kaz6756 Loc: Canarsie,Brooklyn, New York

What do you think about the Sony A65?

Does anyone have it?
What do you know about it please?

Thanks

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

Sony makes cameras equal to or better than any other DSLR. The mirrorless cameras are making a big impact. People that I have taked to that use these cameras are very happy. Some (not well informed) might try to tell you that the choice of lenses for Sony is limited, but that is not the situation. Sony makes good lenes, Minolta AF lenses, Sigmas & Tamron put the A-mount on most of their lenses. With the mirrorless systems you will need to more careful about dust getting into the camera when changing lenses.

kaz6756 Loc: Canarsie,Brooklyn, New York

Thanks Chapjohn.

altheman Loc: Christchurch, New Zealand

I was talking recently to the guy that sold me my Sony Nex 7 and he told me that during a recent holiday weekend here in Christchurch NZ he sold 9 DSLRs and seven of them were Sonys. He tells me that Sonys are just walking out the door and they his biggest selling brand at the moment. A friend of mine recently replaced his EOS 5d mk11 system and went over to a Sony A99 system.

Floyd Loc: Misplaced Texan in Florence, Alabama

In January of this year, I purchased an A65 as upgrade from an A100 and could not be happier. Also, several previous comments on this site have indicated that Sony makes the sensors for both Canon and Nikon.
Be sure and check out the reconditioned ones on the Sony site and the used ones on the B&H and Adorama sites-both very reputable companies.

Rob O' Loc: Freakin' Hot Arizona

The a65 is the little brother to the a77 and will give you the same image quality (all other things being equal).

Similarities:
same sensor
same picture effects
same viewfinder

differences:
a65 has a plastic body compared to a77 magnesium alloy
no weathersealing
slower max shutter speed
slightly slower burst rate
less ISO range
less bracketing range
front dial only
no GPS
LCD has less articulation
cannot take a vertical grip (yes there are exceptions but inelegant ones)

There are quite a few other differences, but with the same lens on either the a65 or a77, you'll get the same image. If you can spring for the a77 you'll be much happier. It has been discounted considerably lately.

tomd01 Loc: Allentown, Pa.

I purchased an a65, to upgrade from the a230. I was torn between the a65 and the a77, when it was all said and done I got the 65 because I don't do much photography in the rain or around wet conditions. I sometimes have a buyers remorse, but am totally satisfied with my purchase. If you buy either one I'd suggest buying David Baush's book on how to use the camera, he covers all the bases.

RaydancePhoto

I got a Sony A57 as a trial about 1 1/2 years ago, at the time I was a Canon shooter and had L glass and all the accessories. I was so impressed with the Sony that I bought an A65 and sold all my Canon gear. Minolta lenses are wonderful, I have since done a lot of research and have collected the best Minolta lenses for less than the cost of 1 Canon L lens. One big + for me was the weight of the lenses, the Minolta's are very light compared to my Canon lenses. Below is a list of my lenses.

50mm f/1.4 exceptional lens (no bag is complete without a 50mm) must have for low light
100mm f/2.8 exceptional lens
135mm f/2.8 great portrait lens, extremely sharp.

35-105 Macro - This lens will do (almost) true macro and is also great for portraits. If you look for this lens, they made 2 versions, you want the one with the Macro switch on the barrel of the lens. Very inexpensive for the quality, see link below. This lens is the one I use 90% of the time.

70-210 f/4.0 Beer Can again an exceptional lens. I feel it is just as good glass as my Canon 70-200 f/2.8 L - They made 2 versions of this lens, the BeerCan is the best quality.

75-300 f/3.5-5.6 - not the best lens but very acceptable if I need just a bit of longer reach.

kaz6756 Loc: Canarsie,Brooklyn, New York

WOW all
Thanks so much, You all gave great reviews and advice.
I can afford the a65 now so I'm going to get it at Focus Camera today(Sunday)
They are like B&H here in Brooklyn
I've done business with them before they are great.
I just don't want to go on the trains much anymore, to go into the city.
Thank you

Rob O' Loc: Freakin' Hot Arizona

Good luck! I know you'll enjoy it very much. I'll look forward to some photos. And if you find you're stumped about something on the a65, just send me a PM and I'll try to help you out.

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

Hey Doc ..... I sold all my Nikon equipment, went to Best Buy and picked up all new Sony stuff ..... then I fell out of bed and woke up ..... I was having a terrible nightmare ..... ha,ha,ha,ha,

kaz6756 Loc: Canarsie,Brooklyn, New York

I got the book on my android kindle. thanks I'll be into it on my break at work today

tomd01 Loc: Allentown, Pa.

qwazy wabbit, I thought we you were serious