Posted to Digital SLR 2008-11-25
Sony has brought photography to a whole new level with the Sony DSLR A350. From the 14.2 megapixel sensor, to the new Sony Live View mode allowing faster focus times, to the tilting LCD screen, they have taken an already solid performing camera, installed a few upgrades, and have truly given even the most inexperienced of users the best opportunity to take some great shots. A 14.2 megapixel sensor offers up a resolution topping out at an impressive 4,592 x 3,056 pixels. New technology exclusive to the A350 makes it the only camera on the market to have its Live View auto focus as fast as the Optical Viewfinder. The tilting LCD screen folds almost 45 degrees down and over 90 degrees up, assisting the user on the tough overhead or waist level shots.
ValueIn a market that seems to have an endless supply of options, bang for the buck is ultimately the bottom line. So what makes this camera different to give you the best value? Well, I hate to sound repetitive, but the auto focus will make a huge difference in performance of the camera with less downtime and more pictures. Usability is the second huge point. The menu system has been revamped to provide quick and efficient use of all the options available, so you can easily utilize every function without getting lost in the menus. Some more expensive cameras allow the LCD screen to be adjusted in more directions with a swivel screen, but the hinge system on the A350 is much more durable and reliable. The Super SteadyShot compensates from 2.5 - 3.5 stops, giving you more crystal clear photos and less blurry ghosts. The truth is for the investment, the box is packed with almost everything you need to get started, including an 18-70mm kit lens that functions extremely well with the 14.2 megapixel sensor. Pick up an extra battery and at least a 2 GB CompactFlash memory card and you're ready to go. FeaturesI know at some point or another, when you missed that great photo moment, you wish that digital cameras would work like the old predecessors, snapping instantly. The Live View mode on DSLR's used to prevent instant shooting due to focus times. Now, shutter lag time associated with the Live View mode, is a thing of the past. The Sony DSLR A350 auto focuses before the image is sent to Live View. This creates minimal blackout and extremely fast focus times in Live View. Autofocus aside though, there are so many great features to this camera, I could write 20 pages and that's before I crack open the box. The flash is a pop up design, the menu uses a tab interface making it extremely user friendly to find all the options you want to adjust, the LCD screen is not only 2.7 inch with anti-reflective coating for better viewing in the sunlight, but the screen tilts to help with overhead or waist level shots and uses a very durable hinge system. Yet with all its features, it's still remarkably easy to use. SummaryWhether you print off your photos at home or send them to the developer, one thing is certain, with the Sony DSLR A350, they will always come out looking great. There are over 24 lenses available, phenomenal battery life, USB transfer speed is very fast, overall, it's extremely functional and quick to understand and use. Put your old camera away, because once you take this one out of the box, you'll never look back, except at the pictures that is. Pros
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