Sony (alpha) A330 10.2 Megapixel DSLR Camera with 18-55mm SAM Kit Lens

2011-08-14T20:00:00

This is my first DSLR camera, and I love it. The menu is very easy to use and it takes great pictures. The only downside t this camera is the lack of video recording and also the small grip. These are minor issues though and would not stop me from recommending this DSLR.

pfless

Originally posted at

2011-05-29T20:00:00

This is an AWESOME CAMERA for starters! Easy to use,takes great Macro shots even with the 18-55 kit lens. And screen is very sturdy and doesn't get scratches easily.

bigmac85

Originally posted at

2011-02-25T19:00:00

This camera takes awesome pictures and is extremely easy to use. To me the 'must have' feature for beginners to explore the Manual settings on a SLR is live view. The macro shots are amazing and so are the long shots. Having steady shot inside the camera is a very nice feature. For the price its competitors are simply not good enough.

Siddhu

Originally posted at

2011-01-06T19:00:00

This is replacing an older DSLR by a different maker. Some new functions I have to get use to but it was well researched and is working better than I had hoped. It was a Christmas gift so I am still getting use to it.

longterm

Originally posted at

2010-12-12T19:00:00

I love it, i am in the "beginner" category, and have to say. its is very easy to use, i still haven't run out of battery life and i have had the camera for 2 weeks now. There are a ton of functions to explore and if you are feeling overwhelmed, stick it in auto mode and click away.

JessMorgan

Originally posted at

2010-11-28T19:00:00

I have had this camera for about a year and about three months ago it started saying camera error occasionly. Now every three pictures it says camera error. I am taking it to a specialist but I thought nothing of it at first. I know I put the live view in both pro and con, because It has helped me take a lot of great pictures. When using live view you have to compensate for how off the picture will be. For example I would try to take a picture using live view and when I got it centered the way I wanted, and took the picture, when the review came up the picture would be farther down then how i centered it. None the less this is a great camera, and I love it.

Ambche

Originally posted at

2010-11-12T19:00:00

Pros: I've been using this for a year now and I can say that on my level as an amateur- I am satisfied, though I plan to upgrade lens in the future. The kit lens (Tele & 18-55) is a regular one so don't expect too much but it can produce decent images. I only use this for hobby. Controls are easy to remember. You'll love the LCD. Acceptable in general photo. Light weight. Performs best in morning/afternoon/evening still shots. Budget entry level camera with good features. Option to use eyepiece or LCD (live view) is helpful. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cons: Battery life isn't good, in a day, you'll consume two. Remote shutter not applicable. Rubber on camera body begins to peel off easily after a year. Rubber grip on lens worn out easily because it reacts to sweat/rain/moisture producing salty white color but it is easily cleaned by moistened cloth. (See support image link below) The shutter click sound is so lame- sounds like a toy, you can't feel shooting energy. I hope Sony can establish their unique signature click. I'm sure they can outrun Nikon's nice and crispy shutter mechanism sound. Neck strap is awful, it'll scratch your neck :( I hope Sony can add a little pad on it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Summary: It's a nice and affordable camera for amateur. Good features but limited upgrade (you can't use a remote shutter and battery pack.) But if you're reading this now, I suggest you check their latest model first like the Alpha SLT 55 that carries a new technology. Ask yourself honestly what do you really want in a DSLR. If you're not really into serious photography and just want something better than a point and shoot camera, and just want to have a straightforward photo- you can take this one without guilt. But if you're into future upgrades- then get higher and better models. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Supporting image: http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/3811/330k.jpg --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sample shots: http://www.flickr.com/photos/37760334@N08/sets/72157623240741992/with/4286854321/

onzki

Originally posted at

2010-10-24T20:00:00

I bought this camera in September 2010 as m very first digital camera. Up till this time, I have been a faithful believer of 35mm film cameras. I own a Pentax SLR which I bought in 1977. With film becoming more exppensive and harder to find and develop, I checked out the Sony Alpha 330. It was moderately priced, had a lot of features that I was looking for and seemed easy to use. After taking a fair number of pictures, I found that they really looked great. This camera is light weight, and easy to carry on a shoulder strap while maintaining a professional feel about it. THE ONLY REAL PROBLEM WITH THIS CAMERA IS THAT SONY DID NOT KEEP IT ON THE MARKET LONG ENOUGH AFTER IT'S INTRODUCTION. WITH THIS IN MIND ABOUT SONY MANAGEMENT, MY NEXT DSLR WILL PROBABLY BE A NIKON OR CANNON.

tadajam

Originally posted at

2010-09-19T20:00:00

This was my first DSLR Camera. So far I am very happy with it. I have been using this camera since April and it has worked out great for me so far. I highly recomend that if you want this camera you shop around for the best price. Most retailers are selling this for the high end price with just the 18-55 lens. I was lucky enough to get mine off E-bay brand New from a dealer and it came with the 18-55 and the 75-300 lens as well as many other extras for the same price. So shop around. Next recomendation is that you take the time to learn this camera and don't get frustrated. It's a good camera but you have to take the time to read and learn it. A few other things I like: Tilt screen- did not think I would use it but I find my self using it everyday :-), Built in flash- Works great for close ups during day and night shoots. You will need an external one as well for more complex shoots but the built in is a good starter flash for everyday use. Hope this little bit helps, but if anyone asks me I would recommend this camera to anyone.

