DSLR-like Sony A3000 mirrorless camera becomes official

The long-rumored Sony A3000 mirrorless camera, that looks like a DSLR, has finally become official with decent specifications and a very low price.

A lot of people thought that it would be weird for Sony to launch a mid-range mirrorless interchangeable lens camera that looks like a DSLR. The NEX series is one of the most successful MILCs out there, as Nikon, Canon, and others have not managed to replicate the PlayStation maker’s prosperity in this area.

DSLR-styled Sony A3000 camera is now official with 20.1-megapixel sensor, E-mount lens support, and 3-inch LCD screen.

Sony announces DSLR-like A3000 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera

Either way, Sony has done it and it will compete against the Canon Rebel series with the help of the new DSLR-styled A3000. This is still a MILC, the only difference being its DSLR-based design. However, there is a good reason for that, as the company is claiming that consumers associate “bigger” with “better”.

The new Sony A3000 comes with support for the E-mount series of lenses. Since it is a pretty extensive lineup, users have a lot of optics to choose from, so that their photography needs will be covered in all scenarios.

Sony A3000 specs include 20.1-megapixel sensor and integrated electronic viewfinder

By all means this can be considered a middle-range camera. It features a 20.1-megapixel Exmor APS-C CMOS sensor with BIONZ processing engine, 3-inch fixed 230K-dot LCD screen, built-in electronic viewfinder, autofocus assist lamp, and pop-up flash.

The ISO sensitivity ranges between 100 and 16,000, while nine white balance presets should be enough to capture the correct lighting. The camera can do RAW photos, as well as full HD video recording, which can be properly framed in Live View mode.

The Sony A3000 supports autofocus, but there is no on-sensor optical image stabilization technology, like one particular rumor used to claim. Thankfully, most lenses support OSS, therefore people with shaky hands will not ruin all their shots.

Sony A3000 specs are on par with lower-end DSLR cameras  although this is a mid-range MILC. It will be released in early September for $399.99 with a 18-55mm lens kit.

Mode dials and control buttons to give users a more professional feeling

Sony has revealed that the new A3000 ILC comes packed with multiple exposure modes, such as Auto, P, S, A, and M, and scene modes, including Macro, Sunset, and Night Portrait.

The self-timer could be useful for self-portraits, as the LCD screen is not articulated. Sony A3000 measures only 4 x 2.29 x 1.51-inches and weighs 0.62-lbs with the battery included.

In the connectivity area we can find USB 2.0 and HDMI ports and the storage is supplied by a SD / SDHC / SDXC card.

Sony A3000 release date, price, and availability details

According to the Japanese manufacturer, the camera will begin shipping in the first part of September for a low price of $399.99 with a black 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, which has just been announced, too.

At this price, it is a steal, as the body-only Canon Rebel SL1 is available for $649 at Amazon. Meanwhile, the A3000 can be pre-ordered through the same retailer for only $398 with a September 8 estimated shipping date.