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Sony Alpha DSLR-A350 review
Sony’s DSLRA350K ?™ (alpha) Digital SLR Camera with DT 18-70mm
F3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens.
High-position shooting ease - The ? 350’s variable-angle Clear Photo
LCD monitor makes it easy to maximize the shooting freedom offered by Quick
AF Live View. For high-position shots, the monitor can be angled downward,
enabling you to frame your subject accurately even with the camera held at
arm’s length above you. As a result, you can take well-composed
photos at sports events, concerts, and other public venues even when you
need to shoot over the heads of a crowd.
Low-position shooting comfort - Low-position shooting is also easier and
more comfortable with Quick AF Live View. The Clear Photo LCD can be angled
upward, making it possible to frame your subject correctly even when taking
waist-level, knee-level, or ground-level shots. As a result, you can remain
face to face with your subjects and talk to them to put them at ease, and
assume a more comfortable posture when taking macro close-ups of flowers or
eye-level portraits of pets and children.
Pentamirror tilt mechanism for fast TTL phase-detection autofocusing - In a
significant breakthrough in digital SLR camera design, a unique
Sony-developed pentamirror tilt mechanism enables true TTL
(Through-The-Lens) phase-detection autofocusing during live view operation.
So whether you frame your subject in the optical viewfinder or the LCD
monitor, you enjoy the benefits of a fast, accurate TTL center-cross
9-point autofocus system with continuous autofocusing to help you capture
fast-moving subjects.
Variable-angle LCD for freestyle shooting ease - The variable-angle Clear
Photo LCD monitor can be tilted upward by up to 130° or downward by up to
40° for easy high- and low-position shooting.
Ergonomic design for enhanced shooting stability - The grip and body are
designed to assure stable, secure handling during high- and low-position
live view shooting, as well as during conventional shooting.
1200-zone evaluative metering for spot-on exposures - During live view
shooting, an advanced 1200-zone metering system evaluates light levels and
color distribution to calculate correct exposure with extremely high
precision. Incorporated into the dedicated live view image sensor, it also
offers you a choice of spot and center-weighted metering, just like an
optical metering system.
Real-time image-adjustment display - Live view even lets you confirm the
effects of exposure and white balance adjustments on the Clear Photo LCD
monitor in real time ? something that is impossible to do with an optical
viewfinder.
Smart Teleconverter function in live view - During live view shooting, you
can press the Smart Teleconverter button on the back of the camera to
instantly apply zoom scaling that achieves the effective equivalent of 1.4x
or 2x magnification. There’s no reduction in image quality because
only the size of the image area is reduced, and thanks to the high
resolution of the ? 350’s 14.2-megapixel CCD, even 2x images can be
turned into great-looking prints. * With Smart Teleconverter function,
image size is automatically set to M size at 1.4x, or to S size at 2x
magnification. Top of this page
Class-leading 14.2-megapixel resolution for beautiful photos with
ultra-fine image detail - The ? 350 is equipped with the class-leading
resolution of an exclusive Sony-developed APS-C type CCD image sensor with
14.2 effective megapixels. Measuring 23.5 x 15.7mm, the sensor boasts
approximately 15 times the surface area of the 1/2.5-type sensors employed
in most compact digital cameras, and combines the triple advantages of high
resolution, high sensitivity, and a rich tonal range. With this kind of
imaging power you can capture details as fine as a single eyelash, and skin
tones that glow with natural, true-to-life color. To significantly reduce
the analog signal noise that tends to increase at high pixel densities, CCD
performance also benefits from Sony’s long experience in
semiconductor and microprocessor manufacturing, and utilizes advanced new
peripheral circuit design technologies. As a result, the ? 350 offers an
unrivaled combination of ultra-high resolution and low-noise image clarity,
as well as faster, more responsive shooting.
