Hands-on with the Sony Alpha DSLR-A350 and A700

The A350 is a 14.2-megapixel SLR. Even in our brief time with the model, we were impressed with the speed and accuracy of the autofocus. Even with live view enabled, there wasn't much delay in snapping, thanks to Sony's method of keeping the mirror up while composing using a secondary mirror. Sony claims 2 frames per second with live view running, which sounds about right from the shooting we did.

The A350 is lightweight and sturdy, with image stabilisation and an anti-dust filter. This side-on view shows the unique fold-out screen. Unlike other cameras with movable screens that adopt the twisty-flexy camcorder form factor, such as the Olympus E-3 or Panasonic DMC-L10, Sony has gone for this concertina-style display.

Credit: Rich Trenholm