Customer Reviews

Sony Alpha DSLRA300K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization with DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens

5 star:		(45)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Having previously reviewed the Alpha 200 and 350, it seems a bit silly to review the Alpha 300. After all, the Alpha 300 is a 200 with Live View, or a 350 with 10 megapixels instead of 14mp. Right?

Well, pretty much that's the case. But there is also a corresponding price difference. Is Live View worth an extra $100? Is 14mp worth an extra $200?

For my money, yes, Live View is worth the $100 because of the way Sony has implemented this feature. Unlike most systems, you won't see a loss in autofocusing performance (or a loss of autofocus completely), nor will you alter the way the exposure and white balance are determined. Add to this the articulated screen that makes extremely low or high angle shots easier, and I say "YES"! Any drawbacks? Yes, this screen is a bit thicker, and pushes you back a bit when looking through the camera. Also, the way Sony implements Live View does mean you only see 90 percent of what you'll get on the image.

OK, is 14mp worth the extra $200? I don't know, but I don't think so. We really need more critical comparisons from people with true scientific methods of measuring the difference in image quality, but there are a few assumptions that will probably hold true, based on previous cameras. The 14mp will give a superior image in good lighting, when ISO values (the fake "film" speeds) can be set to higher quality settings. You won't see this difference on an 8x10 standard photo, but probably could in very big enlargements or severe cropping of photos. Keep in mind that the "1.4x and 2x teleconverter" option you have with Live View is nothing more than cropping, with 2x dropping your effective megapixels in half.

Past cameras would suggest, however, that the higher pixel density of the 14mp camera would be a drawback in low light conditions, in particular when we have to raise the ISO settings. Thus, they may not even be as good as the 10mp sensor for these applications (but we still need critical testing to confirm this assumption).

So, for my money, I'd say the 14mp is probably not worth the money for someone shooting an even variety of shoots, but might be for a landscape/wildlife photographer.

Compared to other brands, I think the Alpha 300 wins on features compared to the Canon Digital Rebel XTi or Nikon D60 (Live View, stabalization in body). The new 12mp Canon XSi is more in the price range of the 14mp Alpha 350. In any case, with 3 new Alphas, and the new D60 and XSi, there's no more excuses! Get a camera and start taking great photos!

Sony Alpha A200K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization with 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens
Sony Alpha DSLRA350K 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens

Nikon D60 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens
Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black)

I had to choose between the a200, a300 and a350. Like another reviewer said, I think the a300 hits the sweetspot. The Live view is a feature that I might have to add to my list of requirements for future upgrades.

One of the things that annoyed me about shooting with a dslr were my glasses. To prevent them from being smudged, I'd flip them up when pressing my face against the eyepiece. Spend an entire day doing this and it becomes a royal PITA. I've only used the camera for about a week so far and I can already see that I'll be relying on Live view a lot.

The other major benefits of Live view are: 1) being able to shoot pics from the ground level perspective (great for kids and dogs) without multiple trial and errors or crouching/laying on the ground (my back thanks me), and 2) shooting over a crowd of heads, fence, glass partition, etc.

The image doesn't track as smooth as I'd hoped, but it's good enough for framing the shot. It shows you the autofocus points as well as providing a live histogram (i love it!).

I upgraded from a Minolta 5D and I think I'll miss the depth of field preview as well. Small price to pay for all the other great features.

In summary, get this camera if you're not heavily invested in other lens systems. I haven't checked out the competition since I'm one of the surviving members of the Minolta clan, but I'm sure others have competent implementations as well.

My first DSLR, and I am very satisfied.

Why I bought it:

Live View - excellent implementation. This was my number one purchase point for this camera. Fast switching to and from the Optical Viewfinder. You can use Live View outside of the studio and it acts just like a standard consumer digital camera screen. Screen tilts, which is handy.

10MP - this is the sweet spot for price and capability. The Alpha 350 has 14MP, but I decided to save the money and buy a few accessories right away.

