Sony A700 vs Sony HX350: An Expert Comparison for the Photography Enthusiast

Choosing the right camera is a journey filled with many choices - sensor size, lens options, autofocus capabilities, ergonomics, and much more. Today, we put two Sony cameras head to head: the Sony Alpha DSLR-A700, a classic advanced DSLR known for its robust build and image quality, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX350, a small sensor superzoom bridge camera promising versatile reach in a compact package.

With over 15 years testing cameras from entry-level to professional, we will walk through their technical merits, real-world usage, and key attributes across all major photography genres. Whether you're considering a sturdy DSLR for creative control or a versatile superzoom for travel convenience, this detailed comparison will clarify which model suits your artistic vision.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Control

Before diving into specs, how the camera feels in your hands shapes your shooting experience. The Sony A700 is a traditional DSLR with a solid, mid-sized SLR body that inherits the ergonomics of the former Konica Minolta 7D. Meanwhile, the HX350 resembles an SLR but is actually a bridge camera - smaller, lighter, and simpler.

Sony A700:

• Dimensions: 142 × 105 × 80 mm; Weight: 768 g
• Solid magnesium alloy body with weather-sealing to guard against dust and moisture
• Deep grip and substantial button layout for tactile control
• Fixed 3” LCD without touch or live-view functionality

Sony HX350:

• Dimensions: 130 × 93 × 103 mm; Weight: 652 g
• Polycarbonate shell without weather sealing
• Tilting 3” LCD with live-view and basic menu controls
• Electronic viewfinder with moderate resolution (202k dots)

The A700 emphasizes ruggedness and classic DSLR ergonomics with a pentaprism optical viewfinder covering 95% of the frame. The HX350 offers convenience and portability with an electronic viewfinder and tilting screen - great for creative angles but less precise in bright light. The A700's control layout visible from the top view also shows dedicated dials for shutter speed and aperture, allowing faster hands-on adjustments compared to the HX350’s menu-dependent setup.

Takeaway: If you prioritize robust build and manual control in a comfortable grip, the A700 wins hands down. The HX350 provides more compact handling ideal for casual and travel shooting.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Your Photos

Image quality depends largely on sensor size, resolution, and processing technologies. The A700 features an APS-C sized CMOS sensor (23.5 × 15.6 mm) with a native 12MP resolution. The HX350 relies on a smaller 1/2.3" 20MP BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17 × 4.55 mm), common for superzoom cameras.

Technical Analysis

The larger APS-C sensor in the A700 delivers better color depth (22.3 bits) and dynamic range (~12 EV). This translates to smoother tonal gradations, richer colors, and more recoverable highlight/shadow detail compared to the smaller sensor in the HX350. The latter's higher pixel density on a smaller sensor generally increases noise at higher ISOs, despite a BSI (Backside Illuminated) design aimed at improving low-light performance.

For astrophotography and night shots, the A700's superior high ISO handling (ISO 581 score) provides cleaner images with less chroma noise. The HX350’s limited native ISO range and inherent noise at higher ISOs restrict its night photography capability.

Takeaway: If image quality, especially in challenging lighting and post-processing flexibility via RAW files, is your priority, the A700 is the clear winner. The HX350 is great for well-lit conditions where pixel count and zoom reach matter more.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed in Fast-Paced Situations

Autofocus (AF) systems vary widely in performance, accuracy, and subject tracking - crucial for wildlife or sports photographers. The A700 uses a phase detection AF system with 11 focus points (unspecified cross-type coverage), supporting single, continuous, and selective AF modes. Though respectable for its era, it lacks face or eye detection.

The HX350 uses contrast detection and offers face detection AF, continuous AF, and multiple selectable AF areas, although it does not support phase detection.

• Continuous shooting: A700 offers 5 fps; HX350 doubles that at 10 fps.
• Shutter speed maximum: A700 can reach 1/8000s shutter speed, HX350 maxes at 1/4000s.
• Live-View AF: Only available on the HX350.

Contrast AF tends to be slower and less predictable for moving subjects than phase AF. However, the HX350’s electronic zoom lens lacks the mechanical complexity of interchangeable lenses, enabling quicker burst rates. The A700’s 5fps is sufficient for casual action but may fall short for professional sports photography or fast wildlife.

Takeaway: For moving subjects requiring quick, reliable autofocus, the A700 provides decent phase-detection AF but a relatively modest burst rate. The HX350 offers faster continuous shooting but slower AF tracking that may affect sharpness on erratic subjects.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility

A major advantage of the A700 is its compatibility with the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, encompassing 143 native lenses. This vast selection includes:

• Prime lenses for portraiture and low-light shooting
• Wide-angle lenses ideal for landscapes
• Telephoto zooms reaching into wildlife and sports focal lengths
• Specialty lenses like macro and tilt-shift

This lens flexibility lets photographers customize their kit based on genre and style.

