Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 review

A modest update to its predecessor, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A300, the Alpha DSLR-A330 offers essentially the same feature set in a redesigned body with sufficient quality- and performance-enhancing firmware tweaks to merit the term 'upgrade'. Like its predecessor, the result is a generally solid, if not stellar, entry-level digital SLR. Sony also offers an identical but higher-resolution version of the A330, the 14-megapixel Alpha DSLR-A380.

The A330 is nearly identical to its cheaper sibling, the Alpha DSLR-A230. The only differences are in the viewfinder -- the A230's has a much higher magnification, making it more comfortable to use -- and in their LCD displays. The LCDs are the same 69mm (2.7-inch) model, but the A330's can be tilted up perpendicular to the body or down at a 55° angle. The A330 also offers 'live view' shooting, while the A230 doesn't. As they're essentially the same camera, they should deliver the same image quality and performance. You can read our in-depth review of the A230 to get the lowdown on the A330.

You can get the A330 in one of two kits, a version with an 18-55mm lens for about £500 or a dual-lens kit that adds a 55-200mm lens for about £650. You can also buy the body-only version for around £470. As with all Sony dSLRs, you should be able to use any Minolta A mount lens with the camera.