FocusAlpha
New member
My former cameras where a Minolta 9000 and a Sony DSC-S85, which - at the time - both where the best money could buy. So, why did I buy the 'baby-model' in the Alpha range now? Because it has al the features I am likely to need. And you are not llikely going to need more than 10MP, even if you occasionnally use your camera professionally, as I do. I have used the Alpha 100 for a year professionally and became to love that camera a lot. In comparison with the Canon 350 and 400 - which I also like for their quality and features - the body feels more tough.
The a200 is more or less the same as the a100, but it has the Fn -button which makes working with sophisticated features as 2n curtain flash and the AF-modes far more easy. It is very easy to make instant good pictures with everything in Auto-position. Collegues that use digital compacts regularly can also use the Alpha with great succes and ease.
I think being able to use Minolta lenses is a great advantage, even if you have no history with SLR's; there are a lot of Minolta-mount lenses around for you at great value-for-money.
I also like the size. It is not as small as the Nikon budget models. You do have something to hold, which means that - with a steady hand - you're probably not going to need the Super SteadyShot feature. But then again it is there when you are likely to need it.
I hope Sigma, Tamron etc. will rapidly extent their range of Minolta/Sony-mount lenses, which will further enhance the attraction of the Sony range.
One last recommendation is for anybody who has never used an SLR: go for the Alpha 300. The Live View is a great feature, especially if other members of your family are using the camera as well.
Problems:
Connecting my ancient 2.8/28mm and 3.5-4.5/100-200mm Minolta lenses does make a particular sound after I have attached the lens to my camera. The AF motor seems to be looking for the attachment in the lens. But they both work fine and a lot faster then on the first ever SLR autofocus system on my 9000...
The a200 is more or less the same as the a100, but it has the Fn -button which makes working with sophisticated features as 2n curtain flash and the AF-modes far more easy. It is very easy to make instant good pictures with everything in Auto-position. Collegues that use digital compacts regularly can also use the Alpha with great succes and ease.
I think being able to use Minolta lenses is a great advantage, even if you have no history with SLR's; there are a lot of Minolta-mount lenses around for you at great value-for-money.
I also like the size. It is not as small as the Nikon budget models. You do have something to hold, which means that - with a steady hand - you're probably not going to need the Super SteadyShot feature. But then again it is there when you are likely to need it.
I hope Sigma, Tamron etc. will rapidly extent their range of Minolta/Sony-mount lenses, which will further enhance the attraction of the Sony range.
One last recommendation is for anybody who has never used an SLR: go for the Alpha 300. The Live View is a great feature, especially if other members of your family are using the camera as well.
Problems:
Connecting my ancient 2.8/28mm and 3.5-4.5/100-200mm Minolta lenses does make a particular sound after I have attached the lens to my camera. The AF motor seems to be looking for the attachment in the lens. But they both work fine and a lot faster then on the first ever SLR autofocus system on my 9000...