Digital Camera Reviews Repair Help and Photography News

If you have been thinking about buying a Sony Alpha DSLR camera, are you confused about which models offer the features you want? Read this review for a detailed overview of the entry level DSLRs on offer from Sony.

Sony A100: This was the camera that launched the Sony Alpha series. Released in July 2006, the Sony A100 was a 10.2 megapixel camera with a built-in anti-shake system that works with any lens attached to the camera. Like all the models that succeeded it, the Sony Alpha 100 used the Minolta A-type bayonet mount that was gleaned from the merging of Sony with Konica Minolta. It had an anti-dust system, a 2.5 inch LCD, and could shoot at 3 frames per second. It was a very well equipped DSLR for its time, and was widely held in high regard.
Status: Discontinued

Recommendation: At $650, I strongly advise you to not buy this camera. The A100 was the first Sony Alpha series camera and is not worth buying if you are looking for a DSLR. If you feel you MUST buy a Sony DSLR-A100 digital camera then click this link.

Sony A200: The Alpha 200 was a moderate update of the popular Alpha 100. It also became Sony’s cheapest digital SLR when it was introduced in January 2008 alongside the Sony A300 and A350. Changes to the A200 included the ability to shoot pictures in a 16:9 widescreen format, increased ISO sensitivity to 3200, noise reduction software, and a larger 2.7” LCD screen. Other refinements included an updated Super SteadyShot and a useful shadow/highlight warning system.

Status: Replaced by Alpha 230.

.

Recommendation: At a price point of $525 this is a good camera, but you can get better for the same or less. Unfortunately I have to advise against it if you wish to buy a Sony DSLR-A200 digital camera but click this link if you are still interested in one.

Sony A300 and A350: These two digital SLR cameras were released at the same time by Sony because of their similar feature set. Unveiled in January 2008, the A350 is more expensive than the Sony A300, because of its higher resolution, 14.2 megapixel sensor. (The A300 has the same 10.2 megapixel sensor used in the Alpha 200). This added another $100 to the price of the Alpha 350, and reduced its shooting speed due to the bigger file sizes, but gave you the ability to print large high resolution prints.

However, the stand out feature on both of these digital cameras was their revolutionary new live view system and tilting 2.7” LCD screen. Two sensors were included in the Sony Alpha 300 and Alpha 350 to help ensure that you could take pictures as quickly and easily with live view as you could with the optical viewfinder. It made the conventional ‘mirror flip’ live view systems from Nikon and Canon look slow and cumbersome, and meant that photographers moving up from point and shoot cameras had a much easier transition to the world of digital SLR cameras.
Status: Replaced by Alpha 330 and 380.

.

Recommendation: I highly recommend either of these Alpha cameras if you are looking to buy a Sony DSLR-A300 camera for $515 or buy a Sony DSLR-A350 camera for $635.

Sony A230: Sony’s A230 was the 2009 update of the Alpha 200, and the foundations for a 3 model lineup that included the Alpha 330 and 380. The Sony Alpha 230 is lighter and more compact than the Alpha 200, and was also revised to make it more user friendly to first time DSLR users. A new on-screen help mode was included, along with quick access to six automatic scene modes. Sony also included a dynamic range optimizer to ensure your photos have the best balance of highlight and shadow detail. A multi shot self timer, a new graphic display for selecting aperture or shutter speeds, and a nine point autofocus system round off the rest of the features included in this great value Sony Alpha camera. Indeed, the only missing feature of note is the lack of live view, but this was catered for with the Sony A330.
Status: New model.
Recommendation: At only $450 the choice to buy a Sony DSLR-A230 digital camera is a good one! Recommended for first time digital SLR users.

Sony A330 and A380: Announced in May 2009, (at the same time as the A230), the Sony A330 and Sony A380 became direct replacements for the A300 and A350. They share many features with the budget priced Alpha 230, and are the most recent entry level digital SLRs from Sony. Both the Sony A330 and the A380 include the unique Sony live view, and a tilting 2.7” LCD, to an already impressive feature list. The Sony A380 went further still, and included the extra resolution possible from a 14.2 megapixel sensor.
Status: Both are new models.

Recommendation: Both cameras are excellent value; for only $500 you can
buy a Sony DSLR-A330 digital camera
and for only $700 you can
buy a Sony DSLR-A380 digital camera

.

.

.

.

In conclusion, I would have to recommend the Sony DSLR-A330 to most people who are looking for an entry level Sony Alpha DSLR camera. It has the latest features and design improvements and the best price since it is priced at only $50 more than the DSLR-A230.

I hope this helps you if you’re shopping for a Sony Alpha DSLR!