Any one else using the A100? [Archive] - Digital Photography School

andy206uk

12-16-2006, 03:52 PM

Darren Rowse

12-17-2006, 06:08 AM

haven't played with one for more than a few minutes but it looks like a nice one. Interested to hear more about others experience with it - leave your reviews as I'm sure there are many others who will be considering it.

andy206uk

12-17-2006, 06:04 PM

Personally, impressed with it (aside from the gripes above). It boots up quick and usually churns out pretty good photos. I've taken all sorts of photos with it from low light action shots at concerts (http://flickr.com/photos/andy206uk/281689039/in/set-72157594396849106/) to macro shots (http://flickr.com/photos/andy206uk/300073188/in/set-72157594401638338/) and photos of the moon (http://flickr.com/photos/andy206uk/248356809/in/set-72157594367151561/). I haven't had much opportunity to do any urban stuff with it yet as I've been amost too busy to get out and take photos but it all seems pretty good.

I'm kinda new to all this photography stuff, so I'm not really sure what else to say,but I'll be happy to reply if anyone has any specific questions about the camera...

cklfc0

12-27-2006, 11:49 AM

Father Christmas gave me the Sony Alpha 100 and so far I love it, but I am also new to Digital SLR. Look forward to seeing your photos from it and likewise I am looking forward to sharing my photos. I bought it over a Canon from write ups on the net and advice from various stores, so I hope it lives up to all it is cracked up to be, but I am sure they all are great.

suzieqinaz

12-29-2006, 02:34 AM

I too just recieved my Sony A100 .. I have been fooling around with it for a couple days..I am new to DSLR so I will be checking back for any info anyone may have....

andy206uk

12-30-2006, 02:40 PM

Awesome! If you have any questions about the A100, feel free to create a new topic in this forum and ask away - I'll do my best to help if I can!

rjb_FotoTaker

01-02-2007, 05:25 AM

I like it, it's my first DSLR.
You can count on me looking to pick someones brain for info.

redclix

01-05-2007, 12:33 AM

My only gripe is the lack of accessories that are available at the moment, but that doesn't bother me too much because I can't afford them just yet ;)

What accessories are you looking for, out of curiousity?
I got one in November and I LOVE it. I actually purchased a huge set of Minolta lenses for a screamin good price from a guy who replaced his slr with a DSLR (Canon) and every one of them fits my A100. Couldn't be happier! LOL

andy206uk

01-06-2007, 04:40 PM

Nothing in particular at the moment - it just seems like there isn't as much variety as you get for the Canons. My next purchase will probably be an angle finder (the sony one isn't available yet, but you can get compatible minolta ones on ebay that work with te a100), followed by a better flash and then maybe a dedicated macro lens.

stonecoast

01-29-2007, 12:15 AM

I just got one for Christmas as well. So far I really like it!! I have the kit lens as well at the 70-300mm with macro. I am hoping to find a "beercan" lens (minolta 70-210mm) to add to my collection. I am really enjoying getting to know my new camera!

gigpic

08-18-2007, 07:59 PM

jdepould

08-18-2007, 08:37 PM

I have been using mine since April and do need some help getting out of the Auto mode. I am new to the SLR camera, and I have not been a film photographer, so I need help. I did get juried into an art show this week but the shot was from a fuji 700 camera which is broken. I am trying my hand at photography as an art more than anything. Anyone willing to help me? Thanks gigpic

Welcome to DPS, take a look at the Introduce Yourself (http://digital-photography-school.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3) thread.

Did you have any specific questions? Are you familiar with the concepts of Aperture and Depth of Field? If you have a basic knowledge of these you may want to try experimenting with Aperture Priority mode (A or AV).

Margie25

12-23-2007, 10:38 PM

I have my Sony Alpha for 2 months now. I saved to buy a DSLR and I was able to see different shots taken with 2 more cameras at the store, but I definitely would say, I love this one, the Sony Alpha 100.

What I absolutely love from this camera that it has a build in Super Steady shot incorporated in the body. The other cameras didn't have this option that makes it awesome to avoid any blurred images wihout using a tripod most of the times.

