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Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 · Photo source

Sony Alpha DSLR-A330
Photo 1 of 5

Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 · Photo source

Sony · Alpha

Alpha DSLR-A330

Released June 2009

The Alpha A330 is a 10.2 MP A-mount DSLR with sensor-shift stabilisation, quick phase-detection live view and a tilting screen.

Type
DSLR
Sensor
APS-C
Megapixels
10.2
Lens
Sony A-mount
Video
–
Body weight
490 g

What reviewers say

Both reviews praised fast live-view autofocus, stabilisation and low-ISO image quality, but found high-ISO noise more noticeable. They disagreed on handling: TechRadar liked the build and handling after setup, while Photography Blog found the grip uncomfortable and controls cumbersome. Both identified menu-related frustrations.

From photographyblog.com and techradar.com

Image and sensor

Camera type
DSLR
Sensor format
APS-C
Sensor type
CCD
Sensor dimensions
23.6 × 15.8 mm
Effective resolution
10.2 MP
Largest image
3872 × 2592
RAW recording
Yes
Standard ISO range
100–3200
Sensor detail
Approximately 10.8 million total pixels; RGB primary-colour filter, anti-static coating and sensor-shift dust reduction
Image formats
JPEG, RAW and RAW+JPEG; Sony ARW 2.1
Image processor
BIONZ

Lens and shooting

Lens mount
Sony A-mount
Stabilisation
Sensor shift
Maximum continuous burst
2.5 fps
Lens detail
Compatible Sony, Minolta and Konica Minolta A-mount lenses; lens specifications depend on the fitted lens
Autofocus
TTL phase-detection with nine points, including central cross sensor; single, automatic and continuous AF, manual focus and Eye-start AF
Shutter
Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter; 30 seconds to 1/4000 second plus Bulb; flash sync 1/160 second
Burst detail
Approximately 2.5 fps with the optical viewfinder, or 2 fps in live view; up to six RAW or three RAW+JPEG frames, depending on conditions and media.
Stabilisation detail
SteadyShot INSIDE shifts the image sensor
Flash
Automatic pop-up flash; guide number 10 m at ISO 100; ADI and pre-flash TTL; Alpha-system external flash support
Exposure controls
Program, aperture priority, shutter priority and manual; automatic and six scene modes; 40-segment honeycomb metering

Screen and viewfinder

Viewfinder
Optical
Screen size
2.7″
Screen dots
230,400
Touchscreen
No
Tilting screen
Yes
Display detail
Clear Photo LCD tilts approximately 135° up and 55° down. Quick AF Live View uses a dedicated sensor and phase-detection AF, with approximately 90% frame coverage; no magnified manual-focus preview.
Viewfinder detail
Pentamirror; approximately 95% coverage and 0.74× magnification with a 50 mm lens at infinity, −1 m⁻¹.

Connections and design

Battery life (maker's claim)
510 photographs
Body weight
490 g
Release detail
Sony Hong Kong specifies June 2009 availability; Sony Japan specifies 25 June 2009 for the body and kits, following the May announcement.
Recording media
SD, SDHC, Memory Stick PRO Duo and PRO-HG Duo
Ports
USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, mini HDMI Type C and Alpha accessory shoe
Battery life detail
NP-FH50; approximately 510 shots with optical viewfinder or 230 in live view, under CIPA conditions.
Charging
Supplied BC-VH1 battery charger; optional AC-PW10AM adapter
Dimensions
Approximately 128 × 97 × 71.4 mm (width × height × depth), excluding projections.
Weight detail
Approximately 490 g body only, excluding battery, media and accessories.
Colours
Black; Noble Brown offered for the Japanese DSLR-A330L kit.

Video

Video detail
No movie recording; HDMI supports still-image playback.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Sensor-shift stabilisation with compatible A-mount lenses
  • Fast phase-detection autofocus in live view
  • Tilting rear screen

Cons

  • No movie recording
  • Live view does not cover the full captured frame
  • Slow continuous shooting

Closest rivals

Model
TypeSensorMegapixelsLensVideoBody weightReleased
DSLRAPS-C12.3Nikon F mount1280 × 720 at 24 fps840 gAug 2009
DSLRAPS-C12.3Nikon F mount1280 × 720 at 24 fps560 gMay 2009
DSLRAPS-C14.2Nikon F mount1920 × 1080 at 24 fps455 gSept 2010

Sources

  1. sony.jp/ichigan/products/archive/DSLR-A330/spec.html
  2. sony.jp/CorporateCruise/Press/200905/09-0518
  3. sony.com.hk/press/pdf/20090519_02e.pdf

Photo: sony.jp

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