Sony Alpha 330
Sony · DSLR · 10.2 MP · APS-C
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sony |
| Model | Alpha 330 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2009 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | May 18, 2009 |
| Camera type |  DSLR |
| Camera size | 128 x 97 x 71 mm |
| Camera weight | 529 g |
Optics49/100 | |
About the OpticsSony Alpha 330 Overview and OpticsThe optics of the Sony Alpha 330 receive a score of 49/100. This camera features a 10.2-megapixel resolution, a 2.5 shooting speed, and a CCD sensor type. The Bionz processor and a DXOMARK score of 64 for the sensor contribute to its performance. With an APS-C sensor size and a Sony Alpha DT lens mount, the camera also provides image stabilization and a 3:2 aspect ratio. In the current market, the Sony Alpha 330’s optics might not outshine newer models, as 10.2 megapixels and a 2.5 shooting speed are relatively low compared to contemporary cameras. However, the image stabilization feature and the 3:2 aspect ratio remain useful for various photography styles. Considering the optics specifications, the Sony Alpha 330 may not be the top choice for professionals or enthusiasts seeking high-resolution images and faster shooting speeds. Nonetheless, it serves as a reliable option for beginner photographers or those prioritizing image stabilization and aspect ratio. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 10.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 3872 x 2592 |
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. | 15.8 x 23.6 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 2.5 fps045 |
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 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘ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. | 32003003280000 |
Min 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. | 10030200 |
Max 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. | 32003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 3044080 |
Max 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. | 400080032000 |
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. | 90300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |  Yes |
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) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A |
Video | |
About the VideoThe Sony Alpha 330 lacks video capabilities. Unlike many modern cameras, it cannot record video. Its primary function is photography. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. | No |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. | N/A |
Max video format ⓘ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. | N/A |
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. | N/A |
Timelapse 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. | No |
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. | N/A |
Features34/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Sony Alpha 330 receives a feature score of 34 out of 100. This score reflects the camera’s specifications, which include a 2.7-inch screen with a resolution of 230400 dots. Although the Alpha 330 does not have a touchscreen, it does have a flip screen that provides more flexibility when capturing photos from different angles. In the current market, the lack of GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth connectivity might be seen as a drawback for some users. These features have become standard in many modern cameras, allowing users to easily transfer and share images or geotag their photos. The Sony Alpha 330’s features may not be the most competitive in today’s market. However, the flip screen and overall functionality make it a viable option for those who prioritize simplicity and ease of use over advanced connectivity options. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  Yes |
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. |  Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
| 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. | No |
| Screen size | 2.7" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 2304001150001500000 |
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. |  Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. | No |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery13/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Sony Alpha 330 receives a storage and battery score of 13/100. It has one memory card slot, compatible with both SD/SDHC and Memory Stick Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards. However, having only one slot may limit storage capacity for users. The battery life of this camera is 230 shots, powered by an NP-FH50 battery. USB charging is not available for this model. Compared to current market standards, the storage and battery capabilities of the Sony Alpha 330 might not satisfy the needs of modern photographers. The limited battery life and lack of USB charging may cause inconvenience during prolonged shooting sessions. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | NP-FH50 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 230 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |