Sony Alpha
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**funky monk** · 04-09-2008 02:48 AM

hey guys, I'm starting to look at DSLR's and wanted some input. I've decided on looking at the Sony Alpha since I have a bunch of Minolta lenses that (I hope) would work with it. Does anyone shoot with these? Specifically, I'm looking at the A100. Is this a good camera for a beginner?

**ModernMuseum** · 04-09-2008 06:14 AM

funk-

For a beginner, I think they are great cameras. Make sure the lenses will fit before you buy, especially if this is one of your main reasons for going with the Sony. I've shot a few photos with my gf's alpha 100 and it seems to be a greater starter cam. I'm not too sure what the resale value will be on these in a few years if you decide to upgrade, but if it is your first SLR and the lenses fit, you can't go wrong.

**Geekybiker** · 04-09-2008 11:28 AM

Too bad you didn't get in on the a100 at CC awhile ago.

**iunno** · 04-09-2008 11:38 AM

i'd keep an eye on the SDF: http://forums.slickdeals.net/forumdisplay.php?f=9

they're always on top of the best deals floating around!

**funky monk** · 04-09-2008 01:29 PM

Thanks. I'm not looking for immediate purchase because I've got to sell a few things first (anyone want a couch? lol) so I'll definitely watch for some deals. Do any of you buy electronics from J&R? would you reccommend puchasing from them or finding a deal? I found an A100 kit for $685 which didn't seem too bad to me.

**iunno** · 04-09-2008 01:32 PM

honestly, the best retailers are the ones that are our affiliates...

adorama
b&h
amazon

those are the only guys i trust, honestly.

**iunno** · 04-09-2008 01:34 PM

and i see that b&h has the a100 w/ kit lens for $500!!!

**thechickencow** · 04-09-2008 02:17 PM

Do you want me to check with my sis in law on lens fits or have you found it online?

**Geekybiker** · 04-09-2008 02:35 PM

J&R is a reputable shop. I've bought lots of stuff through them before.

**funky monk** · 04-09-2008 04:06 PM

Originally Posted by thechickencow

Do you want me to check with my sis in law on lens fits or have you found it online?

B&H confirmed that the Minolta Maxxum series lenses would fit the alpha. The A200 is on Abe's of Maine for $538. Good reviews from resellratings.com but anyone used those guys before?

**iunno** · 04-09-2008 04:07 PM

i've heard good things about them but their site is a disaster.

not that it effects the price or anything.

**iunno** · 04-09-2008 04:10 PM

oh and monk, i want you to look over this and decide which body to buy, ok?
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/comp...ra200&show=all

i'd personally go after the a100 for the IS and cheaper price

**Geekybiker** · 04-09-2008 04:14 PM

Sony site says the a200 has IS.

**funky monk** · 04-09-2008 04:20 PM

Originally Posted by b84wm

oh and monk, i want you to look over this and decide which body to buy, ok?
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/comp...ra200&show=all

i'd personally go after the a100 for the IS and cheaper price

yes'm.

I'm going back and forth between the A100 or 200 so this will definitely help.

**iunno** · 04-09-2008 04:22 PM

dpreview says it doesn't, weird.

oh and if you buy it... http://www.dealextreme.com/details.d...159~r.53733725

**iunno** · 04-09-2008 04:52 PM

if you buy from abe's use coupon code "LOYALTY10" for an extra 10 bucks off...it'll put your total to less than $530 SHIPPED for the a200!

**funky monk** · 04-09-2008 05:12 PM

yea saw that too. On the website you gave me it said the A200 didn't accept Minolta lenses but other sites said it did. I think it does though.

**iunno** · 04-09-2008 05:14 PM

yeah, i'm pretty sure it does dude....you should be ok.

are the minolta lenses auto-focus or manual?

**funky monk** · 04-09-2008 05:23 PM

uh..auto focus I believe.

**iunno** · 04-09-2008 05:25 PM

sweet

**wrxfactor** · 04-28-2008 11:54 AM

Did you end up buying the Sony A100 or A200 yet? I picked up my A100 kit refurbed from a Sony Outlet for $530 OTD with 3 year accidental damage, including water and dropping it.

**iunno** · 04-28-2008 12:33 PM

i saw that the a700 was less than $900 at CC the other day!

that camera is insane...it has AWESOME reviews

**Alchemy-Z** · 04-28-2008 01:09 PM

I use a Sony Alpha and Minolta lenses and its worked fine.

I was brand new to DSLR's and I had all my Film stuff and I consider myself a Digital Noob with oldschool exsperience.

its been great for me.

**iunno** · 04-28-2008 01:15 PM

nice dude!

**funky monk** · 07-11-2008 04:16 AM

ok time to bring this bad boy back. I've been laying low for a couple months just kind of waiting but I think now is the time to purchase. I've decided on the A200. I've yet to actually shoot with one, but I'll be looking around to check them out in person before I make the purchase. I'd rather buy in store but if I find a good deal online I'll take it. If you guys have any input, advice, or comments I'd like to hear them.

also, why does the A100 seem to be more expensive? I thought the 200 was the newer camera and had a couple different things

**thechickencow** · 07-11-2008 04:59 AM

I shot with my sister in laws sony a couple weeks ago and it seemed to be decent. I didn't check which model it was.

