Sony Alpha DSLR-A300 (Body) Reviews: Digital SLR Camera

+ All the features of the A350 but with the 10.2M sensor from the A200
This body-only version is a great choice if you have old Minolta AF lenses in your cupboard as they snap straight on.
The camera is as easy to use as a compact when set to full auto, and can produce superior images due to the larger lens size. Beyond full auto, the various program modes are all available via a single mechanical dial, and important options have physical buttons rather than complicated menu options. You also have full control in terms of shutter/aperture priority or full manual mode if you wish.
Just like a compact, the rear screen can be used as an alternative to the viewfinder - it also tilts so that the camera can be used for overhead shots. Otherwise the screen acts as a status indicator, and the camera adjusts the display so that the image is always the right way up whichever way you tip it.
Camcorder- style image stabilisation is a nice bonus. I'll probably leave it on permanently.
Build quality is high - a plastic body but it feels solid, the dials moving with satisfying clicks without rattles, and even the door covering the battery & memory feels like it is built to last.
Overall it looks like a Sony and feels like a Minolta. My favourite camera to date.

- Digital zoom button under your right thumb is useless
Images are slightly more grainy at high ISO settings than its competitors
Buy a memory card with it as there isn't any internal memory at all.

+ Image quality and moreso sharpness is a huge step up from my previous (non dslr) camera.
The camera itself is very responsive, quick auto focus although that depends on the lens too.
Stoked on the the battery life and therefore the amount of shots i can take in one outing.
The ergonomics of the buttons and feel of the camera is good, can safely hold it with one hand with out fear of dropping.
It's still new so that's all i can say right now, I am very pleased with it nonetheless.

- The lcd screen can be a little hard to see outside on a sunny day.
Suprised to see the shutter button has no cable release socket, i don't know how common it is on entry level dslr's but my previous bridge camera had one however it is possible to get a remote.

+ The flexible LCD monitor, can be used from above and below. And theres also an eyepiece
Fast focusing over different areas
Takes lenses from Konica Minolta 35mm camera my son had for GCSE
steady shot function

- Not had enough time to get to grips with all the alternative settings - but it's a good point that it has loads of options.
Initially would hardly let me take any pics indoors with long lens but I have now worked out how to change the settings to override - but it means I don't always have sharp focus.

+ My Minolta lenses and flash are all compatible making the transition from my Minolta 35mm SLR to a digital equivalent very inexpensive; haven't had much time to play with the camera but early results look comparable to my Minolta.

- The screen responsiveness of the LCD screen is not perfect when using live view (not that this is a great problem for me as I prefer the viewfinder)

+ a good camera

- the battery from model 100 and 300 are not exchangeble

+ backwards compatibilty to my Minolta a lenses and accessories

- Finish a bit plasticy, but made up for by results

+ SCREEN IS BRILLIANT
LIVE VIEW EXCELLANT
OVERALL A LOVELY CAMERA

- SOME BUTTONS IN STRANGE PLACES & NOT CLEARLY MARKED (EG Dustbin & Display)

+ Takes legacy lenses

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