I love the easy access button on top making the most important features easy to access, without the need to go into a menu. Features for easy access with this dial button is ISO, White balance, RGB and more.

The lenses I bough to use with this camera are 2 Sigma lenses that are less expensive and that I take some cool photos with them.

What I also love are the vivid colors when I take photos with this camera.

isabel march photography

01-05-2008, 01:23 PM

Hi guys,

I was just wondering if there are any other users of the Sony Alpha A100 signed up to this forum? I purchased one earlier this year and have found it to be more than ample for my needs.

My only gripe is the lack of accessories that are available at the moment, but that doesn't bother me too much because I can't afford them just yet ;)

Anyone else got one? What do you think of it?

I absolutely heart my Sony Alpha! It certainly takes some getting use to and alot of playing around with, but I love it. I've been able to purchase some great Minolta lenses for it and am really pleased with the little arsonal I've accumulated.

brisyd

01-24-2008, 02:13 AM

Had mine since last March and really like it. My main complaint is the FPS. I wish it were 5FPS like the A700. I use it primarily for shooting soccer pics and it seems slightly slow for that. Otherwise, I think it's been a great introduction into DSLR. I just bought a used 70-300mm and I'm looking forward to seeing how it performs this season.

neusue

02-26-2008, 10:08 PM

Hi there,
I am using a Sony A100, 18-70mm Sony lens and Sigma 70-300mm lens. Have been having a ball. Would love to get a dedicated macro lens sometime. Also aiming to get a decent tripod. Before had a Canon G2 that was handed down by my mum. I am somewhat of a Canon fan. Anyhow, all this is fairly new to me and I am very happy so far with what I have.

Ewie

03-17-2008, 05:16 AM

I must've missed this thread... had to reply as we Alpha users are in a minority around here. :)

I bought my A100 in April 07 and am loving it. There are some things that you need to get used to (as with ANY camera) but once you're there you'll get great results.

Mine came with the twins lens kit, and have to say, the 18-70mm lens is not so good :( and I've since purchased a 16-80 Carl Zeiss lens which leaves it for dead. If you looking for good lens purchase ideas, definatley look at a second hand Minolta 50mm F1.7 (or f1.4 if you can find one), it's cheap and SHARP!

Igor

03-26-2008, 05:47 PM

I bought mine this last January. Decision was based on two factors. (1) My current film SLR was a Minolta and I had two lenses that would be nice to reuse. (2) It looked a little easier to manipulate. (I read reviews for both the A100 and A700, the buttons and menus on the A700 looked more complicated than I need.)Criteria #2 was important because I plan to go to the Antarctica this November on a cruise. It will arguably be late Spring. So I wanted something with big buttons, but simple settings.I'm new to digital photography. The A100 seems pretty easy. I've been trying various controls, one at a time. I want my use to be automatic next November, so I am trying to take photos each week.Stumbled across DPS during a Google search. Decided the Weekly Assignment (http://digital-photography-school.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=22)forum would motivate me to try different things with the camera.I am also blogging (http://9edgedown.blogspot.com) my prep for Antarctica and my exploits with the camera. I'm not a prolific blogger, but you can follow my learning the A100.I would be interested in anyone that has used the A100 in cold weather 0F to +32F . This is out of the spec range for the A100, though, I suspect there is engineering margin of operating performance.

spookie5150

04-03-2008, 03:31 PM

I purchased a package deal with an A-100 and several Tamron lenses on Ebay a couple of weeks ago and I couldn't be happier.

The settings and menus are very clear and easy to understand. I've been doing a lot of experimenting trying to teach myself to use different shooting modes, something I never did with my film camera. My rig came with a 4 gig flash drive which holds almost 300 pics shooting in RAW, or close to 1000 in Fine. The software package that comes with the camera has a couple of nice base level editing/viewing programs.

My last camera was an old Minolta X-700. The controls on the A-100 are very similar due to the Sony cameras retaining much of Minolta's design characteristics. It's surprising though, how easy the transition has been from an 80s model film camera to a brand new digital. I've gotten some great pics already even though I'm only beginning to get familiar with some of the more intricate details of the camera.

