Based on our DxO Analyzer 3.1 Blur tests of A350 images shot using a 100-300mm zoom set to 200mm, this sensor-shift system delivered between 2.5 and 3 stops of improvement, similar to the A100 and slightly less than the A700. While noise performance at high ISOs doesn’t come close to the latest DSLRs we’ve tested, Sony has another low-light weapon: Super SteadyShot image stabilization. That’s still an Extremely High rating, and overall image-quality results at these ISOs followed a similar trajectory.
Sony a350 prices iso#
To keep noise under control at ISO 3200, especially in shadow and midtone areas, we slid NR up to 100 and watched resolution drop further to 1530 lines. RAW shooters will have plenty of choice, control, and better results at all ISOs when converting to TIFFs or JPEGs using the included Image Data Converter SR Version 2 software.Īt ISO 1600, we set the noise reduction slider to 50 (on a 0-100 scale) and got a Low noise rating, while resolution dropped nearly 20 percent to 1730 lines, just making an Excellent rating. Still, the A350’s resolution, combined with Excellent color accuracy (Average Delta E of 6.9) and Extremely Low noise at low to moderate ISO settings, helped the camera achieve an Excellent image quality rating at ISO 100-800.ĭetail heads south quickly if you set the camera to ISO 1600 or 3200, where the shadows and midtones require cranked-up noise reduction - especially in JPEGs. (Indeed, the Sony captured detail on par with the 10.1MP Canon EOS 40D.) Resolution was significantly below the 2350 lines of the Pentax K20D at ISO 100, and nearly the same as the Pentax at ISO 6400 with noise reduction on. In Pop Photo Lab tests, the A350’s APS-sized 14.2MP sensor delivered less detail (average 2150 lines of resolution at ISO 100-800) than the 12.2MP Sony A700 (2280 lines). And the less-expensive Nikon D60 and Pentax K200D pack 10.2MP.Įxperienced DSLR shooters know that megapixels don’t tell the whole story, and the A350 confirms this. The Canon EOS Rebel XSi, priced similarly to the A350, offers 12.2MP. The A350’s closest competitors in terms of megapixels, the 14.6MP Pentax K20D and Samsung GX-20, both cost $500 more.
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It’s geared toward photographers coming from digital compacts, who may be drawn to its live view, high megapixel count, compact size, and friendly price. Then again, Sony didn’t design the A350 to compete against advanced DSLRs such as the A700.
Sony a350 prices plus#
But the A350 actually boasts a higher-megapixel (14.2) sensor than the A700, plus several conveniences such as a tilting LCD and a live-view mode with fast autofocusing. Based on quick math, you might guess it’s half the camera the Alpha 700 ($1,300, body only) is. Case in point: Sony’s new Alpha 350 ($800, street, body only $900 with 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Sony DT lens). We’d recommend staying with the A200 for out-and-out value, or the Canon 450D for quality.What’s in a name? With DSLRs, not much. Ultimately the A350 is defeated by its own sibling.
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While 14.2 megapixels sounds great, the difference in quality between the A350 and A200 is marginal, and with the pixel density on the sensor so high, image noise above ISO 400 is more than we’d like to see. So the problem is what you gain for the extra money. The stock lens is the same 18-70mm unit, which while not as sharp as the stock lenses from Nikon and Canon, gives a useful extra zoom range. That’s a double-edged sword: there’s no significant omission aside from the lack of a depth-of-field preview. That apart, the features are identical to the A200.
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That makes it more difficult to frame your shots and visualise how they’ll turn out. One negative aspect of the light-splitting trickery and extra sensor is a smaller optical viewfinder.
Sony a350 prices manual#
The only downside is that the maximum screen magnification in live-view mode is 2x – not nearly high enough for accurate manual focusing. With the exposure and focus continuing to work just as fast, it makes live-view a useful addition rather than a tickbox to persuade people to give up their digital compacts. So you can put the A350 in live-view mode and frame shots either over-the-head or at waist height.
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It hinges out from the back of the body, angling either up or down. Operating in conjunction with that is the LCD monitor. That means the camera’s standard exposure and fast-focus abilities continue to work. This actually uses a separate sensor, with a prism splitting the light coming through the lens. And, squeezed into the chassis is not only the Super SteadyShot optical image stabilisation of the A200, but also an impressive live-view mode.