Sony Alpha users....tell me something

Moos3h

Moos3h

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James
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Why should I jump ship?

I currently have an all Canon setup, but will be keeping all of it for backups, and am rather taken with some of the Alpha system.

So, why did you pick Sony over the 'big two'?

Cheers,
James
 
i had 300 notes for an slr with a basic zoom. I had no previous kit and the alpha 300 simply was better (for me) than canon or nikon. The live view is very handy, the build quality good, it feels nice to use and image stabilisation in the body clinched it. However, if i already had a canon system there's no way i'd jump ship. I mean, there's nothinh wronh with canon kit! Stick with your current system mate.
 
Moos3h said:
Why should I jump ship?

I currently have an all Canon setup, but will be keeping all of it for backups, and am rather taken with some of the Alpha system.

So, why did you pick Sony over the 'big two'?

Cheers,
James
Click to expand...

You don't say what Canon kit you currently have. If you have any mid to high end kit and L lenses, then it would be expensive to swap to Sony and get good lenses.

I bought a Sony because I preferred the feel and controls over the 400D and D40x. Also it was good value for money, if I had more money I would probably would have bought a D80.

Will I stay with Sony ? A good question and at the moment I can't afford to upgrade anyway. If I was going to upgrade and unless Sony bring out a good replacement for the a700, I would probably move brands.
 
i just ship from nikon d40 to a sony a300

reasons, wanted a 18-200 lens, and sony did one at a good price. the a300 fit the bill on budget and live view is a great extra, with body focus motor and image stabilisation.

as i just like to play and normally take pics at parties and with little ones extra, the live view i tested over xmas on the nephew while he was sat on the ground was a good little gimick.

also you can use minolta lenses which can be cheaper
 
also i got it last month, with cash back ;-) another reason

but if i had the money i would buy a nikon d90, having enjoyed the d40 and the menu of nikons i find better than the sony.

however, i enjoy the a300 ;-)
 
what canon kit do you have and what's the budget if changed system?
 
The A700 is an excellent camera for the money - now just over £500 on most online stores. That's a lot of camera for your money. It works wonders with my Carl Zeiss lenses and also the 'cheapo' Jessops home studio lights that I have.

The lights work great wirelessly via the on camera flash or the FV56 flash gun that I have. This also works wirelessly and is great for trying your hand at creative shots. The 3" screen is very clear and sharp - and the shutter noise is very 'business' sounding, little things, but all go to make a good system to work with.

The anti shake system is also worthwhile, while not everyone will be able to get the +2 or three stops with it, it certainly helps that it's on camera and not just on the more expensive lenses like Nikon and Canon have.

I would cetainly recommend an A700 at the price they are currently.
 
I've bought a lot of Sony equipment over the years and it's always been excellent

So I bought the A200 - and it's a pretty damn good camera for the money :thumbs:

Also, I think it's cute :love:
 
Moos3h said:
Why should I jump ship?

I currently have an all Canon setup, but will be keeping all of it for backups, and am rather taken with some of the Alpha system.

So, why did you pick Sony over the 'big two'?
Click to expand...
I originally went Minolta (actually went into a shop intending to buy a Canon) for the ergonomics/handling & that's largely why I've stayed with Sony as they still seem to suit me better (now due to familiarity no doubt - I'm sure that I could learn a different way if I had to though).
Minolta & Pentax at least also gave you more features at levels/pricepoints than Canon did.
In-body anti-shake is nice too.

As to why you should jump ship, I would do it only if there is something that Canon aren't giving you that you feel that you need/want & that Sony can offer you e.g. better handling or perhaps a specific lens.
There does seem to be rather more people going multi-system atm as they realise that they all have their own pros & cons.
 
My brother has a A200 and to be honest with you feels like a toy compared to my 40D, he has a something-300mm lens and that also feels like a toy when it is attached. I had the feeling it would break any minute, but maybe that is the difference between the prices. However, the good side is that it does take good pictures and that is the main purpose of a camera. I was actually thinking of getting a A900 instead of the canon 1D mkIII but couldnt justify having to sell all my lenses and buy new ones + there aint as many lenses out there yet. Maybe in 5 years when they start making more for them then i just may swap.
 
Oakey22 said:
its just that the A200 felt like something you would give a kid, all plastic body and i also didnt like the menu very much, so much easier on a canon to change settings.
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Yeah, the A100 feels like that when you're used to the A700 with it's magnesium alloy body. As far as the menus are concerned that's down to the individual. I personally find the Sony menus the more intuitive.
 
Oakey22 said:
its just that the A200 felt like something you would give a kid, all plastic body and i also didnt like the menu very much, so much easier on a canon to change settings.
Click to expand...

Most of the settings you need to get to quickly, ISO, WB, Focus modes, flash modes, metering modes etc are all done via buttons on the top or back and not the menu system and can be changed very quickly.
 
leaky5 said:
Most of the settings you need to get to quickly, ISO, WB, Focus modes, flash modes, metering modes etc are all done via buttons on the top or back and not the menu system and can be changed very quickly.
Click to expand...

oh rite, well he had only just got the camera so couldnt show me too much as he did not know himself. How easy is it to change the shutter speed on the sony? I am used to just turning the wheel and it alters.
 
Oakey22 said:
oh rite, well he had only just got the camera so couldnt show me too much as he did not know himself. How easy is it to change the shutter speed on the sony? I am used to just turning the wheel and it alters.
Click to expand...

When in manual or shutter priority, it is the same, just turn the dial by the shutter button.
 
Oakey22 said:
its just that the A200 felt like something you would give a kid, all plastic body and i also didnt like the menu very much, so much easier on a canon to change settings.
Click to expand...
compare an A700 top your 40D & they are very similar build wise, compare a 400D or Nikon D40/D60 to an A200 & they are similar.

As for menus etc. I think that it's more a case of that they are different rather than necessarily better or worse & familiarity with either system would have you quite happy.
Having said that in their last 2 cameras Canon have poached some ideas from Olympus & Sony re. menus & handling so it seems that they would appear to be the ones that realise that they had some catching up to do ... :naughty:
 
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