Digital Camera Reviews

The Alpha DSLR-A300 and Alpha DSLR-A350 are Sony’s fourth and fifth DSLRs, launched together at the annual PMA show in late January 2008. Since the original A100 was replaced by the A200 in early January, Sony now has four models in the Alpha range: the entry-level A200, the semi-pro A700, and positioned in-between, the new A300 and A350 models.

The A200, A300 and A350 have a lot in common. They all share essentially the same body, controls, features and accessories, but the higher-end models add something new to the mix. The A200 is the base model with a 10.2 Megapixel sensor and a fixed screen.

Features:
* 14.4 megapixel
* Tiltable 2.7 inch LCD
* High ISO of 3200
* In camera image stabilization
* Dynamic range optimizer

Sony Alpha DSLR-A350 Reviews From dcresource

What I liked:
* Very good photo quality at lower ISO settings or in RAW mode
* Well built, easy-to-hold body
* Sensor-shift image stabilization reduces blur on most legacy Minolta and all Sony lenses
* Best live view system on the market on a tilting 2.7″ LCD; focuses just as quickly as it does with LV off
* Dust reduction system
* Full manual controls
* RAW image format supported; good editing software included
* Snappy performance in most respects
* Support for wireless flashes
* Best-in-class battery life; optional battery grip
* USB 2.0 High Speed support

What I didn’t care for:
* Photos are on the soft side, with heavy noise reduction above ISO 200 (in low light) and ISO 800 (in normal light); shooting in RAW improves things noticeably
* Tends to underexpose
* Sluggish low light focusing
* Live view issues: only shows 90% of the frame; poor low light visibility; reduces burst mode frame rate; no way to enlarge frame for manual focusing
* Small optical viewfinder
* LCD is difficult to see outdoors
* Legacy hot shoe limits third party flash options
* 18 - 70 mm kit lens isn’t the greatest (lots of corner blurring)
* No remote capture support
* Confusing button placement; poorly located USB / video out port
* Manual not terribly detailed

Sony Alpha DSLR-A350 Reviews From cnet

The good:
Sensor-shift image stabilization; useful Live View implementation with flip-up LCD.

The bad:
Kit lens could be better; mixed performance; small viewfinder; interface annoyances.

The bottom line:
Unless you’re prepared to spend a disproportionate amount of money on a really good lens, the resolution bump offered by the Sony Alpha DSLR-A350 isn’t worth the price.