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Sony a3000 Specs and Scores

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery
Sony a3000
49%
General
49%
Price
Brand
Sony
Model
a3000
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2013
Announcement Date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
August 27, 2013
Camera Type
Mirrorless
Camera Size
Camera Weight

With a score of 49/100, the Sony a3000 mirrorless camera, launched in 2013, has some decent specifications for its time. Priced at $400, it measures 128 x 91 x 85mm and weighs 411g, or 0.91lbs. Although these specs were competitive in 2013, the camera market has evolved significantly since then. The Sony a3000’s specifications may not stand out in today’s market, but it still offers some value for those seeking an affordable and lightweight option.

Sony a3000 Overview and Optics

The Sony a3000’s optics score is 58/100. With 20.1 megapixels, the camera captures images at a decent quality level. The shooting speed of 2.5 frames per second is slower compared to many modern cameras. The camera has a CMOS sensor and a Bionz processor, contributing to a DXOMARK score of 78 for the sensor. The sensor size is APS-C, which is common in entry-level cameras.

The Sony E lens mount allows for a variety of lens options. However, the camera lacks image stabilization, which may result in shaky images without a tripod. The aspect ratio is 3:2, which is standard for most cameras.

Comparing the Sony a3000’s optics to modern cameras, it falls short in some aspects. The lack of image stabilization and a slower shooting speed are notable drawbacks. Nevertheless, the camera still provides acceptable image quality and a versatile lens mount for beginners.

Optics
Optics
58%
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
20.1 MP
Image Resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
5456 x 3632 px
Sensor Type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOS
Sensor Size
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
15.6 x 23.5 mm
Sensor Format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-C
Frame Rate
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
2.5 fps
Lens Mount
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Sony E
Image Processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Bionz
Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:2
Minimum ISO (Native)
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
100
Maximum ISO (Native)
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
16,000
Minimum ISO (Expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
100
Maximum ISO (Expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
16000
Minimum Shutter Speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30 s
Maximum Shutter Speed
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
1/ 4000 s
Autofocus Points
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
25
In-body Stabilization
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Viewfinder Type
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution
201,600 dots

Sony a3000 Video Performance

The Sony a3000 has a video score of 56 out of 100. This camera offers Full HD video resolution with maximum dimensions of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The highest video frame rate it can handle is 60fps. However, this camera does not have built-in time-lapse functionality.

In the current market, the video capabilities of the Sony a3000 are considered average. Competing cameras offer 4K video resolution and more advanced features. The lack of time-lapse functionality may discourage some users who require this feature for their projects.

The video performance of the Sony a3000 may be suitable for casual users or those on a budget, but it might not meet the demands of professionals or enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge video quality and features.

Video
Video
56%
Video
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Max Video Resolution
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
Full HD
Max Video Dimensions
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
1920 x 1080 px
Max Video Frame Rate
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
60 p
Time-Lapse Built In
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
Video File Format
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
AVCHD

Sony a3000 Features and Benefits

The Sony a3000 received a feature score of 36 out of 100. Its screen size measures 3 inches with a resolution of 230,400 dots. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touchscreen. However, it does have a flip screen, which can be useful for capturing images from different angles.

In today’s market, the absence of GPS and Bluetooth in the Sony a3000 might be considered drawbacks. On the other hand, the camera does come with WiFi connectivity, which allows users to transfer photos and videos effortlessly.

Comparing the Sony a3000’s features to other cameras in the market, it falls short in some aspects. Despite having a flip screen and WiFi connectivity, the lack of touchscreen, GPS, and Bluetooth place it behind some competitors. The feature score of 36 reflects these limitations, suggesting that potential buyers should consider their specific needs when evaluating this camera.

Features
Features
36%
Built-in Flash
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
External Flash
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
GPS
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
Weather Sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Screen Type
LCD
Touch Screen
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Screen Size
3"
Screen Resolution
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
230,400 dots
Flip Screen
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Live View
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.

Sony a3000 Storage and Battery

The Sony a3000 scores 27/100 in the storage and battery department. This camera has only one memory card slot, supporting SD, SDHC, SDXC, and Memory Stick Pro Duo. The battery life lasts for 470 shots, using the NP-FW50 battery type. However, it does not offer USB charging.

In today’s market, the camera’s storage and battery specifications are less competitive. Many contemporary cameras offer more memory card slots and longer battery life. The absence of USB charging also limits convenience for users. Despite this, the Sony a3000 remains a viable option for casual photographers who do not require extended battery life or additional storage options.

Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
27%
Memory Card
SD / SDHC / SDXC / Memory Stick Pro Duo
Dual Memory Card Slots
Battery Type
NP-FW50
Battery Life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
470 shots
USB Charging
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
DXOMARK overall sensor score.
78%
Portrait (Color Depth)
As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.'
23.7 bits
Landscape (Dynamic Range)
As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.'
12.8 EVs
Sports (Low-Light ISO)
Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better'
1068
Scores
User Scores
B&H photo video
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