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| © Michael J. McNamara 2008 |
| Click photo to see image quality shots. |
The Sony's real AF advantage becomes obvious in live view. In addition to the imaging sensor, a second, lower-resolution sensor sends a live signal to the LCD. While this two-chip system is similar in concept to that of the groundbreaking Olympus Evolt E-300, the Sony has a unique two-mirror design that lets light hit both the imaging sensor for live view and the AF array simultaneously. That means AF occurs at nearly the same speed when you use live view as when you use the optical viewfinder -- there's no delay while the mirror swings up and down as with the live-view AF systems on competing DSLRs.
To keep the A350 compact, Sony fit the normal optical viewfinder path under the additional live view path. In our opinion, that compromised the design of the optical viewfinder, resulting in a tunnel-vision effect, Acceptable magnification of 0.74X, and a tiny, hard-to-read data display. Most other APS-sensor DSLRs in this class deliver 0.85X or greater magnification, plus better eye relief.
Tilt that LCD
Sony was smart to give the 2.7-inch LCD some wiggle room. Using the tilting monitor, photographers should be able to compose and shoot steady waist-level shots or capture images while holding the camera overhead. But the LCD doesn't rotate away from the body or forward for self-portraits, unlike the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10K and Olympus E-3. Nor can you fold it inward to protect the screen.
Rotate the A350 to a vertical orientation, and the data display follows. Hold in the display button for a few seconds and the LCD brightness adjustment appears, and the display shuts off immediately when your eye approaches the optical viewfinder. As on earlier Sony models, looking through the viewfinder also triggers an AF-activation mode, but we usually keep this turned off to prevent battery drain.
During live view, the LCD can be set to display exposure information, a live histogram (with RGB colors), or AF points with highlight indicators. You can also zoom in for manual-focus adjustment. These features, and the responsive live-view AF, should appeal to those who prefer an LCD to an optical viewfinder.
The A350 also has a "Smart Teleconverter" mode -- that is, digital zoom. Activated by pressing the display button, it zooms in to either 1.4X (7.1MP) or 2X (3.9MP). Again, since most compact cameras do the same, this function may appeal to point-and-shooters who are stepping up. But digital zoom is still digital zoom, no matter what it's called -- and you're better off cropping in the computer.
Grab it, it grabs you
In terms of ergonomics and controls, the A350 has much in common with Sony's new entry-level A200. It's nicely balanced, the grip is more comfortable, and it feels solid and well built. Unlike the Olympus E-510, Pentax K20D, and Sony's pro-level A700, the A350 doesn't sport weather and dust seals, but it does include a dust-repelling sensor coating and a sensor-shake function to help dislodge dust.
A new button on top allows you to switch quickly between optical viewfinder and live view. A knurled dial on the left gives quick access to exposure modes and seven image-preset modes (including night view, portrait, and sunset), all of which can be adjusted. But we wish the buttons to activate exposure compensation or AE lock were raised instead of flush to make them easier to find with cold or glove-clad fingers.
Sony carries forward on the A350 the ability to control external flash units with the pop-up flash -- a great feature that has yet to show up in any Canon DSLR. You can adjust the pop-up's output, though only through the menus, not by a dedicated button (as for ambient exposure). In ADI flash mode, you can also set the A350 to ignore reflections and combine lens information and ambient light to make a balanced flash exposure.
Still, we suggest buying an accessory flash unit such as Sony's HVL-F56AM or F36AM ($310 and $200, street, respectively). This would not only enable wireless control and high-speed flash sync, but would prevent redeye and lens shadows -- a common problem on the A350 due to the short height (less than an inch) of its pop-up flash.
Moving on up
In all, the A350 has impressive features, specs, and price. But it's still too early to tell whether it will lure serious shooters away from the new Canon EOS Rebel XSi or Pentax K200D. Though we haven't tested them yet, both promise to control noise well in low light and high ISOs. And the Canon is likely to capture more detail.
As for stealing customers from Sony's own A700? We doubt it. That camera will continue to attract hard-core shooters. The A350 is aimed at those moving up from a compact or for those who want (and can afford) more from an entry-level DSLR than Sony is offering in its new A300 ($600, estimated street, with 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 lens), Nikon in its new D60 ($630, street, body only), or Olympus in its new E-420 ($500, estimted street, body only). For such photographers, the A350's increased image quality and overall performance will be amazing, and the extra features -- especially live view -- will be reassuringly familiar.
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