• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 10.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • APS-C 323.4mm2
  • 12.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A300 advantages over Canon T3

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.12 vs 5.15 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • More telephoto lens reach
    105 mm vs 88 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 17 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Canon T3 advantages over Sony DSLR-A300

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Less expensive
    $600 vs $800 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Higher effective ISO
    755 vs 538 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More pixels
    12.2 vs 10.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Neither provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony DSLR-A300

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon T3
Kit with 18-55mm lens
All T3 Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Well-considered ergonomics and control layout; Solid build; Good image quality; Great battery life; High-def movie capture.

  • Frame rate and burst depth not the best, especially for raw; Weak flash for an SLR; No sensor cleaning function; No spot metering.

  • Read our Canon T3 Full Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSLR-A200

Sony DSLR-A300
Sony DSLR-A200
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $470
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • More viewfinder magnification

Compare Sony DSLR-A300 vs Sony DSLR-A200

Canon T3
Sony DSLR-A200
  • $199
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $470
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T3 vs Sony DSLR-A200

Compared to Pentax K2000

Sony DSLR-A300
Pentax K2000
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • More cross-type AF points

Compare Sony DSLR-A300 vs Pentax K2000

Canon T3
Pentax K2000
  • $199
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • HDMI out
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T3 vs Pentax K2000

Compared to Nikon D5000

Sony DSLR-A300
Nikon D5000
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Sony DSLR-A300 vs Nikon D5000

Canon T3
Nikon D5000
  • $199
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Canon T3 vs Nikon D5000

Compared to Nikon D3100

Sony DSLR-A300
Nikon D3100
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Sony DSLR-A300 vs Nikon D3100

Canon T3
Nikon D3100
  • $199
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Canon T3 vs Nikon D3100

Compared to Sony A37

Sony DSLR-A300
Sony A37
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Sony DSLR-A300 vs Sony A37

Canon T3
Sony A37
  • $199
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon T3 vs Sony A37

Compare Other Cameras?