Though initially slow to capitalise on the growing market for digital SLRs, Sony now has everything in its range except a professional model.

The plastic-looking A350 falls in the middle of the company's ‘Alpha’ range, marrying ease of use of use to sophisticated features.

It has a large 14-megapixel resolution, light sensitivity extending from ISO100 to ISO3200 for near-dark photography, 2.5 frames per second continuous image capture, built-in dust prevention and ‘Super Steadyshot’ image stabilisation for sharp and clear results.

The screen is capable of 'Live View', meaning that you can use it for both composing shots and reviewing them.

The 2.7in screen can be extended out from the A350’s body and tilted for a better viewing angle, making it useful for otherwise unattainable low- or high-angle photography.

The Live View image it shows has the appearance of a video feed, and there’s a dedicated switch for turning this setting on, which means you don’t have to stop what you’re shooting and wade through menu options, as with some cameras.

That said, screen choices are easily navigable while the controls are given room to breathe and are logically laid out and labelled.

If you’re not upgrading from an earlier Sony digital SLR and don’t already own compatible lenses, the best deal for the A350 is to go for the one that includes an 18-70mm zoom lens.

Though the quality of this isn’t as razor-sharp as we’d have liked, meaning it doesn’t really do justice to the camera's large sensor, it’s a good general-purpose affordable lens and therefore a sound starting point.

In terms of the images produced, colours are warm without being unrealistic, white balance is more accurate than that from Olympus's range (see our review of the new E-420), and noise is well controlled up to and including the highest ISO setting; so a relatively clean bill of health.

Despite its consumer electronics history, we could grumble that Sony’s SLR range isn’t as comprehensive as more established photographic brands and lacks rivals’ numbers of accessories and add-ons. But if you just want a camera that does the job from the get go, the A350 is highly recommended.