Which SONY Alpha camera do you own --- NOW!

[DonSchap]

Well, SONY has certainly shuffled the deck with a new crop of DSLRs for the masses.

So, as of Oct 1st , what SONY DSLR do you own or will you own by Dec 31, 2009?

[DonSchap]

If you are interested in some decent reading about your DSLR ... you can always consider spending several days reading and/or joining in the SONY DSLR forum (<- click here) on the Digital Camera Resource Page.

The forum goes all the way back to when the A100 was first introduced and covers a wide variety of issues, techniques and topics (such as "lens decisions" and camera settings). If it does not suit your fancy, fold the page and off you go.

[bmcguirk]

Don, I see you have the new 850! Tell us what you think of it?

[DonSchap]

Since you asked, Bob ...

I have found the α850 to be like a big brother to the α700. It's not quite as quick as the littler guy, but offers nearly identical operation and control. There are added features, such as 'Intelligent Preview' and "AF Micro-Adjust" (designed for use with SONY, Minolta and K-M lenses), too.

If you are looking for rapid frame rate from the camera, this is not the one to buy. That would be the pricier α900 @ 5 fps. But, if you want a full frame shot for your wide angle lenses ... and are shooting architecture ... this is your baby. Bursting is quite unusual while shooting architecture and landscape.

It holds in your paw bigger than the α700 ... and weighs a little bit more. It does NOT have a built-in flash, so not having that "convenience" takes a little getting used to.



The new HVL-F20AM takes its place and will serve a sync flash for wireless flash operation.

The RAW images are enormous and you need to be ready for that with a place for storage. Easily twice the size of an a700 shot.

The CZ 135mm f/1.8 returns to being a "portrait" lens when mounted on the α850/α900 body. A finer lens I have yet to use. Personally, I find the α850 and α700 a terrific combination, if you already have the α700.



The APS-C for speed and the Full Frame for the real width out of your lenses. The α850 will mount your existing APS-C lenses you have and provide identical shots to the α700, in the APS-C Compatibility Mode, so it could replace the α700 in that regard. What you would lose would be that nice burst speed, but if that is an issue, go for the hopping α900, instead, and get it.

If you feel your lenses have not been wide enough for you ... here's your answer, without having to buy new glass ... provided they are Full Frame lenses and not APS-C lenses.

But, when you are looking long ... it makes a great counterweight!



And as far as a decent color image ... yeah, it does that, too ...


SONY a850 w/ TAMRON SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF)
@ 70mm - f/9 - 1/200 sec - ISO-800 - CWA - Daylight - M - Handheld - Creative style = "Autumn Leaves"

[bmcguirk]

Very nice, Don! Seems to be an impressive camera. I'm happy with my 700 for now and don't know if I ever will go full frame. I did purchase a new lens today. I got (well ordered) the Tamron 17-50. Thanks for the review!!

Bob

[DonSchap]

Bob, the TAMRON SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) is a terrific choice for the α700 camera. In fact, I would go so far as to say "for the money you spent, it is the best!"

17-50-a700.jpg

Try to remember to back off just a little from shooting full wide, although it is pretty good at that, too. Shoot 20mm if you can.

I have used that particular lens for over three years, since it was introduced back in April, 2006. It is the first one I use on the α700, just like its brother, the TAMRON SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) is my first choice for the α850.

[bmcguirk]

Thanks, Don. I will use your advise on the lens. Can't wait for it to arrive!

[ThomS.]

Hello everyone. I am a happy owner of an a230 as of about two weeks ago. I'm really happy with the camera, though will buy no means say I'm using it to it's fullest potential. This is my first dSLR, after shooting around 20 rolls with an older Pentax Spotmatic I realized I'd be better suited with a dSLR to learn on. I'm spending as much time as I can reading posts here and articles on the main page trying to learn as much as I can. It's great fun already, and I'm sure it's only going to become more and more fun as I learn more and shoot more.

I also have a (probably easy, albeit somewhat objective) question for you Mr. Schap. I picked up the Sony 75-300mm on yesterday, and although I haven't been able to properly try it out, I'm becoming concerned that it's more than I need and I should return it and get instead the TAMRON 18-200. I realize the TAMRON has a shorter maximum focal length, but I think it may be a more useful lens at this point in time. I suppose the question I have for you Mr. Schap, is do you think the TAMRON would be the more useful lens?

[Florida Guy]

I am currently shooting with 2 a700's. I am selling the one a700 and purchasing the a850 this week. I can't wait to shoot with it. The images that I have seen from the a850 are awesome.

[OcularPerceptions]

I upgraded all my gear a few months ago. I went from the A700 and several DT lenses to the A900 and lenses that support full frame. The A700 was a dream to use and the A900 continues the trend.