Sony Câmera Digital Alpha DSLR-A100

Comments about Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera:

My first DSLR was the Sony A100 (I have since upgraded to the A700). I find myself constantly amazed that people shopping for their first DSRL, people who don't have existing lenses they have to match, pass over the Sony cameras in favor of a Canon or Nikon of equal price. Sony is the only one that has image stabilization built in, which is important since the other two manufacturers charge more for lenses that must include it. Sony DSLR cameras invariably get good reviews from professionals and consumers. This is a fantastic camera. There are a wide selection of lenses available for it and more are coming. It's my understanding that some Nikon cameras use Sony CMOS sensors. If you are reading this as a consumer considering your first DSLR camera, do your homework, read the comparison reviews of similar cameras by Canon and Nikon, and make your decision based on the camera, not the name.

Expertise: Serious hobbyist, advanced amateur

Problems Encountered: I did not encounter any problems with the Sony A100.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: This was my first DSLR camera

Items I Recommend: Sony 100-300mm zoom lens if you take wildlife photos

Comments about Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera:

I have been using a Minolta Maxxum for years so when itfinally malfunctioned recently I was cornered into getting aMinolta product because of the array of lens & accessories Iown. This camera however renews my faith in Minolta/Sonyproducts, this is the first DSLR I have purchased and what adifference this unit makes over film based SLRs, the featureI personally fell in love with was the one touch ability toshift ISO from 100 to 1600 instantly. other wonderful gemsinclude the meta data feature during playback of yourimages, while playing back your images press up on thecontrol pad and you will see all the details of the photo,shutter speed, aperture, ISO ect.. I could hardly believe it. This camera works very smoothly and is very easy to learnall of the features, having never touched any of the earlierMinolta DSLRs I still found the learning period for thisdevice to be very rapid. B&H;s service is also a welcomedrelief, I had found this unit on several other sites forless but their reviews were less then sparkling, B&H on theother hand had a solid reputation to lean on. my camera andsupplies shipped to my house in 3 days and customer servicewas very polite and professional when I had to order extraaccessories. I will order from here again.

Expertise: Serious amature

Problems Encountered: All the problems I have with this unit revolve around usingflashes other then the built in flash. I had a flash kitfrom my old Maxxum Xi series camera and when mounted on thiscamera, it fires normally but the camera does not compensatewhatsoever, the pictures come out almost white and there islittle way compensate for this other then to switch thecamera to manual and overcompensate shutter and F stops,very tedious.the other problem with using professional flash kits, all ofwhich use a PC cord, which this camera does not accept, evenwith the $80 adapter that is designed for this camera, thePC cord still will not fit, making one's flash options forthis model very limited.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Minolta Maxxum 3Xi Film Camera

Comments about Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera:

I own a photo studio in NY, I have been a wedding photographer since 1984- 23 years in the field.I own 2- Canon 20d and a 5d camera, I purchased the Sony A100 as back up and because I owned a lot of lenses for Minolta Maxxum. Ended up using my Minolta for all the portraits and formals, the color reproduction even on JPEG are much better than the canon's I own, hey you will have to manual balance the camera with a gray card and that will be all. Clarity and sharpness is a plus. The whites are kept intact as long as you are within a range of 3/4 to 1 stop over, for my canon this is tight, 1/2 a top the most and you will loose the whites. The camera is slower focusing than the canon but not for much, nevertheless action shots will be better taking with the canon.The LCD Screen can be seen even in bright light without the need of a hood. For manual pc flash, you will need to purchase an adapter that fits the camera special design hot show and will convert it to a regular hot show with also the option of pc connector, you will get it on EBay for about $9-$12.Anti shake is great, auto sensor cleaning a plus and the in camera stabilization as well.

