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7.8 out of 10

Sony Alpha DSLR-A300

10.2 megapixels

Information found in: from 80 sources in 26 countries

Great Deal: $646.21

  • User Score (483)
    9.0 9.0 from 483 reviewers
  • Expert Score (14)
    8.1 8.1 from 14 reviewers
  • Design (2)
    8.9 8.9 from 2 reviewers
  • Value for money (11)
    7.9 7.9 from 11 reviewers
  • Features (9)
    8.0 8.0 from 9 reviewers
  • Ease of use (11)
    8.1 8.1 from 11 reviewers
  • Performance (24)
    7.0 7.0 from 24 reviewers
  • Picture quality (29)
    7.8 7.8 from 29 reviewers
  • Battery performance (2)
    9.0 9.0 from 2 reviewers
  • Display (24)
    8.2 8.2 from 24 reviewers
  • Construction (2)
    6.8 6.8 from 2 reviewers
  • Ergonomics (24)
    7.4 7.4 from 24 reviewers
  • Equipment (2)
    9.0 9.0 from 2 reviewers
More grades Less grades

  • Score Distribution

Experts:
9-10
(5)
7-8
(8)
5-6
(1)
3-4
(0)
1-2
(0)
Users:
9-10
(209)
7-8
(78)
5-6
(15)
3-4
(8)
1-2
(4)

  • Expert Reviews

  1. Camera Labs

    Camera Labs
    8.7/10
    1 May 2008

    Sony’s latest DSLRs, the A300 and A350, double the Alpha range and illustrate Sony’s commitment in the market. Indeed by discontinuing the original A100 and introducing four brand new models in as many months, Sony has been more aggressive than any other DSLR manufacturer. Unlike rival manufacturers, Sony is also interestingly now applying the same strategy to its DSLR range as it has with compacts for years – that is, producing a base model (in this case the... Read more

    • Built-in anti-shake - works with any lens., No-fuss Live View with quick AF., Tilting monitor., InfoLithium battery gives accurate feedback.
    • Relatively small optical viewfinder., Noise levels not much better than A350., Live View not 100% accurate., Anti-dust system not 100% effective in our tests.

  2. PC World

    PC World
    8.0/10
    17 June 2008

    Tiltable LCD and Read more

    • "Live View" handling is quite impressive, Very easy to navigate and operate
    • Noticeable noise at high ISO settings, Artifacting in high-contrast edges

  3. Bright Hub

    Bright Hub
    8.0/10
    14 September 2009

    If you’ve been thinking about investing in a digital SLR camera, Sony’s DSLR-A300 has a competitive price without sacrificing features. Read more

  4. Imaging Resource

    Imaging Resource
    1 April 2008

    Sony A300 Preview by Shawn Barnett Preview Date: January 30, 2008 Note : We have reviewed both the Sony A200 and Sony A350, with full test shots, analysis, and user reports. Because the A300 is essentially an A200 with the extra Live View features of the A350, we recommend that you look at our Sony A200 review for its test images and analysis, and then check out our Sony A350 review for the User Report. Read more

  5. PhotographyBLOG

    9.0/10
    24 January 2009

    The Sony A300 is certainly a fun camera to use, owing to its zippy Live View performance, tilting screen and advanced feature set. While plastic, it is well made, looking and feeling like it was built to last. The control interface is largely intuitive and easy to use, although allow yourself a bit of time to get used to it if you are switching from another brand. If I had to pick one of its many features, I would cast my vote in favour of Manual Exposure Shift. Read more

  6. CNET

    CNET
    8.0/10
    2 December 2008

    The A300 is not the only budget dSLR with live view, and its 10-megapixel resolution is pretty ordinary too. It feels crude and plasticky and the live view 'solution' is hardly elegant. Read more

    • Straightforward live view, Tilting LCD, Great colour rendition
    • Plasticky feel, Noisy AF, Weak kit lens

  7. Techworld

    Techworld
    18 June 2008

    The Sony Alpha DSLR-A300's smooth Live View handling makes this model worth consideration for anyone graduating from a point-and-shoot camera. That this model offers advanced features in a fun-to-use, uncomplicated form should only make for more photographic joy. Read more

  8. PriceRunner

    PriceRunner
    6.0/10
    2 October 2008

    Sony’s photo expertise was developed in compact cameras and this shows all too clearly in the A300 . It’s certainly well built and festooned with fancy features: a good SteadyShot image stabiliser, powerful batteries (700+ shots between charges) and an anti-dust system. Sadly, while it’s ahead on technology, it’s behind in two crucial areas: shooting speed and image quality. Read more

    • The A300 tries to make the transition from compact camera to SLR as smooth as possible, thanks to a unique dual-sensor system that lets you use Live View framing durin...
    • The Sony shares some of compact cameras’ less appealing habits, too. Soft, grainy 10-megapixel images are only average, plus the A300 suffers from some of the most slu...

  9. TrustedReviews

    TrustedReviews
    11 January 2008

    The Sony Alpha A300 represents good value for money, offering virtually the same features as the more expensive A350 with only a slight reduction in overall picture quality. It stands up well to the competition, offering a excellent handling, reasonable performance, a good range of features and decent image quality for a competitive price. If you’re looking for an entry-level DSLR for under £350, the Sony Alpha A300 should definitely be on your short list. Read more

  10. PC Advisor

    PC Advisor
    8.0/10
    20 December 2007

    The Sony Alpha DSLR-A300's smooth Live View handling makes this model worth consideration for anyone graduating from a point-and-shoot camera. Read more

  • User Reviews

  1. Good Camera for price

    Amazon
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: wholesome housewife, Amazon
    18 December 2011 See Product at Amazon ($562.46)

