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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.

Sony Alpha DSLR-A350 offers Sony’s new Quick AF Live View technology for using the camera’s 230,000-pixel, 2.7-inch tilting LCDs as a viewfinder. Quick AF Live View uses Sony’s Pentamirror Tilt system to direct light to a dedicated live-view sensor instead of flipping the optical viewfinder mirror up and using the main sensor as many live-view systems do. Quick AF Live View enables the camera’s nine-point autofocus system to function during live viewing with no delay, including in tracking AF mode. The camera incorporates Sony’s Bionz processing engine, Super SteadyShot sensor-shift optical image stabilization, an anti-dust system, and a penta-mirror optical viewfinder with 0.75x magnification and 95 percent coverage. It takes Minolta and Sony A-mount lenses.

Sony Alpha DSLR-A350  Reviews From popphoto

overall Quality 9.5/10
Ease of Use 10/10
Fit nad Finish 7.5/10
Display Quality 9.5/10
Flash Quality 8/10
image Quality 9.5/10

Sony Alpha DSLR-A350  Reviews From imaging-resource
PRo
Articulated LCD screen allows more comfortable shooting from above or below
Live View mode doesn’t affect AF speed at all
Good body size, solid feel
Easy to learn and use
Great grip
No-nonsense design
14.2-megapixel sensor
Cons
Smaller optical viewfinder than A200
Kit lens is slightly soft in the corners
Advanced DRO slows camera down when shooting rapidly
Pop-up flash doesn’t go very high
Infrared sensor activates AF system when you don’t want it to, like when you’re just holding the camera
Proprietary flash hotshoe
Card write light is blocked by your thumb when holding the camera

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.

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