One cool thing was that the info display on the lcd when shooting automatically switches from horiz to vert when you rotate the camera. I don't think my 40d does that, but I usually don't use that display.

**BlackMarket** · 07-11-2008 05:02 AM

I have a Sony Alpha200 and LOVE it.

end of my story.

**funky monk** · 07-11-2008 01:24 PM

good to hear guys. I'll try to find one to shoot with today and report back

**Geekybiker** · 07-11-2008 01:27 PM

Honestly you can't go too wrong with any of the 4 larger SLR makers. (Canon, Nikon, Sony and Pentax) Pick one that feels right to you, and matches your collection of lenses.

**funky monk** · 07-11-2008 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by Geekybiker

Honestly you can't go too wrong with any of the 4 larger SLR makers. (Canon, Nikon, Sony and Pentax) Pick one that feels right to you, and matches your collection of lenses.

well that would be the sony. Plus, I can pick up minolta lenses on the cheap. I like that

**user errors** · 07-11-2008 03:31 PM

Yeah, definitely a perk

**thechickencow** · 07-11-2008 08:45 PM

Another thing I liked was when you were in Tv mode the shutter was red, Av mode the aperture was red, etc. You could tell in the dark what mode it was in.

QJ · 07-11-2008 11:00 PM

great to see some alpha shooters here. I had no idea there were some in the group. I've always been intrigued by some of the features of the alpha. looking forward to hearing what you all have to say.

**wrxfactor** · 07-11-2008 11:29 PM

I shoot with an A100 and love it. Looking at the layouts of the other Alphas though, I wouldn't get a different one because of the rear button layout, just looks awkward.

All Minolta Maxxum lenses fit the Alpha. Anyone have a Sigma 10-20mm EX for a Sony they wanna sell me? I can't quite afford $500

**user errors** · 07-12-2008 12:57 AM

Originally Posted by thechickencow

Another thing I liked was when you were in Tv mode the shutter was red, Av mode the aperture was red, etc. You could tell in the dark what mode it was in.

cool

**funky monk** · 07-12-2008 01:49 AM

played around with one for a little at best buy today. Was what I expected, though a tad heavy but not a big deal. Probably the lens. Looking forward to picking this up soon. It comes with a 1 year warantee from Sony but that doesn't cover some stuff. Should I get an additional one? I'm great with my electronics (my MP3 player has lasted about 4 years) but there's always that off chance something out of my power screws it up.

**BlackMarket** · 07-12-2008 02:17 AM

I dont thinnk there is such a thing as "to much protection"
If you can justify the extra $, do it.

**ModernMuseum** · 07-12-2008 02:20 AM

Which Minolta lenses are compatible with the Sony Alpha line? My gf has an A100 and I might want to pick up some relatively cheap (cheap = anything not having the Sony tramp stamp on it) lenses some time.

**funky monk** · 07-12-2008 11:34 AM

A mount lenses for the Maxxum series Minolta.

**mattmcdole** · 07-12-2008 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by funky monk

played around with one for a little at best buy today. Was what I expected, though a tad heavy but not a big deal. Probably the lens. Looking forward to picking this up soon. It comes with a 1 year warantee from Sony but that doesn't cover some stuff. Should I get an additional one? I'm great with my electronics (my MP3 player has lasted about 4 years) but there's always that off chance something out of my power screws it up.

Take it from someone who worked for Best Buy... The service plans are a ****ing scam... If you're buying a notebook, consider it. Otherwise tell that pizza-faced sales kid to shove his service plan someplace uncomfortable, like the back of a Volkswagen.

**funky monk** · 07-12-2008 04:08 PM

Originally Posted by mattmcdole

Take it from someone who worked for Best Buy... The service plans are a ****ing scam... If you're buying a notebook, consider it. Otherwise tell that pizza-faced sales kid to shove his service plan someplace uncomfortable, like the back of a Volkswagen.

haha ok then.

I think I'm going to order from J and R. No tax and its only $9 for shipping. I suppose I'll also need a CF card.

**BlackMarket** · 07-18-2008 05:35 AM

Did you ever get the Sony?

**funky monk** · 07-18-2008 11:20 AM

Yea it's been ordered. Should be here Monday

**BlackMarket** · 07-18-2008 04:52 PM

awesome...shoot me a PM when you get it.

I dont know too much but I have had mine for a little while now.

**wrxfactor** · 07-18-2008 05:15 PM

You can PM me as well; I've had mine for a few months and finally have the manual shooting aspect of it down.

**thechickencow** · 07-18-2008 07:17 PM

don't PM, make threads fools!

**funky monk** · 07-19-2008 03:12 AM

haha gotta get that thread count up right? I'll probably do a review after a couple weeks or so and I'll definitely be posting shots.

Now who wants to teach me how to use GIMP?

**BlackMarket** · 07-19-2008 06:29 AM

Originally Posted by funky monk

Now who wants to teach me how to use GIMP?

Use him how ever you like...

...

**thechickencow** · 07-19-2008 07:38 AM

Well more I'm thinking if you guys work through issues or things you can benefit other people so they can later search for it - know what I mean?

**thechickencow** · 07-19-2008 07:38 AM

Also, I know my sister in law would read it at least, so thats one person.

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