Sony a3000 Review

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Review posted 01/31/2014

Quick Take
Pros
  • iAuto and Superior Auto shooting modes are accurate and easy in all situations
  • Dedicated Video Capture Button is always ready to record
  • Very compact body is easy to handle
  • Excellent image quality at lower ISO settings
  • Performance surpasses Sony's claims
  • Shooting via LCD or EVF
  • Great Battery Life
  • One of the most affordable dSLR-style cameras available
Cons
  • Weak pop-up flash
  • Very high noise levels at the higher ISO settings
  • Very sensitive onboard mic with no mic input
  • Lower resolution EVF and LCD
  • No HDMI output for HD movies on an HDTV
Bottom Line
The Sony a3000 is a compact and affordable ILC that provides great image quality and good performance. It is also one of the most affordable ILCs on the market, and great idea for anyone that is looking to take on their first dSLR/ILC. Read more in our Full Conclusion. Read more in our Full Conclusion.
In late August of 2013, Sony announced the α3000, or a3000, a "DSLR-style" interchangeable lens camera (ILC). While not a traditional DSLR, the α3000 is built to look like one, and features a 20.1 megapixel Exmor APS-C HD CMOS image sensor, Full HD video recording, a 0.5 inch electronic Tru-Finder with 100% field coverage as well as a 3.0-inch "Live View" enabled LCD display, a P/A/S/M Mode Dial, and 15 Picture Effects.

Mike Kahn, director of the interchangeable lens camera business group at Sony says, "The new a3000 represents the ultimate combination of performance and value in an interchangeable lens camera. With a familiar, comfortable shooting design, impressive imaging capabilities and an outstanding price, it's the ideal choice for customers looking to experience the vast benefits of large sensor, interchangeable lens imaging for the very first time."

The α3000 is compatible with all Sony E-mount lenses.

Sony α3000 Features
  • 20.1 MP APS-C HD CMOS Image Sensor
  • 3.0-inch TFT LCD display
  • Full HD Video Recording (1080/60i or 1080/24p)
  • 0.5-inch Electronic Tru-Finder with 100% field coverage
  • P/A/S/M Mode Dial
  • 15 Picture Effects, including:
    • Retro Photo
    • Miniature Camera
    • Partial Color (R, G, B, Y)
    • Posterization (Color, B/W)
    • Pop Color
    • High Contrast
    • Mono
    • Toy Camera
    • Soft High-Key
    • Soft Focus
    • HDR Painting
    • Rich-tone Mono
  • Auto Object Framing
  • Multi Interface Show (for accessories)
  • Compatible with all Sony E-mount lenses

Sony's α3000 (or a3000) interchangeable lens camera is available now with a MSRP of $399.99, which includes an 18-55mm zoom kit lens (SEL1855). Click our Buy button to see the most current online pricing.

What's in the box?:
  • a3000 Body
  • E-mount 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS lens
  • AC Adapter
  • Rechargeable Battery Pack
  • Micro USB Cable
  • Shoulder Strap

Additional Product Views
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Sony_A3000_w_sel1855_2_hood.jpg
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