Calling all Sony Alpha users! (Part 3)

Status
Not open for further replies.
Hi There

As the name suggests I am completely new to the world of the SLR and am about to purchase my first one. I have taken advice from a few people as to what cmamera to buy and I have settled on a Sony Alpha, but which one????

I have had a play with a mates A300 and found it to be less complicated that I had imagined it to be and so I have looked for one of these but they don't seem to be readilly available. I understand that Sony have superceded the range and therefore the A380 has taken my fancy. However, I have been told that these are not as good as their predecessors in low-light situations.

Any feedback on this or any other aspect of this camera would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Chris
 
clueless said:
Hi There

As the name suggests I am completely new to the world of the SLR and am about to purchase my first one. I have taken advice from a few people as to what cmamera to buy and I have settled on a Sony Alpha, but which one????

I have had a play with a mates A300 and found it to be less complicated that I had imagined it to be and so I have looked for one of these but they don't seem to be readilly available. I understand that Sony have superceded the range and therefore the A380 has taken my fancy. However, I have been told that these are not as good as their predecessors in low-light situations.

Any feedback on this or any other aspect of this camera would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Chris
Click to expand...

hi chris,and welcome to TP

firstly,do you need/want the live view?if you do,then it's either going to be the A330 or the A380.the difference between the two is the resolution,with the A330 being 10.2MP,and the A380 being 14.2MP.apparently,the 10.2MP versions handle the noise better at the higher ISO's,so if you intend to do a fair bit of low light photography,then the A330 may be your best choice.if you don't need the live view function,as you don't see yourself using it,then the A230 may be your weapon of choice,as it's basically an A330 without live view.

have you handled any of the above?if not,i recommend you do so before purchasing.i used to have the A350 and loved it(but upgraded to the A700),but recently handled the A330/380,and didn't like it as the grip was to small for my hands personally,so be sure before your purchase.

if cost isn't an issue,then it may be worth looking at the A500/550 also...more features etc...which will stop you wanting to upgrade to soon after..it's something we all do sooner or later ;)
 
clueless said:
I understand that Sony have superceded the range and therefore the A380 has taken my fancy. However, I have been told that these are not as good as their predecessors in low-light situations.
Click to expand...
the changes were cosmetic/ergonomic - they actually perform identically to the earlier versions.
If you feel that you prefer the earlier A200/A300/A350 there are usually a few for sale s/h in the classified section of this forum.

As already mentioned think what features you feel that you might need & of course your budget & ideally try in a shop.
 
Slimbert said:
What is it with everyone selling their a700's once I've got my 40D?????????

You can all :razz: !!!!!
Click to expand...

I'm not selling mine, it will have to be prised from my grasp when I'm dead.

Unless I win the lottery and buy an a900, of course ..
 
Hi guys.
I've got an A200, its my first DSLR which was bought for me in August.
I'm really getting into photography and joined my local camera club in September.

Typically I've encountered some frustrations with having a Sony, for example, on a practical evening I wasn't able to use the remote flash trigger for the lighting because Sony is "different" to the other brands.... when I saught advice in a shop about how to overcome this they told me I needed a gadget that cost £110!!! Then someone found me a hot shoe adapter on ebay for £10! Bit of a difference really, bit disappointed that the LCE in Reading as they told me it was that or nothing.

So.... I really wanted to get the portrait 50mm lens but I'm only just back to work from maternity and haven't got hundreds and I've got a pretty big wish list as it is!

What I need to know, and thanks, if you are still reading this, is... I have read about using Minolta lens' on the Sony alphas but how do I know when I'm on ebay I'm looking at the right thing??
I'm watching a f1.4 and f1.7 50mm lens, I realise the apeture is different but I'm not really sure what is best and why.
Lacking in confidence to choose and really want your expertise please TP members!

Thanks muchly in advance!:bonk:
 
I think if the Minoltas have autofocus then they'll definitely fit the Sony Alphas :) I think the F1.4 is better than the F1.7 but both are very nice lenses. Hope this helped.

I personally have a Minolta 28mm Prime and I love it :)
 
hi MrsG..

As said,any minolta AF lens will work on the sony alpha cameras.having had the minolta 50mm f1.7 lens,i can vouch that it is a fantastic piece of equipment,and sharp wide open.the 50mm 1.4 version will let in more light wide open,giving you greater shutter speeds per ISO side by side with the 1.7,also a shallower depth of field(if subjects are shot from the same distance IYSWIM.I don't think it matters which one you get for studio work,as you will most probably be stopping down to something like F8,and possibly be using a tripod,although i stand to be corrected as i've no experience of studio work.
 
The Minolta 50mm f/1,7 is good and will definitely work for you, as will any Minolta fit autofocus lens.
 
