Sony Alpha A230/330/380 - VERY BRIEF Hands On

[aim54x]

You may not care, you may not be interested but I thought i would share just in case. (I'll keep it brief)

I was at the Sony CREATE roadshow (for camera retailers) tonight and had a brief hands on of their new A330 (replaces the A300) which is very similar to the A230 (A200 replacement) and almost identical to the A380 (A350 replacement...and not the AIRBUS). In short it seems that Sony has taken a step back with a mix of odd ergonomics, convoluted menu and a bad button placement. IMHO these cameras are actually worse than the models they replace.

For more details have a look at http://www.scout-images.com/?p=815

HOWEVER, Sony do know how to put on a show with a nice dinner at the Sydney Opera House in the Utzon room.

[phillipb]

I guess the Minolta influence has completely disappeared now and the Sony marketing machine has taken over.
Thanks for the heads up.

[Grev]

I had a good play with them about a fortnight ago. I didn't think the ergonomics were good, the grip wasn't great and I don't like the build.

But I get their intention is to target the high end compact, first DSLR people, and I would say they're mainly targeting women since they make up a higher percentage of the users as well.

[chrisk]

i dont think sony have a clue what they are aiming for just at the moment. its just a scattergun approach. release shitloads of models and update them regulalry and see what happens. the new models on the rumormill look like they have a little more direction...if they are true.

truly a wasted opportunity for sony. they could have really given the industry a good shakeup.

[gstark]

I guess the Minolta influence has completely disappeared now and the Sony marketing machine has taken over.

Phillip,

I wonder who's surprised at this outcome?

[Matt. K]

Sony make good television sets. They should leave the cameras to Nikon and Canon.

[aim54x]

I had a good play with them about a fortnight ago. I didn't think the ergonomics were good, the grip wasn't great and I don't like the build.

But I get their intention is to target the high end compact, first DSLR people, and I would say they're mainly targeting women since they make up a higher percentage of the users as well.

Glad I wasnt the only one who thought little of them!


what do you guys think of my website? I have been afraid to share it but since it has been done I may as well get some feedback.

[SuperJT]

HOWEVER, Sony do know how to put on a show with a nice dinner at the Sydney Opera House in the Utzon room.

I think that it's great that a company that has retrenched 100 people in the last 2.5 years (with the last round of 32 retrenchments being in March/April this year) has the money to splash out on things like a show and nice dinner as well as things like sponsoring Sydney FC this season.

As far as the cameras are concerned, the Alphas made an initial splash but their market share has decreased and they are firmly entrenched in the 2nd tier of DSLR. They always seemed a bit clunky to me. I didn't like the feel or the sound they make. They should stick to point and shoots.

[eric_r]

Hmm, if only id read this post before i brought my a300.... Every single person whose opinion on Sonys that i have heard, has been negative. Or neutral at the very best.

what do you guys think of my website? I have been afraid to share it but since it has been done I may as well get some feedback.

The website is great, love being able to look at you more experienced guys images Especially like the grey theme and easy nav.

[aim54x]

Hmm, if only id read this post before i brought my a300.... Every single person whose opinion on Sonys that i have heard, has been negative. Or neutral at the very best.

what do you guys think of my website? I have been afraid to share it but since it has been done I may as well get some feedback.

The website is great, love being able to look at you more experienced guys images Especially like the grey theme and easy nav.

Hey Eric,

I didnt mean to put you off your camera, the A300 is a fine camera, a bit rough around the edges but still a great camera. The newer generation is a step backwards unfortunately.

I came very close to buying a Sony A700 myself, but I could not get any info or stock...hence I waited for the D300.

Thanks, great to hear some feedback on the website. I have a long, long way to go before I am anywhere near as good as the real professionals.

Cheers
Cameron