Opinions on a new Cam

2885 Views 40 Replies 11 Participants Last post by hybridkyle, Aug 28, 2008

hybridkyle

Discussion Starter · Aug 18, 2008

So, I am going from a $120 point and shoot, looking at getting the SONY A300K. I just wanted to know opinions and if this would be a good camera to start with? I cannot anything more than this. Thanks!!

Quoted:
Sony combines superb 10.2 MP quality, a high quality DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens, and Live Preview in a large tilting 2.7" LCD monitor for point-and-shoot simplicity. You'll have super-quick AF response, continuous shooting speed up to 3 fps with viewfinder and up to 2 fps in live view mode, plus high sensitivity (ISO 3200) for great low-light shots. What's more, you get simple controls, Creative Style settings and in-camera Super SteadyShot® image stabilization that work with every Sony, Carl Zeiss® and legacy Minolta a-mount lens. Stamina® power for up to 730 shots, Auto Pop-up Flash and many more features make DSLR model an excellent choice for your favorite new hobby.

1 - 20 of 41 Posts

Defcon86NWH

· #2 · Aug 18, 2008

The only complaint I have heard about Sony is their grey market is not a s big as Canon and Nikon. So things will be more expensive.

Are you getting a deal on it? Or are you just set on it?

hybridkyle

Discussion Starter · #3 · Aug 18, 2008

No deal, I am buing new...and no not set on it. It just seemed to be the best for the money. I am open to other options, I just liked the features it has.

Defcon86NWH

· #4 · Aug 18, 2008

If the Live feature is what you like well I was like that but you get used to not looking at the LCD. And like I said you should look into Nikon and Canon. But again I am not a sony expert nor a expert on nikon and canon.

You can join me and leeroynwh and a few others on the dark side of Nikon

hybridkyle

Discussion Starter · #5 · Aug 18, 2008

I'd actually like to get around some of you guys from the site and see what everyone is using and the features they like. OR if anyone has pros and cons on the camera they are using.... none of the D300 guys though...I WISH!!

Defcon86NWH

· #6 · Aug 18, 2008

The only Sony guy here is Amir(AutoluxuryGTR)

Nikon guys-
myself (Nikon D40)
leeroynwh (Nikon D40)
JohnC ( Nikon D80 for now until the D700 comes out)
idrmjdm (Nikon D300)
ek 99 sir (?)
spastic dwarf (Nikon F80D)
Pattywak (nikon d40)
coreylolz (nikon d40)
and a few others I can't think of

Canon guys-
Zac Carter (Rebel Xt)
Devin (Some highend bull crap lol)
Ventolin (40D)
Jose-Aka-Pedro (Rebel xti)
mario jackson (rebel xt)
and a few others

See less See more

pattywak

· #7 · Aug 18, 2008

I actually have a Nikon D40 also, I'm not very good with it I got it to start learning and getting into photography stuff more...but it's a great camera for sure.

coreylolz

· #8 · Aug 18, 2008

I rock a Nikon D40 also, though I haven't had a ton of time to use it.

So far I love it. Going from a point and Shooter to a DSLR is very different, and it took me a long time to get used to how things worked.

Still, I love my Nikon.

hybridkyle

Discussion Starter · #9 · Aug 18, 2008

Think I found a really good deal on a D100 w/ 2 lenses. BUT I also have found a couple Rebel XT's ?? Still looking I guess. Thanks guys, keep info comming, I'm new to this stuff. It will be this weekend when I am ready to buy, so I want to have some info by then to make the right decision...for me!

pattywak

· #10 · Aug 18, 2008

coreylolz said:
I rock a Nikon D40 also, though I haven't had a ton of time to use it.

So far I love it. Going from a point and Shooter to a DSLR is very different, and it took me a long time to get used to how things worked.

Still, I love my Nikon.

So true on the P&S to DSLR comment - I'ts a lot different, but I love having so much more control and the overall better quality. Now if only I knew how to really make my pictures awesome like some ppl on here...

Defcon86NWH

· #11 · Aug 18, 2008

What is your budget?

