Sony intros high-end Alpha 350 DSLR, with “Quick AF live view”
By Arnold Zafra
The Sony Alpha A350 is a DSLR camera designed for first time DSLR users.
Priced at US$799 ($899 kit) the A350 is a mainstream DSLR that will allow users to experience a new level in control and features allowing them to focus on creativity.
According to Sony, the A350 features new technologies that make picture taking faster, easier, and more familiar for first-time DSLR users. .
Key features include:
- 14.2 Megapixels, APS CCD Sensor
- Optica viewfinder: TTL, 0.74x magnification with 50mm lens at infinity; 95% coverage
- TTL Phase Detection, Multi-point: 9 Area, 8 Line, 1 Cross Sensor Focus
- 100-3200 ISO (sensitivity)
- Tiltable 2.7″ TFT (230,000 pixels) LCD with Clear Photo design
- 730 shots per battery charge
- Takes Memory Stick MEDIA
- 582 grams
- Dimensions of 130.8 mm x 98.5 mm x 74.7 mm (W x H x D)
- Live Preview mode links users and subjects on a large 2.7” LCD screen, for a familiar point-and-shoot style — with super-quick AF response and accurate exposure control to catch the perfect moment. In Live Preview mode, the camera bypasses the optical pentaprism mirror to create a live “eye-to-eye” view on the LCD of loved ones, children, pets and fast-changing scenes.
What the manufacturer says:
With incredible 14.2 MP detail, Sony’s α (alpha) DSLR-A350 raises the bar. This model pushes the envelope, setting a new standard of excellence for step-up digital photographers shooting both family memories and fine-art photos.
What users and reviewers are saying:
“The Sony A350 feels very solid, just a little more so than the A200, and its Live View mode is actually useful.”-Imaging Resource
“It comes with a ‘Live View’ system that uses the LCD to frame photos on the LCD without any sacrifice to the focusing speed. This feature is perhaps one of the best features we have seen so far as it allows a user, particularly those who have shifted from point-and-shoot cameras, to make full use of the LCD (instead of looking at the eyepiece) to set up the shot and view it immediately.”-Mendelson Tiu
Our comment:
With 14.2 mp resolution, Sony has upped the ante of camera resolution standards for DSLR. But higher resolution is not the only factor which makes a DLSR camera a great one. It would be interesting to see how prosumer’s who are not the main target of the A350 react to this camera’s ease-of-use and quick AF live view.
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