RAW+JPEG - I wanted a camera that shot RAW+JPEG and didn't skimp on the JPEG. You can shoot high-quality JPEG and RAW at the same time.

Great photos - has to do that.

Good surprises after I got the camera and started using it:

Ease of Use - very easy to start using right out of the box (recharge the battery first).

Steady Shot - gives me the confidence to shoot without a tripod and it has a nice readout on the LCD that tells you when you're shaking.

Battery life - I've been taking quite a few photos the last week and have yet to recharge the internal battery.

Display Button - easy to press and review your photos. Very easy to get back to shooting.

Minor Bad Point - in-camera flash is very low and kit lens casts a shadow if you are too close to your subject. I got an HVL-F36AM external flash with the camera so I don't have to worry about this too much.

Some mention that the viewfinder is small, but I used it all day today because of the bright sunlight and was happy with it. I was sitting in our vehicle and noticed a tank in my side mirror. I decided to take the photo using auto focus but that didn't work, so I focused manually on the tank about 30 yards behind me through the driver's side window in the left side mirror and got a perfectly sharp picture using the Optical Viewfinder.

Great camera!!

I've had the A300 for about a month now - I've been using it regularly and am very pleased. I did a lot of research before choosing this D-SLR and IMHO the A300 offers the best bang for the buck in its class. My decision was based on the image quality, Sony's innovative LiveView functionality, in-body stabilization, lens availability (without any confusion as to what lens is compatible, what lens is stabilized or has a focus motor...) and price.

I use the LiveView and OVF interchangeably and both work very well for me (and I wear glasses). I find LV and the tiltling LCD particularly useful when using a tripod as it's no longer necessary to contort my body to the OVF to see what the camera sees; it's also very useful for candid shots and to get over peoples' heads (or fences at zoos for example). I've found the LV/tilt-LCD incredibly useful to be able to place the camera on a wall or post or less convenient spots when there's no tripod, and be able to compose and shoot a great night shot.

I find the camera responsive - no complaints there - AF is fast and accurate. Metering is flexible, accurate and consistent. Battery is great - lasts a long time and with the % display, I know when I'm running low.

The built-in image stabilization has saved many a shot for me where lighting was marginal - I would not want to have to do without this feature.

I'm pleased with the image quality (even when I forgot to reset the ISO from 800 after some indoor/no-flash wedding shots). The camera has lots of buttons so I don't have to go searching through menus and if I do need to do something that doesn't have its own button, the Fn button generally gets me there quickly - a well thought out interface that works for me.

I have the Sony 18-70 and 75-300 kit lenses and I'm happy with both as they provide great flexibility in range, and they're sharp enough for me. All in all I'm very happy with this tool and if my shots don't come out the way I expect them to, it's more likely my problem than any lens or camera limitation.

Knowing what I know now about this setup, I'd definitely make the same decision to buy it.

I purchased the Sony A300 5 months ago through J&R Music World. The camera came to me quickly and with no apparent problems. Since then I have used the camera several times to take photos of my grandchildren and also some landscapes. I always mount the camera on a sturdy tripod. When it is not being used, it is stored in a padded camera case. The last time I turned on my camera the LCD showed a white screen with just a couple of lines running through it. I did not bang it, drop it or otherwise abuse it. The camera comes with a 1 year warranty. Since I purchased a Sony product I did not expect to have a problem with them honoring my warranty. They gave me instructions to send it to Precision Camera Repair. After about a week I checked Precision's online repair status and I had a message saying that repairs were delayed because they were waiting for payment. When I called they told me that the camera showed some small scratches on it's base so the camera was obviously abused and therefore they would have to charge me $254 to repair it! I went ballistic. Precision's customer service person told me that maybe they could reduce the repair cost and immediately reduced the charge to $175. Now you may say that my argument should not be with Sony. It should be with Precision Camera. However when I called Sony Customer Relations they refused to intercede and told me I was out of luck. My argument is with Sony because they are using an obviously unscrupulous repair service. How do I know they are unscrupulous? Because I have since found out that what they did to me, they have also done to other people. There are many complaints about them at these websites: [...]
[...] Sony's Customer Relations Department turned a deaf ear to my complaint. I had no choice but to pay for a repair that should have been covered by the warranty.
I am very disappointed with the durability of this camera and the way Sony handled my problem.

