Eye 4 it

first time on..... My husband purchased a Sony DT18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM and surprised me. He knows nothing about the science behind photography. Quite frankly, neither do I. I can't seem to make sense of all the terminology. I do LOVE taking pictures. I am very critical of my work and delete more photos than I keep. I am the one that is called on to take new baby, wedding and senior pictures for friends and family. I really enjoy telling a story with my pictures rather than actually shooting the perfect scene. I have an eye 4 it. I have found you either have an ability for taking great pictures or you don't regardless of the equipement you have. I have been using a borrowed Nikon SLR camera for years. We moved and I had to return it, sadly. I was really expecting my husband to replace it with a newer Nikon but he went with the Sony instead. Not wanting to hurt his feeling, I'm using it. He chose the Sony because I have an old Minolta Maxxum 5 film camera with 3 lenses (sigma 70-300mm, 28-80mm quantaray 77mm). He was told they should work interchangibly with the Sony. We just moved and I haven't down loaded any of the pictures yet. My work looks fine in the camera but time will tell. I have searched the internet for reviews and haven't found much. Did we waste our money? Any thoughts?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Thats your lens, what is your body?

Eye 4 it

I told you I didn't know anything about Photography. It's an A body....I guess. It says a55 SLT-A55VL.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Here is a full review of your camera, they aren't too bad at all.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonyslta55/

rufus1 Loc: Winter Haven, Florida

I use an a55 and an a300 both will get you quality photos. Your husband was wise to integrate your Minolta lenses-good glass. Show us what you have. Oh yes welcome to UHH

mgstrawn Loc: Atlanta, GA

I totally agree! I have a Nikon D3100 and I am very pleased. However, I wanted the A33 which is similar to the A55 less some mega pixels and no GPS. Neither the A33 or A55 were available when it came time to buy. The only negative thing I've heard about those cameras is that some have experienced overheating when with used for long periods of picture taking without any pause. I think your husband made a great choice especially in light of the fact that you have compatible lenses that will work with it as well. Can't wait to see some of your photos. Enjoy!!

Eye 4 it

Thanks so much for your help and encouragement. I can breathe easier. I posted a few pictures in the gallery section. Be honest!

keithsnyder Loc: Houghton, MI

I have a Minolta 5D, and when I upgrade later this year, it will almost certainly be a Sony, either a mid-range DSLR or one of those NEX 7s, if I can spring for it and the reviews come out as good as I expect they will. I love having the in-body image stabilization, and even though my 5D is the lower-end bodies and technically a dinosaur, it is capable of taking some really good photos. As I see it, the main advantages of Canon or Nikon are the availability and variety of lenses, and the opportunity in certain locations of renting a really nice lens for special events. I'm sure I'll never see that for the KM/Sony stuff.

djw60 Loc: Vermont

I love my Sonys!! I have a200 & a580. One of my lenses is also a Minolta. I learn as I shoot, and I have not found any problems with my Sonys. Keep shooting and let us see your photos. Good luck :)

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

You want terminology? Here's terminology.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-26493-1.html

As for Nikon/Sony, Sony makes excellent cameras. They even make the sensors for other brands of cameras. For future consideration, everyone needs a back-up camera.

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

I have the Sony A77, A900, A850 and A700 with some older Minolta lenses and they work great. If your camera is a Sony A55 (or similar model) don't get it wet (take it out in the rain without protective cover) as they are not weather proof.

lightandshadowjourney Loc: Virginia

I would LOVE to know the pros and cons of your A580. Seriously thinking about it, but with Tamron lenses. First call camera is a wonderful Panasonic Lumix but it is a fixed lens, smaller sensor.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Eye 4 it: Perhaps you feel some guilt for not being part of the Canon/Nikon Quilt!! Indeed there surly some priests who will give you absolution for straying from the fold! That Nikon/Canon Cult comment being said, I will get technical.

Being a hard ball specification/cost-value person, you husband did the right thing. I was an ol'Minolta 7000 user and had luckily (my pack rat nature)saved my old lenses and buried my 7000i in the back yard (the cross is still there, the one on the right is my beloved cat).

Being retired and on limited budget, I purchased a refurbished a-330 with the 18-55mm for less than $400 from Sony on Line store. Now with the "green" (back compatible) anti-shake/in-body & auto-focus of these lenses I have a wide range of excellent lenses and an excellent body. (check out the history of Maxxum Lenses, Zeiss and Leica contracted with Minolta glass-words.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minolta_AF
The negatives about these lenses,,, very heavy, not made of plastic. Some have complained that they auto-focus slowly,, where is the data for that claim? Probably none, urban myth. The overheating as I recall is associated with the batteries discharging with use, not the actual body circuit getting hot (?? I think).

Your particular Sony is an award winner for 2010 if I recall correctly. So rather than saying reviews "not bad" I would replace that traditional phrase with "very good" or "Excellent". Words like "exciting" "compelling" were used by the reviewer in
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/AA55/AA55A.HTM

I have had my Sony for 6 months and love it. Get a after market book such as David Busch's Sony alpha SLT A55/A33 at 300+ pages you will find out the WOW of your new racing machine. So love you husband, love your Sony, use it well for years.

(PS: do not forget to invest in a 5 year repair warranty as you would with any camera... Amazon .. MACK 5 year $41)

jimberton Loc: Michigan's Upper Peninsula

i am a canon shooter, but i have a couple of friends that are sony fanatics...their photos are top notch awesome.

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

I don't have the A580 but I have Tamron lenses with the rest of my camera's (as well as some older Minolta and Sigma lens), and I can say that the newer Tamron lenses are top notch especialy the 18-270mm lens.