On the topic of accessories, don't be afraid to go outside of the Sony name. There are some great lenses, filters, adapters, etc. available from other manufacturers that will do a fine job and probably save you some money.

ERPhoto

04-03-2008, 04:55 PM

Well I dont have the a100 but I just purchased the a350 and I couldn't be happier. I didnt pick it up with any kit lenses but I do own a sony 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 and a minolta 50mm 1.7 and both lenses are incredible.

I'm a photography student at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and this camera has far exceeded my expectations.

nino xerri

04-04-2008, 08:53 AM

I have had the A100 for about 1 year now and have been very happy with its performance. It also came with a 18-70mm Sony Lens. This is the first DSLR for me and purchased it because I also own a Minolta 7000 SLR (primarly used for Slides) plus a Tamron 28-300mm. All the lenses are interchangable, which gives me a good range of focal lengths.

JMBull

04-04-2008, 01:15 PM

I have had my Sony A100 for a month now and I love it. I got it with the 18-70 kit lens and I have a Minolta slr lens 75-300 that is fantastic. I am new to the dslr also but so far it takes great photos. If I can learn to do as well as it can provide. It is a lot different from my point and shoot Canon S2is. Looking forward to learning more about it.

jomamma1

04-04-2008, 11:50 PM

I have been using my A100 for about a year now. I have the basic kit lens and the 70 to 300. Both are very suitable for my strictly amateur use. I hope to do some astro-photography soon. My other camera is a very old Nikon FE2 with several lens. I don't use it much anymore and keep it mainly for a very nice Nikon 55mm Macro lens that I have for it.

Accessories that I have so far for the A100 are the F56AM flash, an omni bounce attachment for the flash, tripod, monopod, and circular polarizer filter. I would still like to have a remote cable, and a good 100 mm Macro lens. I also want to get what ever I need to use my A100 with my telescope.
Joe

Aikyrie

04-05-2008, 05:51 AM

I have one. I share it with a friend and we've had it for about a few months now. Dpreview gave it good reviews and it supposedly the best camera for new photographers.

I love using it but I'm getting use to the settings. I'm trying to play around with it as often as I can regardless of my lack of camera knowledge. I have no accessories for it though but then again there aren't that many from what I'm reading.

Although in the end I prefer Canons. :X I love Sony digital cameras though. Not so much for SLRs.

bloodndn

04-07-2008, 01:55 AM

Hi All,

I also recently purchased the A100 and i am having a wonderful time taking pictures and processing them using Adobe Bridge to download from camera. I also use Photoshop CS3 to edit. I used the 30 day Aperture trial and I admit it is a well thought out program, it was just too different from PS for me to spend the $ on something I may or may not use.

Anyway I like the camera and the 10.2 Mpix are excellent. I only have the 18-70 lens and would like to experiment with the 75-300 and also a 50mm macro to take some close ups and small stuff I also use a Tiffen CR polarizer filter, this filter helps reduce glare from water, glass, and gives a more richer blue to the sky.

"This is an exciting hobby" are some of the comments I have heard from other DSLR users and I hope to make this a very exciting hobby and also a useful and productive hobby as well. I wish all users of this site good luck in your photography journey.

NS :) ~ Sony Alpha ∂100, 18-70 lens, Tiffen CR Polarizer.

iNap

04-07-2008, 03:05 AM

I've had my A100 since mid-October and carry it everywhere I go. (Well, I don't carry it into the shower...^_^) I have the 18-70mm kit lens and a mediocre 100-300mm 4.5-6.7 Sigma, though I just (as in it hasn't even shipped yet) snagged one of the 50mm 1.7 Minoltas that I've heard nothing but good things about.

I'm a journalism major, so I like the idea of carrying a camera everywhere--but I'm not a photojournalism major (I'm newspaper (editing/design concentration) instead), so when I was choosing my camera, I didn't feel constrained by the usual two choices of Canon and Nikon. (Besides, it's great whenever I do take photos for my paper--nobody ever mistakes my camera for their own. ^_^)

I like being able to buy old lenses (and usually save money) and know they'll still be stabilized just as much as any brand-new lens I could buy off the shelf today. I like the placement of the controls (very intuitive, especially the function dial on the top left). Really, my only complaint is the noise once you get around ISO 800 (and even more, of course, at 1600), but a little bit of work in Camera Raw tends to help with the worst of it.

