Sony Alpha 300 Specs and Scores
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General
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Sony Alpha 300
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Price | |
Brand | Sony |
Model | Alpha 300 |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2008 |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | January 30, 2008 |
Camera Type |  DSLR |
Camera Size | |
Camera Weight |
The Sony Alpha 300 receives a score of 44 out of 100. Launched in 2008 with an initial price of $690, this DSLR camera measures 131 x 99 x 75mm and weighs 632g (1.39lbs). Though the specifications may seem outdated in today’s fast-paced market, the Sony Alpha 300 still has a place for those seeking a budget-friendly option. The camera’s size and weight make it a comfortable choice for casual photography enthusiasts.
Sony Alpha 300 Overview and Optics
The Sony Alpha 300 receives a score of 49/100 for optics. This camera features a 10.2-megapixel APS-C CCD sensor, which is paired with a Bionz processor. The shooting speed of 3 frames per second is relatively slow compared to modern cameras. The sensor has a DXOMARK score of 64, indicating it might not perform as well as newer models.
The Alpha 300 uses a Sony Alpha DT lens mount and offers built-in image stabilization. With a 3:2 aspect ratio, this camera can produce decent quality images. However, its specifications do not match up to the current market expectations, where higher megapixels, faster shooting speeds, and better sensor quality have become the norm.
The Sony Alpha 300 has some useful features, but it falls behind in today’s market. Its lower score reflects this, as more advanced cameras with improved optics are now available.
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Optics
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Sony Alpha 300
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 10.2 MP |
Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 3872 x 2592 px |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CCD |
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. | 16 x 24 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. | 3 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 Alpha DT |
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. | 3,200 |
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. | 3200 |
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. | 9 |
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. | Optical (pentamirror) |
Sony Alpha 300 Video Performance
The Sony Alpha 300 does not have video functionality. This camera focuses on photography only.
Video
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Sony Alpha 300
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |   |
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. |  |
Sony Alpha 300 Features and Benefits
The feature score of the Sony Alpha 300 is 34/100, which is relatively low in comparison to other cameras on the market. Its screen size measures 2.7 inches, and the screen resolution stands at 230,000 dots. The absence of a touchscreen may limit user experience, especially in terms of convenience and ease of use.
Though the Sony Alpha 300 does not offer a touchscreen, it does come with a flip screen, providing some flexibility when taking photos from various angles. On the other hand, the camera lacks GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth connectivity, making it less versatile and user-friendly than other models in today’s market.
Taking all these specifications into account, the Sony Alpha 300 falls short compared to other cameras with more advanced features and functionalities. Its low feature score and limited connectivity options make it less appealing for those seeking a modern and convenient photography experience.
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Features
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Sony Alpha 300
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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 |  2.7" |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 230,000 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 Alpha 300 Storage and Battery
The storage and battery of the Sony Alpha 300 receive a score of 32/100. This camera has one memory card slot, accepting Compact Flash cards. In today’s market, this storage option is less common and may not be as convenient as the widely used SD cards.
The battery life of the Alpha 300 is 730 shots per charge, powered by an NP-FM500H battery. This battery life is relatively decent compared to other cameras in the market, but the lack of USB charging capability limits its flexibility during extended shooting sessions or travel.
Taking these specifications into account, the Sony Alpha 300’s storage and battery performance are subpar compared to the current market standards. The camera’s outdated storage options and absence of USB charging may hinder its overall appeal and usability for photographers.
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Storage and Battery
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Sony Alpha 300
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Memory Card | Compact Flash |
Dual Memory Card Slots |  |
Battery Type | NP-FM500H |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 730 shots |
USB Charging |  |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Sony Alpha 300
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |
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.' | 22.5 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.' | 11.4 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' | 538 |
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Scores
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Sony Alpha 300
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User Scores
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Sony Alpha 300
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B&H photo video |