Sony SLT Alpha 35

Sony launched the SLT Alpha 35 in 2011 as a DSLR with an electronic viewfinder. That design shows a live image in the finder rather than an optical view.

The body weighs 415g and measures 124 x 92 x 85mm, and the 3 inch LCD flips out to help with shots at low or high angles.

In-body stabilisation works with any lens you mount, which keeps handheld stills shooting steady. Video is also available, though as a secondary capability it suits occasional clips rather than ambitious projects.

The Optics score of 57 is a modest one, and it places the Alpha 35 around the middle of cameras in our database for Optics. Resolution comes from a 16MP APS-C CMOS sensor, paired with a Bionz image processor.

In-body stabilisation reduces camera shake with any lens you mount, so handheld shots in dim rooms come out steadier than they otherwise would. It counteracts your own movement, not that of a moving subject.

The 5.5fps burst figure is a maximum rating rather than a promise of sustained shooting speed. There are 15 autofocus points, and the shutter tops out at 1/4000s.

The electronic viewfinder gives a live preview of your framing before you shoot. Lenses attach via the Sony Alpha DT mount, and sensitivity runs from ISO 100 to ISO 12800.

Video earns a modest score of 56. The Alpha 35 records Full HD, which covers casual clips and family use, and its maximum frame rate is 60fps. Files are saved in MP4 or AVCHD formats.

There is no built-in timelapse function, so interval work means firing the shutter yourself and then assembling the frames afterwards.

For handheld filming, the flip-out LCD and live view let you frame from waist level or overhead without awkward contortions. The 921k-dot screen gives a clear view for checking focus before a take.

None of this targets serious filmmaking. Video here covers the basics for occasional use, and the score keeps expectations realistic for casual shooters.

The features score of 41 reflects a basic setup. You get a 3 inch LCD with 921k dots, a clear panel for reviewing photos, and live view for composing away from the finder. The screen flips out for high and low angles.

Flash lighting is available in two forms. The built-in unit provides quick fill light, and an external flash can be added when you need more lighting power.

Wireless connectivity is absent: there is no Wi-Fi and no Bluetooth. Photos cannot be moved to a computer over the air, and there is no wireless route for remote control.

Also missing are weather sealing, a touchscreen and GPS. Keep the body out of rain and dust, and expect to change settings with buttons and dials rather than taps on the screen.

Storage and battery is the weakest area here, with a limited score of 24. There is a single card slot, so important shoots cannot be backed up in camera. On the plus side, the slot accepts SD, SDHC and SDXC cards as well as Memory Stick Pro Duo and Pro-HG Duo.

The NP-FW50 battery is rated for 440 shots. That figure is not a promise of real-world endurance, which will vary with how you use the camera. A spare battery is a sensible addition for longer shoots.

The battery cannot be charged over USB, so topping it up from a laptop or power bank is not an option between shoots.