Sony Alpha 3000 review – Build and handling
Measuring 128×90.9×84.5mm, the Alpha 3000 is big for a mirrorless camera, but not small compared with other Alpha SLTs. It is also light due to the plastic body. On the rear is a nice textured grip that allows the thumb to rest close to the main controls without any issues. Coupling this with the large textured front grip makes for a very comfortable camera to hold. It feels nice and secure, and I think many users will prefer this to a standard compact system camera.
The build quality reflects the fact that this camera is designed to be inexpensive. As such, the Alpha 3000 is constructed from low-cost components. Of course, this is to be expected of an entry-level camera with such impressive hardware inside. Although it does feel very plasticky, as with many Sony cameras it is well built and has nothing that feels precarious or insecure. My only criticism of the construction is that the buffer on the electronic viewfinder is entirely plastic and not rubberised. It is not noticeably uncomfortable, but it could present a problem for wearers of glasses.
The menus are almost identical to those in the NEX cameras, with five separate submenus represented by icons: one each for camera, image size, brightness/colour, playback and set-up. These submenus distribute the settings nicely so users can quickly find what they want.
The button layout is centred around a D-pad, which doubles as a scroll wheel to toggle through different values. This also has directional buttons that control ISO, display, drive mode and exposure value/focus point, with the centre button used to confirm/select. Below is a custom button Sony calls Soft Key B, which can be set by the user. I often used it to switch between JPEG and raw shooting. The right directional button can also be changed from ISO to access the function menu. By default with the function menu enabled, this button allows quick access to AF/MF select, AF mode, autofocus area, ISO, white balance and picture styles. However, it needn’t be limited to these – users can define which settings they have quick access to. The camera is therefore easy to use and very open to personalisation.
The Alpha 3000 doesn’t have a proximity sensor, so in order to switch between live view and the electronic viewfinder the finder/LCD button between the pop-up flash and the mode button must be pressed. This takes getting used to, but it is not too much hassle. However, the lack of a proximity sensor makes reviewing shots on the LCD a tad frustrating. Once a shot is taken using the EVF, you’ll need to press the finder/LCD button to review it on the LCD screen.
