Sony Alpha SLT-A35 user reviews (with 18-55mm lens)

Pros Much faster than Nikon D3100 and Canon 1100d when focuisng and taking the shot. Great HD video that actually focuses properly unlike the two aforementioned models

Cons Slight juddery delay when looking through EVF / LCD after taking a shot, but one gets used to this, very temporary, visual delay.

Pros Lightweight than other DSLRs (though I realize some people prefer additional weight).
The lenses are lighter than competitors because (from what I've learned), the stabilizer is in the body, not the lens. The cost of the basic lenses is competitive w/ th

Cons As this is my first DSLR, I cannot opine on whether it is missing a particular feature or otherwise weak in a particular aspect of photography. Thus far, it's working fine for me.

Summary I was initially reluctant to buy something that wasn't a Canon or Nikon, but not for any particular reason except that Canon and Nikon have been around for a longer time and my friends had them. I was considering the Canon T3 Rebel and Nikon 5100. As it turns out, there was no substance to my concern (also, Sony purchased Konica and Minolta). The reviews around the web turned out to be consistent with what I've experienced using for the past month.

CNET's video and review seems overly concerned with the camera's style. Style and ergonomics is something each consumer has to figure out on his or her own. The Sony's style didn't cause me any problems. I can only speculate that it shaped the reviewer's otherwise matter-of-fact level of enthusiasm. CNET also implies that this is a not quite a DSLR because it has a translucent mirror. According to everything, I've read on other sites and the camera shops I visited, it is newer, good or and maybe even better technology than what's found in many DSLRS. If it makes no practical difference or, as other review sites report, improves the camera's performance, CNET should mention it. According to those camera sites, it improves the speed of the auto focus. Seems reasonable to me. In any event, the many features made this camera seem like a good deal compared to ones that were approximately $100-$150 more. Those cameras, however, did have a movable LCD screen.

Pros This camera has TONS of features that makes it a great Camera for users new to the DSLR world.

Cons Loss of the articulated LCD screen from the a33 model (which is the only reason for 4 stars and not 5)

Summary First, they state in the video and in the Review: "the A35 retains the fixed LCD of the A33..." - This is completely wrong! The A33 has an articulated screen. I do not own an a35, but I do have an a55. This is an excellent quality camera perfect for users wanting to step up from the Point and Shoot types. The only reason I have for criticizing this camera is the very fact they removed the articulated screen. Which means the only significant advantage of the a35 over the a33 is the Higher Resolution.

Second, the reviewer (and CNET) doesn't want to categorize the a33, a35 & a55 as DSLR. This is completely ridiculous! While it is true that Sony has changed the game with the new Translucent Mirror, this camera still works just like a traditional SLR. Just because the Mirror doesn't physically move doesn't make this a "Interchangeable Lens" category camera, which CNET seems to be downgrading it to.

Finally, don't let this mediocre review by CNET sway you away from the Sony Alpha series camera with the Translucent Mirror technology. They are all very good cameras, in fact, I understand that Sony is getting close to introducing the new a77 model which will be more of a "Semi-Pro" model with this same Translucent Mirror. My guess is the a77 body will go for around $1,000 and then $1,200 with the kit lens. I can't wait to see what it brings to the table.

Pros Sony really has outdone themselves with their line of DSLR camera's. In particular, the A35-A37, for the enthusiast who is ready for DSLR control and quality, while still learning about ISO's shutter speeds and aperture settings.

Cons The stock flash (as with most DSLRs) lacks brightness, i suggest you get a mounted flash when you purchase!

Summary Truly the best camera I have bought. Abilities, design & Price all vastly superior to the Cannon line of TDi's