WREProductions

Originally posted at

2010-09-16T20:00:00

I got this camera for a fair price with an additional lens. It is the perfect mix of quality and ease of use. The picture quality is amazing and it beats the Canon digital elph point and shoot i had. I highly sudgest this product to new DSLR users. It made it easy for me to learn how to use a DSLR with it's special easy use functions. This camera is a perfect match of price and quality.”

BDOR

Originally posted at

2010-09-07T20:00:00

I purchased this camera because I went to my son's graduation and was not able to get any good photos. This is my first ever, really nice camera. While I recognize it is "entry level", it is really nice and the photos are just great and there are a lot of features that will take me time to learn, which I also enjoy. It is very easy to use. I would say to shop around, I found this camera at several prices since purchase. And, I have had a lot of trouble finding a lense hood, a UV filter, and a macro lense for super close up. this is partly because the 55 mm lense seems to be non-standard and even the Sony store did not carry any of these items for this camera. And using the website to find these accessories has not been simple for me (not good at searching) and so far I have not found something that definately says, yes, this is the one for this camera....This is the reason for the 4 star rating.

Travelin

Originally posted at

2010-08-16T20:00:00

GREAT FOR THE 'VIRGIN' DSLR HANDLER. VERY USER-FRIENDLY!

CameraHappyGal18

Originally posted at

2010-08-15T20:00:00

I have only had this camera for a short time. I love it!!! I just went to the beach on vacation and took great pictures. I love the sport setting! I was able to get great action pictures. I was also thrilled with the pictures that I took with the night setting. They look like I took the pictures during the day!!

hookonpictures

Originally posted at

2010-08-03T20:00:00

Went into the store, looking for a Nikon. Left with a Sony. This is a great beginners camera. Have gone through four point and shoots over a number of years. But I still missed my film SLR. So I went shopping for a DSLR. The a330 had all the features I was looking for. The live view was a nice added touch.

SonyFun

Originally posted at

2010-08-02T20:00:00

I bought this camera because I have a Minolta Maxxum 7000 with lenses and filters and they all fit this body. Of course I did my home work first and the overall reviews were very good. I can't say enough about how great this camera is. The pics are great, the menu is easy to use and the auto focus is fast. I don't know why some people are knocking the grip, I don't have a problem with it. For the price you can't go wrong. As for no video, If I wanted to take videos then I would buy a video camera.

Krusher

Originally posted at

2010-07-20T20:00:00

This camera is excellent for some one who is looking to enjoy slr captures as a hobby or breaking into the professional field. I received my camera in December 09 and in the seven months that have followed my pictures have come a long way from the point and shoot days! I have won 2 contests with pictures I have taken with this unit and look forward to winning many more. As with anything practice makes perfect so you really should be taking shots everyday to get the results you want.

checkmate

Originally posted at

2010-07-07T20:00:00

Being a Beginner photographer this camera is perfect. It's the perfect toy for someone who loves taking pictures. It's got everything you need to take good pictures. Well worth the money.

MSINLUV0516

Originally posted at

2010-06-24T20:00:00

This DSLR is just simply amazing. I love the simplicity of the 330 very much. It's easy to use as this is my first DSLR. The image stabilization is awesome! It helps out a lot. The controversial grip is not that bad. My hand is comfortable holding it but it still could be better IMO. It is really just personal preference. It's funny because I bought this before the 290 and 390 were announced and those have improved grips but I am very happy with my purchase! The continuous shooting is good, I have only used it in practice but not in the field yet. The kit lens is great for general purpose but not for what I really want to photograph. I am planning on equipping the 75-300mm lens for the ultimate experience. Anyway, overall Sony has done an amazing job with this entry level camera. Very user friendly and anyone starting out should check out this series. Beginners will learn fast, that's for sure. I feel that once I become more comfortable, experienced, and learn more that I'll step it up to maybe the Alpha 550.

mike90t09

Originally posted at

2010-06-19T20:00:00

I really like this camera, but I really wish I would of gone with a Canon, considering they take better action photos. Sony is a great camera, but I would rather have a Canon in my opinion. I still love this camera though.

ModestDays

Originally posted at

2010-03-20T20:00:00

Excellent camera for the money, takes amazing pictures. Good for the newb and semi pro. Only prob is the cost to get sony macro lenses!! Rated much better than the Nikon D3000. I have always thought I would get a Nikon Dslr but I wasnt impressed with the begginer guide mode or the lack of live view on the Nikon. Sony did an amazing job!

