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Low budget
Dec 8, 2012 18:22:27   #
jomamma1
 
As the title suggests, I'm on a very low budget for photography. I currently have a Sony Alpha100 with the standard kit lenses (75 to 300, and 18 to 75). I also have a Sony GN56 flash.

My other camera is a Canon Rebel T3 with only the standard kit lens (18 to 55). I don't have any extra equipment for the Canon.

My question is which of these cameras should I focus on for future equipment purchases. I would like to eventually have a good 100mm macro lens and probably a bigger zoom. In the future I may be able to upgrade to a better body and would like to purchase equipment for the best choice of body's.
Any suggestions?

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Dec 8, 2012 18:40:41   #
tramsey Loc: Texas
 
Low budget?? You have better equipment than I do and I'm not going to upgrade. I have a Panasonic FZ 20 that is seven years old and has a whooping 5 megapixels. But under the right circumstances I can get pictures up to 11 x 14 that look pretty good.
Unless you plan to go professional what you have is great. That Canon is an excellent camera.
If I were you I would get good glass for the Canon, I mean L series. It would be used from KEH, B&H, Adorama and even EBay, if there is a return policy with it. But what you have is very good.
The Sony is a little long in the tooth but it has 10 megapixels, from what I understand that is the minimum for quality photos. I have half that and do all right. The sensor on your Sony is a good size so your all set. Just start looking for some good used glass. :thumbup: :thumbup:

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Dec 8, 2012 18:45:11   #
jomamma1
 
Thanks for the input tramsey. The Sony was bought several years ago when money wasn't so tight. The Canon I won in a contest from Ritz camera about a year ago.

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Dec 8, 2012 18:49:06   #
CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver
 
It is a tough call. Right now, Canon has the superior system in terms of lenses, flashes, and all kinds of accessories. However, Sony has the determination to become a real competitor to Nikon and Canon. Since they bought Minolta, they have made some terrific strides in the product line. The new Sonys are excellent.

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Dec 8, 2012 23:30:31   #
Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri
 
This question may be easier to answer in a year as Sony breaks more technological ground and Nikon and Canon wake up and realize they have real serious and very capable competition.

Today, I'd stay with Canon. Hundreds of accessories and third party gadgets, lenses, etc.
I'll undoubtedly remain with Canon for the long term as Sony has stumbled several times in the past with marketing strategy and proprietary standards.

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Dec 8, 2012 23:55:43   #
SharpShooter Loc: NorCal
 
Festina Lente wrote:
This question may be easier to answer in a year as Sony breaks more technological ground and Nikon and Canon wake up and realize they have real serious and very capable competition.

Today, I'd stay with Canon. Hundreds of accessories and third party gadgets, lenses, etc.
I'll undoubtedly remain with Canon for the long term as Sony has stumbled several times in the past with marketing strategy and proprietary standards.


Jomamma, I would have to agree with Festina, not because I think that Canon is the cats meow, but because of the availability of corporate and aftermarket product not to mention used. Ultimately, your call. Good Luck

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Dec 9, 2012 07:03:00   #
lavs49 Loc: Hayden Idaho
 
My 2 cents would be to stay with the sony, first off you have a really nice flash unit that is essential if you really want to produce quality photos in many scenarios, secondly with the Sony you are able to use the older but fantastic minolta maxxum glass which can be found very reasonably priced and available. But really in this day and age you can't go wrong with any of the the major camera systems so find what you like and are comfortable with and go from there.

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Dec 9, 2012 08:28:01   #
Zero_Equals_Infinity Loc: Canada
 
Switch to a Phase One IQ180 and Schneider or Rodenstock glass .... kidding.

I would concentrate on the Canon due to the selection of glass within the Canon line, and the availability of Canon mounted 3rd party glass.

Now if someone would give me the IQ180 I will forever smile upon you as a good soul... No takers, why am I not surprised?

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Dec 9, 2012 08:49:03   #
bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.
 
i started with the a-200,still have it.the a-550 or a-580 would be good upgrades.look for used ones.used minolta maxxum lenses can be had used and offer some good choices.try keh.

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Dec 9, 2012 09:01:11   #
photonphysicist Loc: Texas
 
Festina Lente wrote:
This question may be easier to answer in a year as Sony breaks more technological ground and Nikon and Canon wake up and realize they have real serious and very capable competition.

Today, I'd stay with Canon. Hundreds of accessories and third party gadgets, lenses, etc.
I'll undoubtedly remain with Canon for the long term as Sony has stumbled several times in the past with marketing strategy and proprietary standards.


I agree - stick with Canon.

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Dec 9, 2012 16:12:18   #
sportyman140 Loc: Juliette, GA
 
the T3 and I would get Sigma lenses 70-300mm for zoom Sigmas 105macro

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Dec 9, 2012 16:20:13   #
SharpShooter Loc: NorCal
 
Zero_Equals_Infinity wrote:


Now if someone would give me the IQ180 I will forever smile upon you as a good soul... No takers, why am I not surprised?


Zero, I or others would have probably considered your request had you only sounded a little more sincere and genuine about it. But, alas, you only get one chance to make a first impression!!

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Dec 9, 2012 22:34:08   #
PJART Loc: Nanaimo, BC
 
I have no experience with Sony. But ! I previously had a Canon 35 mm camera with three different lenses. Therefore when I switched to digital I also went for Canon simply because I can use my old lenses on it, and of course I have always had attained quality photos with my Canon. Since then I also found that not only is there a huge variety of lenses and assorted equipment available made by Canon but also by other companies like Sigma that work with Canon.

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Dec 10, 2012 04:51:22   #
grumpeegit Loc: Bridgend, Wales, U.K.
 
lavs49 wrote:
My 2 cents would be to stay with the sony, first off you have a really nice flash unit that is essential if you really want to produce quality photos in many scenarios, secondly with the Sony you are able to use the older but fantastic minolta maxxum glass which can be found very reasonably priced and available. But really in this day and age you can't go wrong with any of the the major camera systems so find what you like and are comfortable with and go from there.


+1 on this comment.

You wont go wrong with any system these days, it's all down to what's right for you. My choice - Sony everytime. I love my Sony's and can't fault them.....!

:wink:

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