Had a go with an A500 today. Not impressed. Nowhere near as nice as the A700 or the A200 IMO. Felt cheap and a bit rubbish. Sony have gone backwards with their new models to be honest.
 
MrsG said:
Hi guys.
I've got an A200, its my first DSLR which was bought for me in August.
I'm really getting into photography and joined my local camera club in September.

Typically I've encountered some frustrations with having a Sony, for example, on a practical evening I wasn't able to use the remote flash trigger for the lighting because Sony is "different" to the other brands.... when I saught advice in a shop about how to overcome this they told me I needed a gadget that cost £110!!! Then someone found me a hot shoe adapter on ebay for £10! Bit of a difference really, bit disappointed that the LCE in Reading as they told me it was that or nothing.

So.... I really wanted to get the portrait 50mm lens but I'm only just back to work from maternity and haven't got hundreds and I've got a pretty big wish list as it is!

What I need to know, and thanks, if you are still reading this, is... I have read about using Minolta lens' on the Sony alphas but how do I know when I'm on ebay I'm looking at the right thing??
I'm watching a f1.4 and f1.7 50mm lens, I realise the apeture is different but I'm not really sure what is best and why.
Lacking in confidence to choose and really want your expertise please TP members!

Thanks muchly in advance!:bonk:
Click to expand...

Hi MrsG

I live down the road from you in Finchampstead. I've got a couple of the Minolta 50mm 1.7 lenses. If you want to borrow one you're welcome.

You can use it over Christmas if you like and see how you get on with it. They are a cracking little lens.

Let me know

Andy
 
George7 said:
Had a go with an A500 today. Not impressed. Nowhere near as nice as the A700 or the A200 IMO. Felt cheap and a bit rubbish. Sony have gone backwards with their new models to be honest.
Click to expand...

i agree with you george..much prefer my A700 to the A500/550..just feels more solid/better build quality etc..

it will be interesting to see what the A700 replacement will be like(if and when there is one),although i've a feeling the missus will put a blanket ban on any major purchases for the forseable future..:rules: :lol:
 
I think I was looking at the wrong ones then as they don't have "autofocus" anywhere in the desc. .... phew.. good job I asked!

The lens is not specifically for studio work, that was just an issue I had encountered seperately! Although would prob be better than the kit lens!
 
Lasagne said:
Hi MrsG

I live down the road from you in Finchampstead. I've got a couple of the Minolta 50mm 1.7 lenses. If you want to borrow one you're welcome.

You can use it over Christmas if you like and see how you get on with it. They are a cracking little lens.

Let me know

Andy
Click to expand...

thats a lovely gesture andy....:clap:
 
Lasagne said:
Hi MrsG

I live down the road from you in Finchampstead. I've got a couple of the Minolta 50mm 1.7 lenses. If you want to borrow one you're welcome.

You can use it over Christmas if you like and see how you get on with it. They are a cracking little lens.

Let me know

Andy
Click to expand...

WOW really - you'd let me!? OMG! How exciting!!!
I'd love to borrow it - THANKS!
 
MrsG said:
I think I was looking at the wrong ones then as they don't have "autofocus" anywhere in the desc. .... phew.. good job I asked!

The lens is not specifically for studio work, that was just an issue I had encountered seperately! Although would prob be better than the kit lens!
Click to expand...

the quality/image quality will be far better than the kit lens,but you obviously won't have the same range...but alongside your kit lens,definately worth having in your camera bag.it's a great portrait lens,great for low light situations(weddings in poorly lit churches,gigs etc....).

i sold mine back ealier this year,and i now regret doing so.
 
stan the man said:
i agree with you george..much prefer my A700 to the A500/550..just feels more solid/better build quality etc..

it will be interesting to see what the A700 replacement will be like(if and when there is one),although i've a feeling the missus will put a blanket ban on any major purchases for the forseable future..:rules: :lol:
Click to expand...

It's making me think twice about selling my A700 :p When my A200 breaks, probably in a couple years, if there are no decent Sony's out still I may be forced to switch brands :eek:!

Had an offer of 460 collected for my A700 body from this guy:

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/member.php?u=8071

Will probably take it up. Not 100% sure at the moment though :(
 
MrsG said:
I have read about using Minolta lens' on the Sony alphas but how do I know when I'm on ebay I'm looking at the right thing??
I'm watching a f1.4 and f1.7 50mm lens, I realise the apeture is different but I'm not really sure what is best and why.
Click to expand...
If its M(inolta)AF it should work.
If it's Minolta MC/MD/SR mount it won't.
 
George7 said:
Had a go with an A500 today. Not impressed. Nowhere near as nice as the A700 or the A200 IMO. Felt cheap and a bit rubbish. Sony have gone backwards with their new models to be honest.
Click to expand...
& yet the A500 will do things that your A200 (or indeed A700) won't ...
the A500/A550 aren't intended as direct replacements for either A2/A3/A7xx series.
 
