ProductCritic: Sony alpha A350 Reviews

PhotographyBLOG (100)

The key feature is the combination of Live View mode and the tilting LCD screen – together they allow you to use the A350 just like a compact camera, held above your head, at arm’s length, and even at waist-level. Crucially you won’t notice too many differences between shooting using the optical viewfinder or in Live View mode, with auto-focusing being equally responsive in either mode. This is a big advantage over the Sony A350’s competitors – simply put, if you’re looking for an easy upgrade path from a compact to a DSLR, the A350 is currently the best option on the market.

Trusted Reviews (90)

The Sony Alpha A350 is a superb camera, but anyone who was expecting a full professional DSLR like the A700 will be disappointed. Instead you get an A200 with the addition of live view and a massive 14.2-megapixel sensor. This is a very appealing camera for the advanced amateur, and an outstanding bargain at the current price.

What Digital Camera (90)

Despite a few shortcomings, the autofocus-enabled live view is the best I’ve come across and is exactly what compact owners looking to upgrade to a DSLR have been waiting for. I would even say that Sony has set a benchmark for how live view systems should operate, and I look forward to seeing further refinements of the system in future models.

PhotoReview (90)

Sony’s A350 DSLR has something to offer to both digicam upgraders who are looking to buy a more sophisticated camera and photo enthusiasts who want a high-resolution camera with all the latest shooting controls. It’s a definite step up from the A200 model in both features and performance and represents very good value for money. However, for enthusiasts who want to get the best from this camera, we’d recommend buying the body alone and pairing it with a more sophisticated lens.

Pocket-lint (90)

Excellent performance and great image quality combine neatly within in an easy to use body and good price that make the Sony Alpha 350 worthy of serious consideration

Camera Labs (88)

Despite a few issues which will annoy technical photographers, the Alpha A350 is an excellent DSLR with great features and arguably one of the best Live View implementations to date. Given all it offers for the asking price we can easily award it our Highly Recommended rating.

Imaging Resource (87)

The Sony A350 is a well-rounded package, offering the best of all worlds in terms of usability, resolution, and intelligent design, all of which earns it a Dave’s Pick.

Shutterbug (85)

The A300 and A350 provide Live View, a definite bonus because this feature has been very successfully implemented; it’s likely to satisfy even those who are upgrading from a digicam.

Good Gear Guide (85)

Sony’s Alpha A350 is another great SLR offering a combination of incredibly high resolution pictures, a robust list of features and a simple easy interface.

Digital Trends (85)

This D-SLR has a nice, solid feel, is easy to operate, takes quality images, has built-in stabilization, sensor cleaning and enough tweaks to keep you punching menu options until you get completely bored.

AnandTech (84)

There is absolutely no doubt that the A350 is the right camera for you if you mainly want to shoot using Live View. Nothing else comes close to the smooth and seamless Sony Live View for ease of use that makes every other implementation of Live View look complicated and slow.

Digital Photography Review (83)

Unfortunately, it can’t quite compete with the all-round performance the best modern DSLRs are capable of. Had the image quality been of the same standard as the leaders in its class, that would have been enough to award it our highest rating.

Digital Camera Resource Page (82)

While other cameras will deliver better photo quality than the A350, none approach its live view capabilities. Thus, it’s worth a look if live view is an important feature for you.

Popular Photography & Imaging (82)

In all, the A350 has impressive features, specs, and price. But it’s still too early to tell whether it will lure serious shooters away from the new Canon EOS Rebel XSi or Pentax K200D.

vnunet.com (80)

Despite its consumer electronics history, we could grumble that Sony’s SLR range isn’t as comprehensive as more established photographic brands and lacks rivals’ numbers of accessories and add-ons. But if you just want a camera that does the job from the get go, the A350 is highly recommended.

Let's Go Digital (80)

However, you have to adjust the expectations coming with these feelings, judge the test results on their true value, and place the camera in the amateur segment. I am convinced that the Sony Alpha 350 will perform wonderfully for the target group.

Tech Radar (80)

But if you can find it within yourself to live with the plasticky body, the flapping shutter noise and the slightly cack-handed controls, then you’re likely to be rewarded with a camera that, in the right hands, can shoot some great images.

MacUser (80)

While we like Sony’s Super SteadyShot anti-shake system, and the Live View is certainly an improvement over earlier offerings, to take full advantage of the 14-megapixel sensor you’ll need to budget for some of the maker’s more classier optics, which are on a par with those from Canon and Nikon.

Smarthouse (80)

A DSLR camera that has a couple of point-and-shoot features in its sleeve.

Digital Camera Magazine (80)

Sony has built this camera to a price, and that’s a shame as it’s capable of some stunning images. If you can ignore the build quality and get your head around all those buttons, switches and sliders, then it’s great. Shame about the Sony kit lens though!

CNET (72)

Unless you’re prepared to spend a disproportionate amount of money on a really good lens, the resolution bump offered by the Sony Alpha DSLR-A350 isn’t worth the price.

PC Mag (70)

With some handy innovative features, the A350 is an easy-to-use, entry-level D-SLR that takes great pictures.

PC Advisor (70)

Sony’s Alpha 350 shows great image quality, an effective antishake system, a good build and a handy pull-out LCD monitor. However, we weren’t so impressed with its ergonomics, its poor layout of controls and tunnel-like viewfinder. Live View compromises its conventional use, plus there’s a limited range of pricey accessories and lenses.

Digital Arts (60)

Disappointing ergonomics, with small right-hand grip and poor layout of controls; tunnel-like viewfinder; conventional use compromised by Live View system; limited range of pricey accessories and lenses.