Should I get the Sony A65?

[Eternit]

Hey Guys!

I am an absolute beginner getting my first DSLR. I have done much research and had came down to 3 options within my budget: Canon 650D, Nikon D5200 and Sony A65. I went to different shops to test out all the models quite a few times, and amongst the 3 I like Sony best, the grip is nice and the electronic viewfinder is amazing. A65 is also the cheapest among the 3, spec wise it is also comparable: 24.3MP, 10 FPS, and a slightly bigger sensor than 650D, good auto focus with videos etc. I have a few concerns:

1) Throughout my research I have seen plenty of good reviews on Sony A65, but a common complaint is that it's not very good (high noise level) at low light/high ISO situations. Is it really THAT bad? Are there any remedies or is it a very serious issue?

2) A65 is an early 2011 model, oldest amongst the 3. Even though you can never chase the pace of tech and no matter how new a model you get it will get replaced one day, but I have an uneasy feeling of getting an old model, what if few months later it gets replaced? I mean it has been 2 yeas since it's release...

3) Place to buy: Retail price at S$999 with kit on Sony website, Courts and Harvey Norman selling at this priced too. I called Cathay Photos at Peninsular Plaza today and they selling it at S$899 with the same free gifts. Are they trustworthy? If so I want to save S$100 and get it there.

4) Sony has this PWP (Purchase with Purchase), if im getting the A65 with kit lens at $899, I still have some to spare to get an extra len. I'm thinking of getting either the SAL75300 at $379 or the SAL55200-2 at $199, which one would you recommend?

Any other advice or comments?

Really appreciate your help! Thanks!!!

 

[kei1309]

if you love the grip out the lot, then get it.

1) photography is more than just "the noise is too high" at High ISO.

2) if it fits your budget, get it. there's no point waiting for a new one if it's too expensive for you to afford

3) you can trust Cathay Photo

4) "lens" not len". if the A65 comes with the 18-55, get the 55-210mm.

there also happens to be the new kit. A65VM

SLT-A65VM : SLT-A65V : SLT & DSLR Camera (A-mount) : Sony Singapore

see if it's got a good price

 

[Rashkae]

Hey Guys!

I am an absolute beginner getting my first DSLR. I have done much research and had came down to 3 options within my budget: Canon 650D, Nikon D5200 and Sony A65. I went to different shops to test out all the models quite a few times, and amongst the 3 I like Sony best, the grip is nice and the electronic viewfinder is amazing. A65 is also the cheapest among the 3, spec wise it is also comparable: 24.3MP, 10 FPS, and a slightly bigger sensor than 650D, good auto focus with videos etc. I have a few concerns:

1) Throughout my research I have seen plenty of good reviews on Sony A65, but a common complaint is that it's not very good (high noise level) at low light/high ISO situations. Is it really THAT bad? Are there any remedies or is it a very serious issue?

2) A65 is an early 2011 model, oldest amongst the 3. Even though you can never chase the pace of tech and no matter how new a model you get it will get replaced one day, but I have an uneasy feeling of getting an old model, what if few months later it gets replaced? I mean it has been 2 yeas since it's release...

3) Place to buy: Retail price at S$999 with kit on Sony website, Courts and Harvey Norman selling at this priced too. I called Cathay Photos at Peninsular Plaza today and they selling it at S$899 with the same free gifts. Are they trustworthy? If so I want to save S$100 and get it there.

4) Sony has this PWP (Purchase with Purchase), if im getting the A65 with kit lens at $899, I still have some to spare to get an extra len. I'm thinking of getting either the SAL75300 at $379 or the SAL55200-2 at $199, which one would you recommend?

Any other advice or comments?

Really appreciate your help! Thanks!!!

For starters you could read/ask in the A65 thread that already exists in the Sony forum section.

To answer...

1. Nope, it's not a serious issue. It "looks bad" at 100% but once you resize your image to normal, viewable sizes or print it out, you won't see it. The dynamic range is fantastic though, and at low ISO (portraits, etc) it's fantastic.

2. Yeah, consumer hardware always evolves quickly. Rumors say the next release cycle is in early 2014, but even so the A65 can last you a long time. If you want something more budget friendly and "newer" look at the A58.

3. Look in the priceguides section. We list the trusted shops there. Cathay is trusted, but not necessarily the cheapest.

4. Read the reviews at Home of the Minolta / Sony a-mount dSLR photographer - personally, I would skip both, save a bit and get a second hand 70-300G from CS.

 

[Rashkae]

Oh, and one more thing... The Sony cameras all have super fast AF in liveview mode and built-in IS... To me, these are 2 "very very very worth it" features.

 

[Rashkae]

Take a look at this post for A65 high ISO shots and then tell me if it's a "serious" issue:

Usable is subjective. Examples.: Sony Alpha SLR/SLT Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

 

[catchlights]

..............

3) Place to buy: Retail price at S$999 with kit on Sony website, Courts and Harvey Norman selling at this priced too. I called Cathay Photos at Peninsular Plaza today and they selling it at S$899 with the same free gifts. Are they trustworthy? If so I want to save S$100 and get it there.

..................................

S$999 is recommended retail price,


S$899 is street price,

most reputable camera stores will sell around the street price.


Oh please, I patron Cathy Photos store since 1980's. I will give :thumbsup::thumbsup: for their services

 

[Eternit]

Thank you guys for all the helpful advice. I just got my A65 today and is very happy and excited. Looking forward to taking pictures and sharing here, and getting more advice from you guys. Thank you!