Powerful BIONZ image processing engine for vibrant colors with rich tonal
detail - Top of this page
Anti-dust protection for cleaner images - All digital SLR cameras are
susceptible to dust contamination when changing lenses — it’s a
fact of life. But the ? 350 employs built-in systems to keep the sensor
clean, and your images beautiful. First, there’s an anti-static
coating to help prevent dust from adhering to the lowpass filter and other
internal components. And to dislodge any particles that do manage to reach
the CCD, the sensor is vibrated at ultrahigh speed every time the camera is
switched off. Top of this page
D-Range Optimizer for superior exposure balance - An advanced D-Range
Optimizer helps ensure beautifully balanced exposures in backlit
situations. In Standard mode, it optimizes brightness and contrast for the
image overall, and in Advanced mode, it optimizes each area of the
composition separately to bring out maximum shadow and highlight detail.
The D-Range Optimizer can be used on all image formats in all metering
modes. * D-Range Optimizer Advanced uses technology provided by Apical
Limited. Top of this page
ISO3200 sensitivity setting for low-light shooting - High-sensitivity
ISO3200 and 1600 settings let you take advantage of low-light photo
opportunities with confidence. When shooting at these higher settings, the
BIONZ engine assures the highest possible image quality by applying
high-ISO noise reduction immediately before each image is processed. This,
together with powerful Super SteadyShot® image stabilization, enables you
to use faster shutter speeds in low light, and greatly expands the range of
situations in which you can shoot. Top of this page
Center-cross 9-point AF with exclusive Eye-Start® activation - The ? 350
features a center-cross 9-point autofocus system with Sony’s
exclusive Eye-Start® activation, which reduces missed shots by
automatically focusing the camera for you as soon as you put your eye to
the viewfinder. The system offers one of the quickest response times in its
class, and continuous focusing with high predictive accuracy for continuous
shooting at up to 2.5 frames per second with the viewfinder, and up to 2
frames per second with live view.* * Up to 2 fps with live view. Number of
recordable frames varies according to shooting conditions and type of
memory media. AF frame and 9-point AF sensor layout
Versatile 40-segment honeycomb-pattern metering - When you’re using
the optical viewfinder, the ? 350’s 40-segment, honeycomb-pattern
metering system gives you the versatility you need to get precise readings
under a wide range of shooting conditions. It also gives you a choice of
multi-segment metering, center-weighted metering, and spot metering mode to
suit your subject and shooting conditions. Top of this page
New menu list for easy access to essential settings - Whether you’re
framing your subject in the optical viewfinder or the LCD monitor, a quick
press of the Function (Fn) button displays the menu list, which gives you
instant access to mode settings for the flash, metering, autofocus, AF
area, white balance, and D-Range Optimizer. It’s a fast and easy way
to get to frequently used functions without having to navigate through
multi-level menus.
2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD monitor for on-the-spot image review - Top of this
page
Auto pop-up flash - In Auto and Scene Selection modes, the built-in flash
pops up automatically whenever it is needed. Even when you’re
shooting outdoors in daylight, if the ? 350 senses that a subject is
backlit, the flash will pop up to provide additional illumination. Flash
power is rated GN12 (ISO100·m), with wide enough coverage to allow use
with an 18mm fisheye lens.
16:9 aspect ratio for high-quality PhotoTV HD viewing - The option of
recording images in the 16:9 format enables you to view dramatic slideshows
on a widescreen HDTV. In addition, if you use PhotoTVHD compatible Sony
peripheral devices for image playback, you can enjoy an even higher level
of big-screen display quality. * Availability of peripheral devices varies
according to region. Top of this page
Easy dial access to basic exposure and scene modes - Top of this page
Creative Style settings for greater freedom of expression - Top of this
page
Power and versatility for extended shooting - The ? 350 is powered by a
high-density NP-FM500H InfoLITHIUMTM™ battery that lets you take
approximately 730 shots* before recharging is required, and features a
battery level indicator that offers precise 1% accuracy. An optional
VG-B30AM vertical grip, capable of holding two NP-FM500H InfoLITHIUM
batteries, offers extended power and a full complement of basic camera
controls to enhance operating ease during vertical-format shooting. * 410
shots in live view mode; CIPA standard test with built-in flash used on 50%
of shots
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