Last update 24 September’09 – Review @ PCAuthority
Sony Alpha A330 announced on May 18, 2009 is a 10.2 megapixel image stabilized DSLR and it features 2.7 inch LCD, eye start autofocus, 9 point autofocus, 2.5 frames per second continuous shooting, dynamic range optimizer, and an ISO range from 100 to 3200.
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Review Index – (updated 24 September’09)
PCAuthority
“The A330 is a perfectly capable DSLR, streamlined and easier to use than the previous generation. But beyond ease of use it offers nothing we haven’t seen before. It’s a good camera, but it’s currently too expensive to recommend over its predecessor.”
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Shutterbug
“In all, this is a very nice beginner D-SLR that borrows from its more advanced cousins to yield very good image quality and some quite creative shooting options. It delivers all you could want for the price and certainly should be considered a competitive model in its class.”
Camera Labs
“To be fair, the A330 suffers beyond 400 ISO and there are better choices if you regularly shoot at 800 ISO or above. But stick to lower sensitivities and you’ll enjoy good quality from a DSLR which boasts built-in stabilisation, fuss-free Live View and an HDMI port, all at an affordable price. As such the A330 comes Highly Recommended for DSLR beginners.”
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GoodGearGuide
“Seeing as the Sony Alpha a330 contains a nearly identical feature set and the same imaging chip as its predecessor, this camera is not worth an upgrade, nor is it hearty enough to take on the latest models from Nikon and Canon.”
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Steve’s Digicams
“I found the A330 to be a sound camera. It produces pleasing photos in a variety of shooting environments, offers speedy performance, plenty of user-friendly exposure options, terrific high ISO results, and is comfortable to use/hold. With a street price of US$649.99 or less for the A330L single-lens kit (SAL-1855 standard zoom lens), or US$849.99 for the A330Y two-lens kit (includes both the SAL-1855 and SAL-55200 zoom lenses), we feel the Sony DSLR-A330 offers a great value for the capabilities and quality you are receiving.”
TrustedReviews
“Although it does feature an exceptionally well implemented live view mode on a decent-sized tilting monitor, the Sony Alpha A330 is distinctly an entry-level model, with a limited range of features and options. While those upgrading from a compact camera will feel right at home, more experienced photographers will find its limitations restrictive. Build quality is adequate and the camera looks good, but the new body design is awkward to use.”
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PhotographyBlog
“Comparing a camera to its immediate predecessor is one thing, but what the Sony A330 will be measured against is its competition – and here the new offering still has the same advantages as the older A300; namely, fast Live View autofocus and no extra shutter lag or unnecessary mirror slapping. This alone earns it an ‘Above Average’ rating.”
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TechRadar
“As regards to image quality, we found the A330 more than capable of producing files that can be readily enlarged to give A3 prints and beyond, especially at ISO 400 and lower. Go to ISO 1600 and 3200 and noise is more significant.”
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PhotographyBay
“Those of you who like a larger grip on a camera may be disappointed with the A330, which feels like it was made for a woman’s hands. My wife does love the A330 though – even over the Nikon D5000 or the Canon Rebel T1i – proving that functionality and comfort can trump image quality variances.”
ePhotozine
“I really like the noise test results, I think it takes good portraits and the colour test chart provided fruitful. If I was in the market for a mid-range DSLR, this would be in my top three.”
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CNET
“The A330 delivers a fairly average noise-suppression profile for its class. Sharpness starts to degrade at about ISO 400 and color noise begins to seep in at ISO 800; you really don’t want to use ISO 1600 and ISO 3200, where images are both soft and noisy.”
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Alpha Mount World
“As a first dslr, I would have to conclude that this camera will at least do 95% or so of what other entry level DSLRS will do. It is a good introduction DSLR, dare I say bridge camera from a point and shoot. In fact I’d go so far to say that this is really what Sony has in mind with these 3 new cameras. If you look at the next camera in the lineup below the A230/330/380, the Cybershot HX1, the upgrade path becomes much more clear for Sony users.”
Digital Trends
“We have no reservations suggesting first-time DSLR buyers pick up the Sony alpha DSLR-A330. It feels right and takes fine, accurate photos with little noise until you hit the outer limits (1600+). We did find the 3x zoom a bit limiting, and you should opt for a more potent lens to complement the kit glass. The Live View can’t be beat, but the burst mode is less than the competition, and the camera is definitely noisy, as the mirror mechanism clunks along when you’re firing away. Still, as a $649 list package, this one is hard to beat.”
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Sample Photos
[ISO Performance Photos @ Camera Labs]
[ISO Performance Photos @ Steve's Digicams]
[ISO Performance Photos @ TrustedReviews]
[ISO Performance Samples @ PhotographyBlog]
[ISO Sample Photos @ CNET]
[Sample Photos @ Alpha Mount World]
[High ISO Sample Photos @ Alpha Mount World]
Similar Cameras
Press Release
SAN DIEGO, May 17, 2009 – Sony is making it easy for first-time digital SLR buyers to step up from point-and-shoot digital still cameras with the introduction today of three new easy-to-use ? (alpha) cameras (models DSLR-A380, DSLR-A330 and DSLR-A230), four new lenses, a flash and accessories.
