So, I have had my camera since last October (2008), I enjoy my Sony A300 and even though I picked a camera, I have been keeping up with the new releases, ranging from the D90 that came out late last year, along with the DSLR cameras that some like to call “bridge” cameras; the ones with the extended zooms and looks like a DSLR. My dad has been in the search for a DSLR-like camera and I really like the new Sony HX1 not really because of the image quality, but rather the HD 1080 recording and the panaroma feature.
However, this post is about picking an entry DSLR, so let’s get back that.
As a new photography less than a year ago, I had no clue what I was looking for. I didn’t even know if I wanted a Sony, a Nikon, a Canon, Pentax… etc. The main reason I picked the A300 is because one of my supervisors at the time had a Sony A700 and his images were gorgeous. Of course, he was also stacked with high end minolta and sony lens… but nevertheless, his images were very good. Now in hindsight, I realize that the Sony is definitely the best camera for my situation: a beginner on a tight budget.
Why is Sony better, you might ask.. and I will list my reasons right now
1. Live view. Many people will tell you that live view is not important, but like many of you, I was using my cell phone and compact camera before my DSLR and I was using the live view. If I were to lose the live view all at once, I wouldn’t be too comfortable. The live view, especially ones that tilts, significantly helps different angles and to put the camera in awkward positions, without the need for you to do so. Also, another thing that many people don’t think of is the that you will very often ask other people to take pictures for you. Most people are already repulsed by the idea of a big chunky camera and if you force them to look through the viewfinder, they probably would stay away from you next time you look like you need a picture taken for you.
2. Value. At the time of purchase, the A300 was cheaper than the Canon XSi and the Nikon D80, two cameras that were in the same class, that being the upper entry level. While I will admit right now that the IQ (image quality) of the Canon and Nikon are better (but not by much and not in every way), it is important to realize that a camera at that price (sub $1000) will not produce studio quality results without studio quality equipment such as the flash and some prime lens (prime lens are lens with fixed focal point, generally with a bigger maximum aperature). The dynamic range and resolution of an image is often not as good as the ones in the higher class, such as the Nikon D300 and Sony Alpha A700 and Canon 50D. However, the feature of built-in image stabilizer will significant help your pictures and Sony (as of now) is the only company that offers build in camera image-stabilization. I will write another post to showcase that very soon.
3. Lens. Any photographer will tell you that the lens is far more important than the body. And if the lens are the biggest factor, it would make sense to find a camera that has high value lens. Well, Minolta lens will be, dollar for dollar, the best lens you will ever find. They have many legendary lens for under $300, including the 50mm f1.7 prime and the 70-210 f4 “beercan”, both lens which I got for less than $200 each. These lens are better than lens you get for $1000 with Nikon and Canon, and there have been tests that proves it for both dynamic range and resolution.
Minolta
Sony, Canon, Nikon, Pentax
If you plan to go further into photography, your first DSLR probably wouldn’t even last you 2 years. My suggestion is to go with one that is easiest to learn on and cheapest to improve. Although the D5000 just came out and I haven’t played around with it, the new Sony lineup A380, A330, A230 now teaches you how to improve your photos. What more do you want from your camera to help you become a better photographer?
This article is not affiliated with Sony Co, Sony, or Sony Canada. The view expressed above is purely personal.