The HX350 uses a fixed 50x superzoom lens covering 24–1200mm equivalent, f/2.8-f/6.3 aperture. While you can’t change lenses, this all-in-one zoom lets you switch from wide to extreme telephoto instantly, suitable for travel and casual wildlife.

Takeaway: If you want maximum optical quality, creative control, and adaptability, the A700 lens ecosystem is unrivaled. The HX350 trades flexibility for convenience and reach in one package.

User Interface and Display

Both cameras have 3-inch LCDs with similar pixel resolution (~920-922k dots). The HX350’s screen tilts, enabling better framing from high or low angles. The A700’s fixed display, affixed to a durable DSLR body, lacks this versatility.

The A700 employs an optical pentaprism viewfinder with manual focus assist but no electronic overlays. The HX350 uses an electronic viewfinder (EVF) showing 100% frame coverage but with low resolution.

Experienced photographers often appreciate the clarity and no-lag response of optical viewfinders (A700). However, the HX350’s EVF provides live exposure simulation and focus peaking, useful for beginners.

Takeaway: If you favor traditional, lag-free optics and rugged physical controls, the A700’s interface excels. For more modern compositional aids and screen flexibility, the HX350 delivers some advantages.

Real-World Photography: Genre-by-Genre Evaluation

Let’s now cut through specs and consider how these cameras perform across popular photography types.

Sony A700 front Sony A700 screen back Sony HX350 front Sony HX350 screen back

Above, sample images from the A700's APS-C sensor show richer color fidelity and detail in shadow areas, especially in landscape shots. The HX350 excels in convenience for varied distances but reveals more noise in low-light environments.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

The A700 is built like a tank with environmental sealing against dust and moisture - a critical feature for outdoor photographers shooting in unpredictable weather. Its magnesium alloy body gives a confidence-inspiring heft.

The HX350, designed as a superzoom bridge camera, uses mostly plastic construction with no weather sealing. Care is necessary in harsh conditions.

Takeaway: For durability in demanding fieldwork, the A700 holds a clear advantage.

Battery Life and Storage

• A700:
  • Uses NP-FM500H battery (proven reliable)
  • Storage: Dual slots for Compact Flash (Type I/II) and Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo, allowing backup or extended shooting
• HX350:
  • Battery rated ~300 shots per charge (Battery Pack)
  • Storage: Single slot supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Pro Duo

Backup storage slots on the A700 protect against sudden card failure and enable longer shoots without swapping cards.

Connectivity and Extras

Both cameras offer HDMI output and USB 2.0 ports, lacking advanced wireless connectivity like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. For remote shooting or instant sharing, neither excels.

A700 lacks video altogether, while HX350 offers Full HD 1080p recording in MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats with in-camera digital stabilization - useful for casual videography.

Price and Value: What Does Your Dollar Buy?

The Sony A700, although released in 2007, still commands around $1,000 in used or refurbished markets, reflecting its build quality and sensor size.

The HX350 was introduced in 2016 and offers a budget-friendly superzoom experience, typically priced much lower than professional DSLRs.

Considering current prices, the A700 is an investment for those valuing image quality and lens flexibility, while the HX350 appeals to casual users wanting convenience and reach without a bulky kit.

Summing Up Performance Metrics

A quick glance at the overall ratings puts the A700 ahead, but the HX350’s niche fills an important gap.

Delving into the strengths across photographic types also clarifies best uses:

Final Thoughts: Matching Cameras to Your Creative Vision

The Sony A700 is a classic mid-size DSLR tailored for enthusiasts and professionals who want superior image quality, extensive lens options, and robust construction for serious creative work. It especially shines in portrait, landscape, night, macro, and professional workflows.

The HX350 shines as a lightweight, versatile superzoom bridge camera built for travelers, wildlife hobbyists, and street photographers who value reach, ease of use, and video capability without carrying multiple lenses.

Getting Started and Exploring Gear

Whatever your choice, both cameras offer rewarding learning platforms. For the A700, sturdy Minolta/Sony Alpha lenses remain available at reasonable prices - check out a 50mm f/1.7 prime for enriching portraits or a wide 16-50mm for landscapes. For the HX350, mastering zoom framing and low-light technique will unlock its full potential.

In summary, your decision hinges on what styles you pursue and how much versatility or image quality you demand. The Sony A700 is a seasoned DSLR delivering professional-grade results and flexibility, while the Sony HX350 caters to the photographer embracing convenience, zoom reach, and video in a compact camera.

Explore your options by handling these cameras in person if possible, and think about your creative ambitions. Whichever you pick, both models provide pathways to capture compelling stories through your lens.

We hope this thorough comparison guides you closer to the camera that fits your photographic journey. Happy shooting!

Appendix: Quick Specs Table

If you want a deeper dive on any aspect or hands-on tips shooting with either camera, just let us know!