Having bought an A700 I find it a very impressive machine indeed.

I guess the A750 will be an £899-£1k replacement.
 
heidfirst said:
& yet the A500 will do things that your A200 (or indeed A700) won't ...
the A500/A550 aren't intended as direct replacements for either A2/A3/A7xx series.
Click to expand...

I'm not talking about the features of the A500 as the feature set is generally quite impressive. Live view, flip out screen, etc etc. I just didn't like the feel of it. It felt cheap and really horrible.
 
Scott, your stuff was sent earlier today. Will be with you before 1pm tomorrow :thumbs:

On a rarther sad note, the last of my Alpha stuff went in the post today so I am now 100% Canon.......

.......for now!!;)
 
heidfirst said:
If its M(inolta)AF it should work.
If it's Minolta MC/MD/SR mount it won't.
Click to expand...

Thanks for this, I was looking at MD. Someone has just posted a lot of old kit they inherited on ebay and I knew I needed to be sure first... good job really!

I am going to take "Lasagne" Andy up on his offer and borrow his, very generous of him to offer and I clearly I am easily excited when it comes to my camera!
 
George7 said:
I'm not talking about the features of the A500 as the feature set is generally quite impressive. Live view, flip out screen, etc etc. I just didn't like the feel of it. It felt cheap and really horrible.
Click to expand...
much like a Canon 4xxD does to a 40D or a 5xxD to a 50D or a Nikon D40 does compared to a D300...
that's largely what you are paying for on advanced amateur/semi-pro bodies is better build quality rather than improved IQ.
 
heidfirst said:
much like a Canon 4xxD does to a 40D or a 5xxD to a 50D or a Nikon D40 does compared to a D300...
that's largely what you are paying for on advanced amateur/semi-pro bodies is better build quality rather than improved IQ.
Click to expand...

My main point is, the A500 felt worse than my A200 which is a much lower model.
 
George7 said:
My main point is, the A500 felt worse than my A200 which is a much lower model.
Click to expand...

Don't look at the A5xx bodies as "much lower" they are just an extension of the entry level cameras that Sony produce. The RRPs aren't loads more than the A350 was when that was released.....

When I handled the A550 I thought it felt very solid for an entry level camera. It was lighter than I expected but the one I held only had a 50mm on it......

Doesn't look like too many people on here have bought the new Sony cameras. I was sort of expecting a small rush of new Sony owners, obviously I was wrong! (again)
 
stan the man said:
:p :lol:
Click to expand...

Seriously Stan this jealousy has to stop! :p Quite frankly, I'm finding it a little tiresome and very childish.......

.......plus I think we should stay on good terms so that when you buy 2 x A750 bodies on the day they are released, I can get the best possible price on one of your A700's!!:lol:
 
Ooooh having second thoughts about selling my A700 :p 460 is a reasonable price for it but I'm worried that the replacements won't be as good and I'll be stuck when I come to upgrade. However, I sort of need the money and having an A700 sitting around doing nothing doesn't make sense. Also, I'd rather sell it to my Dad and keep it in the family but selling it outright seems a bit more logical. If I sold it to my Dad I'd have to shift his Nikon D60 (he prefers my Sonys).

I like the A700 but it's just that little bit too big for me. The A200 is a much nicer size.
 
George7 said:
I like the A700 but it's just that little bit too big for me. The A200 is a much nicer size.
Click to expand...

I think the A200 is the gem in the line-up. The replacements (A230) look awful, plasticy and no buttons!

I have an A900 as my main body, and I have an A700 and a A200. I will probably end up keeping the A200 and moving on the A700. I like the size of it, and its got nicer base ISO performance.
 
puddleduck said:
I think the A200 is the gem in the line-up. The replacements (A230) look awful, plasticy and no buttons!

I have an A900 as my main body, and I have an A700 and a A200. I will probably end up keeping the A200 and moving on the A700. I like the size of it, and its got nicer base ISO performance.
Click to expand...

Yeah that's the thing. The A200 is a much nicer size and the only real differences are in the handling of the camera. The extra scroll wheel is pretty useful and the camera is generally built a lot better, magnesium and aluminium body for example and stuff like that. But in terms of image quality, they're too similar to compare.
 
Slimbert said:
Seriously Stan this jealousy has to stop! :p Quite frankly, I'm finding it a little tiresome and very childish.......

.......plus I think we should stay on good terms so that when you buy 2 x A750 bodies on the day they are released, I can get the best possible price on one of your A700's!!:lol:
Click to expand...

any new camera(s)for me are a world away...plus,i think i need to learn how to use what i already have(if i ever will :lol:).
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top