a300/a350 questions and answers !

A lot of misunderstandings can be found on the net regarding some a300/a350 options.
So, in an effort to help resolving some doubts i'm opening this thread and i will try to answer your questions if i can.

I have the camera for few days only (i will add some of my impression here so be fast asking.

Also, please do not use this thread for question like "which camera is better" .. this thread is for concrete questions about newly announced bodies. I will NOT make any IQ comparisons, will not test DRO, ISO performance etc. Please ask only if you have some technical questions about the camera.



what is the difference between the a300 and the a350?
The main difference is the sensor resolution; 10MP on a300 and 14MP on 350. This brings differences in file sizes and continuous shooting capabilities as well.
A quick comparison can be found here


Does a300 and a350 provide DOF preview
No it doesn't. And since it doesn't is of limited use for any critical macro work; it isn't designed with this in mind as a priority.



Does live view provide high magnification preview zooming (other than the 1.4x/2x Smart Teleconverter)?
No it doesn't. Only option to magnify the frame is using "smart converter" option which provides 1.4x or 2x magnification.




Does the Smart Teleconverter feature affect the captured image?
Yes. SM feature acts like a crop.

This option is available only in JPG mode only. When you set raw or raw+jpg mode this option is disabled !

The image is cropped, no interpolation, just a real crop.
Image size when using smart converter options are as following:

1.4x (medium image size*)
a300:
[3:2] 2768 x 1840
[16:9] 2768 x 1552

a350
[3:2] 3264 x 2176
[16:9] 3264 x 1840


2x (small image size*)
a300
[3:2] 2032 x 1360
[16:9] 2032 x 1136

a350
[3:2] 2416 x 1600
[16:9] 2416 x 1344

* image size cannot be changed when using this option.

Smart converter option is available only in live view mode.
Again, this option is possible only in JPG mode (standard and fine) only and it's disabled when using RAW or RAW+jpg mode



Does the Live view on the A300/350 work over the video out.
No as far i can tell.



What's the flash sync speed with and without SSS
1/160s


Can manual focusing lenses (m42 for example) be used?
Yes. The camera doesn't provide the usual "release w/o lens" options as found on former Sony/KM cameras but the lens check is disabled by default in M mode.



How helpful is the live view when focusing manually?
This is very subjective topic. Some will find it useful and some not. Since i'm not used to LCD screen focusing i would rather not comment this. LCD resolution however could be better IMHO.
But there is one thing i really like and miss on my a700; when manual focusing in live view a green led turns on when particular AF area gets in focus. It's not the usual AF ok signal only, but the AF sensor in question as well.
Sadly the same behaviors isn't implemented when using viewfinder. I really can't understand why they can add this.



How secure is the flip out LCD screen?
My impression is that is of solid quality and if the camera is handled with usual care shouldn't be issues with it.


How strong are the LCDs lever arms that provide the tilting action
I don't have too much experiences with cameras with tilting screens but it is about same quality i guess as my KM a2 if this means anything.



How much does LCD screen tilt?
About 130° upward and about 40° downwards



Does a350 provide mirror lock-up (MLU)
No, unfortunatelly even with the 2sec timer, MLU is not implemented.

Edited by Kiklop - 07 February 2008 at 21:50

Hi Kiklop,
1)What's the flash sync speed with and without SSS?
2)How helpful is the live view when focusing manually?
3)How bad is the view finder?
4)Can you also post some comparison photos from the A700 and the A350 please?
5)How accurate is the auto focus when compared with the A700?
6)What's the difference in the dynamic range optimizer function between the A700 and the A350?
7)Does the shorter flash cause problems(redeye,lens shadow)?
8)Which camera do you prefer? A700 or A350?Why?

Sorry for all these questions.I am trying to decide whether to buy the A350 or the A700.
Thanks

Edited by ruvmendis - 02 February 2008 at 13:58

Does live view provide high magnification preview zooming (other than the 1.4x/2x Smart Teleconverter)?
Does the Smart Teleconverter feature affect the captured image?

I do apologise for my ignorance here but i've not really been following these new cameras closely but, what is the difference between the a300 and the a350?

Is there a place that will show me?

one more thing i'd like to know about the flip screen: you can tilt it 90° upwards (seen that on the youtube vids) but what about downwards? looks like its only 30°, or can you also tilt it 90°? Would be intresting when ur at a crowded place so you can look up on the screen...

thnx in advance

Folks .. i have a350 with me now for few days. If you have additional questions please ask but don't ask anything like how does it compared to xx camera; i will not answer similar questions since i'm not going to review this camera with all the "usual" details.

voyo wrote: How is the viewfinder? It's so small than many people doesn't like it? Should i be afraid of it? How is the LCD - go outside and try it on the sun :)

This is prone to subjective opinions and one really should try it.
I find even my 7D/a700 viewfinders to be small so ..
LCD screen is not bad but isn't great as on a700 either. Will do the job but i somehow believe Sony should provide the same LCD on at least one of newly announced models (a350).Again, it is personal judgement

voyo wrote: LiveView- can you zoom with the lens, or just make the crop (1,4x/2x) LiveView on TV - possible?

Already answered.