Buying advice for the next step

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finn_uk

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Paul
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Hello all,

Got my first DSLR about 2 years ago now. I got a Sony a390 as an entry level to see if I would take to DSLR photography, and I have to say that I have enjoyed it very much. I still class myself as an almost complete newbie, having managed to venture away from the auto settings on to 'A' mode as I do most of my shooting around the house (mainly of the kids).

Once the missus gets off her a$$ and gets back to work after her maternity leave (OK, might be harsh), I will be looking to upgrade to something more mid-level and wanted to see what advice you guys may be able to offer.

I am completely open to any brand. My a390 cost me £330 and I have spent roughly £260 on lenses. I know the sensible option would be to stick with Sony so I can continue to use my existing lenses but I haven't spent a lot so wouldn't be losing much and am unsure about the transparent mirrors on the newer models (opinions on this would be welcome).

I would probably still be mainly shooting indoors but would hopefully be venturing out and about eventually.

I would probably be looking at a budget of around £600-£700, hopefully with a kit lens, and am not really interested in video capture.

I know that, ultimately, it will be about getting hold of a few cameras and seeing which feels best to me, but just wanted to know what you guys would do in my situation.
 
Why do you feel you need to take a next step?
You don't seem to be running out of functionality or features on your current camera so what do you think the step up will provide?
 
I find some of the indoor shots a little noisy and feel I may benefit from better ISO performance. Also some extra functionality would be nice, for example exposure bracketing as I would be interested in trying some HDR shots but tend to find it quite difficult to adjust the exposure for each of the 3 shots without moving the camera slightly (when I'm not using a tripod).

Also wouldn't mind a step up in resolution to give me a bit more freedom when cropping and then enlarging portions of a photo, although at 14mp the a390 is obviously decent.

One other issue I have is that there seems to be a better choice of lenses for the other brands, with more reasonable prices for some of them. I quite like the fact that the Sony is compatible with the old Minolta lenses but they seem to be a bit hit and miss.
 
Currently only really considering new. I will probably be looking to buy early next year so I am hoping that the current models will be available at a decent discount then.
 
I certainly wouldn't discount second hand, especially lenses. My body was bought new but everything else is second hand and as long as its well looked after you should have no problems with it.

I think that regardless of whether you choice Nikon or Canon you will find there is plenty of choice and I doubt you would be unhappy as neither really make a 'bad' camera. Could be worth a trip to your local shop and try a few out to see what you are comfortable with and which feels the most intuitive?
 
There are, as I'm sure you have found, lots of really good cameras from all the manufacturers.

In you budget range have a look at the Pentax K5. Currently just under £680 with the kit lens at a well known retailer in Watford.

Lots of features, good high ISO, loads of old lenses will fit and IS in the camera body, so any new lens you buy can be the non IS, and therefore slightly cheaper, versions.

Dave
 
Thanks for the thoughts guys. I am not averse to buying second hand lenses, but don't feel experienced or confident enough to go for a second hand body (although I'm sure it is an excellent way to go if you are).

I hadn't considered Pentax, but will definitely look into it. Sony also has internal IS which is nudging me towards an upgrade rather than on overhaul.
 
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