I've got a relatively cheap tripod (which does the job for now) and, as I said, I've got a few lenses, so now I'm mainly in the market for a flash, I suppose. (Of course, on a broke-college-guy budget near the end of the semester while I'm about to pay a deposit on an apartment for the summer and presenting at a conference abroad in May, it'll have to wait a bit. The lens was a bigger priority for me right now.)

pirut

04-07-2008, 04:08 AM

I am a new one A100 user from Malaysia. I bought my A100 on November 2007. Its quiet fantastic. Well, my part time job was a wedding photographer now on. :D

bloodndn

04-09-2008, 06:23 AM

Hi All,

I just purchased today a Sony SAL 75-300 lens. I just had to take it out to test drive it. I really like the lens. I have grown accustomed to the lens that came with my Sony Alpha A100, its an 18-70. I am used to the wide angle, and have been experimenting with the macro capabilities of the lens.

The first thing I noticed with the lens was the shorter angle of the lens. It seems as though not as much fits into the shoots I take. I have mostly been taking landscape shots and pictures of my children. The shorter angle is, I am guessing because it takes a longer shot, sort of troubling to me but I will get used to it.

I was able to take a shot of the crescent moon and that really blew me away. I have been taking shots of the moon with the 18-70 lens and they lacked the close up feel that this lens brings with it, so to contradict what I said earlier, i guess i do like the lens.

I am new to DSLR photography and I am really enjoying the fact that you can adjust the shots to whatever situation you are in. Also the ability to take faster shots compared to a point and shoot camera. I also enjoy working with the pictures in photoshop and Adobe Bridge.

Cheers,

~Sony Alpha A100, 18-70, 75-300, and polarizer filter

camcorp

04-15-2008, 01:39 PM

i got one and its just fine for my needs
in terms of accesories, i don't bother, basic ones are offered by sony and third party
great camera i bought one in a sale so it was the best price/performance alternative, besides i own minolta lenses.

camcorp

04-15-2008, 01:44 PM

please see what the sony a100 can do in my post

http://digital-photography-school.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16742

when a sony with tethered mode appear i will buy it

PhotogMom

04-21-2008, 08:57 PM

Add me to the list...I have had mine about 7 months or so now and so far I like it...I just have alot to learn. So much that I don't know about it. I know it can do much more than what I am doing with it. But so far my shots have turned out pretty decent. I took it to a Blue Angels airshow just after I got it and got some fantastic shots even holding my 300mm minolta lense with no tripod...the camera shake feature is AWESOME!

But so far so good...but like I said, I have ALOT to learn about this thing. ;)

spudaroo

06-02-2008, 05:47 PM

I've had mine about 8 months. Love it. My husband has Nikon Cool Pix and we take both cameras on vacations since mine has the awesome zoom lens, I purchased the 200mm lens, which I love. I really need to play with it more. I want to learn to use the manual settings and really understand what I'm doing. It just takes time. This site is a great resource.

I guess my biggest complaint is the size of the camera, but, duh I knew it when I bought it. It's just a little awkward when traveling and I look so much like a tourist :D, versus my husband and his camera the size of a credit card.

porterd2nz

06-03-2008, 08:35 PM

Bought mine on May 7th, 2007: Twin lens kit + 100mm f/2.8 Macro, 50mm f/1.4, tripod, backpack, etc. :)

In two more years I'll have it all paid off :(

Then I'll need to upgrade my camera body :)

It'll probably take me two years to pay that off :(

Oh well, it's still cheaper than owning an elephant!

iNap

06-03-2008, 10:04 PM

It's just a little awkward when traveling and I look so much like a tourist :D, versus my husband and his camera the size of a credit card.