Zac does amazing work with his xt. The D100 is kinda old. I d look into a D40,D80,D50,D70S,D200 if you can get it cheap for nikon. And Canon guys will have to chime in on their line. But I d say 20D,30D,40D,xt,xti.

hybridkyle

Discussion Starter · #12 · Aug 18, 2008

Around $600 tops... I just found a D40 Nikon with allot of extra stuff to play with, filters, telephoto, macro, hard case, and backpack, two tripods... some other stuff, for about $550

hybridkyle

Discussion Starter · #13 · Aug 18, 2008

pattywak said:
coreylolz said:

I rock a Nikon D40 also, though I haven't had a ton of time to use it.

So far I love it. Going from a point and Shooter to a DSLR is very different, and it took me a long time to get used to how things worked.

Still, I love my Nikon.

Click to expand...

So true on the P&S to DSLR comment - I'ts a lot different, but I love having so much more control and the overall better quality. Now if only I knew how to really make my pictures awesome like some ppl on here...

I'm sure I'll be in the same boat for a while...but I just plan to mess around with it and I have three kids that love the camera :thumbup:

Defcon86NWH

· #14 · Aug 18, 2008

The only problems I have with the D40 is it will not autofocus with all lens. If it is not AF-S or AF-D lens you have to manual focus it. I haven't had any prob. with this though. You mine listing your lens you are getting with the camera?

Ventolin

· #15 · Aug 18, 2008

A few camera buying tips:

1.) Be very careful who you buy a camera from, most online places are scams. B&H and Adorama are one of the few places I buy cameras.

2.) You'll see alot of deals on Ebay where a camera comes with a bunch of cheap lens to make you think its worth the extra $150. They are probably Quantaray lenses, and worth less than the markup on the camera, and take absolute shit pictures. Do your research on the lenses.

3.) Before you buy any new camera, go to the store and pick up and hold one. Hold a D40, play with it. Hold an XTI, a Pentax, or a sony piece of shit if you really want to. Let the feel of the camera influence your decision, because its going to be in your hands alot and you're going to want to be shooting with something you're comfortable with which is more important than any features, etc.

4.) Don't let features and megapixels sway your decisions unless you really think its something that would help you out. Read reviews from real people. The 40D has a ton of features but none of the fancy features, megapixel ratings, or any of that are what sold me on the camera, or what really matter in day to day shooting.

See less See more

Ventolin

· #16 · Aug 18, 2008

Alot of people like the D40.. if you really like the way it feels, look for a D50/D70 if you want to pursue the hobby further in the future. If you don't think more lenses are in your future, then grab it and use the kit, its very sharp and will last a lifetime for a here and there amateur photographer. Well, until you drop it and the AF motor goes out...

Defcon86NWH

· #17 · Aug 18, 2008

Ventolin said:
A few camera buying tips:

1.) Be very careful who you buy a camera from, most online places are scams. B&H and Adorama are one of the few places I buy cameras.

2.) You'll see alot of deals on Ebay where a camera comes with a bunch of cheap lens to make you think its worth the extra $150. They are probably Quantaray lenses, and worth less than the markup on the camera, and take absolute shit pictures. Do your research on the lenses.

3.) Before you buy any new camera, go to the store and pick up and hold one. Hold a D40, play with it. Hold an XTI, a Pentax, or a sony piece of shit if you really want to. Let the feel of the camera influence your decision, because its going to be in your hands alot and you're going to want to be shooting with something you're comfortable with which is more important than any features, etc.

Nice touch James

Defcon86NWH

· #18 · Aug 18, 2008

Here is a list of D40 compatible lens that will autofocus.

http://www.nikonians.org/forums/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=152&topic_id=13319

jabboss1

· #19 · Aug 18, 2008

I love my d-60 Nikon

hover

· #20 · Aug 18, 2008

I'm a Nikon guy. I primarily use my D50, but I have a 8008S in my bag most of the time, and a few more around. It is more or less personal preference. Growing up, my step-father shot w/ a Nikon, so that is what I got used to. It's easy for me. Plus, I like their glass better. <ducks>

1 - 20 of 41 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.