Sony describes the 14.2-megapixel A33 as an SLT (Single Lens Translucent) not an SLR camera because, uniquely, its internal mirror mechanism is see-through. The result, says Sony, is faster, more accurate auto focus, continuous bursts of up to 7fps and no need to wait for a traditional mirror mechanism to flip out of the way when using the clear LCD. As on the 60D and E-5, the LCD advantageously swivels and tilts, here through 270°, for composing stills or recording Full HD video.

The result is that operation feels more streamlined and fluid than we’re used to from a DSLR. If you’re happy to use auto focus, you can be up and shooting in just over a second, using the 18-55mm kit lens we tried. Recording video is just a matter of pressing the camcorder-style record button on the top plate. This kickstarts filming whichever alternative might be showing on the shooting mode dial. There’s also the advantage of shooting AVCHD or MPEG-4 format clips with a DSLR-quality lens. The A33 is compatible with more than 30 optics in Sony’s range, all of which benefit from its in-body anti-shake. Auto focus automatically adjusts as you film, so there’s no need for manual intervention unless you prefer it.

Like all Sony DSLRs the A33 feels a little plasticy, but happily the handgrip is an improvement on previous generations, being more prominent. Unusually, the camera sports an electronic viewfinder rather than the optical variety, so it’s just as well that it offers a 100 per cent field of view and supremely clear 1.15-million dot resolution. We also liked the spirit level that appears in the viewfinder when you’re lining up a shot, flashing red when you’re a bit askew, then green when the camera is held flat and level. As you bring an eye level with the viewfinder the screen below is automatically switched off: a neat trick. More gimmicky is a Sweep Panorama function that lets you capture panoramic images, then view the elongated image on a 3D TV.

More useful for everyday use is the A33’s exposure adjusting Auto HDR functionality, ably maintaining both shadow and highlight detail if shooting against a bright background, for instance. Colours are slightly warm straight out of the camera, and detail is crisp. Overall, a decent, beginner-friendly option.