Sony Alpha a3000 DSLR Mirrorless Camera Body

The Sony Alpha a3000 is an entry-level interchangeable-lens camera styled with the familiar shape and grip of a traditional DSLR, though it’s actually a mirrorless camera built on Sony’s E-mount system rather than a true SLR design. Announced in 2013 as Sony’s most affordable mirrorless model at the time, it was aimed at photographers moving up from a point-and-shoot who preferred the classic DSLR-style handling and ergonomics over Sony’s smaller, rangefinder-style NEX bodies.

At the core of the a3000 is a 20.1MP APS-C Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor paired with Sony’s BIONZ image processor, delivering high-resolution stills and Full HD 1080i/p video with respectable low-light sensitivity up to ISO 16000. Autofocus relies on a 25-point contrast-detection AF system (with multi-area, center-weighted, selective single-point, and tracking modes, along with Face Detection), rather than the hybrid phase-detection AF found on Sony’s more advanced mirrorless bodies. Continuous shooting reaches up to 3.5fps at full resolution, and the camera offers full manual exposure control alongside more automated shooting modes.

Handling centers on a Tru-Finder 0.5-inch QVGA electronic viewfinder (200K dots, 0.70x magnification, 100% coverage), giving photographers an eye-level composing option similar to a DSLR’s optical viewfinder, along with a 3.0-inch, 230.4k-dot LCD for image review and menu navigation. A Multi Interface Shoe supports compatible flash units and accessories, and the camera includes built-in 2-axis image stabilization to help counteract camera shake with any mounted lens. Additional creative features include Picture Effects, Auto HDR mode, Auto Object Framing, and Sweep Panorama.

Build quality reflects the a3000’s budget-oriented, beginner-friendly positioning, with a compact, lightweight polycarbonate body and no weather sealing against dust or moisture. It’s powered by a rechargeable NP-FW50 lithium-ion battery, rated for approximately 470 shots per charge (CIPA standard). The a3000 uses Sony’s E-mount lens system, giving it access to Sony’s native APS-C and full-frame E-mount lenses.

Key Features
– 20.1MP APS-C Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor with BIONZ processor
– 25-point contrast-detection autofocus (multi-area, center, selective single-point, tracking)
– Face Detection autofocus assist
– Up to 3.5fps continuous shooting
– ISO sensitivity up to 16000
– Full HD 1080i/p video (60i/24p)
– Tru-Finder 0.5″ QVGA electronic viewfinder (200K dots, 0.70x magnification, 100% coverage)
– 3.0″ LCD (230.4k dots)
– Built-in 2-axis image stabilization (works with any mounted lens)
– Multi Interface Shoe
– Picture Effects, Auto HDR, Auto Object Framing, and Sweep Panorama modes
– NP-FW50 rechargeable battery (~470 shots per charge, CIPA)
– DSLR-styled body; mirrorless (Sony E-mount) system
– Compatible with Sony APS-C and full-frame E-mount lenses