    Good Camera for price. It has an amazing focus. It takes action pictures great. The one draw back is that it doesn't zoom very far. We are planning on buying a telephoto lens. But great starter camera. Read more or see product

  2. Sony Alpha DSLR-A300

    10/10
    Reviewer: spark770228, pcworld.com
    3 weeks ago

    I have had the Sony A300K for 2 weeks. This is my first DSLR. I wanted a camera to take pictures of my 1 year old son. Wanted the Sony 50F14 lens but $350 is too much! Got a Minolta 50mm f/1.7 lens at ebay for $100 and very happy with it. Takes such wonderful portrait pictures I was in love with my camera from day one! Read more

    • dedicated "no-flash" mode on the dial, liveview with tilting LCD (just like using a small digital camera except larger), easy to use functions,
    • expensive sony lenses, lcd is a bit exposed to scratches and damage

  3. Fast and Efficient

    Abes of Maine
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: A Casual Photographer, Abes of Maine
    21 April 2009

    Its a great camera for a newbie to digital SLRs like me. It is fast, efficient, gives pretty good control to the user. Nice picture quality. Not too many functions, expensive accessories. But a great camera for photo enthusiasts. Read more

    • Comfortable Controls, Easy To Use, Fast Shutter Speed, Image Stabilization
    • Exposed LCD, Poor In Low Light

  4. "Good buy for beginners; semi-pro can ditch the kit lens"

    CNET
    6.0/10
    Reviewer: KOPIAL, CNET
    17 October 2009

    For users migrating from p&s this could be your next camera; I've used this for a while now & has not faced with any problems except for tedious setting due to the lack of dedicated hardware buttons. If you have more cash, go straight for the A700 (its more like D90 levels for Nikons); it still uses the APS-C sensor size but has more hardware buttons making setup much faster :-) Read more

    • Live view system really help save time for beginner dslr users...desired settings can be done within seconds.
    • Tilt LCD does not tilt more than 45deg downwards making above the head shots quite limited.

  5. Great Camera

    J&R
    10/10
    Reviewer: GS, J&R
    15 December 2008

    This camera is a great addition and will be my primary camera. There are so many functions to play with that it will keep you shooting photos for a very long time. Read more

    • Bright LCD, Comfortable Controls, Easy To Use, Great Image Quality, Quiet, Strong Construction

  6. Sony A300

    Ebay
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: mysonscat, Ebay
    12 January 2011 See Product at eBay ($646.21)

    Haven't figured it all out yet, but takes great pictures. It is a little on the heavy side for someone with small hands like a woman. Read more or see product

  7. Great Camera for Beginners/Pros Alike

    B&H Photo
    10/10
    Reviewer: George F., B&H Photo
    7 March 2009

    This camera seems to be pretty powerful. I had taken in interest in taking casual pictures a few years ago with the Sony DSC-S40 and had recently moved to the high zoom Sony DSC-H7. I wanted to get more serious about my pictures so I ordered the Alpha-300x. It comes with a 18-70mm lens and a 55-200mm lens, perfect for close or long range photography. I was pretty clueless about DSLR's and different aspects of more professional photography(i.e. Read more

    • Comfortable Controls, Easy To Use, Fast Shutter Speed, Great Image Quality, Image Stabilization, Strong Construction
    • LCD slightly misleading

  8. great SLR

    OneCall
    10/10
    Reviewer: SN, OneCall
    29 August 2008

    def much better than the A100 I've had before. The live view is terrific for images of toddlers and unique perspectives. I recommend a fast CF card. I only wish that the body was a little sturdier, other than that I have no complaints.Discovered a bunch of older minolta lenses that work with this camera and the pictures are turning out amazing. Read more

    • Bright LCD, Comfortable Controls
    • Slightly weaker body cons

  9. CNET

    CNET
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: DN424, CNET
    19 June 2010

    A seriously brilliant entry level DSLR from Sony. Literally does everything it say on the box. Could not ask for anything more. Is a very practical camera with large easy to use buttons, no issues! Also has a nice ISO range 100-3200 higher than some entry level, although the higher ISO levels do include some noise as expected. The 10.2 megapixel sensor overs really great quality with very vivid colours. Read more

    • Practicality, Ease of use, ISO Range, Image Quality, Tilting Screen, Live View, Battery Life
    • Stock lens not great.

  10. Forget Nikon and Canon - the 300 has all you need plus more

    epinions.com
    10/10
    Reviewer: craftsman246, epinions.com
    23 February 2008

    The tilt view finder with LiveView is a combo no other camera in this price range can match. Read more

    • Adjustable view finder, Live View
    • Small USB caonnector

  • WikiFreak Description

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  • Manufacturer's Description

If you’re new to DSLR photography, the α DSLR-A300 is the perfect choice for you. To kick start your new hobby, a high quality DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens is included. A Sony Store exclusive color.

  • 10.2 MP CCD
  • Continuous Shooting While Viewing
  • SteadyShot INSIDE™ In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Dynamic Range Optimizer
  • Eye-Start Autofocus System
  • Creative Style Settings
  • Function Guide Display
  • Advanced Lenses and System Accessories
  • Tiltable 2.7”…

Specifications

  • Alternative names
    Alpha DSLR-A300K, A300, Alpha 300
  • Convenience Features
    AF Illuminator Light : Yes, On/Off Select
  • Convenience Features
    Clear RAW NR : N/A
  • Convenience Features
    Multi-Pattern Measuring : 40 Segment, Center Weighted, Spot
  • Convenience Features
    Histogram Display : Yes - RGB, playback only
  • Inputs and Outputs
    Output(s) : Video: Yes, NTSC/PAL Selectable
  • Inputs and Outputs
    USB Port(s) : Yes, Supports USB 2.0 Hi-speed

Release Date

  • First seen
    18 August 2007

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