Expertise: Professional Photographer

Problems Encountered: No Problems, nevertheless the grip of the camera is a bit small if you have big hands but not a problem, canon is more balance in your hands.Camera does not come with pc connection so you will have to buy adapter online to use a flash other than the Sony-Minolta flashes ( adapter $9-$12), this was the only down side.If you purchase the Carl Zeiss 16-80MM LENS USE A THIN UV HAZE FILTER other wise you will get big vignetering at the widest of the lens.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: canon 20d,canon 5d

Items I Recommend: Carl Zeiss 16-80 vario sonar t digital lens and b+h uv haze 010 thin glass filter

Comments about Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera:

It is a great camera, even better than Canon 400D Nikon 200 as it's easier to operate by any one who has once tried any other camera (much more easier if used Minolta), surprisingly all my Minolta lenses, flash and other gadgets (like remote release cable etc) work, but this is not the only reason I liked it. It is sturdy, great feel while holding it but the reason I enjoy it more as its features and operation comforts.. Battery life is too long and best for wildlife shoots when we dont get charging opportunities.

Expertise: Little more than a learner in Wildlife and nature photography

Problems Encountered: Biggest issue I have is of white balance.. I find it a bit warmer photos need post processing / correction.. A bit slow in focusing. Some issues with SS shot while trying 800MM tele lens. View finder is a little darker compared to Maxim series.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Maxumm7 / Dynx7, Maxuum5 and KM & Sigma lenses, KM Vertical Grip, Flash

Items I Recommend: 2 GB Memory Card, Extra Battery, Camera Armour, Glass Optic Screen Protector

Comments about Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera:

The Sony A100 is a superb entry level dslr, with features not found in other cameras in its class.The main reason I chose the A100 over a Canon rebel xt or a Nikon D40x was the design and construction of the body. The A100 is slightly larger than the other two, which gives it an advantage for anyone with hands larger than a child. The Sony also feels more robust when you hold it, compared to the light and plasticky Canon and Nikon which feel almost toyish. Another great feature that sets the Sony apart from the d40x and rebel xt is the super steady shot shake reduction. Although it isn't as effective as IS lenses, it does help make photos shake free at slower shutter speeds. It is also great to have it in camera, because it means that all lenses purchased will be stabilized (though it is not very effective over 100mm focal lengths). At this price range I doubt that many people would be able to afford an IS lens kit anyway. Controls are more a preference thing, and I prefer the Layout on the Sony.The ISO and White balance settings are easy to get to quickly using the left Fn control wheel. Also using this control wheel other color, focus, and metering controls can be reached without much effort. The other menu controls on the back face of the camera can be tedious to navigate, but most of the settings found there need to be changed rarely. Almost immediately after getting the camera, I turned off the Eye-start focusing to save battery life. Although I am sure it may be a useful feature to some, I didn't really feel the need to deal with it.Although Sony currently has a limited catalogue of lenses, the A100 is compatible with all Minolta Maxxum mount lenses. It isn't very hard to find a good used Minolta lens at a good price. There is a plethora of Minolta lenses to choose from that will fit the Sony, most of which have nice optical quality.

Expertise: Amature Photographer

Problems Encountered: The battery life could be better, though it is by no means bad.some menus are badly designed

Items I Recommend: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 ex dc macro lens

Comments about Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera:

Really great camera.

Expertise: 3-4 years

Problems Encountered: NO PROBLEMS!

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Canon 350D, Konica Minolta Dynax 5D

Comments about Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera:

I've used my Sony A100 for a little over a year now. I findI use it more than my Canon 5D and Canon L lenses. I own the Sony/Zeiss Vario-Sonnar it is an outstanding lensand does almost everything I need to do and does it betterthan most other lenses can do. One of the real advantagesof this camera is its ability to use older Minolta lenses. I managed to buy an excellent quality 79-210 BeercanMinolta lens, which does what I need in the over 80mm range. I recommend the Sony A100 and Zeiss Vario-Sonnar to one andall.

Expertise: Pro and amateur level since 1952

Problems Encountered: Nothing yet.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Canon 5D. Hasselblad, Rollei, Contax, Pentax 67 and 645

Items I Recommend: Zeiss Vario Sonnar & Metz 54 flash.

Comments about Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera:

I get great results from this camera, I have had it for about 4 months now. I shoot mainly interiors for a real estate company. I am self taught more or less and could probably benefit with a little more training. But I get great shots with this camera. I love the iso adjustments, you can control natural light blowing out the windows by using the hi80 or hi 200 depending.

