Sony's entry SLT camera — the A35, translucent fixed mirror, APS-C, EVF, Full HD, in-body stabilisation, 2011.
The Sony A35 is an entry-level APS-C camera announced in 2011, part of Sony's SLT (Single-Lens Translucent) line within the Alpha A-mount system that descended from Minolta autofocus technology. It replaced the earlier A33 as an affordable body and used the translucent-mirror approach Sony introduced to combine phase-detect autofocus with continuous live view.
Rather than a conventional flip-up mirror, the A35 uses a fixed semi-transparent (translucent) mirror that passes most light to the sensor while diverting some to a dedicated phase-detection AF module, so autofocus stays active during live view and video. It uses the Sony A (Alpha) bayonet mount and accepts A-mount and adapted Minolta AF lenses. It has an electronic viewfinder rather than an optical one, sensor-shift SteadyShot INSIDE stabilisation, and Full HD video recording. It takes Memory Stick and SD-type cards.
The A35 suits beginners and general users who want fast continuous autofocus for action, travel and street work, together with an electronic finder that previews exposure and settings. The translucent mirror enables quick burst shooting and reliable video AF, at the cost of a slight light loss to the sensor compared with a clear optical path.
When assessing a used example, check the shutter count against its rated life and inspect the fixed translucent mirror for dust and marks, as it sits in the light path and cannot be cleaned as freely as a normal mirror. Check the sensor for dust, test the EVF and rear screen for dead pixels, and confirm the card and battery doors latch. Listen for IBIS rattle and check the grip rubber; NP-FW50 batteries remain widely available aftermarket.