Sony a (alpha) DSLR-A300X with Customized Lens Kit 10.2 Megapixel

I'm giving this camera 5 stars to counteract the guy who gave it only 1 - because he was (justifiably) ticked off at eBay... But the camera really deserves better... at least 4 stars!

This is NOT a "pro" camera, but for the ordinary person - including most real photography "enthusiasts" - it'll do 90% or more of what the $1000 to $9000 pro DSLRs can do, and for half to one-tenth as much money. Rich idiots and poseurs can spend the extra if they like, but as a 30-year+ "pro", I'm not impressed...

The little Sony a300 takes really nice, sharp, colorful pictures with its modest 10 MP sensor, given a decent lens - and that's where I'd suggest buyers go first if they're disappointed with their out-of-the-box results. The kit zoom lens is a bit too "low budget", so take a look at the extensive line of older, used Konica-Minolta glass that's still abundant and now dirt cheap. Try a prime like the Maxxum 50mm f/1.4 and see what you get! Or good zooms like the Minolta f/4 35-70 and 70-210...

Of the complaint about this camera's perceived cheapness - it IS mostly good, thermally stable plastic, presumably over a heavier internal skeleton of some kind - I would point out that digital cameras, unlike the gear of 20-50 years ago, are technically obsolete in 2-3 years. Does it make sense to invest big bucks in a equally soon-to-be-obsolete professional, magnesium bodied camera if you're NOT going to Africa or Antarctica or some war zone?

Put your camera money into the very best lenses you can afford! And put you efforts into using the gear you've bought A LOT... That's how you will develop as a photographer and start to bring home the most stunning pictures.

These Sony's are excellant. For the pro there's a new, tank-like a900 model which shoots full-frame, 24+ MP... and you can buy beautiful pro-grade Zeiss optics if you like. But on the low end, the a200, a300 and a350 all give real value for the money.

Of the lot, I most like the a300: Like the cheaper a200, it gives enough resolution for 11x14 prints - about as big as most amateurs will ever want - and, by virtue of its lower density 10 MP sensor, it avoids most of the noise problems which plague today's higher megapixel sensors... including that in the slightly more expensive a350.

The a300's improvement over the a200 is mostly it's improved dust control and its mechanism for tilting the live view screen on the camera's back. Both can be quite useful at times, although those on really tight budgets will probably be happy enough with the cheaper a200 model.

The real clincher, though, for all these Sony cameras, is the availability of fully automatic A-mount lenses on the used market... of a quality completely equal to anything from the big-name companies. You will lose some status, certainly, with "Minolta" or "Maxxum" on your lens' front... But you will get pictures of color, contrast and resolution that cannot be faulted. And with the A-mount, all of these older auto-focus lenses work exactly like the stuff Sony sells today for these cameras. Only Nikon and Pentax offer anything like this compatibility with older, excellant optics... and neither go so far with their compatibility as Sony does.

I absolutely love this camera. You can't get a better camera for the price. I am a first time DSLR user and this camera is very easy to use. The picture quality is excellent. I also love the Live View feature of this camera. I found it hard to find a DSLR with Live View at this price. I would recommend this camera to anyone wanting to try a DSLR.

I was looking for DSLR cameras for about a month, I first looked at the Nikon models, then canon models and after that I looked at the Olympus cameras. They all have their plusses and minuses but after looking at the Sony A200 I started to get really interested in the sony range. After looking onte to A200 I was about to purchase and then looked into getting the one up model, the A300.

A300 offers everything that the A350 has except for the 14.2 megapixel resolution. But some of the great qualities of the SONY cameras are the BIONZ Image processor which works wonders and works extremely fast, D-Range optimizer image enhancer. LIVE VIEW, Super high ISO range from 100-3200, shoot 3 frames per second (A350 only offers 2.5 frames per second), 9 point Auto Focus, 2.7 inch LCD that is tiltable and that is a huge plus for the hard to get angles, the camera also offers a smart teleconverter which is basically a built in 2x tele zoom. Super handy at the touch of a button and super clear thanks to the D-Range optimizer.

A300 gives you approx 730 shots per charge which is stunning. And the kit lens, although not to well spoken about, has given me some fantastic photos and amazing clarity, so dont listen to the pros if you are an amateur since they use $1000+ lenses, you can not compare them to a kit lens.

The A300 is a real bargain for the buck, I bought mine brand new on ebay for no more than 425 including shipping which is a heck of a deal. I have also added a Tamron 70-300mm macro tele lens which is a great compliment for the camera.

If you are choosing between a A#50 and an A300, then the only thing you need to think about is; will I ever print 48x72 prints? if the answer is no then the A300 is for you.

I love the camera and it is exceeding all my expectations daily. Its fast and its easy to understand. I would recommend this to anyone!

I've had Minolta 35mm cameras for years and a couple of point and shoot Sony's. This is my first DSLR and was purchased because I had a collection of AF lenses for my Minoltas. I have no complaints at all. Great camera! I travel quite a bit and have found it to be dependable and quite durable.

