Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Sony Alpha A300 or Sony Alpha A230?

by IGotSense Feb 25, 2010 5:31AM PST

Hello, I am looking for a little guidance in the DSLR area. I will be purchasing my first DSLR camera and am interested in the low price models that Sony offers. I have the opportunity to purchase a USED Alpha A300 which comes with plenty of accessories including 2 lenses (17-80 & 55-200) all for the price of $350-$400. It seems to be in very good condition and taken care of. My question is would it be more wise to buy a brand new Alpha A230(What would you do!?), or is this too good of a deal to pass up, which includes a few more features then the a230(Live View). Any help is most appreciated.

Justin

Discussion is locked

4 Posts
- Collapse + Expand Details
- Collapse -
I'd go with the A300
by kalel33-20416052469708587370302374692233 Feb 25, 2010 6:04AM PST

Newer doesn't always mean better. The A230 has already been discontinued in production after less than a year because it was panned in many photography reviews and seems to not be selling well at all.

- Collapse -
That sounds like a good deal
by hjfok Feb 25, 2010 10:38AM PST

That price is less than my compact camera. If the camera and lenses are indeed in good condition, then you should get the deal and learn more about photography. Once your skill and experience advance, you will know what you need to expand your creativity.

- Collapse -
reply
by IGotSense Feb 26, 2010 1:21AM PST

thank you both for your responses! I ended up buying the A300 for $350, which turns out to be the A300X with the lenses it came with. Everything is in mint condition and I believe I stole it for that price! Ive seen on some of the newer models such as the A230 and A330 that right out of the box some of the settings make the pictures look not as crisp and the colors are altered a bit. Does anyone else own a A300 and with what settings do you keep the creative style at for general shooting? Thanks alot!

- Collapse -
it varies
by kalel33-20416052469708587370302374692233 Feb 26, 2010 4:46AM PST

I can give a post from a Sony forum, not my words, but should help.

"People see colors differently, so it is unlikely we would all agree in our choice of image styles. However, the most accurate colors are found in Neutral and Deep style modes, while all the other styles shift the colors to some degree. Vivid looks particularly bad to me, but some like it. I prefer Deep or Neutral myself, and never use Landscape style because I don't like the look. Because we are all different, it's good to have choices!"

Back to Cameras forum

CNET Forums

Operating Systems
Software
Electronics & Gadgets
Hardware
Tablets & Mobile Devices
General Help
Brand Forums
Roadshow Autos
Off Topic

Other Forums

Forum Info