VinnyTy

Originally posted at

2010-01-24T19:00:00

Bought this camera with 75mm X 300mm lens included in kit for [$]. This camera cannot be found anywhere else at that price. Christmas special. Price is back to [$] if you can find it. Kit now includes 55mm X 200mm lens. Glad I bought it when I did! Super value. I love it!!! Thanks Adorama

PEACH

2009-12-07T19:00:00

For those point and shooters who's aiming to get their feet wet in DSLR photography, the Sony Alpha 330 is a great learning camera. I like to take photos of cars, so the tiltable screen is great for those below the knees angled shots. The kit lens is so so but if you want better sharpness do opt for a better lens if needed and in-body image stabilization is quite helpful, but do disable it if propped on a tripod. Overall, for the most part it's something to start with until you can further appreciate way better cameras.

Jersey J.

2009-11-22T19:00:00

The a330 is a great way to get into DSLR. The camera takes good photos with the included 18-55 mm lens. I am sure that better quality glass would make even better photos. Most cameras, especially at this price range get noisy above ISO ranges of 800 and this camera is no exception. All of the controls and programs are easy to access and I was up and running in no time after reading some of the manual. Check out my photos. I took them before I even read the manual.To get the most out of the camera you need to read the manual thoroughly and experiment with your photos. Something that is often not mentioned by anyone is that you are going to need a good tripod to take good portaits, macro shots, landscape photos, and anything at lower shutter speeds. This is true with any camera. Overall, I am pleased with my purchase and it has enough settings and features that I am not going to get bored with it anytime soon.

ASMO

2009-11-22T19:00:00

This is a great camera for its price. While it doesn't quite compare to more expensive cameras (FPS, video recording), it takes great photos (especially compared to your average point and shoot). I have not owned any other DSLR's before this one. I would recommend the 75-300 lens, I use it all the time, it is great for portraits and situations when you need to zoom (wild life, sports). The tilt able screen has come in handy in many situations (the only way having live view makes sense) If your upgrading from a point and shoot, you will not be disappointed with this camera, you may even be shocked by the improvement in your photos (especially if you take some time to learn about photography and how to use this camera). Bottom line: Super improvement over point and shoot cameras, works well, but it isn't an expensive DSLR, so don't expect it to perform like one. One thing to consider, the a230 is nearly the same, it just doesn't have live view and a tilt able screen, but the view finder is better, and its cheaper. So if you don't care about live view, get the 230.

gdesplin

Originally posted at

2009-11-20T19:00:00

The a330 is a great entry level DSLR that a first timer can learn and grow with. The 18-55 lens that comes with the basic kit does a good job with image quality, but I think some of the more expensive Sony glass would do much better. The hand grip takes awhile to get use to but it is not a deal breaker by any means. The burst rate is only 2.5 fps but I am not an action photographer so this feature is not as important to me.This camera is lighter than some of the other competitors which is a plus when having to carry it for extended periods. I look forward to getting a remote commander and a nice tripod to make my pictures even sharper.

ASMO

Originally posted at

2009-11-17T19:00:00

I love this camera, it has a bunch of cool things like the tilt screen. I noticed on most other brands of DSLRs the buttons and sub-menus are hard to reach. The one thing that got to me is the half size flash. I plan on getting an external flash.

ElPulpotx

Originally posted at

2009-10-19T21:00:00

I have been shooting a SLR camera since 1979. I know what a good SLR should do. I own an A330 and use it mostly for sports photography, mainly soccer. It is easy to operate and produces high quality images. Any image problems I experienced is OPERATOR ERROR. I got this camera for [$] with a 18-55 mm paper weight. I challenge anyone to show me a DSLR with comparable features for this price. Video mode? What the heck do I want video mode for. I bought a DSLR camera to take still pics not video. If i want video I'll buy a video camera. Besides the more gadgets you pack into one package the more that can and WILL go wrong. I never buy multi purpose electronics. I purchase the equipment for the purpose I use it for. In my opinion, no video function is a smart thing. The live view is great. Very responsive and aids greatly in fast moving photography, such as soccer. Not having my eye buried in the view finder helps to keep an eye on the rest of the action. Now for the really good stuff. This camera and all Sony DSLR cameras can use any lens ever made for the Minolta auto focus cameras!!! I got a high quality 70-300 Sigma zoom lens for $99.00 including shipping. Lenses to fit this camera are every where and dirt cheep. Have you priced a lens for a Cannon or Nikon? The battery life is of no consequence. 250+ pics wile using Live View, twice as many when using the view finder. Then just insert a freshly charged battery. I got 2 Sony FH50 batteries for less then $35.00. Once again, batteries for Cannikon? 10.2 mp is high enough quality to produce a fantastic 12x11 print. Only beyond this size do you notice any degradation of the image, compared to 13 mp, if you have a trained eye. The auto focus is very fast! Even with my 70-300 zoom. If you want a DSLR to impress your photo club buddies, purchase a Cannikon Swiss Army knife overpriced special. If your like me and want the best pics for the buck check out Sony DSLRs.

Dennis