Problems Encountered: Sometimes the interors I shoot are dark, so I am going to need to learn to use wireless flash the on camera flash tends to look too artificial.My two major complaints with the camera is you can't preview the shot with f/stop changes before taking the shot, for example if an exposure isn't right and I change the f/stop, I can't preview to see what effect stepping up or down the stops has on exposure as a result I have to take several shots, which with digital is no problem in that I can trash what I don't need, but still time is an issue with what I do. I had another Sony and it would do that, but I love the sharpness of the photos of the A100 better, I don't get that purple haze that I got with the other Sony. Also, I don't like that the lens angle can't be changed, my other Sony I could shoot up or down at my subject as needed, I now have to use a tripod for the same effect, but I have become accustomed to using the tripod which opens up new angles but sometimes I have to use a hail Mary approach-I just take a shot and hope it works! This camera is incomplete without Bruce Friedmans manual on how to use the A100, that manual is the absolute hands down bomb of information for this camera. I really began to appreciate my Sony A100 with his manual. Overall I really love this camera but wish I had the ability to watch the f/stop effect oh, and I miss being able to shoot from the LCD screen. shooting from the eyepiece is a little tiring on my older eyes. But the great thing on the flip side, the lens adjust to my vision and I don't have to wear glasses when focusing, but do have to put them on to review the shot in the LCD, a little crazy at times.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Sony Dsc

Items I Recommend: wireless flash, a tripod, lens cap with leash

Comments about Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera:

Had the camera for approximately one month now, and very pleased with it. B & H is always first rate to deal with, and knowledgeable. Compared pictures from it with my wife's Canon Digital Rebel XT and they are very close. I particularly like the handling. Bought it partly because of the Minolta lens I already own, but the camera stands on it's own merit. I also bought the Sony HVL-F56AM flash, using it on a Strobo-frame bracket with my existing cables. Works very well. Only wish the noise problem with the 800 setting is corrected.

Problems Encountered: None

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Maxxum 600si

Items I Recommend: The Sony flash with off the camera cables and bracket

Comments about Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera:

My wife and I are pros. We photograph wildlife using handheld telephoto lenses. In my case I use my old Minolta's. They work much better on the Sony than they did on the Minolta.If you think photographing moving objects is difficult you aint got a Sony A100. I have been doing photography for over 60 years as a pro. I had to give up film processing because of lung problems. Digital changed that and Sony made digital photography easy but nothing is perfect. It comes close though.

Problems Encountered: Camera reverts to defaults when mode is changed.AWR files aren't supported in Photoshop CS.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Minolta Maxxum, Nikon D70, in the digital realm

Items I Recommend: 3 or 4 gig compact flash

Comments about Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera:

Wanted to update my previous review. I did receive my Mack Warranty which was taken out of the box prior to my opening the camera. Customer Service was ready to replace if necessary. I took pictures this weekend at a Pinewood Derby event (Lots of folks, cars made of wood, and a lot of activity) and the camera performed flawlessly. If you are thinking of buying a digital SLR buy the Sony Alpha. It will meet and exceed your expectations.

Comments about Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera:

After extensive research on the Sony Alpha 100 I purchased the body only, I owned Minolta lens from 19-300mm and was ready to make the change to Digital SLR. The order was placed on a Sunday afternoon, I received immediate confirmation, and began tracking my order on Monday morning. The order arrived on Wednesday afternoon via standard ground UPS shipping. Could not ask for better service. After charging my battery and inserting the 2Gb memory card I bought from a local dealer (only because I had some Christmas gift cards) I am now shooting pictures. All of my lens (28-50mm Sigma, 19-35mm Tokina, and 70-300mm Quanteray fit on the Sony body and worked perfect. More to come later.

Problems Encountered: Did not receive the Mack 5 yr. warranty in the box with camera, contacted Ben in customer service and a new warranty card will be issued.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Minolta Maxxum 5 series, Lens from 19 - 300mm Fuji S5100

Items I Recommend: At least 2Gb memory card

Comments about Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera:

I bought it new when it first came out and it is an amazing camera. Now that the price has come down some it is also an incredible deal. Tremendous image quality. Very easy to use. I've made 13x19's that look awesome. The Super Steady Shake makes a huge difference in low light hand-held shots and saves a fortune in IS lens costs. The grip is worlds better than the Rebel grip. And I've been able to get a ton of old Minolta lenses cheap.

