Any user of Sony alpha 200 ?

[LavenderTea]

A newbie in the world of DSLR, all my Photocrazy kakis suggested I must buy Canon.Was set on Canon 400D initially, but was swayed last min cos' I realised that Sony bought over Minolta, which means all my previous Minolta lens and 55mm filters can also be used, now kinda regret when I realised there are very few user or groups out there using Sony DSLR ? Is Sony alpha 200 really lousy compared to Canon 400D or NIkon for amateurs to semipro ?

[greenieadi]

Originally Posted by LavenderTea A newbie in the world of DSLR, all my Photocrazy kakis suggested I must buy Canon.Was set on Canon 400D initially, but was swayed last min cos' I realised that Sony bought over Minolta, which means all my previous Minolta lens and 55mm filters can also be used, now kinda regret when I realised there are very few user or groups out there using Sony DSLR ? Is Sony alpha 200 really lousy compared to Canon 400D or NIkon for amateurs to semipro ?

Very subjective and touchy question. I don't have a Sony body, yet, using the old KM 5D. Like u, I have friends using a Nikon D70, D200 and D2x. Even my brother is using a Nikon D50.

But I still go the A-mount way. Suggestion, bring all your Canon kakis to any Sony gallery, Jurong East IMM good one. Bring their 50mm prime lens with the 400D and do a comparison test shot. If I'm not mistaken, the one on display uses the kit lens and the A700 using the 50mm f1.4 prime. U can ask the staff that u one to switch the lenses between the bodies, they will surely help.

For that matter test the A700 while you are at it. Bring along your CF card for reference later. Do test the DRO function too. I suggest let your Canon kakis do the test.

I don't know whether Canon has such shops allowing walk-in shoppers to test their camera like Sony does. Do note that the Sony lenses and bodies there have been abused somewhat by the walk-in public.

Don't worry about the numbers of Sony users, they are new and the public is slowly and surely starting to be aware of their presence. If you talk about the amount of A-mount users, then the numbers are quite significant. Sony so far came out with the A100, A700, A200, the soon to arrive A300 and A350 plus the to be announce A900 24Mp Full frame body. Sigma starting to introduce again lenses for Sony A-mount with HSM. Tamron also making new lenses for the A-mount too. It shows the confidence in Sony DSLR market.

Slowly but surely the Sony market is growing as they target newbies more than the oldbird becoz of the lens investment those Pros already made. Personally I believe Sony have the technological and $$$ power to make it work. SSS and DRO is a good innovation, IMHO.

You then decide which way to go based on price point and function. My worry is your Canon kakis might actually like it too.

Happy shooting.

[yokechye]

aiyoh.. got double post

[greenieadi]

Originally Posted by yokechye aiyoh.. got double post

I think was posted in wrong section, transferred here.

[francisdcx]

I'm not using a alpha 200 but me and my buddy are a700 users. We love the results.

[Rashkae]

Originally Posted by greenieadi I think was posted in wrong section, transferred here.

Nope, he really double-posted. I think he may have duplicated this thread in another section.

http://forums.clubsnap.com/showthread.php?t=350387