Who's Staying...Who's Leaving?...Cont.

I'm sure that eventually those prices will come down a bit, but eventually is the key word. I didn't want to wait another year for a maybe when I could get where I wanted to be now. Sony's prices aren't that much higher than KM charged for G glass, that's true. The fact is, however, that L glass was cheaper now even with IS. I'm not saying Sony will never get their act together, I'm just saying I didn't want to wait anymore.
--
http://www.pbase.com/bernarrking

José B said:

I wonder how much that would add to the cost especially with AS and
full-frame. That would be wonderful for Sony and 7D users looking
for its replacement.

Cheers,

José

Click to expand...

As much fun as that would be, is AS possible with full frame? Would the sensor not antishake itself right out of the image circle?

José B said:

--
Shooting with the famous Replacements (1DMarkIIN, 30D and SD700IS)
http://www.pbase.com/jmb_56/canon_1dmk2n
http://www.pbase.com/jmb_56/canon_30and20d
http://www.pbase.com/jmb_56/maxxum_7d

Click to expand...

--
http://www.pbase.com/bernarrking

Bernie_King said:

I'm sure that eventually those prices will come down a bit, but
eventually is the key word. I didn't want to wait another year for
a maybe when I could get where I wanted to be now. Sony's prices
aren't that much higher than KM charged for G glass, that's true.
The fact is, however, that L glass was cheaper now even with IS.
I'm not saying Sony will never get their act together, I'm just
saying I didn't want to wait anymore.
--

Click to expand...

An I contend they have thier act together outside of the problems with KM5D/7D service and maybe its just not your act...
--
------------
Ken - KM 5D
Sigma Trinity 10-20, 24-135 f2.8-4.5, 70-300 APO DG
http://www.cascadephotoworks.com

No, it wasn't my act at all. I shoot high ISO shots (wildlife in the woods) and the A100 was way noisy at high ISO for my tastes. I was ready to move to pro level glass, and what was available via Sony was going to be very high priced, at least for the next year. Not to mention the lens choices were very small when it came to long lenses. So there I was, I could either keep my 7D (which I adored, I still like it better than my 30D and probably always will) and hope that Sony would release more lenses and a 7D replacement. I knew that the window was short for me to get anything out of my 7D and at the time lens prices were super high on the used market. So I bailed.

Sure Sony announced 20 lenses, but you can't buy but 2 or 3 of them right now and we're almost 3 months after the A100 anouncment. A quick check at B&H and Adorama will show you that there is NO high end glass available from Sony yet. They don't even list them. It's just going to take time, and I wasn't going to wait until my stuff was worthless to find out I made a mistake. I also started shooting weddings recently and there is no way I could've waited as long as people here have if my 7D would've died. As it is I got more for my 7D body than the kit sells for at Walmart now so I think I did OK. I really hope Sony comes through for you guys, and I believe they will. I just didn't want to wait anymore.
--
http://www.pbase.com/bernarrking

Hi Bernie,

I am not an optical engineer but Minolta has surprised us before with its innovation. However, we are talking about Sony now. Even if they could pull it off----the works with weather seals, full frame and AS----I bet it is going to be a very expensive camera. I just don't know if Sony will ever make such as high end DSLR.

Realistically in the short term, Sony's flagship is probably a 7D replacement with a 1.5x crop.

José

Bernie_King said:

José B said:

I wonder how much that would add to the cost especially with AS and
full-frame. That would be wonderful for Sony and 7D users looking
for its replacement.

Cheers,

José

Click to expand...

As much fun as that would be, is AS possible with full frame?
Would the sensor not antishake itself right out of the image circle?

Bernie_King said:

--
Shooting with the famous Replacements (1DMarkIIN, 30D and SD700IS)
http://www.pbase.com/jmb_56/canon_1dmk2n
http://www.pbase.com/jmb_56/canon_30and20d
http://www.pbase.com/jmb_56/maxxum_7d

Click to expand...

--
http://www.pbase.com/bernarrking

Click to expand...

--
Shooting with the famous Replacements (1DMarkIIN, 30D and SD700IS)
http://www.pbase.com/jmb_56/canon_1dmk2n
http://www.pbase.com/jmb_56/canon_30and20d
http://www.pbase.com/jmb_56/maxxum_7d

Bernie_King said:

No, it wasn't my act at all. I shoot high ISO shots (wildlife in
the woods) and the A100 was way noisy at high ISO for my tastes. I
was ready to move to pro level glass, and what was available via
Sony was going to be very high priced, at least for the next year.
Not to mention the lens choices were very small when it came to
long lenses. So there I was, I could either keep my 7D (which I
adored, I still like it better than my 30D and probably always
will) and hope that Sony would release more lenses and a 7D
replacement. I knew that the window was short for me to get
anything out of my 7D and at the time lens prices were super high
on the used market. So I bailed.

