busted_shutter

So the good news is...I've been approved thru the Ohio Arts Council for a grant of $500, to be used for a new camera & equipment!! :):):). Currently I own a Minolta 9Xi(film) w/ 2 lenses; a Maxxum AF-Xi Zoom 28-80mm 1:4 and a Maxxum AF-Xi Zoom 100-300 1-4.5. I'm assuming these lenses are average speed(meaning nothing fancy). I've been told that altho they are compatible with Sony's A-mount system, that due to the updated(smaller) sensors, their range will be slightly compromised on the newer Sony body. Yes/No? If so...significantly?

How about the flash shoe/strobe-unit on a Sony? Compatible with the Minolta's, or will a new strobe be required as well. Currently own a Maxxum 5400xi Zoom Strobe.

Also looking into Nikon(s). The D-3100/3200. Where the 3100 is a 16MP, the 3200 is 24MP. Will the 10 MP difference be significantly noticable or miniscule?

Grant $$$ will be here in about a month...tick-tock edge of my seat anticipation!!

Open ears for all input.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Well I shot Nikon, so I would go the route. BUT that will mean all new lenses and speed light too. I would also look into a good used camera and lenses. But you can't go to wrong with either Nikon or the Sony. The glass you get will make the biggest difference in the long run. I guess I would look at some reviews on your lenses and see how they stack up. Or if you are happy with what you have been getting out of them. I know my older film lenses, which still fit on my D300s are not as good as the new glass I have now. Some are great, but I paid a pretty penny even back then. I guess it all boils down to what your budget is, and how fast you want new glass.
Erv

RaydancePhoto

I have a Sony a57 and Minolta glass, I am very happy with the combo. The older Minolta lenses are very good (superb) and not very expensive used on Ebay and such.

melismus Loc: Chesapeake Bay Country

About "range slightly compromised..." The sensors in most DSLRs are smaller than the 35mm frame. This means that a shot with 100mm lens will look like it was taken with 150mm on full frame.

tainkc Loc: Kansas City

First off, $500.00 is not going to get you very far. Since you already have Minolta lenses that fit the Sony alpha series, stick with Sony. Some of the Minolta flashes mount up to the alphas, some don't. They do have shoe adapters that are really cheap.

The Sony cameras are every bit as good as a Nikon or Canon - and cheaper. Nikon uses Sony sensors. Minolta lenses work just fine. A good example of this is the Minolta 28mm prime. You can pick them up for under $50.00. The Sony equivalent is near $800.00. The Minolta is actually a better lens.

Now then, back to the grant. I take it that you have some of your own money to spend on a camera. When looking to purchase a camera, do not worry that much about megapixels; there seems to be a lot of hype on this from the manufactures. Just do your homework and find the camera that fits your needs.

All the new Sony's use an electronic viewfinder. Don't let that bother you either. They work just fine. Their translucent mirror technology works just fine also. In a couple of years this will be the standard throughout the industry.

Back to the lenses that you already have. If they are quality Minolta lenses, You will not have any problems with image quality at all (I.Q.). The only difference being is what you see in your view finder; and that won't be much. To go out and start new with these lenses can cost you a couple of thousand dollars for the same quality of glass. Just google for the ratio difference between a full frame 35mm film camera and a cropped sensor camera. After you find yourself thoroughly confused, just pretend you didn't google that in the first place.

Then go on the internet and do your homework. Read the reviews. You can even look up comparisons between 2 or 3 models of different brands. They all have their pros and cons. I have found that just about all the reviews are slanted toward what the reviewer already owns. Imagine that.

As for your flash unit, you can call Sony and they will tell you if it will match right up or if you need an adapter. If you need a new flash, use that some of that grant money to buy one.

Remember, You already have 2 good lenses. That will save you a ton of money. Sony cameras are 2nd to none. They are an excellent camera just like the other brands but you may even get more features for a lot less money. Also bear in mind that a full frame dslr, even though it may be nice to have, is a lot more money that you probably do not have or need to spend. I have a crop sensor camera and I can blow my pictures up to the size of a barn with no problems. This is just fine by me.

If you have any questions about Sony camera models and their features, just pm me and I will try to fill in the blanks.

GDRoth Loc: Southeast Michigan USA

I fully agree with tainkc...........with your budget, start with the lenses you have today...........

wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ

tainkc makes good sense. But IMHO the 16 vs 24 MP is about pixel wars to sell a new camera. I doubt if there'd be much of a visible difference with sensors being the same size. But if you're considering those two it makes sense to also look at the D5100.

oldmalky Loc: West Midlands,England.

A friend who has been in photography since film, started with Sony because of the lens,he started with the a100 then changed to a a55 and swears by Minolta and encouraged me to get the 100-300 like yours, its a lovely lens and you lose nothing.