Image in viewfinder is different than resulting image

[Zartack]

I bought this camera at a discount. It has a high enough megapixel count to satisfy me. I have lots of Minolta Maxxum lenses that work with this DSLR.

Ended up disappointed in that when I compose an image in the evf or the back screen, and take the shot, the resulting image doesn't match what I saw.

I will center my subject in the frame and snap the picture. The image taken after review shows it off center, towards the top of the frame, not centered as I saw it.

This makes for weird shooting scenarios, and I don't recommend this camera because of this. I've seen others having the same problem after doing a google search. Still a usable camera but handicapped by this composure issue. I've tried different lenses to no avail.

 

[Labe]

Well this camera only has a 95% view of the scene but it does sound like a faulty image stabilisation issue , plus a lot has changed in 13 years when this camera came out.

This camera was one of the first to have liveview through its viewfinder, this tech actually made it quite hard to get your eye up close and square on to the viewfinder especially with the tilting lcd protruding leading to off centre composition

 

[Snowfella]

Still owning one although it's been on the shelf for years there's no "live view" through the viewfinder, it's an age old penta-mirror viewfinder with the option for live view on the rear screen. not fed from the main sensor but rather from a secondary smaller sensor up in the mirror box.

Alignment issues with that generation Sony's would full on being broken SSS, both the viewfinder and LCD works of the mirror like your usual DSLR, broken SSS displaces the sensor and shots just won't line up compared to what you see in the viewfinder/LCD.

 

[Labe]

Still owning one although it's been on the shelf for years there's no "live view" through the viewfinder, it's an age old penta-mirror viewfinder with the option for live view on the rear screen. not fed from the main sensor but rather from a secondary smaller sensor up in the mirror box.

Alignment issues with that generation Sony's would full on being broken SSS, both the viewfinder and LCD works of the mirror like your usual DSLR, broken SSS displaces the sensor and shots just won't line up compared to what you see in the viewfinder/LCD.

I didn’t get the 350 myself. I went A200 to the A450;

 

[lhkjacky]

I bought this camera at a discount. It has a high enough megapixel count to satisfy me. I have lots of Minolta Maxxum lenses that work with this DSLR.

I had the A350 as well, I bought it at 2008.
It is a great camera at that time. The quick AF Live View is very fast.
The AF in Live View is faster than many recent Nikon DLSR's, include D5 or D810 which can only use CDAF during Live View.

Ended up disappointed in that when I compose an image in the evf or the back screen, and take the shot, the resulting image doesn't match what I saw.

A350 is a DSLR, it don't have EVF. The one on top is a Optical View Finder (OVF).

I will center my subject in the frame and snap the picture. The image taken after review shows it off center, towards the top of the frame, not centered as I saw it.

This is usually caused by faulty Super Steady Shot (SSS).
If you find the image doesn't match the OVF or LCD, you must have bought a faulty camera. If you can, I recommend you return it, because your camera is broken. A good A350 don't have the problem you mention.

This makes for weird shooting scenarios, and I don't recommend this camera because of this. I've seen others having the same problem after doing a google search. Still a usable camera but handicapped by this composure issue. I've tried different lenses to no avail.

 

[sybersitizen]

If you think the A350 was built with the problem you describe, you're not qualified to write a review. The camera you bought has a defect, that's all.

 

[SQLGuy]

+1 on this being an IBIS issue with your particular camera... not a problem with that model.

I have an A390, which is pretty similar. No such issue.

I would suggest removing the lens, putting the camera into cleaning mode, and seeing how the sensor looks. If it's just stuck, you may be able to free it with a Q-tip.

Edit: I just looked at mine, in cleaning mode. The sensor edges appear blue and should make an even frame all around the sensor as it can be seen through the mount:







--
A7R2 with SEL2470Z and a number of adapted lenses (Canon FD, Minolta AF, Canon EF, Leica, Nikon...); A7R converted to IR.

 

[FrancoD]

I think your problem is with the Live View tilting mirror.



See this page :https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonydslra350/2



shift the switch from Live View to OVF and see if now what you see and what you get is the same. Maybe moving that switch back and forth a few times may also reposition the mirror for the Live View mode.

 

[Snowfella]

Doubt it.
It's a rather well known problem with the Sony OVF cameras, if the SSS/SS mechanism that do sensor stabilization breaks the sensor can be displaced. Looking through the viewfinder or on the rear LCD on the few that have live-view everything looks ok as the sensor is never involved until the shot is taken.
Once you take the shot though the sensor isn't centered and the framing will be off.

 

[Zartack]

I got the camera pretty cheap, and I suppose I will have to sell it cheap as well. It still takes decent pictures with the maxxum lenses, just doesn't match what you see.

 

[Zartack]

No need to be nasty, I'm only explaining the problems with this camera that I had. I'm not posting a review per se.

I didn't recommend the camera because my problem wasn't isolated and others had the same issue. Would you recommend a camera that is known for having a stuck lens, even though the one you own doesn't have that problem (yet)?

 

[sybersitizen]

No need to be nasty, I'm only explaining the problems with this camera that I had. I'm not posting a review per se.

Your camera has a defect. It had been 'broken' before you bought it, so your complaint should be directed to the seller.

I didn't recommend the camera because my problem wasn't isolated and others had the same issue.

Only a small percentage of owners have reported that issue. If it happens it's usually because the camera suffered an unusual shock, like being dropped.

Would you recommend a camera that is known for having a stuck lens, even though the one you own doesn't have that problem (yet)?

Your question about a 'stuck lens' has nothing to do with the subject at hand.

I certainly wouldn't recommend against this camera based on your described problem because there is no consumer level camera that's immune to developing a defect due to abuse.

 

[Hike Pics]

I totally agree, the SS is broken and the sensor is misaligned. The bad news, a new tenure is pricey. The good news, making the problem better isn't that hard. If you are careful and have a good attention for details. I bought my A390 used in late 2019. When I noticed the same problem you are having I figured I could either toss it or work on it. I'm not one to be easily defeated so I took the camera apart:





In this case, the tenure is misaligned to the right. You can see the metal vertical edge on the right part of the shutter. I simply, and very carefully, moved the tenure back to center. I'm happy to say the camera is much better.

 

[tbcass]

I bought this camera at a discount. It has a high enough megapixel count to satisfy me. I have lots of Minolta Maxxum lenses that work with this DSLR.

Ended up disappointed in that when I compose an image in the evf or the back screen, and take the shot, the resulting image doesn't match what I saw.

The camera is a DSLR and has an OVF, not EVF.

I will center my subject in the frame and snap the picture. The image taken after review shows it off center, towards the top of the frame, not centered as I saw it.

This makes for weird shooting scenarios, and I don't recommend this camera because of this. I've seen others having the same problem after doing a google search. Still a usable camera but handicapped by this composure issue. I've tried different lenses to no avail.

That should not happen. It sounds like the sensor is misaligned compared to the position of the mirror and the live view sensor. Get your money back.

--
Tom