Sony Alpha 35 at a glance:
- 16.2 million effective pixels
- ISO 100-12,800
- 7fps with continuous autofocus
- 3in LCD screen with 921,000 dots
- 700 Euros (estimated price)
Sony caused quite a stir last year when it unveiled its new SLT (single-lens translucent) cameras, the Alpha 33 and Alpha 55, complete with translucent mirror technology. Since then, a watchful eye has been kept on Sony’s next step with this range.
We didn’t have to wait long, though, as less than a year later the second generation of SLT models has been announced, with the Alpha 35 replacing the now discontinued Alpha 33.
With regard to generational progression between cameras in a range, it is usually the case that a newcomer’s specification will more or less match that of the model that sits above it. And so it is with the Alpha 35.
Although a more affordable camera, the Alpha 35 has virtually the same core feature set as the higher specification Alpha 55, namely the 16.2-million-pixel sensor. In light of this, it will be interesting to see how beefed-up the Alpha 55’s replacement will be when it is announced.
However, there are differences. Sony says that in order to keep manufacturing costs down and pass the savings on to the consumer, it has scrimped on its choice of LCD screen, which is now a fixed type rather than the vari-angle version used in the Alpha 33 and 55.
At the time of writing the RRP had not yet been revealed, so we don’t know how much the fixed screen really benefits the asking price, but we expect the Alpha 35 to cost around t700. It will be interesting to see whether this trade-off between handling and price has been worthwhile.
