Sony a3000
Announced August 27, 2013
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Good
The Sony a3000 is an entry-level mirrorless camera that provides a cost-effective introduction to interchangeable lens photography. While it delivers high-quality images and a comfortable, DSLR-like grip, the experience is hindered by a plasticky build, sluggish performance, and low-resolution displays.
Weighted from 14 reviewer scores
Pros
- Excellent image quality and high ISO performance
- Affordable price point
- Comfortable, ergonomic DSLR-style body
- Useful features like focus peaking and panoramic modes
- Versatility of interchangeable E-mount lenses
Cons
- Poor quality electronic viewfinder and rear LCD screen
- Sluggish performance and slow autofocus
- Cheap, plasticky build quality
- Lack of intuitive controls and complicated menu system
- Limited features and hardware compromises
- Launch price $399 (USD)
- Sensor 20.1MP APS-C CMOS
- Stabilization In-body IS
What the Reviewers Say
All 14 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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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.
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The Sony A3000 is a budget, entry-level mirrorless camera that currently offers one of the most economical routes into photography with interchangeable lenses.
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While the body is plastic and both the LCD and the viewfinder are well below average in resolution, the Alpha 3000 is still an excellent beginner’s camera.
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The Sony Alpha 3000 is a mirrorless camera in the styling of a Digital SLR, with a 20.1 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, and Sony E-Mount, it is compatible with all Sony NEX lenses and features a 3inch screen and electronic viewfinder on the back.
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Designed to appeal to compact camera upgraders who instinctively want a DSLR, or at least something that looks like one, the Sony A3000 is an intriguing mix of mirrorless technology and DSLR styling that almost hits the mark.
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The Sony A3000 is a camera that’s trying to do too much, and as a result it’s a bit of a mess.
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The mirrorless Sony Alpha 3000 cuts a lot of corners to hit its low $400 asking price, but there are no compromises in image quality.
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Sony has produced another good camera in the shape of the a3000. It's not hugely exciting, but it's not meant to be.
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As an entry-level model the A3000 is bettered by all of its rivals in terms of features, performance and value for money, including cameras from Sony itself.
- CNET 7.3/10
Factoring in the mediocre performance, and it’s a tough sell.
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Some people will be put off by low-resolution screen and EVF, the lack of a command dial and the less-than-blistering performance.
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Why you’d buy the Sony A3000: small DSLR-like camera; access to lots of lenses.
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Though it does lack a lot of features and hardware that many people have become accustomed to, it's trump card is its image quality, allowing people to get professional looking photos on a budget.
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The biggest thing about this camera, I used to think that the Canon, that the entry-level Canon Rebels like the T3 felt cheap, well, this makes the T3 feel like a 60D or D7000. This feels really, really cheap.
