Newbie and a question

[Wende]

Hi all...

as I've never posted before, I am a newbie here at DD. I won't be able to be hanging around much, just popping in whenever I get a moment. (taking 13 credit hours as my first full semester back in college while working full time at a paper-work heavy job= not much free time)

I am in the market for a DSLR and have been researching them a little so far...I haven't owned a SLR yet but am willing to learn now (finally!) I have a little point& Shoot Sony Cybershot that I carry around with me almost wherever I go. Its handy and my purse-fellow and I don't want to replace it.

But I'm ready to add to it...I like the Sony Alphas so far, because I have a tendency to them already...I love the fact that some of the Alphas (maybe all?) have SD ports along with MSpro/duo... that's pretty versatile but not a must-have in my book at this point.

anyway, my question is if anyone could give their recommendation about cameras I'd love to read them to see what's up. Thanks in advance to whoever responds!

Wende

[katrinak]

I'd say if you are interested in Sonys and you like the way they feel in your hand go for it! I'm a Canon girl myself, but camera choice is really such a personal preference. Sony has been doing some great new things with their cameras. Many people go with a Nikon or Canon since they are the biggest in the market and easier to find lenses/accessories for but I wouldn't let that be the sole reason for a purchase if you have an affinity for something else.

I bet a Sony user will chime in any time!

[digigrandma]

I have a Sony Alpha 100 and it suits me just great. I know they've come out with a newer model, but, I splurged with a new Tamron (AF 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3) lens to replace the kit lens and I'm really happy with that, too.

I, too, have a Sony Cyber Shoot that I take with me for a small, fit in your pocket type camera. I have gotten some amazing shots with it so that is why I went with the Sony. I had good luck with their products in the past, and, for me, it was a reasonable price for an entry level DSLR.

That said, I'm not in the same class with Katrina and so many of the photographers who post here. They do amazing things.

Good luck in your research!

[Wende]

thanks Katrina and Merrilee! I think that's what I've been finding out about the DSLR's= personal preference. I'm glad to see someone on here actually has a Sony though. Went through a whole Scrapbooks Etc photo magazine and not one was taken with a sony... oh well

Thanks again ladies!

Wende

[dugarner]

Wende, I have a Sony A200. I have not been happy at all with the lenses, and I concur with Merr that the Tamron would be a much better choice than the Sony kit lens. I also have the Sony 75-300 and it is very low-quality as far as comparable lenses go. But if you have the money to invest in better lenses, it is a great body; I love the IS built into the motor of the camera, instead of in the lenses. It is compact for a dSLR and doesn't "look" like one. (Some folks, I think, lend credence to the quality of a camera based on the bells and whistles.) The Sony is extremely easy and intuitive to use; the menus are right there, nothing is buried or hard to find. I still haven't read the manual, and I've had mine for about 10 months.

I would have a hard time recommending it based on the fact that if you buy a camera outright with cruddy glass, it sort of defeats the purpose. But it is easily remedied. Also, the 200 does not handle above ISO 400 well, and in most settings, even ISO 400 is very noisy. If you can afford the 350 or the 700, that might be a better choice. But it is personal, and up to you!

All the photos on the LOs in my gallery were taken with my Sony.

Hope this helps!