Sony Alpha DSLRA350K 14 2MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization DT 18 70mm f 3 5 5 6 Zoom Lens

Overview

The DSLR-A350 is about extending yourself to the next level toward digital photography. The camera is still very automatic and easy to use but as a DSLR opens new vistas where your creativity can find itself and move to new limits. With incredible 14.2 megapixel sensor, Sony’s a (alpha) DSLR-A350 raises image quality beyond most cameras. This model pushes the envelope, setting a new standard of excellence for step-up digital photographers shooting both family memories and fine-art photos. Live Preview in a large 2.7″ LCD screen links you and your subject-and you’ll have special features like super-quick AF response, continuous shooting at 2 fps while you see your subject in the viewfinder, Creative Style modes for quick recall of custom settings, and in-camera Super SteadyShot(R) image stabilization that reduces blur for every Sony, Carl Zeiss and legacy Minolta a-mount lens. Step up to the DSLR-A350. Dynamic Range Optimizer at two levels – Normal DRO, to improve detail using standard gamma curves for fast shot-to-shot response time, or Advanced DRO, to adjust dynamic range area-by-area for the greatest precision Uses both static-free anti-dust coating on the CCD filter and anti-dust vibration that automatically shakes the CCD to dislodge dust each time the camera is shut off Popup Flash modes Eye-Start Autofocus System Multiple scene modes High-resolution thumbnail images for viewing on Sony’s BRAVIA HDTV in optimized PhotoTV HD mode, with image format adjustable for standard 3 – 2 or widescreen 16 – 9 display Auto and manual exposure modes Accepts CompactFlash Type I/II media and optional Memory Stick(R) PRO Duo media Unit Dimensions (Approx.) – (WHD) 5 1/4 x 4 x 3; 1 lb 4.5oz Includes NP-FM500H rechargeable battery; BC-VM10 battery charger; Video and USB cables; Shoulder strap with eyepiece cap and Remote Commander(R) clip; Body cap; Software/USB Driver CD-ROM // NOTE – No Memory media inclu

Product Specifications

Reviews

4 Stars Sony a350 over the Canon Rebel XSi? Depends on your preferences. I chose the Sony a350 in a very close call over the Canon Rebel XSi. A friend bought the Canon, and we are both happy, so it comes down to preferences. Here is my personal experience with the Sony, with known differences compared with the Canon noted.

Please note that I am a hobbyist, rather than a professional.

Pros: takes beautiful, clear, and sharp pictures even with the kit lenses. If it were on picture quality alone, the a350 would get a definite 5. This is the most important point of the review. The picture quality is simply awesome.

The Sony has excellent low light performance because of the 3200 iso speed (the Canon only goes to 1600, which I have found makes a definite difference in these situations). There is some noise, but it is acceptable to me.

The tiltable LCD screen is a nice touch.

Battery life is good, and the controls are easy to use after a short learning curve.

While it has the highest resolution (14.2MP) of any camera in its class, I'm not sure how much of an advantage this is, since I usually don't need to shoot at that resolution, plus I've seen some reviews where the detail on the Canon in certain settings is actually better.


CONS: The biggest disappointment with this camera by far is the built-in flash which utilizes a pre-flash that causes the dreaded sleepy eye effect in most pictures taken in dark settings. I have young children, and they tend to be affected greatly by this feature. I can't seem to find a way to defeat the pre-flash. The problem is much less pronounced when it is used for fill-in in the daytime. This makes the 3200 iso much more important because I now elect to shoot at high speed and no flash. I get much better results this way. Apparently, the Canon does not have this problem quite as much, although it has pre-flash as well.

The continuous burst shooting speed is rated at somewhere between 2-2.5 shots per second, slower than the Canon (more in the 3-3.5 range). So far, it hasn't been that big of a deal for me, but I don't usually shoot sports or similar activities.

The Sony is a bit heavier than the Canon, but it would be hard to be cognizant of the difference unless you owned both cameras.

