Sony A300 Reviews & Resources
Written by Eric on January 7th, 2008 | 10 CommentsWhile we’ve seen and heard about them for awhile now, Sony has gotten official with the new A300 and A350. The 10.2 megapixel A300 features a flip-out 2.7-inch swivel screen and live preview that retains the ability to autofocus. The A300 features sensitivity up to ISO 3200 and feature burst modes of 3fps. The A300 will be available in April for $800 a 18-70mm kit lens. You can pre-order the Sony A300 through Amazon via the following links to the product pages:
Sony A300 w/ 18-70mm & 55-200mm lenses
Reviews
The camera focuses quickly as you aim the lens, without ever blacking out the screen. When you press the shutter, the screen doesn’t go on-off-on, there’s no loud clacking, and there’s no baffling exhibition of mirror calisthenics inside the camera.
. . . we’re here with a plethora of hands-on shots to prove that they’re the real deal. Since you already know the specs by now — 10.2 megapixel (a300) or 14.2 megapixel (a350) sensors, 2.7-inch screen, ISO up to 3200, and traditional CF slots — we’ll just let you get right to the eye candy below.
Press Release
SONY INTRODUCES TWO MAINSTREAM DSLR CAMERAS WITH UNIQUE “QUICK AF LIVE” VIEW SYSTEM
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 30, 2008 – Sony is bringing live-view shooting to its digital SLR camera line with today’s (alpha) DSLR-A350 camera and 10.2-megapixelintroduction of a 14.2-megapixel α (alpha) DSLR-A300 model. Both cameras feature new technologies that make picture taking faster, easier, and more familiar for first-time DSLR users.
Quick AF Live View System
They both offer Sony’s new “Quick AF Live View” technology so you can frame photos on the camera’s LCD without sacrificing auto-focusing speed common to other live-view systems.
Sony’s innovative Pentamirror Tilt mechanism directs light to a dedicated live view image sensor, enabling fast and responsive TTL phase-detection auto-focusing, even during live view.
____________________________
Eliminating the focus delay of other systems, the new models are equally responsive whether using live view or optical viewfinder.
With its two sensor design, Quick AF Live View can even continuously focus-track the subject and provide live view during burst shooting, helping you capture that special moment.
Taking further advantage of Quick AF Live View is the models’ variable angle 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD ™ screen. This makes it easy to frame scenes from high or low positions difficult to reach when using an eye-level viewfinder.
With Live View and an adjustable LCD, the cameras do not need to be in front of the user’s face, allowing parents, for example, to maintain eye-contact when photographing their children.
“Mainstream users stepping up to DSLRs are looking for a similar experience to their point and shoot cameras, but without compromise in speed or performance” said
_____________________________________
Exceptional Image Quality
The new models produce images with fine detail, rich tonality and vibrant color due to their APS-C CCD image sensors and BIONZ® processing engine. To aid shooting in low light, Super SteadyShot® image stabilization enables shutter speeds 2.5 to 3.5 steps slower than otherwise possible, with every compatible Minolta Maxxum® and Sony α (alpha) lens (sold separately) attached to the camera.
High sensitivity operation at ISO 1600 and 3200 and very low noise are made possible by the user-selectable high-ISO noise reduction features. Sony’s D-Range Optimizer delivers suitable tonality and exposures with rich shadow and highlight detail, even under high contrast situations.
Powerful Performance, Easy to Use
The DSLR-A300 model can shoot about three continuous frames per second and the DSLR-A350 model can shoot up to two-and-a-half continuous frames per second, when using the optical viewfinder. Both are powered by the Bionz processing engine and supplied InfoLITHIUMTM battery for fast start-up times, quick response and long battery life – up to 730 shots per full charge when using the optical viewfinder and up to 410 shots per full charge in live-view mode.
Both models feature lighter, slimmer bodies for easy handling; an improved user interface; an automatic pop-up flash; a comfortable camera grip with an easily accessible mode dial; an anti-dust system to keep the CCD image sensor clean for spot-free pictures; and JPEG and RAW file format support. Both have a slot for CompactFlash™ Type I/II media cards.
An adaptor for Memory Stick Duo™ media cards is also available for the cameras and sold separately.
The new DSLR-A300 and DSLR-A350 cameras are compatible with a range of accessories, including the ergonomic Sony VG-B30AM vertical grip. Also available as an option is the new Sony HVL-F42AM flash unit. It offers advanced features such as automatic white balance adjustment with color temperature information, adjustable bounce angles, ADI metering and wireless remote operation to suit the needs of most photographers.
Price and Availability
The DSLR-A300 kit with a DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens will ship in
January 8th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
[...] Sony A300 rumors [Photography Bay - thanks Eric!] [...]
January 12th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
The only reason anyone would want a darn A300 is if its Full Frame!!!! It could even be 4 frames per second with a frame limit and just under the A700 but if its just a step in between the A200 and A700… booooorrring! Sony is gonna blow it if they dont think of ways to smash the competition instead of float with it!
January 14th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Sweet enough looking live view machine….with the A100, A200, A700, A300, A900 all to be on the scene soon, Canikon will start to feel the pressure.
See A100 and A700 images, and intensive high ISO testing of the Sony A700 here:
http://www.sonolta.com
-Sonolta
January 17th, 2008 at 2:00 am
Wow! Go Sony ~ Sony Alpha goes strong this year and the next we will get respect in the DSLR business. More Power!
January 17th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
It takes more than two years to earn respect and even longer to build a reputation. That KM heritage is lost on newbys, so hope you’re not planning on that keeping you warm.
I like what Sony is doing; aggressive marketing and all. That’s where there fat bank comes into play. When I see the photojournalists at major sporting events pack Sony gear I’ll entertain your rah rah “more power” blast. Until then Sean and Don “Sony Fanboy #1″ can take a back seat and watch how the true players continue to release features that actually work.
January 24th, 2008 at 12:57 am
[...] There are even “leaked” photos of the supposed middle of the road cameras. You can see one set of leaked A300 photos at Photogrqphy Bay. Slash Gear offers the same tilt out, LCD Live View Alpha A300 [...]
February 7th, 2008 at 11:28 am
[...] http://www.photographybay.com/2008/01/07/sony-a300 Tags : photography camera sony alpha ?300 ?350 live view Pentamirror Tilt [...]
May 17th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
The Sony A300 seems to be the best overall Sony alpha model for the masses to me. The sony a300 reviews seem to echo this?
It’s like the A200 plus a little bit more, without going to the A700 and A350.
I wonder if they made the A350 just so people can spend money. It’s amazing the raw images coming from the a200 and a300, there are .arws here:
http://www.alphamountworld.com/reviews/sony-a300-review?page=0%2C10
Obviously Nikon is using sony chips in their dslrs for good reason. Don’t tell the photo journalists that!
take care
July 5th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Sony Alpha 200 and 300 (I own one of each) - great, great cameras. I love ‘em. Easy, quick custom white balance, wireless flash (eat your heart out Cannon). Just a good functional camera.
September 4th, 2008 at 11:20 am
If you pay attention to reviews and comments the sony alpha A300 is better then both the Cannon XSI and the Nikon D60 i think sony is a very good choice for an entry level DSLR.