 

[kei1309]

Thank you guys for all the helpful advice. I just got my A65 today and is very happy and excited. Looking forward to taking pictures and sharing here, and getting more advice from you guys. Thank you!

Don't hesitate to ask for help in the Sony Sub-forum

 

[TAYKT]

Thank you guys for all the helpful advice. I just got my A65 today and is very happy and excited. Looking forward to taking pictures and sharing here, and getting more advice from you guys. Thank you!

Welcome to the Alpha World!!!! RMB to join us for photography in the gathering/outing section..

 

[Eternit]

Welcome to the Alpha World!!!! RMB to join us for photography in the gathering/outing section..

Sure!

 

[wangshawn]

Just called several 'reputable' camera stores. TK don't have sony.
MS .XXX, AL XX said free gifts are carrier and 8G card. One reception was so impatient said" if other stores have tripod and extra battery, go to them le"
Finally, Cathy service is best!
Do you get 50/1.8 Len in promotion? Harveynorman offers 949 with more gifts, a 16 GB card and dry box. is that worth 50?

 

[Octarine]

Do you get 50/1.8 Len in promotion? Harveynorman offers 949 with more gifts, a 16 GB card and dry box. is that worth 50?

Buy what you need, not what is in promotion.
Save the 50 bucks and you have already half of a small dry cabinet - which is worth more than some dry box. (Check the sticky threads here for the reasons of using a dry cabinet.) Get the 50mm lens (!) once you know why you need it.

 

[kei1309]

Just called several 'reputable' camera stores. TK don't have sony.
MS .XXX, AL XX said free gifts are carrier and 8G card. One reception was so impatient said" if other stores have tripod and extra battery, go to them le"
Finally, Cathy service is best!
Do you get 50/1.8 Len in promotion? Harveynorman offers 949 with more gifts, a 16 GB card and dry box. is that worth 50?

you must have kept bargaining and harping on the extras that other dealers were throwing at you, until the salesperson got exasperated. i never ever get the rude treatment at MS Color, Alan Photo, Click! or the rest of the photo specialists.

 

[wangshawn]

you must have kept bargaining and harping on the extras that other dealers were throwing at you, until the salesperson got exasperated. i never ever get the rude treatment at MS Color, Alan Photo, Click! or the rest of the photo specialists.

I called ms color to ask the price. after that, i asked if they have gifts same as those on sony website. they said promotion end last month. then i said other stores do have. he said ' go to them le' .....don,t know why

 

[MachBot]

I called ms color to ask the price. after that, i asked if they have gifts same as those on sony website. they said promotion end last month. then i said other stores do have. he said ' go to them le' .....don,t know why

You are buying a camera, not the freebies.
IMO most freebies are not useful and I rather not have them.

Anyway just call the other stores and ask..

 

[kei1309]

I called ms color to ask the price. after that, i asked if they have gifts same as those on sony website. they said promotion end last month. then i said other stores do have. he said ' go to them le' .....don,t know why

There u have it. It's time wastage on their end when they sense or assume that a particular customer is out to bargain till their pants drop.

They'd rather serve a customer who's ready to buy, than a "customer" who's just comparing deals and will waste their time with the haggling

 

[Rashkae]

I called ms color to ask the price. after that, i asked if they have gifts same as those on sony website. they said promotion end last month. then i said other stores do have. he said ' go to them le' .....don,t know why

Because you wasted their time and acted like you were trying to make them give in to you. They already told you the promo ended, you then talked about other shops, of course they will tell you to go there if you are not happy with their offer.

You are a classic "annoying want it all" customer that's not worth the effort and cost.

 

[Hinata76]

Freebies are like carrots..makes u wanna buy at that point that very moment..

Then when u get home....

Hey I dun need that crappy tripod....I already have a 32gb card..wats with the free 8gb....

Then u try to resell....see the fuss after getting the freebies?

 

[catchlights]

Just called several 'reputable' camera stores. TK don't have sony.
MS .XXX, AL XX said free gifts are carrier and 8G card. One reception was so impatient said" if other stores have tripod and extra battery, go to them le"
Finally, Cathy service is best!
Do you get 50/1.8 Len in promotion? Harveynorman offers 949 with more gifts, a 16 GB card and dry box. is that worth 50?

I called ms color to ask the price. after that, i asked if they have gifts same as those on sony website. they said promotion end last month. then i said other stores do have. he said ' go to them le' .....don,t know why

sorry to say, this is very "auntie", "ah soh" kind of customer behaviour, totally 100% unlikeable,

since you already know where has good deal, than you come here trying to ask them to match what their competitors are doing. what kind of response are you expecting?

 

[rhino123]

Actually... I am not sure why everyone is knocking on Wangshawn? It is in our rights (as long as we are truthful) in asking about the promotion or freebies to a shop. Because all of us wanted the most out of the money we spent. Sure, if we keep haggling and making a nuisance out of ourselves, then we are asking to be kicked in the butt and frankly that is not needed for... however if it is a simple question, "Do you give the promoted freebies?" if the answer is no, sometime it is normal to ask, "But why? Other shops give what." That doesn't warrant for the salesperson to retort to the answer he/she gave Wangshawn, is it that difficult to just say, "well. Sorry, we don't because the promotion ended? I believe other shops did gave the stuff because it was left over."

Well... I talk to Cathay Photo before when wanting to buy a Gitzo tripod, they didn't give me this attitude, I am in sales before when I am much younger and I never did that to my customers. So I don't think it is fair to call wangshawn "auntie", "ah soh", or whatever. What we are asking for is for a better service.