Sony alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera Review

by Patrick Singleton
Published on November 29, 2006

Navigation
Intro	Testing / Performance
Physical Tour	Components
Design / Layout	Modes
Control Options	Image Parameters
Connectivity / Extras	Overall Impressions
Conclusion	Specs / Ratings

 

Likes

- Built-in Super SteadyShot stabilization - Effective dust control - Aggressive pricing - Convenient Dynamic Range system - Good control display and menu organization

Dislikes

- Parameters dial is slow and clunky - Plastic construction - Video port is inside media compartment - 1/4-second shutter lag - Inconvenient manual controls

       

The Sony α (alpha) A100 is a good value for users who want stabilization, dust control and 10 megapixels, but don't mind a clunky interface and slow operation. It's a snapshot camera with some very appealing bells and whistles, and it will be a very good fit for casual photographers who want a DSLR, but don't need one.

 

The Sony A100 is an overall disappointment. It's far too similar to the Konica-Minolta cameras it's built on. Those cameras failed in the marketplace, and some of Sony's few and minor changes, such as the parameters dial, aren't improvements. The strategy doesn’t seem to improve a product that didn't sell; it just markets it with a bigger name.