What’s Your Preference?

BlueFightingCat · #1 (**permalink**) 11-08-2010, 08:52 AM

Hi Everyone,

I've recently read many reviews of the Sony Alpha A55. And I have to say I am intrigued. I am seriously tempted to sell my Canon 550D and glass and replace it with the A55. I keep reading reviews and the A55 just keeps getting good things said about it.

So I was wondering whether anybody here can either convince me to go over the edge and get the A55 or tell me that I am being an idiot and I should just stick to the Canon 550D.

Just to give you some background. I am a photography enthusiast/tourist. I take photos for memories and to impress friends and family. I like to make panoramas and I am experimenting with HDR. I shoot in RAW and post-process my photos. I don't shoot video. I am looking into this camera from a still photo point of view.

Now I would really appreciate it if you would avoid saying a Canon/Nikon is better just because it is a Canon/Nikon. If you think something is better then I would appreciate it if you would justify it.

Just some background about the A55:

Image Quality:

According to DX0, A55 is one of the best APS-C sensors:

DxOMark - List view

Also according to popphoto.com labtests the quality of the photos are great:

Camera Reviews | Photography - PopPhoto.com Offers Camera Reviews and Exclusive Photo Tips

Image-Resourcing.com and dpreview also give the camera great reviews!

Now the advantages of having the A55 over the 550D are:

- 10fps. This is great even though it has its limitations.
- EVF: Most people seem to think that this is a disadvantage. I had a chance to try the camera and it was fine. I especially like the electronic spirit level (usually my photos are all tilted) and the fact that you can adjust all settings without taking your eye of the VF.
- 100% VF.
- Panorama shooting, in camera HDR: Some people might think these are gimmicks but I think they might be useful to me.
- Small size: Makes it easier to carry around.

So what do you think? I would love to hear your opinions.

BFC

OsmosisStudios · #2 (**permalink**) 11-08-2010, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueFightingCat

So I was wondering whether anybody here can either convince me to go over the edge and get the A55 or tell me that I am being an idiot and I should just stick to the Canon 550D.

[...]

- 10fps. This is great even though it has its limitations.
- EVF: Most people seem to think that this is a disadvantage. I had a chance to try the camera and it was fine. I especially like the electronic spirit level (usually my photos are all tilted) and the fact that you can adjust all settings without taking your eye of the VF.
- 100% VF.
- Panorama shooting, in camera HDR: Some people might think these are gimmicks but I think they might be useful to me.
- Small size: Makes it easier to carry around.

You're being an idiot; just stick to your 550D.

- 10fps is good, i'll grant you, but you'll never use it. Seriously, never. I have access to 8fps, and Ive never needed it.
- EVF: You're wrong: it is a disadvantage. Its a pain in the ass, and the one on the A55, while good, is NOT a proper viewfinder. Its TINY, for one. Most cameras (though not your 550D) have grid lines as an option in the viewfinder instead of that spirit level (which, btw, isnt as sensitive as it should be). You should also be able to adjust all your settings without taking your eye from the viewfinder on any dSLR.
- 100% viewfinder just means you see the entire scene: as I mentioned, the viewfinder in the A55 is TINY and a pain to use.
- panorama/HDR: do yourself a favour: learn to shoot for panos and stitch in post. The Sweep pano may seem convenient, but its not great if you want to get at all creative with your panorama work. Same goes for HDR: its a nice gimmick for the person moving up from a P&S, but its nothing like the real deal
- Small size: have you SEEN one compared side-by-side with a 550D? For reference:
Sony A55 Body:
124x92x85 (mm)
Canon 550D body:
129x98x62 (mm)
AND the lenses are no smaller. It weighs a bit less (500g vs 530g) but thats really not enough to get excited about.

In short: stick to what you have and learn to use it. And STOP LOOKING AT GEAR. Go shoot.

jml79 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-08-2010, 03:57 PM

Mostly what he said but less harsh. Remember that you don't just buy a camera, you buy a system. Currently sony doesn't have a real semi-pro model.maybe if the a77 is everything it's hoped to be. But when it is all said and done, if you only have the body and kit lense now is the time to switch. I love my Sony but I likely wouldn't jump ship from either Nikon or Canon if I already had a bunch of stuff for them. A decent Canon with more FPS and guide lines will cost about the same but you can re-use your lenses and flash.