RandyL

I'm looking to upgrade from a Canon T1i set up and wonder if all the hype on the Sony A33-55's are founded. I've read the reviews and they seem impressive. Anyone have first-hand experience with either model?
By the way, just joined and look forward to conversing with other photography fanatics.
RandyL

fotomagic Loc: Glendale, Arizona

As an avid sony a series user (a380) I have been considering upgrading to the 55, my advice is yes upgrade the handling and quality of photos is great

RandyL

Thanks! I used Minolta products for years before Sony bought it out and the result wasn't good at first. It sure seems Sony has it great now tho. Maybe I'll rent one for a couple weeks and test run it. It's going to run close to three grand to replace my canon and my 28-90 and 70-200 2.8 Sigma lenses so I want to be sure. Thanks for the opinion!

BBNC

Put the make and model of the camera you desire in your search engine, and select the choice that says dpreview. They have a very comprehensive testing and review system for new cameras, and you can look at the reviews for older models too, if you're considering buying used.

I'm considering a Sony a-series as a second camera so I can put my Minolta Maxxum lenses back to work.

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

I own the Sony A700, A850 and A900. I just ordered the Sony A77 and to pay for it I sold my Sony A550 and A55. The A55 is a nice small camera loaded with many features which is great in dry weather, but the camera is not weather resistant and will be ruined in bad weather. The A77 which is more expensive is loaded with more features and is weather resistant but costs more. Sony Alpha series are great cameras, but you should check out the reviews on http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/ and decide on which camera is for you depending on your needs (cost, camera capability and style).

tainkc Loc: Kansas City

Yes, the Sony a55 is a great camera and then some. It has many innovative features that the other manufacturers are just now scrambling to catch up with. Its' picture taking capabilities and build qualities are second to none. All Sony alpha series cameras have built in image stabilization which means that you also save quite a bit of money when purchasing a new lens. It also takes all Minolta AF lenses. This can save you a ton of money when looking into a another lens.

The Sony a55 and a580 will go toe to toe with the Nikon 16mp D7000 and the Canon 18mp 7D. Both are excellent cameras by the way. They just cost more. And, as with any other camera in the same class, there will be some trade off in user features. This is normal.

The Sony a77 is weatherproof as well as being a 24mp full frame camera. The a77 will take full advantage of the Minolta AF lenses, otherwise you will have to pay a bit more for Sony full frame lenses. It also costs $1000.00 more than the a55. With the a55 just take normal care when shooting in bad weather or shooting near ocean spray and such. Either keep the camera protected or don't shoot at those times just like with any other camera.

Blake Loc: Alfred NY

I have had my Alpha 300 for about 3 years now it is my first DSLR. I live in upstate NY. Lots of rain and snow. I have taken it to Alaska and the ocean. I really like it a lot. I am considering upgrading to the 800 series, but still considering. Good luck and have fun :)

BobInNJ Loc: In NJ, near Phila. Pa

A couple of observations re: this string. First, I bought a Sony A-100 4 years ago, partly because of the Minolta compatability. Since then I bought two more lenses- A Sigma WA and Sony's 18-70 telephoto, my workhorse lens.
I have never used my older Minolta lenses for whatever that is worth. I am here to learn, so dont take this as advice from a pro! Secondly. the A-100 has been a terrific choice. I was happy to hear the positive comments on the A-55; anyone want to buy my A-100? Comes with Sony's Flash Attachment .
Since I have your attetion, I am still looking for resource material regarding interior photography. Any links would be MOST welcome! (see attached pic as why I need help!)
Bob D.

trying to avoid flash- what settings may work?

BobInNJ Loc: In NJ, near Phila. Pa

A couple of observations re: this string. First, I bought a Sony A-100 4 years ago, partly because of the Minolta compatability. Since then I bought two more lenses- A Sigma WA and Sony's 18-70 telephoto, my workhorse lens.
I have never used my older Minolta lenses for whatever that is worth. I am here to learn, so dont take this as advice from a pro! Secondly. the A-100 has been a terrific choice. I was happy to hear the positive comments on the A-55; anyone want to buy my A-100? Comes with Sony's Flash Attachment .
Since I have your attetion, I am still looking for resource material regarding interior photography. Any links would be MOST welcome! (see attached pic as why I need help!)
Bob D.

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

The A77 is an APS-C sensor so you don't need full frame lenses and full frame on the A77 will give you an increase of 1.5 over the stated lens MM.

BobInNJ Loc: In NJ, near Phila. Pa

I am also looking at the Sony NEX-5N. Looks incredible and can get the A-lens adaptor,keep the lenses I have. Sony features low-light capability, does that mean I may eliminate flash attachments? Still hoping to find something on interior shots. thanks to everyone for posts- I sign in just to see what's up, leave 4 hours later!

Blake Loc: Alfred NY

BobInNJ,
Very nice picture, are you the Agent for this house???? lol!!!
Try playing with ISO, shutter spead, and set the camera for landscape. If the lighting is very poor you may even consider using the BULB setting on your camera. Crank the shutter speed down to BULB. You will need a trypod to do this or another stable platform. Also you can play with the picture in post production by using photoshop or other programs. Have fun;)

BobInNJ Loc: In NJ, near Phila. Pa

TY, Blake! My wife Sue IS the agent, and a darn good one! Anyway thanks for the advice- very nice of you.My ISO on the A-100 taps out at 1600, which draws me to the NEX-5N at 4800 or so. Photoshop another topic altogether- I have Elements on my system, trying to learn that too!
- another thing i tried- some homes have 30-foot family rooms etc., so I got a couple of $25 remote flashes and place them half way down thr room to capture the far end. Have had modest success but dont like the shadow effect of flash much.

BobInNJ Loc: In NJ, near Phila. Pa

BTW, Blake--We stay a the hotel on Alfred U campus when we come up to see relatives in Wellsville. We neighbors huh?

jackinkc Loc: Kansas City

Canon gear is excellent. That said, right after using an A100 with a Minolta "beercan" lens, I sold a complete Canon 5D outfit, with L grade lenses, . As soon as it was available I purchased a Sony/Zeiss 16-80mm lens. I bought an A900 the minute it came on the market and followed that with A Sony G 70-200 and a Konica/Minolta (Tamron) 17-35mm.