's quality and Live View won us over, we were a little disappointed to see that it folds out and extends only vertically. The design allowed us to point the lens around a corner periscope-style, but only in that one way. We can imagine how constructing a sturdy, fully swiveling screen might be difficult, but here's hoping that Sony will achieve such a thing in the Sony Alpha DSLR-A300's descendent models.

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A300 is a fairly heavy 582g; still, the camera's ergonomic design gives it a solid and balanced feel in the hand.

If you put your fingers on the Sony Alpha DSLR-A300's grip, they won't get in the way of the bundled 18mm-to-70mm lens (f/3.5-5.6, effective 35mm focal length of 27mm to 105mm) or block the pop-up flash. Commonly used settings are accessible from the top of the camera for quick access. Menu controls are available on the back, and all settings are viewable on screen.

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Independent customer reviews from

Sony Alpha DSLR-A300 scored:
8.8 out of 10

The 2 most helpful reviews based on 24 reviews:

Nigel, Liverpool

10
Good Points
All the features of the A350 but with the 10.2M sensor from the A200 This body-only version is a great choice if you have old Minolta AF lenses in your cupboard as they snap straight on. The camera is as easy to use as a compact when set to full auto, and can produce superior images due to the larger lens size. Beyond full auto, the various program modes are all available via a single mechanical dial, and important options have physical buttons rather than complicated menu options. You also have full control in terms of shutter/aperture priority or full manual mode if you wish. Just like a compact, the rear screen can be used as an alternative to the viewfinder - it also tilts so that the camera can be used for overhead shots. Otherwise the screen acts as a status indicator, and the camera adjusts the display so that the image is always the right way up whichever way you tip it. Camcorder- style image stabilisation is a nice bonus. I'll probably leave it on permanently. Build quality is high - a plastic body but it feels solid, the dials moving with satisfying clicks without rattles, and even the door covering the battery & memory feels like it is built to last. Overall it looks like a Sony and feels like a Minolta. My favourite camera to date.
Bad Points
Digital zoom button under your right thumb is useless Images are slightly more grainy at high ISO settings than its competitors Buy a memory card with it as there isn't any internal memory at all.
Confirmed purchase on 13 Jun 2008

Jamie, Exeter

9
Good Points
Image quality and moreso sharpness is a huge step up from my previous (non dslr) camera. The camera itself is very responsive, quick auto focus although that depends on the lens too. Stoked on the the battery life and therefore the amount of shots i can take in one outing. The ergonomics of the buttons and feel of the camera is good, can safely hold it with one hand with out fear of dropping. It's still new so that's all i can say right now, I am very pleased with it nonetheless.
Bad Points
The lcd screen can be a little hard to see outside on a sunny day. Suprised to see the shutter button has no cable release socket, i don't know how common it is on entry level dslr's but my previous bridge camera had one however it is possible to get a remote.
Confirmed purchase on 24 Sep 2008

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Total reviews: 5,068

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Sony Alpha DSLR-A300

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