tainkc Loc: Kansas City

You are right about the lenses. You do not need full frame lenses but one will not get full use of 24mp according to Sony when using digital lenses. It drops down a certain percentage. Sony explains this on their site.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

IMO, availability of lenses should be a big part of your decision. I'm a Nikon user, and I've been wishing (lately) that I'd gone with Canon because of more choices in the lenses I'm interested in. The 300 2.8 would be the deal-breaker for me. GL

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

Yes they are just as the reviews say and then some. I bought mine because I travel alot and shoot on the go. I need my camera to power on and focus in seconds. This one does the trick for me. There were many times I lost a shot because I couldn't get the camera ready and set in time. The moment had passed and I missed it. I usually take a few test shots as I drive to get the exposure dialed in. Eventhough lighting can change fast, this camera's electronics can keep up. As far as lens, you have a wide choice between Sony, Minolta and Carl Zeiss. The latter are very expensive though. I agree that the A77 is far superior...and next time I upgrade, I definetly will have it in mind. I didn't have a huge budget to work with, but wanted a camera that gave excellent images, good performance without breaking the bank. Another feature I needed was to be able to go back and forth from stills to movies and fast. Occassionally I shoot video to go with my stills for making DVDs for home movies. With just a push of a single button...I'm shooting HD video. Push the button again and I'm back in still mode. All with full time autofocus, no dials to turn, no menus to go through, its just that easy. The camera has built in HDR up to 6EV...you pick how much or less you want and the camera does the rest. Its a great camera for the price.

Sensei

I have a number of Nikon and Sony, I generally prefer working with the Sony. Camera weight , built in Image Stabilization, and a smart teleconverter 2 X digital zoom were all factors for me. I have had the A100 A350. . Presently I am using an A580 with the 550 as a back up. Have the Nikon D50, D5000. Didn't care much for the D80 D90 .. I suspect I will eventually get rid of most of them and pick up a new Sony. I have been very happy with them.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I am a Canon shooter. But when it comes to wide angle, I use the NEX series and Voigtlander 15mm Super wide Heliar in Leica screw mount with adapter. I use this with a 21mm viewfinder - works great - especially the auto HDR and sweep panorama - and it's compact and lite weight with high ISO capabilities ! ( no reason for flash ).

rufus1 Loc: Winter Haven, Florida

Randy, Have the A55, had an A300 gave to my daughter. Loved both. A55 is an excellnt camera but it will use up a battery-make sure you have a spare ready to go. You will get about 300-400 shots per charge.

Blake Loc: Alfred NY

BobInNJ,
yes we are and I am a graduate of Wellsvill High class of 80. Are one of your relitives a NYSDEC Sportsmen education instructor here? nex time you are in town ask the front deck to call Prof Clare's house. Thats my wife.She teaches engineering at the U. a Physicist and teaches optics, hmm can you say lenses???? :)

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

Thats right, you'll need an extra battery, it hogs energy with the EVF, but those are pretty cheap and widely available over the internet. Another cool feature with EVF is you can see all your menu items thru the viewfinder and make changes/adjustments without having to lower the camera from your face. The adjustments you make can be seen, the image will get lighter or darker depending on your settings. A preview button on front allows you to kill all the menus and information, so you can check your composure with no distracting numbers in the way. It also lets you see how your depth of field is coming out.

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

I didn't find either on Sony site or http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonyslta77/ reffering to needing full frame lenses to get 24.3 MP.

Sensei

Most of the lenses I use on the Sony digital cameras came from my film cameras. No problem finding a Minolta Mzxim Lens, or Sony Lens that will work with the full frame camera.
There are a number of ways to weather proof a camera, (zip lock bags which are cheap, small and one of those things I keep in my camera bag along with some garbage bag ties, and a clothespin). For me weight is a bigger consideration than weather proofing. I have taken comparatively light weight gear into a number of "hostile environments". I think it is more a question of overall preference. I always carry more than one camera and download as often as possible.

flashgordonbrown Loc: Silverdale, WA

You only lose mp when you use crop format lenses on full frame cameras-the A-77 is a crop(aps-c)24 mp sensor, so you get full mp no matter which type of lens that you install. The A-850 and A-900 are both full frame cameras, so crop format(lenses that don't cover full frame) will also only use 2/3 of the mp of the sensor. I have both 850s and a 77, but all of my lenses will cover full-frame format, so I don't lose any resolution. I do, however, lose angle of view when I use my lenses on the 77. I am looking to add at least l lens designed for the aps-c format-probably a Tamron 18-250 if I can find a good one used or the 18-270 if I have to get a new one. I had an 18-250 When I was using the A-350 & A-700 but sold it when I got the A-850s. Now it looks like I'm going to the A-77, so I need it again! So much for planning ahead. I do have the Zeiss 16-35/2.8, so when I get a second A-77 I may just put my Tamron 28-300 on it and be done with it!

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

I agree with you, I was answering tainkc.

whoroba Loc: Utah

Randy,
I went from a Minolta Maxxum series file camera to the Sony 350. One of the reason was I could use the lenses i have from my Minolta on the sony Body. I've never regretted the move. Have worked the Sony a55 and getting used to the distraction of the menu in the view finder took some time but it was conquerable. I an looking forward to upgrade to this camera soon .
a couple of pics from the a350
Wh

Reflection


Evening Light

Pixalated Loc: hiding ; >

Afraid I don't have a source for you, but having been a realtor who took her own pics (too cheap to hire!) the main tip is to find and photograph the 'focal point' in the room from the most flattering space. Sometimes you have to squeeze into a corner! If there isn't a natural focal point, make one. No fireplace? Arrangement of small green plants . 3's and 5's..those are the numbers. I'm sure your wife already knows these things, but sometimes we get so involved, we forget! Less is better, have client remove items at least for the photos. Good luck to you and your wife. Working as a realtor can be a hoot!

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

i'd settle for the 850 and be in fat city.