Comparison of Sony Alpha Series Digital SLR Cameras

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27 February 2010

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Are you thinking you want to buy a Sony DSLR camera online? 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.

When the Sony Alpha camera series was introduced in July 2006, the aim was to offer photographers an alternative digital SLR system that could rival that of established manufacturers. They quickly succeeded. These DSLR cameras from Sony offer unique features that match, or even surpass, entry level Nikon cameras, or those at a similar price point from Canon.

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 newer Sony DSLR cameras, the A100 uses the Minolta A Type lens mount that Sony acquired when they purchased the Minolta digital camera division. 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 model.

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 DSLR-A230.

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 found in the A200 camera). Doing this increased the price of the A350 by $100 but allows you to be able to print very large prints, though nobody ever does.

One of the best features of these cameras are their Live View and adjustable 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 the DSLR-A330 and DSLR-A380.

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. The camera also comes equipped with dynamic range optimization to help produce pictures with both good highlighting as well as 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.

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 DSLR-A380 takes it even further with a professional level resolution with a 14.2 megapixel sensor. Status: Both are new models.

Our recomendation is to buy the Sony Alpha DSLR-A330. Overall it’s a great camera with every feature you need as well as many you will never use. The A330 is priced well and will keep you happy for a long time to come.

If you need to find a good spot for Sony Alpha DSLR camera repair you will be able to find repair shops to compare quotes with just a quick Google search or two. If you call Sony first to get a baseline price, then you may find that your Sony camera repair will cost less by not going through the manufacturer directly.