Uniquely Matched to Customers’ Needs
The new cameras are designed to overcome challenges faced by many customers taking their first steps in DSLR photography. Without compromising performance and versatility, the new models are smaller, lighter, easier to use and offer innovative expansion options not found in other systems.
“Our new alpha cameras, lenses and accessories make it easier for new users to get the great photos they expect without the steep learning curve that DSLRs have traditionally required,” said Kristen Elder, senior manager for the alpha business at Sony Electronics Inc. “By overcoming the obstacles, we’ve made it much easier for newcomers to take great pictures with DSLRs.”
Light and Compact
The 10.2 megapixel ?230 camera is the lightest, most compact alpha DSLR camera body ever at 15.9 ounces. The 10.2 megapixel ?330 and the 14.2 megapixel ?380 cameras are also smaller and lighter than their predecessor models (the DSLR-A300 and DSLR-A350, respectively). These cameras are also more compact and feature an intuitive control layout that allows for easy single-handed operation.
SteadyShot INSIDE™ in-camera image stabilization is built into each camera body, so every ?-mount lens benefits from the ability to minimize blur due to camera shake.
Quick AF Live View System
Both the ?380 and ?330 cameras offer Sony’s Quick Autofocus (AF) Live View technology, so you can frame photos on the camera’s LCD screen as well as in the optical viewfinder. Through the use of a dedicated image sensor, Quick AF Live View maintains the rapid response of a DSLR, while avoiding the focus delay common to other live view systems.
The new cameras feature a 2.7-inch (diagonally) Clear Photo LCD™ screen that is easy to view even in bright sunlight. Additionally, the LCD on the ?380 and ?330 models can be tilted up or down, making it easy to frame your subject from high or low positions, otherwise difficult to see using an eye-level viewfinder. The range of adjustment has been increased from their predecessors, making it even easier to get shots from difficult angles.
By combining Quick AF Live View and an adjustable LCD, users can frame the scene without holding the camera in front of their face, allowing parents, for example, to maintain eye-contact when photographing their children for more natural expressions.
An HDMI™ terminal gives you the option of connecting your camera to a compatible HDTV and playing back your images in high definition quality (HDMI cable required, sold separately). Additionally, BRAVIA® Sync™ works with compatible Sony® BRAVIA HDTVs to let you control camera playback using the television’s remote (HDMI cable and BRAVIA Sync capable HDTV required, sold separately).
The new cameras include dedicated slots for high-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo™, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ and SD/DSHC media (sold separately).
Built-in Help Guide
The ?380, ?330 and ?230 models are Sony’s first DSLR cameras to feature a graphical user interface (GUI) with built-in on-screen Help Guide.
The Help Guide offers clear, concise explanations of various modes and settings, while the Graphic Display helps you understand the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, as well as the effect each has on photographic results.
Systems, Lenses and Flash
Making it easier for first-time DSLR users to get started, the new Sony cameras come in camera-and-lens packages. In addition to the two new standard zoom and telephoto lenses that are offered with the camera bodies, the company introduced new portrait and macro lenses. These purpose-built lenses make it much easier to obtain professional-looking, creative results.
Optimized for use with APS-C sized image sensors, these lenses feature a Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) that enables in-lens auto focus (AF) drive for smooth, quiet operation, and high optical performance in a compact size.
The DT 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens (model SAL-1855) incorporates aspherical and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements to provide an all purpose lens with outstanding image quality. The DT 55-200mm F/4-5.6 telephoto zoom lens (model SAL-55200/2) features an ED glass element and helps bring distant subjects closer, ideal for capturing sports. Both the SAL-1855 and SAL-55200 lenses are available separately, or packaged as kits with the new cameras.
To make the benefits of portrait and macro photography easier and more accessible, Sony is introducing a DT 50mm F/1.8 portrait lens (model SAL-50F18) and DT 30mm F/2.8 (model SAL-30M28) macro lens. The wide aperture SAL-50F18 lens helps users capture beautiful portraits with gently defocused backgrounds while the SAL-30M28 macro lens captures intricate close-ups. Both techniques are difficult to achieve with standard lenses.
To help users take better shots with flash, Sony offers an affordable, compact external flash unit (model HVL-F20AM) that is simple to operate. Unlike a camera’s built-in flash, this external flash provides higher output (Guide Number 20), and enables users to bounce light off the ceiling to eliminate harsh shadows and achieve more even illumination when shooting indoors.
Pricing and Availability
Pre-orders will begin on May 18, 2009 at www.sonystyle.com/retail and at selected retailers nationwide. The cameras and a range of accessories will be available in July at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.
The ?380L, ?330L and ?230L will cost about $850, $650 and $550, respectively. The L series one-lens kit comes with the SAL-1855 standard zoom lens.
The ?380Y, ?330Y and ?230Y will cost about $1050, $850 and $750, respectively. The Y series two-lens kit comes with both the SAL-1855 standard zoom and SAL-55200 telephoto zoom lenses.
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