Sure Sony announced 20 lenses, but you can't buy but 2 or 3 of them
right now and we're almost 3 months after the A100 anouncment. A
quick check at B&H and Adorama will show you that there is NO high
end glass available from Sony yet. They don't even list them.
It's just going to take time, and I wasn't going to wait until my
stuff was worthless to find out I made a mistake. I also started
shooting weddings recently and there is no way I could've waited as
long as people here have if my 7D would've died. As it is I got
more for my 7D body than the kit sells for at Walmart now so I
think I did OK. I really hope Sony comes through for you guys, and
I believe they will. I just didn't want to wait anymore.
--

Click to expand...

I rememeber a lens release schedule being posted that had most of the better glass coming out just after Photokina...

I don't count the number of lenses, just do they have what I want.. and between KM, Sony, Sigma, Tamron, and Tokina.. there is more glass than I can ever afford.

I tend to think that when the A-100 was planned it was for a Photokina release and was moved up because of KM bailing out.

We are just 2.5 months from announcement and just about 7 weeks from release. Not quite 3 months...

I hope you like the 30D, it is what I would be in if I dumped the KM/Sony system.
--
------------
Ken - KM 5D
Sigma Trinity 10-20, 24-135 f2.8-4.5, 70-300 APO DG
http://www.cascadephotoworks.com

but still feel messy about the interface............and some of AF, metering problem in 5D and 30D
Give me some more time

José B said:

I am not an optical engineer but Minolta has surprised us before
with its innovation. However, we are talking about Sony now. Even
if they could pull it off----the works with weather seals, full
frame and AS----I bet it is going to be a very expensive camera. I
just don't know if Sony will ever make such as high end DSLR.

Realistically in the short term, Sony's flagship is probably a 7D
replacement with a 1.5x crop.

José

Bernie_King said:

José B said:

I wonder how much that would add to the cost especially with AS and
full-frame. That would be wonderful for Sony and 7D users looking
for its replacement.

Cheers,

José

Click to expand...

As much fun as that would be, is AS possible with full frame?
Would the sensor not antishake itself right out of the image circle?

José B said:

--
Shooting with the famous Replacements (1DMarkIIN, 30D and SD700IS)
http://www.pbase.com/jmb_56/canon_1dmk2n
http://www.pbase.com/jmb_56/canon_30and20d
http://www.pbase.com/jmb_56/maxxum_7d

Click to expand...

--
http://www.pbase.com/bernarrking

Click to expand...

--
Shooting with the famous Replacements (1DMarkIIN, 30D and SD700IS)
http://www.pbase.com/jmb_56/canon_1dmk2n
http://www.pbase.com/jmb_56/canon_30and20d
http://www.pbase.com/jmb_56/maxxum_7d

Click to expand...

--
Mark K
http://www.pbase.com/herbridgemo

So how has the switch to Canon been?

Ken_5D said:

Your points are very valid and the kind of thing the Sony Product
Management for the Alpha system needs to be looking at. And your
plan to work with the camera until it needs to be replaced is a
very professional attitude vs. the feature envy upgrade every new
model a whine if it isn't perfect that we see sometimes.

What I am keying off of is there a quite a few people that seem
more than willing to peg Sony with what they read on Slashdot about
the Music division etc. And from what I can tell some even pretend
to be about IQ but really just are after Sony and won't hold other
makers to their silly pixel peeping noise obsession.

It is very clear that what you are talking about are Pro services,
When Sony thinks it wants to challenge there, and they have the
ability to do it. They will have to understand that aspect of the
market.

Click to expand...

Sounds like we are in complete agreement - I would love to see Sony aim for the pro market later this year and I believe they have the necessary resources to be able to do this - that doesn't mean bringing out a 9D equivalent (although something above the current alpha 100 would clearly be needed) but having the correct set up to support pros using the gear.

My guess is that this will take at least a year to build (I don't mind a 'beta' version in the interim) and would involve leveraging existing areas of the Sony empire (eg the pro video products). I'm reluctant to sell off my current gear to fund a switch but to be honest I can't justify having a couple of thousand in glass sitting in a cupboard 'in case' Sony get there in time...

By the way, completely agree about the feature envy. I'm amazed at the amount of times at a wedding I see someone wandering about with big money, high end cameras and no clue of what they are doing...I've had a few occasions when people said 'are you really a pro, I've got a better camera than you?' and then you just ask them to compare the finsihed outpt and see if they still need to ask the question...

Oh well, here hoping my current gear doesn't pack up short term...

R.

and i Can wait for next year for some new semi-pro pro camera ;-)

Nikon just introduced the D80, with a good resemblance to the D200 but an SD card. Canon just introduced an A100/D80-class camera with 10 mp, but the 30D is also pretty fresh on the market.

I don't have a need to leave, yet, as my 7D's still working - but Sony's current lineup and their lack of directional communication make me want to trim my lens lineup to the essentials, so that I'm "travelling light."

I think the D80 begs a D200 replacement, although that camera might be too new for that - it might take another 8-10 months ... which is about the amount of time I think it'll take Sony to announce a 7D successor. So I can afford to wait. But in my current view, Nikon "gets" photography a lot better than Sony or Canon (flash, their collaboration with Nik, the design quality of the D200, the software they put into their cameras, etc.).

