Camera Test: Sony Alpha 350

VITAL STATISTICS

Camera Test: Sony Alpha 350

Imaging: 14.2MP effective CCD sensor captures images at 4592x3056 pixels with up to 12 bits/color in RAW mode.

Storage: CompactFlash Type I/II; Microdrives, and MS Duo using optional CF adapter. Stores JPEG, RAW, and RAW + JPEG files.

Burst rate: Fine-quality JPEGs: 2.5 fps continuous with fast CF card, up to 7 RAW at 2.1 fps (tested).

AF system: 9-point TTL phase-detection AF with diamond pattern, center cross-type sensor with 8 linear sensors. Single-shot and continuous AF with fore/aft and across-the-frame tracking. Sensitive down to EV -1 (at ISO 100, f/1.4, tested). Live-view AF uses 9-point AF system with no mirror-lockup delay.

Shutter speeds: 1/4000 to 30 sec plus B (1/3-EV increments).

Image stabilization: Sensor-based, works with all lenses.

Metering: TTL metering with 40-zone evaluative, multi-segment, centerweighted, and spotmetering (approx. 8% of viewfinder). 1200-zone metering in live-view mode. EV 2-20 (at ISO 100).

ISO range: 100-3200 (in 1-EV increments).

Flash: Built-in pop-up unit with TTL autoflash with ±2EV exposure compensation (1/3-EV increments), GN 39 (ISO 100, feet), covers 18mm lens field of view. Flash sync to 1/160 sec. Dedicated Sony/Minolta hot-shoe and wireless control of optional flash.

Viewfinder: Eye-level, fixed penta-Dach mirror. 96% accuracy with 0.74X magnification.

Live view: Pentamirror tilt mechanism with separate sensor.

LCD: 2.7-in. transflective TFT with 230,000-dot (77,000-pixel) resolution.

Output: Hi-Speed USB 2.0, NTSC video. PictBridge and PIM III compatible.

Battery: Rechargeable NP-FM500H InfoLITHIUM M; CIPA rating, 730 shots, 50% with flash. 410 shots with live view on.

Size/weight: 5.25x4x3 in., 1.49 lb with card and battery.

Street price: $800, body only; $900 with 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Sony DT lens.

For info: www.sonystyle.com.

COMPETITIVE SET

• Canon EOS Rebel XSi ($800, street, body only) Without testing it, we can't assess image quality. The Rebel has more sophisticated AF, with cross-type sensors, plus a better optical viewfinder and faster burst of 3.5 fps (Sony's is 2.5). But its 3-inch LCD doesn't swivel, and there's a delay when using AF in live view. And the Sony has wireless flash control and sensor-based IS.

• Pentax K20D ($1,300, street, body only) At 14.6MP the closest DSLR in megapixels, it costs $500 more. The Pentax delivers 10% higher resolution and image quality, especially at ISO 1600 and 3200. It has weather and dust seals, and its optical viewfinder, with removable focusing screens, is vastly superior. Plus, its 3-fps burst mode has a 16-shot RAW capacity vs. 7 on the Sony. But AF is slower in low light below EV 2, and there's a mirror delay in live view.

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