Are you thinking you want to buy a Sony DSLR camera online? It's confusing when you look at the dizzying array of current models and features; so where do you start? Read this review for a detailed overview of the current entry level DSLRs on offer from Sony.

When the Sony Alpha camera series was introduced in July 2006, the aim was to offer photographers an alternative digital SLR system that could rival that of established manufacturers. They quickly succeeded. These DSLR cameras from Sony offer unique features that match, or even surpass, entry level Nikon cameras, or those at a similar price point from Canon.

Sony A100: This was the camera that launched the Sony DSLR series. Released in July 2006, the Sony A100 was a 10.2 megapixel camera with a built-in anti-shake system that works with any lens attached to the camera. Like all newer Sony DSLR cameras, the A100 uses the Minolta A Type lens mount that Sony acquired when they purchased the Minolta digital camera division. It had an anti-dust system, a 2.5 inch LCD, and could shoot at 3 frames per second. It was a very well equipped DSLR for its time, and was widely held in high regard. Status: Discontinued model.

Sony A200: The Alpha A200 was a moderate update of the popular Alpha A100. It also became Sony’s cheapest digital SLR when it was introduced in January 2008 along with the DSLR-A300 and DSLR-A350. Changes to the A200 included the ability to shoot pictures in a 16:9 widescreen format, increased ISO sensitivity to 3200, noise reduction software, and a larger 2.7” LCD screen. Other refinements included an updated Super SteadyShot and a useful shadow/highlight warning system. Status: Discontinued, replaced by Alpha A230.

Sony A300 and A350: These two cameras were introduced at the same time due to their similarities. First released in Jan. '08, the DSLR-A350 is a more expensive A300 mostly due to it's 14.2 megapixel sensor. (The A300 has the same 10.2 MP image size found in the A200 camera). This added another $100 to the price of the Alpha 350, and reduced its shooting speed due to the bigger file sizes, but gave you the ability to print large high resolution prints, but rarely do consumers actually do so.

One of the best features of these cameras are their Live View and adjustable 2.7” LCD screen. Two sensors were included in the Sony Alpha 300 and Alpha 350 to help ensure that you could take pictures as quickly and easily with live view as you could with the optical viewfinder. It made the conventional 'mirror flip' live view systems from Nikon and Canon look slow and cumbersome, and meant that photographers moving up from point and shoot cameras had a much easier transition to the world of digital SLR cameras. Status: Replaced by Alpha 330 and 380.

Sony A230: Sony’s A230 was the 2009 update of the Alpha 200, and the foundations for a 3 model lineup that included the Alpha 330 and 380. The Sony Alpha 230 is lighter and more compact than the Alpha 200, and was also revised to make it more user friendly to first time DSLR users. A new on-screen help mode was included, along with quick access to six automatic scene modes. Sony also included a dynamic range optimizer to ensure your photos have the best balance of highlight and shadow detail. A multiple-shot self-timer, a newly added graphical menu for changing aperture size and shutter speed and a 9 point AF system rounds out the list of features of this excellent budget Sony DSLR camera. In fact the one thing not available on this camera is Live View which was saved for the DSLR-A330. Status: New model.

Sony A330 and A380: Announced in May 2009, (at the same time as the A230), the Sony A330 and Sony A380 became direct replacements for the A300 and A350. These have several features in common with the entry level DSLR-A230 and are the newest releases from Sony in the budget DSLR market. The Alpha A330 as well as A380 both come with Live View built in and have an articulating 2.7” LCD, to an already impressive feature list. The DSLR-A380 takes it even further with a professional level resolution with a 14.2 megapixel sensor. Status: Both are new models.

Our recomendation is to buy the Sony Alpha DSLR-A330. Overall it's a great camera with every feature you need as well as many you will never use. The A330 is priced well and will keep you happy for a long time to come.

If you need to find a good spot for Sony DSLR digital camera repair you will be able to find repair shops to compare quotes with just a quick Google search or two. If you call Sony first to get a baseline price, then you may find that your Sony digital camera repair will cost less by not going through the manufacturer directly. One of the most common repairs is the Sony DSLR-A350 LCD screen repair which you should be able to locate from an online digital camera repair shop for much less than Sony directly.