Calling all Sony Alpha users! (Part 5)

Got an Email today about the A57. It's going to be released on the 16th apparently, and is 699 with lens on Amazon. I can't seem to see any listed without the kit lens (I really don't need it) but if it's around 600. it'll be heavily considered. I'm still weighing up my options though. The A55 still looks like a fantastic camera for me, but I think I may always regret not going for 'the best'.

Anyone else planning on getting an A57?
 
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ArronTucker said:
Bad:
Dead / Hot Pixels a plenty with Noise Reduction off, a few can deal with but seems like too many for spot removal in photoshop.
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I think that you will find that that is par for the course but iirc (I'm not an astrophotographer) there is free software available for dark frame subtraction.

Also, what ISO are you using?
The A100's CCD is excellent at low ISOs but CCDs get noisier at high ISO far quicker than CMOS do.

George7 said:
Got an Email today about the A570. It's going to be released on the 16th apparently, and is 699 with lens on Amazon. I can't seem to see any listed without the kit lens (I really don't need it) but if it's around 600. it'll be heavily considered. I'm still weighing up my options though. The A55 still looks like a fantastic camera for me, but I think I may always regret not going for 'the best'.

Anyone else planning on getting an A570?
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Do you really mean A570 & not A57?
 
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ArronTucker said:
Good & Bad Results after quick test last night.

Good:
With Noise Reduction and Image Stabilisation off, the camera will take as many photos as I want in single shot with the remote release locked (but only 5 /6 in continuous).

Bad:
Dead / Hot Pixels a plenty with Noise Reduction off, a few can deal with but seems like too many for spot removal in photoshop.

Might justify saving for an upgrade to a brand new camera now getting really into Photography.
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I've no idea how similar the KM 5D sensor and the Sony A100 sensor were (other than Megapixels), but I simply couldn't take images over 10 seconds with my old Minolta. Not only did it over heat, the heat from the sensor would discolour the picture (large purple blogs) and it was speckled with dead pixels. Aswell as over heating in long exposures, it would completely seize when the temp. reached -5 or lower :bonk:

The difference between the CCD sensors and the new CMOS sensors is dramatic for night shots, long exposures and high ISO. I'd try and keep the A100 though, especially for daytime, low ISO shoots.
 
Gave it one more go after finding some Dark Frame Subtraction software.

"Camera is overheating. Please turn off to cool down"

Continuous Shoot
No Steadyshot
No Noise Reduction
ISO200 (Also tried a higher ISO)
30" Exposure
F4.5

Did some research into the issue and all could find is 2 arguements.
1. Processing Chip overheats on multiple long exposures.
2. Downside of Steadyshot built into Camera is heat cannot dissipate from Sensor into the Camera Body when taking multiple long exposures.

Only a handful of people seem to have the problem where as 70% of the A100 owners have never experienced it, or only experienced it in tropical climates.
 
I think if you're going to do lots of nightshots then an upgraded camera might be sensible :)
 
Mod edit: Please can you post pricing requests in the price checks forum please

Thanks
 
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think that you have to do that in the Classified: Price check Forum - not here.
 
OK, I have now posted the question in the correct forum ;)

Any Alpha users who can help get some rough prices - that would be great.
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=400327

I was also trying to figure out whether I'd be able to pull this information from EBay (past purchases?)

Note that this is not a plug for a sale - as the decision whether or not to shift my Alpha gear on hasn't been made yet. Sill not sure of switching to an NEX7 yet!
 
springtide said:
OK, I have now posted the question in the correct forum ;)

Any Alpha users who can help get some rough prices - that would be great.
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=400327

I was also trying to figure out whether I'd be able to pull this information from EBay (past purchases?)

Note that this is not a plug for a sale - as the decision whether or not to shift my Alpha gear on hasn't been made yet. Sill not sure of switching to an NEX7 yet!
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When searching on eBay tick the box for completed listings. That will get you prices for items that have sold
 
Guys, been a while since I posted.
Have been using my a200 a fair bit lately. Thinking of an upgrade to body. Would like HD video also?
 
does anyone know where I can get a replacement focusing screen for my 580??

Looked everywhere :'(


Les ;)
 
hannakournikova said:
Guys, been a while since I posted.
Have been using my a200 a fair bit lately. Thinking of an upgrade to body. Would like HD video also?
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I'm in exactly the same situation as you. I have an A200, but fancy something with more features (notably HD video). The ones I've found so far are the Sony A55, which has been out for quite a while and can be picked up relatively cheaply body only, or the Sony A57 which comes out tomorrow. The main differences between the A55 and the A57 are that the A57 is larger, shoots 1080p video without overheating, and does 12fps burst as opposed to 10.
 
George7 said:
The main differences between the A55 and the A57 are that the A57 is larger, shoots 1080p video without overheating, and does 12fps burst as opposed to 10.
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The A57 also has an improved EVF & uses a larger battery but loses the GPS.
 
Hi PDub

I recently acquired a used 8-16 which had AF issues on receipt which were mended by Sigma replacing the contacts (under warranty). Since its return I have been utterly delighted with everything about this lens and no longer yearn for the f2.8 offered by the Tokina 11-16 (my other option).

FWIW, I have not noticed any issues with low light AF and I use it in some pretty dim indoor situations.