BOTTOM LINE: I am mostly satisfied with this camera, except for the annoying flash qualities. If you shoot sports a lot, go with the Canon. If you like the ability to shoot in low light settings without flash and shooting with the camera at different angles, go with the Sony.

5 Stars Great Camera I bought this camera after alot of research and I think I made a great decision. The camera works great I have taken about 300 pictures in a couple of weeks. It has worked great.

5 Stars Very good camera, but buy a 18-250 or a 18-300 lens instead of the kit with two lenses This is my first DSLR camera. I bought for a photography course. If you are thinking of buying the kit with two lenses, buy an 18-250mm or a 18-300mm lens instead. Sony, Tamron, and Sigma make pretty decent lenses for under $550.

5 Stars Sony Alpha 350 DSLR
This is an excellent camera, and I am very pleased with the results of my first batch of pictures. The clarity is exceptional and quality is top class. I already had a Sony R1 (10.2 megapixel) digital camera, but the DSLR has opened up a whole new field of opportunity, especially for rapid shots.

1 Star Awful Customer Service. Camera stopped working properly too soon At this point I will never buy another Sony product ever again. After only 4 months my camera stopped focusing properly.

I took the camera to the nearest Sony store to see if their proclaimed "camera-guru" would be able to ascertain if it was human or machine error. When I saw he was taking shots in the store at 1/800 @f8 with no flash, I was horrified. This guy had NO CLUE WHAT HE WAS DOING! I was further irritated when he asked why the image playback was flashing the blackouts and blowouts. Why should I have to explain to a Sony employee how their product works?

When I called customer service, I was informed that I had to ship it to their repair center (at MY cost even though the camera is in warranty and the problem in question was "something common"). When I informed them that I professional photographer who needs the camera by a certain date, I was told they could not guarantee that I would have my camera back by said date (understandable). When I asked if there was a possibility I could get a loaner, he said "I'll talk to my boss and do all that I can to see if that's possible." only to come back with, "I'm sorry, there really is no loaner program for consumer-level product. Not unless you want to buy our pro-sumer equipment. Yeah you know you spend the bazillion dollars and then you get it..." Then I was then kept on the phone for 2 HOURS while the CSO waited for the screen to come up that would get me a work-order number. Instead of offering to call me back, he just left me hanging there saying every few minutes "I just don't know why it's so slow." After he did get me a work-order number, there was no added courtesy for the wait such as, "I understand your urgency and need for the camera so I will do all that I can to see that this issue is expedited." or "Let me check on that loaner again, perhaps there is something I can do."

I shipped my camera out - which would not be arriving overnight thanks to the 2 hour service call.

I ended up calling back the next morning still furious at how the initial call was handled. I spoke about how poor the support was in-store and during the previous service call. The gentleman told me that when the repair center receives my camera, they will look at it and determine what needs to be repaired, in which instance I may be able to have Sony provide a loaner.

I called back the day after that and was informed that the camera had been received at the service facility, but not yet assigned to a technician. The camera would be assigned around 3:30. I called back later wanting to know the status and was then told that it takes 24-48 business hours to assign the camera to a technician. The CSO then said she would expedite my issue to the best of her ability but that there is no guarantee I will have it back in time.

I do not want to worry about having my camera back in time. If they check it and it needs repair fine. But, while it is being repaired I would really appreciate if Sony would get over themselves and provide me with a loaner. I doubt that a customer would call back everyday if they weren't passionate about their equipment or the function it serves. You would think Sony would have common sense to realize this.

To top it off, their service number is not an 800 number. It is a 239 number. Meaning that not only were my minutes eaten up by the first CSO's incapability to perform customer service, but I don't just get to be upset about their poor customer service and incapacity to provide great customer support, but I also get to be angry about the minutes that are eaten up on my phone-plan and the very real possibility that I will have to pay for a phone-call that lasted much longer than it needed to.

I have Never Ever experienced such poor service. It is clear that Sony does not trust its customers and has no interest in fostering lasting relationships with their customers. I look forward to calling Sony back every day until I get my camera, and asking Nikon and Canon what they would do for a customer in a position like this.

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