Canon EOS 350D vs Sony SLT-A68: A Hands-On Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Choosing your next camera can feel overwhelming, especially when comparing models from different eras and manufacturers. Today, we bring you an in-depth comparison of two entry-level DSLR-style cameras: the Canon EOS 350D (known in some markets as the Digital Rebel XT or EOS Kiss Digital N) and the Sony SLT-A68. They span a decade in development, with the 350D released in 2005 and the Sony A68 arriving in 2015, reflecting notable advancements in technology. Our goal is to help you understand how these cameras stack up technically and practically across a wide range of photography needs, providing expert insight grounded in extensive hands-on testing.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Picking up a camera should feel intuitive and comfortable since your grip and access to controls affect your photographic flow. Let’s start by comparing their physical aspects and user interface design.

The Canon 350D impresses with its compact, lightweight body - ideal if you prefer a more portable setup that slips into a smaller bag. However, its 1.8-inch fixed LCD screen is modest by today’s standards and offers limited functionality.

The Sony A68 is bulkier and heavier but gains compensating features such as a larger, tilting 2.7-inch LCD and a higher-resolution electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage. This means your framing and exposure preview are more accurate, crucial if you shoot in bright environments or need precise composition.

The Sony’s tilting screen adds versatility for shooting at lower or higher angles - something the 350D can’t match. However, some users nostalgic for an optical viewfinder may prefer Canon’s traditional pentamirror, which often feels more “natural” and lag-free.

For control layout, both cameras provide manual modes (Shutter and Aperture priority, full Manual), exposure compensation, and customizable drive modes, yet Sony’s addition of dedicated top-screen information improves shooting convenience.

Sensor Technology: Resolution, Quality, and Performance

The heart of any camera is its sensor, dictating image detail, color fidelity, and performance in challenging light. These two cameras sport APS-C sized sensors but with significant generational differences.

The Canon 350D’s sensor, launched 19 years ago, was impressive for its time, delivering a solid 8MP RAW output with good dynamic range for entry-level DSLRs. However, its maximum ISO 1600 is quite limiting in low light by modern standards. The relatively smaller sensor area and early CMOS tech also impact color depth and noise levels.

In contrast, the Sony A68 boasts a 24MP sensor with improved sensor area and a vastly superior native ISO range up to 25600 (though noise rapidly becomes visible at extreme ISOs). Thanks to the more advanced Bionz X image processor combined with later generation CMOS tech, image quality improves dramatically across the board:

• Higher resolution offers more cropping flexibility and larger prints.
• Expanded dynamic range (~13.5 EV DxO mark vs. 10.8) enables you to capture more detail in shadows and highlights - ideal for landscapes and HDR.
• Improved color depth (~24 bits vs. ~22 bits) means richer, more accurate colors.
• Enhanced low-light sensitivity (~700 ISO vs. ~640 ISO DxO low-light score) provides cleaner images in dim conditions.

Together, these improvements make the A68 much better suited for advanced enthusiasts and semi-professional photographers seeking quality output.

User Interface and Live View

Handling live view shooting and image review affect your real-world experience, especially for vlogging or shooting at difficult angles.

• Canon 350D features a fixed, non-touch 1.8-inch LCD with 115k dots - basic and without live view capability. Composing solely through the optical viewfinder might feel restrictive for video or macro work.
• Sony A68 includes a 2.7-inch tilting LCD with 461k dots and live view enabled, giving you more framing flexibility and detailed playback.

Sony’s Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) combined with live view creates a versatile shooting experience. The EVF gives exposure previews and focus peaking aids, which are monumental advantages when manually focusing, especially in macro or video modes.

Canon’s lack of live view and smaller screen means you must rely heavily on the OVF and standard exposure metering, which may slow down focusing precision for some users.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus can make or break your ability to capture sharp, decisive moments, especially in fast-paced shooting.

The 350D’s 7-point phase detection system was adequate for its time. It’s reliable for well-lit, relatively static scenes but limited for any moving subject, especially under low light or erratic motion.

Sony’s A68 uses a translucent fixed mirror with a whopping 79 phase detection points and 15 cross-types, plus eye detection autofocus, enabling:

• Faster, more accurate focus lock.
• Reliable AF tracking during bursts and video recording.
• Live view autofocus that works well both by contrast and phase detection systems.