I researched affordable DSLR cameras and chose the A300 for its rear screen viewing when desired, its 'in the camera body' anti shake system, its comfortable shape and weight, and its excellent picture clarity. The A300 is NOT a 'dumbed down' DSLR. Its sophisticated (yet easy to use)features should satisfy any photographer. Controls are perfectly positioned, settings are easily reviewed, delay time between pressing the shutter release and the picture being taken IS NON EXISTANT. Audio noise is unobtrusive. Bracketing is simply achieved. and the kit lens is fine for general use. As I take Nature photos, I opted for the Tamron 70-300mm zoom lens as a quality yet less expensive alternative to the Sony zoom. I would buy the Sony A300 again without hesitation. [Nevertheless, if you have an extra $400, the new 350 is an impressive choice indeed.]

After researching all the available DSLR's cameras online with in depth reviews from reputable unbiased sites, I found the sony alpha 300k, to be the best price/product available.

I have tried the nikon D 60, and then returned it,.I am aamazed at the sony alpha 300 ease of use and excellent pictures quality. All the features included, i.e.: tiltable screen, live view, extra foucs, steady shot and the 2 lenses i got with it, I thought this to be a steal...

I am a beginner with DSLR's but not with photography,..I thought i will be using the live view, but I find myself shooting more with the OVF.

All the reviews about the small size of the OVF are bull, you see what you are supposed to see and what you need to see to take excellent photos... the CF feature is great.

I bought the extra flash (199, ONLY 99 W/SPECIAL COMBO OFFER), the pictures qualities at night are amazing, it adjust automatically to the zoom degree to give excellent exposure.

I bought extra batteries, sony alpha bag, and uv protector lens. I think i'll be bying the 28-300 mm zoom sigma lens once the price drops some more..

Overall, after spending hourse of reserches, I was drawne to the this sony alpha 300,..i did not know about it befiore, but i am extrmely pleased with the pics quality. ps the 14 mp, does not make a lot of difference unless you are shooting in macro, as the lens mount is the same for the 300 and the 350, in fact it may blurr the puiture by trying to insert more mp through the same size lenses,.. i am glade i stuck to the 300 and saved me 200 dollars.


The camera built and feel is excellent very pro, and is very well designed even for the smallest fingers, has a great grip and feels well buils, unlike the nikon d-60.

So all of you who may be confused about the camera or what to get: the sony will not disapoint, I am picky by nature and can not find flaws in this machine yet... just make sure to get the extra flash (wireless), and some extra zooming lenses,.. you'll be happy you did.

Amazon deliverd the camera in under 1 week, excellent conditions. Just buy the CF, i found the transcend brand to be exceptionaqlly good and fast. get the 8 gb it is a bargain and do not forget the CF reader as most computer doe not have ability to read cf yet. it cost about 15-30 dollars depending on brand.
Happy photography dslr style.
paul 06 29 08

camera takes good pictures, good for the price. It has everything i was looking for in my first digital slr camera. super steady shot image stabillization is a plus for me, you can buy lens for half the price if you are on a budget. I also like the live view with its x 1.4 and X 2 which adds extra zoom to any lens(ONLY ON LIVE VIEW) the flip screen lcd is useful when shooting with live view. to shoot different creative shots, overall i am satisfied with my camera and looking forward to learning how to shoot great pictues and develop better skills in photography.

This is my second dSLR. My first dSLR was the Canon D350. It took excellent pictures, but dSLRs were still evolving and I found the 1.8 inch screen too small to view, and when I viewed pics taken on it, I missed defects in photos, like out of focus areas, because of this. Thus I sold it.