Problems Encountered: Could be better at ISO 1600. But for me that is minor. It has been almost perfect. Much prefer it to the Digital Rebel XT I borrowed (note I have not tried the xTi). The kit lens is okay but I wish i'd just saved the money and bought better glass since I never use it anymore.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Canon Powershot S1 IS, Olympus C3030

Items I Recommend: Minolta 50mm 1.7

Comments about Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera:

I am an advanced amature photographer and I have been using nothing but Minolta products for my 35 mm work for the past 36 years and I have to say after reading the book for about an hour it was like I was shooting with my 9xi. Its easy to use and the quality is great. I print nothing smaller than 8x10 prints and I use the RAW-Jpeg setting and it is fantastic. If you want some pop in the color use the vivid setting, WOW! the people who knock this camera are looking for a $3,000 dollar camera for under $1,000 and that's just wrong. It does everything it says and than some and all of my flashes and lenses work well with the A-100. There is no need to go and buy the very fast 2GB Sandisk Ultra, I bought the Kingston Elite 2GB and there is no slow down in the reading or writing it is just as fast as using a film camera and I saved about $100.00 in the process. I can't say enough about this camera, its fun and easy without a lot of extra stuff you don't need. ALSO, I DO NOT WORK FOR SONY!

Problems Encountered: I have not had a single problem yet.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Minolta SRT101,7000i,8000i,9000,9xi

Items I Recommend: The Kingston 2GB Elite Card

Comments about Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera:

I had my first Yashica TL-Electro SLR at 10, a Nikon 2020 by 20 yrs-old, now at 43 I am handing over the Nikon to my Son because I picked up a Sony A100. I am impressed with it. It is light, feels good in the hand, the controls are easy, the focus is fast and silent. I did not like the proximity focus feature because every time the camera swung around my neck it would start to focus. So I turned off this feature.I got mine with both zoom lens, I am thrilled with the package.Battery life is amazing. What else can I say. what a deal

Problems Encountered: None so far, oh yeah, there is one, my kids want it!

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: nil

Items I Recommend: A C.Z. lens 200mmzoom, it is expensive though, 3 x the camera's cost.

Comments about Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera:

Purchased this entry-level DSLR less than a month ago, instead of a similar Canon or Nikon, to take advantage of a sizeable Minolta lens collection. It has already been sent off for warranty repairs - the jog dial which controls aperture and shutter speed quit working. Very disappointing. I like the light weight and have no complaints so far about the quality of the photos, other than the color noise at high ISO's. I am pretty careful with my cameras - every digital I have ever owned still functions beautifully. Given my experience, I have reservations about the camera's reliability and durability for anyone who is more than an occasional point-and-shoot photographer - either I got a lemon or the controls just aren't made for more than minimal use.

Problems Encountered: used this camera for about 500 shots before the shutter/aperture control dial quit working

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Epson 3000Z, Sony DSC H-1, Minolta Maxxum 7D, several compact P &S digital cameras

Comments about Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera:

My good friend Sam bought the Nikon D200 earlier this year. I decided I couldn't live without one of my own. Then I read the announcement of the Sony A100. The three Minolta lenses I already own closed the deal. Great pictures that almost look 3D. I feel like I stole something. This was my 1st order with B&H and I was very pleased with the service.

Problems Encountered: None

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Three Minolta 35mm cameras

Items I Recommend: Sony 11-18 Super wide angle lens, 5yr. warranty

Comments about Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera:

I am an advanced amatuer photographer, so I look for value vs. cost. Having owned many film and digital SLR camera systems over the years, I can truly say that this is the best so far.

Problems Encountered: none

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Nikon D70, Canon Digital Rebel

Items I Recommend: Wait for the Carl Zeiss lenses.

Comments about Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera:

Has the edge on any item within this price range, and even well exceeding some items which are twice the price. This is Sony's new entry into the slr market- targeted mostly to beginners and also intermediate level photographers. As a professional I was most impressed by its results- even in 11x14 prints. If this is the Sony entry level, I'm really looking forward to the more advanced models. Sony made a very good impression on their first model in this category; I'll be back for more!!

Problems Encountered: None

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: R1, V1, Leica...

Items I Recommend: Shoe mounted flash, protective case