From testing, the A68 excels in wildlife and sports photography scenarios, maintaining focus on erratically moving subjects and delivering strong burst performance at 8fps. The 350D caps at 3fps, which is limiting for action sequences.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera is weather sealed, frostproof, or ruggedized for harsh terrain, but build quality and ergonomics still matter.

• Canon 350D uses a polycarbonate shell on an aluminum chassis, which balances durability with lightweight design.
• Sony A68 opts for a slightly more robust but still plastic body, more substantial grip, and slightly larger dimensions for better hand placement.

Neither camera caters to professional weather sealing requirements but both handle casual travel and moderate outdoor use well.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Lens choice is paramount for creativity and practical use.

• Canon 350D supports Canon’s EF and EF-S lenses, with a massive library exceeding 320 lenses including modern EF-S zooms, primes, and specialty optics. The 1.6x crop factor means your lenses’ focal lengths are multiplied accordingly.
• Sony A68 uses the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, compatible with approximately 143 native lenses, including older Konica-Minolta designs and newer Sony SAL lenses. The crop factor is 1.5x.

Canon’s ecosystem advantage is sizable - more lenses, easier availability, and many third-party options make adapting to different genres smoother. Though Sony’s lens selection is smaller, the inclusion of sensor-based image stabilization in the A68 minimizes the need for optically stabilized lenses in many situations.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Long shooting sessions demand reliable battery and ample storage.

Sony’s A68 provides solid battery stamina suitable for all-day shoots without swapping packs. It also uses modern, cheaper, and easier-to-find SD cards, in contrast to Canon’s CompactFlash requirement. This might influence convenience and storage cost in long-term use.

Performance in Photography Genres: Strengths and Limitations

Let's explore how each camera performs across various photographic disciplines - an important practical guide to your purchase decision.

Sample Images: Real-World Image Quality

Viewers often want to see side-by-side image samples to understand sensor output nuances.

Canon 350D screen back Sony A68 front Sony A68 screen back

• The 350D sample images show commendable color reproduction and natural skin tones but lack fine detail due to 8MP resolution.
• The Sony A68 images illustrate excellent detail definition, smooth tones, and richer highlights and shadows, aided by the advanced 24MP sensor and processor.

Reliability and Workflow Integration

• Canon 350D raw files are widely supported in legacy editors and are straightforward to convert; however, newer editing software may struggle with outdated file formats.
• Sony A68’s ARW raw files and advanced color profiles integrate effortlessly with current photo editing suites, accelerating post-processing efficiency.

Connectivity is minimal on both: no Bluetooth or Wifi, but Sony’s A68 supports Eye-Fi cards for wireless transfer, a nice bonus for quick image sharing.

Price, Value, and Who Should Buy Which?

The Canon EOS 350D is a fine introduction to DSLR shooting if you’re only starting out or nostalgic for classic Canon ergonomics. Its affordable price point and vast lens library mean a low barrier to entry.

The Sony SLT-A68 better suits photographers ready to engage with more complex shooting scenarios - sports, wildlife, portraiture - and video creation. Its improved sensor, autofocus, and stability make it more adaptable for multimedia use and growing creative demands.

Summing It Up: Our Expert Take

Both cameras hold value in different ways: Canon’s 350D as a beginner’s gateway and collector’s classic, and Sony’s A68 as a potent, all-around tool bridging stills and video for ambitious creators.

Final Recommendations: Find Your Perfect Fit

• If you are a beginner or on a budget, starting with a Canon 350D and a reliable kit lens will give you essential DSLR experience, solid image quality, and access to one of the largest lens lineups in the industry.
• If you want to step up to higher resolution, complex autofocus, and multi-genre versatility including video, the Sony SLT-A68 is a more future-proof choice despite slightly heavier size and a more limited lens catalog.
• Both cameras reward hands-on learning - we recommend checking them at stores or through sample rentals before committing.
• Remember to pair your system with quality lenses and accessories like tripods, flashes, and ND filters according to your genres of interest.

Your photography gear should feel like an extension of your creative vision - let our experience guide you toward the right camera for your unique journey.

Happy shooting!

This comparison was authored by an industry expert with over 15 years of personal camera testing, ensuring trustworthy, practical advice for photographers at every level.