This is the best camera ever. Sony has really done it up right. Thsi camera is easy to use and gives you great photos every time. What else can I say. Whether you are a pro or just want great family and travel pics, this is the camera for you.

This is my first DSLR. It has many features that a pro would use, but is easy enough for the point-n-shoot crowd. The sensor/autofocus is quick, the colors are great. I recommend this camera to anyone who is interested in a first-time DSLR, without paying the big bucks for the "big names."

Sony a300 is impressive. We have used 35mm cameras for years and also digital cameras because of shoot and see capability. Sony alpha300 is fast (3 frames per second), true rich colors in pictures, nicely balanced and easy to use. Battery life is very good. Lots of features and lens switch is easy. We are also pleased our Minolta lenses are compatible.
We bought the Sony as a 45th anniversary gift to ourselves and really like it.

I have had the a100 for a little over a year now and decided to look into options for upgrades. I have read everything I possibly could have on the net regarding reviews of various cameras within a competitive market with the sony. Sony had purchased Kinoca/Minolta and kept with there basis of camera production but, like sony always has done, made it better. So, my next option was the a200. It has the same basic features as the a100 with a very few improvements. So on to the a300. Sony has given it liveview. I didnt know how I would feel about this, possibly love it or hate it. Well, now I dont think I would buy a camera without it. I dont think I will buy a camera from anyone but sony! It has a larger lcd screen than the 2 models previously mentioned. The lcd screen swivels for low and high angle shoots. This aides in the fact of being positive that your subject is indeed in the viewfinder. Also, the a300 now has an auto flash option which is kind of nice for low level lighting. Sony has also expanded the iso range for the a300 down to 3200. You wont find this on nikon or cannon. The cameras photo quality is truley impressive and the functionality of the features, location of options, the comfort of the grip, all together I cant find anything to complain about. As far as Im concerned I dont believe there is anything in the market that offers as much for the money as the a300. I love it and Im sure you will as well. Hopefully, this helps you in your next camera shopping venture.

This camera is great!!!! The price is affordable for a DSLR. The camera has great options, and features. I am using the camera for professional photography. I have done about 2 weddings with this camera... and the results are great!!!!

I shot photo this past weekend camera work great. also own alpha 350 this one is for my wife would buy from this seller again. I feel like i paid a fair price. thank you

This camera is very cheaply made, plastic, loose parts, poor focus sharpness, expensive CF cards (rather than SD), and poor image stabilization technology. For the price I would recommend the K200D from Pentax (though it has no live view). If you need live view, buy a great point and shoot like the Canon G9 which will give you far better image quality and consistent results. If you think you absolutely must go to a point and shoot with live view, go for the Canon 12meg Xsi. You will be more than happy with it. Seriously, you should not buy this cheaply made plastic box, the image quality is noise filled and over filtered, the lens is an unmodified Minolta 35mm lens so it just does not work well and the menus are counter intuitive. For the price, the K200D, for live view, the Canon, for great images at a little more cash the Pentax K20D (with live view). Also, Canon seems to be clearing out their 40D camera which is a great camera (though large). Good Luck, keep shooting!!!

I am not impressed with e-bay forcing me to write a review in order to clean up my account. Must be PC or can not give an honest opinion.

Great!!! I love it!

easy to use, great performance, image quality, everything is great.

it is kind of bulky, but you should expect that of every DSLR

Reviewed all makes and models of cameras online and decided to buy this model camera. It was the best buy/model etc. of all cameras I viewed.

Great camera! I like the versatility of the camera. The focus and clarity is great. It's relatively easy to use for an amateur photographer. Great as a beginning DSLR. I needed something in an affordable price range and this was perfect without having to purchase an overly expensive DSLR for my first. I researched the image quality of this camera and was very satisfied.

I am pleased with the photo quality and the many features of the unit.
The body of the camera, I feel could be better in quality and it has a cheap look to it.
I would recommend the camera for its features and price.

I have always had point and shoot cameras. The A300 is my first DSLR. I absolutely love it! It takes wonderful pictures. I am very satisfied with my purchase. I did a lot of shopping before I decided on this camera. For the price, it is a great buy. I love the moveable back screen and the live view capabilites. I will cherish this camera (and the memories it has captured) for years to come!!

Great camera. Easy to use after familiarizing myself with the options. Good accessory capabilities. Best dslr for the price

it is easy to use, easy to adapt to and to obtain great results from your first picture.

will recomend to other buyers.

I had a Canon REBEL ,sold it and just wanted to see how a Sony works . Canon thumbs up but Sony it's very close

I was in need of a new digital camera and purchased the Sony because I had an uncle who really loves his. This seller was easy to deal with. Thank you.

Awesome fast autofocus liveview. Works great for an old man like me that no longer wants to crawl around on all-fours to get shots of flowers.
Noise levels are a little above average, but ISO800 cleans up pretty well for decent sized prints especially if you use Neatimage or Noise-ninja noise removal software.