I always thought the smaller cameras looked more tourist-y, personally. Nothing against them--they're definitely useful to have (and lighter!)--but SLRs just seem more professional to me. (Granted, I also attend a large journalism school, so I see SLRs everywhere and not so many point-and-shoots, so YMMV. ^_^)

pacinothecat

06-14-2008, 09:19 AM

I love my Sony A100.

This is my first DSLR and since i bought it 8 months ago ive photographed weddings, landscapes, people, buildings, everything !!!.

I also have 4 lenses ( love the fact the body can fit so many ) :).

I have 2 sigmas 70-300 with macro and the 55-200
I have 1 minolta prime 50mm 1.7
and sony kit lens that came with it.

I now NEED the sony 700 with the portrait grip :D

I will post a few images when i get them sorted.

would love to hear from other sony alpha users

Linn

06-15-2008, 08:30 AM

I started out with a DSLR 1.5 years ago, and it was a A100, basically because of the recommendation from the store, plus that I somewhere in the basement had a Minolta 35mm with some lenses (which my mom adopted as soon as she saw my A100).

I have been very happy with it, and the "issues" are either common to all DSLRs (light and exposure), or due to my own inability.

There was just one set back with the A100, I cannot store my own settings, and as moved away from using it in just Auto mode (it actually works great as a point and shoot), I would have liked to be able to save my settings, as it still happens that I forget something.

So, last week I got the A700. Voaw! It is a very different feeling from using the A100. It feel in the hand is better, it is much more precise from the focus, and much faster. So, although I was really happy with the A100, I would recommend the 700 is you are out looking for a new one.

To go with it I picked up the Sony 50mm F1.4, and this lens is truly a treat (I have been working mostly with the Sony 18-200 before).

In addition I use a Minolta Macro, which works quite nicely with the Sony as well.

nemeios

07-30-2008, 09:36 AM

Let me be the latest addition to the list. I just received my first DSLR Sony A100 as a gift from my wife. I absolutely love the camera. I have purchased a couple of lenses in addition to the 18-70mm kit lens. I look forward to learning more here about the camera and photography in general.

humphreybc

09-23-2008, 10:32 PM

Add me to the list, bought my a100 a couple of weeks ago second hand. Is in brilliant condition, twin lens kit and bag, spare battery etc..

As my first DSLR, you can be sure that I think it's awesome!! Only trouble i'm having at the moment is finding an old external hot shoe flash that will be compatible with it...

wgwphotos

10-09-2008, 05:55 PM

I bought my a100 about 13 months ago, it was the image stabilizer in the camera body that made me decide. Right now I do want another Sony. I'm looking at the A350.. any thoughts!

William

TammyB74

10-14-2008, 01:41 PM

William, IMO if you are looking for another Sony I would save for the A700 or A900 depending on your needs. You can probably find the A700 for around $1100.00. I just upgraded my A100 to the A700 and I love it.

Fairweather

10-17-2008, 03:25 PM

I am new to this forum, and soon to be a Sony A100 user!! I am super excited about it. I have used a Sony DSC-H2 for years and enjoyed it very much. In the spring of this year I found myself yearning for something with a little more creativity, and a bit more zoom, so I foolishly went out and spent a lot of money on the Olympus SP570 ultra zoom camera. I didn't feel I was ready to step up to a DSLR at the time. I was immediately dissappointed with both the lack of image quality and the zoom range. Turns out my little Sony H2 takes better images than the Oly in most cases. Except for macros, the 570 excells at that! So after much deliberating and not wanting to spend a lot of money, I decided to buy a Sony A100 and a couple lenses. I am waiting patiently for it all to arrive in the mail...should be here today! I am not a "serious" photographer, but it has become somewhat of an obsession with me. I mostly shoot landscapes, flowers, birds, some portraits and of course my horses! Looking forward to trying out the new camera and learning new tips and techniques from this wonderful site.

Skoropada

10-17-2008, 04:42 PM

I don't know if you would like to count me in your A100 group, but I bought the A200 about 2 months ago and I'm really happy with it.

I have two kit lenses (18-70 mm & 75-300 mm) and a Minolta AF 50 mm f/1.7 (that I'm starting to love).

My plans for the future include a wider lens, and maybe a teleconverter (if I can find one).