As an aside, I still have my film SLR Canon EOS 500 from ages ago. Took lovely photos but obviously not used anymore :)

Come 2008, I felt it was time to get my feet wet again. All dSLR's have huge screens (remember the 1.5 inch ones of yesteryear?) and there are more choices than ever before.

I tried to order the A300 from Amazon but they didnt ship to Singapore. I bought it from a Malaysian website instead for an equivalent price. As the camera comes with no memory card, I bought a 8GB type III compact flash card for SGD$120. I've since found ther camera is cheaper from Hong Kong. Any lucky travellers to HK wanting a Sony Alpha should go tot Mong Kok and ask around. Same for the Lens- 18-200mm was offered at HKD$3100- before any haggling!

Reasons why I chose the Sony Alpha A300:

1. Large LCD screen with tilt- I have loved tilting screens since I first got my Sony DSC 30 back in 2000. In fact, all my dig. cameras can tilt- Kyocera SL300R, Nikon S4, Nikon S10.

2. Price (of course!)

3. Longer zoom than the competitors. I've always found lens which stop at 80mm (35mm equiv) quite useless. It's just too little zoom for most people. Thus this lens was much better. In fact, combined with the 1.4x and 2.0x zoom ability (it's a button on the top right of the back of the camera) makes it even better. Doing this does reduce resolution from 10 to 5 megapixels, but it's there if you need it.

4. Good reviews from many people, including the 23 reviews on this site.

5. Relatively lightweight (see below)

How have I found it since?

I've only taken about 50 photos, but they have been quite good. As I am not a professional photographer who views photos under an electron microscope at the subatomic level, I have no problems with the photos at all. Ones taken in the day at great. Ones taken indoors are obviously not quite as perfect, but certainly quite useable. Face detection is good, and I always have vibration reduction on too.

In terms of user friendliness, It's not too bad. I can take most genral photos on auto, but I still need to consult the manual for some things, like how to zoom in when viewing taken photos.

The price of the camera means that I did compare it with prosumer cameras too. Many of them were had incredible zooms, but were correspondingly heavier eg Fujifilm s100fs is almost 1kg. I used to have a Sony f828, which was also almost 1kg, and it was a hassle to carry around for lengths of time. The weight difference between the A300 with kit lens and the prosumers is very noticeable and carrying the A300 is very easy.

I had intended considering the 18-200mm or 18-250mm lens, but at this stage, I dont think the weight addition offsets the benefits, especially since I can use the nifty 2.0x button I mentioned above. Obviously, using the 2.0x on a 18-200/250mm lens would be heaven itself, but for now, I'll make do :)

Woah, that's a lot of writing- if you made it to the end, thanks for your patience!

For the above 23 prior reviewers- thanks for your time in penning your thoughts. Every review helped!


9th June 2009


Sad to say but I'm quite disappointed by the Sony alpha 300. I was initially blown away by the features and price, but after taking a few hundred photos, I'm quite disappointed by the photo quality. They dont seem to be as sharp as the Canon 350D I had a few years back and they seem noisy, even at 100iso. Perhaps I am doing something wrong, or I have a bad camera. In any case, I dont use it anymore adn find my 2.5 year old point and shoot takes sharper photos, so I use that now.

I am not unfamiliar with DSLR's and in fact I bought this to replace a Nikkon D40. The sony is easier to use and takes great pictures. However, the flash is a pain in the rear because it is mounted very low. It will leave shadows (from the lens) if you are not careful. I don't use the flash much so it really doesn't bother me. The ability to preview your shots with the LCD is a nice feature, but only use it when you absolutely have to. I recently took 400 shots using only the LCD and the pictures all looked great on the LCD, but they were over/underexposed when I uploaded them to my PC. The photo quality was actually a little bit worse than the D40, which was a disappointment because of the higher megapixel. I have not bought a better lens yet, but that will fix the problem. The problem with that is I could have bought the Nikkon D60 kit for the cost of a high quality lens. I still give it 4 stars. The price is right and the LCD is handy, but do not rely solely on your LCD. If you have the extra money I would recommend the D60. This is a great entry level DSLR I just wish the kit came with a better lens.