Vance, I can easily empathize - there have been times when I considered the other brands because of my 7D's limitations. But I don't make a living at it - so I think you're right in going for what gets the job done best. If it were me, I'd take a look at how it's truly impacting my business in the areas of extra time spent, places where it just can't cut it and another model clearly can, and the emotional cost (maybe the biggest of all, especially if it's impacting your love of photography); it sounds like you should just bite the bullet and go with the best option - you'll feel better sooner. (And when you do go, please come back and share some impressions, experiences and images.)

Rich

in a way Minolta once did.

Professional market is not one made for professional photographers. We need from time to time weather sealed glass and bodies, high speed shutter, fast and accurate autofocusing, good white balance and otpics for sport events and wild life. Sony has never mentioned a roadmap in their future cameras and of the 22 "new" lenses, most are simple rebadging of the old ones. I still keep all my Minolta gears........after al they have been with me for so many years
--
Mark K
http://www.pbase.com/herbridgemo

Hi Gene,

Yesterday, I printed a couple of pictures taken from the 7D and looked at some slides. It reminded me the 7D and 7 pair is all the camera I needed. The current major limitation for good pictures is me, not the camera. I don't need any upgrade right now. I am extremely happy with these twin brothers.

However, I am holding off of buying new lenses until Sony shows some committment on new higher grade bodies. Just want to make sure if my 7 broke one day, there is better body to replace with.

Biu

JusGene said:

and aside from ergonomics, I like the buttons/knobs access. A lot
of emphasis for me is the hand-hold feel; and tactile sense.

I could see more to build upon with the 7D (advancements, even in
things I like). The menu and feel 'direction' of other brands just
"don't"! This is a very subjective issue.
--
Gene

I live in Minoltaville, just inside Sony City (but I may have to go
with the flow) Awaiting 7D upgrade.
'The only thing easier than being wrong .. is denying it!' -me
MaxxuM 7 Digital

Click to expand...

my 7D went to Precision for a minor warranty repair. Don't know what that outcome will be!

Sony will have to eventually 'show their cards' (Fish, or cut bait!). Even though my 7D (or WalMart 7D, if Sony cuts the check) still makes me 'feel warm all over', my needs aren't as great as others.

So ... if Sony 'shows' anything less than the 7D replacement/equivalent, I'll open my mind about my next choices. If the 'signs' are what's to my liking, I'll continue my Minolta mindset until I move to the 'new Minolta' body. (Even if it is a small departure from what image(sic) I have in my head)
--
Gene

I live in Minoltaville, just inside Sony City (but I may have to go with the flow) Awaiting 7D upgrade.
'The only thing easier than being wrong .. is denying it!' -me
MaxxuM 7 Digital

The controls definately took some getting used to, you just can't beat the 7D's buttons and knobs, but no regrets that's for sure. The AF accuracy and speed are incredibly faster. I used to have a Sigma 170-500 and compared to my Canon 100-400 IS L.... well there really is no comparison. I also got a 24-105 f4 L IS and it is one of the finest lenses I've ever used. I bought a 430EX flash to shoot a wedding with and had no exposure problems at all after I learned to trust the histogram and not the LCD. The 30D has all of the features I had been hoping for in a 7D replacement and more. The lenses are just spectacular and available at any time.
--
http://www.pbase.com/bernarrking

I am staying...for now. I am not a pro although I am working create a side business out of my favorite hobby. Having started this, I have invested more in my lenses over the past 6 months and so am committed to staying with my 7D for the time being. If something happens to it, I will be looking to pick up one of the Walmart deals or go with a refurbed unit if I can find it while waiting to see what Sony does next.

I am hoping the next camera from them is the long awaited 7D replacement. I have simple needs for it that frankly I don't think will be tough for them to meet. I am hopful, however, I am still watching what Canon, Nikon and Fuji

are doing. I am not above getting into a second system as insurance so that I have the body and a lens ready to go.

Bob

--
http://www.pbase.com/bobfloyd

--
You're welcome to visit my favorite Gallery
http://www.pbase.com/aarif/favorites

I am not above getting into a second system as

bobfloyd said:

insurance so that I have the body and a lens ready to go.

Click to expand...

Yeah, I've actually been checking out the 400D, although I shunned its predecessor in the past for the usual, understandable reasons. That would mean using my KM cameras and flashes for work needing flexibility, carrying the Canon loss-leader for landscapes or walk-around shots. I would probably put a Sigma 24-135 on it.

I don't think that I would really do it as the money could be better spent elsewhere, but, if so it would put me in the odd situation of owning the best and the worst camera bodies, ergonometrically speaking...and build-wise from Tiger Tank to Yugo...

A three week old 7D with kit lens, with 3 year Walmart extended warranty and a 2gig card as well as a used prisitine Sigma 70-200 2.8 AF APO lens? Email me.

KR

As said before, the operation interface in Canon is years behind what Minolta has achieved in their 7 and 9 age.
Exposure using flash gun is much better and more acurate.

AF speed is amazing, though accuracy esp in those macro lenses leaves room for improvement.

Lack of dust proof mechanism (CCD shaking, antistatic, ultrasonic) in the cameras I have can be a serious problem.

fjbyrne said:

So how has the switch to Canon been?

Click to expand...

--
Mark K
http://www.pbase.com/herbridgemo