Sony A3000 Conclusion

Sony A3000 Conclusion

Some cameras are all about cramming in as many features as possible, even if you'll seldom use them. That's great for the belt-and-suspenders types, but it makes them much more expensive than they need to be. The Sony A3000 doesn't play that game. This is a camera that's been pared down to the basics -- you get precisely what you need, and little more. But boy, does that approach ever pay dividends when it comes time to fetch your wallet.

For a list price of just US$400 -- and at the time of this writing (June 2014), street prices without rebates are below US$350 -- you're getting an extremely high-res, SLR-like camera with great image quality, and a stabilized kit zoom lens to boot. Sure, it's not a true DSLR, but the lack of a reflex mirror means one less mechanical part to fail, and it makes the Sony A3000 quieter to shoot with, as well. And while this is clearly an entry-level camera, Sony has somehow managed to buck the typical cost-saving strategies where it really counts: There are no plastic lens mounts here. Both body and lens have metal mounts that will help this camera last.

That's not to say that you won't notice you're using an entry-level camera. Performance -- particularly in terms of burst speed and depth -- is limited, and the Sony A3000's body does feel a little plasticky. (Although we've seen a lot worse). Perhaps its biggest Achilles heels are its electronic viewfinder and LCD monitor, both of which have very low resolution by modern standards. The LCD is also fixed in place, and the viewfinder uses an LCOS design that can cause shimmering, rainbow effects on some subjects. They won't affect your photos, but they can be a little distracting when framing images. And it's a shame that, for whatever reason, Sony has decided not to allow you to review your images in the viewfinder at all.

But it's ever so easy to overlook these drawbacks when you take a glance at the price tag. With some cameras, you can question whether you're getting a good deal. With the Sony A3000, it's simply not up for debate: This camera is a spectacular value, and that makes it a whole lot easier to overlook any shortcomings it has. If you're in the market for a new interchangeable-lens camera, and you're on a tight budget, the Sony A3000 should be right near the top of your shortlist. If you've been looking at a bridge camera or a fixed-lens compact, or simply considering ditching a camera altogether and using your smartphone, the affordable Sony A3000 makes a very strong case indeed for changing your mind.

Seldom has an entry-level camera been so deserving of a Dave's Pick as the Sony A3000. With a street price of just US$350, perhaps the question we should've been asking in this review isn't whether to buy this camera, but rather, how many you should buy. One for the house, one for the car, another to pack with your hiking gear... Sony is going to sell a lot of these cameras!

Like what you see? Support Imaging Resource and place your order with trusted Imaging Resource affiliate Adorama now:

• Sony A3000 kit with 18-55mm E-mount lens

Or with Amazon:

• Sony A3000 kit with 18-55mm E-mount lens

Or with B&H Photo Video:

• Sony A3000 kit with 18-55mm E-mount lens