Regards

Gary
 
gary43 said:
Hi PDub

I recently acquired a used 8-16 which had AF issues on receipt which were mended by Sigma replacing the contacts (under warranty). Since its return I have been utterly delighted with everything about this lens and no longer yearn for the f2.8 offered by the Tokina 11-16 (my other option).

FWIW, I have not noticed any issues with low light AF and I use it in some pretty dim indoor situations.

Regards

Gary
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Thats good to know, thanks for that. Where did you get the lens from and how was the warranty handled?

Im looking at using one of the HK based companies for an UWA but wasnt sure how they handle warranty issues.
 
Hi PDub

Bought the lens used privatelly and the original owner dealt with the warranty claim, we did this all above-board with the knowledge of Sigma UK.

I'm fairly sure if buying from HK it will NOT be handled here in the UK and you will get a 1 year as opposed to the 3 year warranty that Sigma UK gives out. DigRev or whoever might advise you otherwise ?

Either way, I would highly recommend this lens.

Regards

Gary
 
heidfirst said:
The A57 also has an improved EVF & uses a larger battery but loses the GPS.
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I believe the A57 uses the same battery as the A200, which for me personally is a big advantage because I have 2 batteries for my A200 already, and I'm certainly not selling my A200; too many memories :)
 
Hi all, I have been looking at purchasing a Sony A580, but I see that they are now discontinued. Does anyone know where I may find one?
 
Hi Amz, best chance will be second hand now, they don't come up for sale as often as others, probably because they are so good, couldn't believe it when Sony discontinued them as they were getting rave reviews, I currently have 2 580's and can't see me selling them soon unless that new cam lust starts again lol. If you don't mind the ovf v evf thing you could have a look at the new SLT-A57, personally I love the evf on my A77.
 
SussexBlue said:
Hi Amz, best chance will be second hand now, they don't come up for sale as often as others, probably because they are so good, couldn't believe it when Sony discontinued them as they were getting rave reviews, I currently have 2 580's and can't see me selling them soon unless that new cam lust starts again lol. If you don't mind the ovf v evf thing you could have a look at the new SLT-A57, personally I love the evf on my A77.
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Thank you. Yes I've looked at the A57 and also the A55 which both look good but I've heard that battery life isnt great on the A55's? I don't mind about the EVF at all.
Sounds like the A580 is worth searching for. What would you say was a good price for a second hand one with a kit lens?
 
Amz said:
Thank you. Yes I've looked at the A57 and also the A55 which both look good but I've heard that battery life isnt great on the A55's? I don't mind about the EVF at all.
Sounds like the A580 is worth searching for. What would you say was a good price for a second hand one with a kit lens?
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For an excellent condition one boxed with all it's bits I would have thought around £450, awkward to say really as they are still very much in demand. Have you been to a camera shop and had a play with the A57 if not I would certainly do that first, another to consider is the 65 as there's not a great deal difference in price, if you definitely still want the 580 it may be worth you posting a wanted advert here and especially over on Dyxum
 
Hi all,

I'm looking for a lens to try my hand at nature photogrpahy, my budget for a second hand lens is £100ish. What are my options within that budget (if any)
 
Under £100 virtually none. The 70-300s at the cheap end aren't much good.

Tamron and sigma both do a 28-300 that can be had for just over £100. I've seen the sigma one at ffordes for £120. I have one of each. Had the sigma since new and it is slightly better but it isn't compatible with SLTs without a rechip. They're both soft at 300mm sometimes but the tamron is probably slightly worse. Focussing is slower on it too. For £100-£140 it can't be beaten for all round versatility though as they both have reasonably close focussing so you can do macro with them. I've had some decent photos out of both of them. I only paid £70 for the tamron and it is the older dustbin looking one. It's been dropped too so it might not be the best example!

I took the sigma to the lakeland wildlife oasis recently:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/srichgtr/sets/72157629316022258/

And Ness gardens last year:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/srichgtr/sets/72157627782095308/
 
ok guys...had an accident with my a900 last night,and the casing that surrounds the pentaprism has a split along the corner approx 30mm-35mm long.the camera seems to still work okay,but there is also a piece of black debris visible through the viewfinder.what i'm wondering is,would the replacement of that section of casing be a possible repair,or would it be a case of a new camera?

i have insurance to cover in the event of either,but depending on cost,i may decide to foot the bill rather than claim...

split is where i've painted the red bit...

intro1-001.jpg
 
Debris probably on focussing screen, a simple job to remove and refit after cleaning carefully, don't scratch it lol, it may even just fall out when you lower it.

Edited to say, you probably have an excess to pay anyway via insurance but if you decide just to run a little super-glue along crack to seal it the resale value will suffer, for me a no brainer, insurance
 
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SussexBlue said:
Debris probably on focussing screen, a simple job to remove and refit after cleaning carefully, don't scratch it lol, it may even just fall out when you lower it.

Edited to say, you probably have an excess to pay anyway via insurance but if you decide just to run a little super-glue along crack to seal it the resale value will suffer, for me a no brainer, insurance
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not going to try anything myself john..gonna sort it through my insurance,as i'm sure it will cost more than the £150 excess to repair..plus the hike up next year :(
 
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