Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 10.2 Megapixel, SLR, Digital Camera with Sony Zoom DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 Lens

Comments about Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera with Sony DT 18-70mm Lens:

Great transition from film to digital. Almost all accesories and lenses work with the digital camera that were bought for the film camera.

Lightweight and medium sized. My camera bag got lighter when it replaced a heavier film camera. Great for many situations. I have used it for macro and portrait photography with excellent results.

Very good picture details. Very good color reproduction. Easy to use from fully auto to full manual and all in between.
Strengths. Wireless flash, image stabilization, camera shake warning, dust removal.
Improvements. Manual focusing will not reset when going auto. Settings like ISO will reset each time the camera is powered on. No way saving and recalling prefered camara settings.

Comments about Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera with Sony DT 18-70mm Lens:

I'm not going to lie, but I'm still an amateur with digital photography. I decided to buy the Sony Alpha A100 just about a month ago, and I've been loving it so far. I've owned a canon point and shoot and that's about it, but this digital Sony is absolutely amazing.

The body comes with a 18-70mm lens, which works wonderful for beginners. I love the various settings the camera has. The different settings really allow you to play around with the colours and effects your picture will come out with. I personally like messing with the aperture/shutter, and playing with the different colour options available (vivide, portrait, adobe rgb, etc.). IN addition, the battery life is very good and will most definitely last you a long time.

Functions like adjustment of the White balance, super steady shot, and the D-Range optimizer really help beginners who are not sure about how to make a photo look good.

However, the only thing I don't like about the Sony A100 is it's autofocus. If you do set it on autofocus, whenever your camera is idle and you're moving around with it (say you're hanging it around your neck or walking somewhere with it) it will make these clicking noises because it's focusing all the time. If you want to avoid that you can simply switch it to manual focus or just turn the camera off.

overall it's a wonderful camera with easily accessible functions, a nice feel to the camera, and a camera that produces wonderful photos.

Comments about Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera with Sony DT 18-70mm Lens:

i use this camera mostly in field to shoot plants and animals and i get great pictures. It's great to have 10.2mpx sensor (same that is in Nikon) for such a low price. Self cleaning system is also very important thing. But there is one thing about this camera that is not comfortable for me - the size. I'd like to have a little larger camera and of more weight.

Comments about Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera with Sony DT 18-70mm Lens:

I love this camera!
It is not heavy, and not so light that it feels cheap. The grip, unlike other cameras, forms to your hand for a comfortable feel.
People talk about the shutter noise, but i dont mind it. Like a ferrari, you're suppsed to hear the engine!
And with the easy to use controls, anyone can take pictures like a pro.

Comments about Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera with Sony DT 18-70mm Lens:

I went from the Minolta Maxima to this Sony Alpha and was so glad I did. All my previous Sigma, Minolta lenses work perfectly. You get great bang for the buck. An excellent camera.

Comments about Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera with Sony DT 18-70mm Lens:

I've been taking some night shots. A friend has been teaching me about the flash and how to shoot in raw format.
There's still so much to learn about the camera. I get the love of photography from my father who also is a good teacher. I think its great how clear the pictures come out and how detailed you can see things from far away.
I can't get enough of this camera.

Thank you!

Comments about Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera with Sony DT 18-70mm Lens:

I went into the digital mode kicking and screaming all the way. Having had three Minolta film SLRs I wanted to stay with the Minolta lenses I already owned. I also wanted a camera that felt like a camera. What I learned was that I waited too long. Great results. A Lotta "bang for the buck."

Comments about Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera with Sony DT 18-70mm Lens:

Great camera, perfect lens, almost professional stuff that can be used by amators

Comments about Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera with Sony DT 18-70mm Lens:

I bought this camera a couple months ago and I am having the time of my life with this new toy. It takes some time to fully understand how to use all of the features, however, just place it on auto and it does all of the work for you. I had a Minolta prior to buying this camera and the AF lens (28-135) works just like a charm with this camera. Overall, I would hightly recommend this camera to anyone who may be interested in upgrading their digital photography to the next level.

Comments about Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera with Sony DT 18-70mm Lens:

I moved away from Film SLR by Nikon and Canon and got this and will sell all my Nikon and Canon lens. Why did I do that?? Because I wanted a sharp raw and Jpeg, excellent color and wide dynamic range. In those area Sony can't be beat. The issue of 1600 ISO is mute for me since I hardly use it and with steady shot I can use two stop slower shutter and be happy. Sony looks good at 800 iso which is infact 1000 ISO. I love the two knob classic approach of changing modes and setting and options available. Excellent piece of camera for the dollar and your eyes. Photo's look great with excellent exposure, real color and detail that is available in much more expensive camera's.

Comments about Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera with Sony DT 18-70mm Lens:

The pictures are rich. Detailed.

Comments about Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera with Sony DT 18-70mm Lens:

Sony brought out the gem in its brand. The camera is classic and functional. It has so many options and functions. The other outstanding opportunity is that it has books written by different authors, who are expert in photography. These books are specific to this Camera brand and they teach both the basic and advance knowledge concerning the use of this camera. The pictures are sharp and crispy. I surely recommend it for people like me, who take photography as a hobby and fun.

Expertise: I am comfortable with the camera. I surely will benefit if I have more exposure to knowledge and skill of photography.

Problems Encountered: So far so good. I have not encountered any problem, since Ibought it almost 5 months ago.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Minolta Dimage 2

Items I Recommend: Sony Flash and telescopic wide angle lenses.

Comments about Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera with Sony DT 18-70mm Lens:

WOW, way better than I thought, we bought this camera back in April 2007, even my wife picks it up and with a little advice she has had fun shooting pics with it. Way to many features to list but some of the important ones are: Image Stabilization, b/w, fluorescent, easy menu for adjusting ISO speeds...... and to many more to list. Another nice feature is adjusting down the Megapixel to either 5.6 or 2.5 instead of shooting all the time on 10.2. You can also shut off the auto start feature, which i recommend, or every time you put the camera to your eye it starts focusing, Yes all you Minolta owners out there, buy this camera and user your existing lens to get started with and then buy/upgrade others lens later.Also high speed memory cards do work just a touch better and downloading onto computer way faster than the standard speed cards.

Expertise: Advanced Amateur

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: 400si Minolta, 35-105mm macro , 70-210mm lens

Items I Recommend: high speed memory cards

Comments about Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera with Sony DT 18-70mm Lens:

I got this camera for Christmas last year, and I have tosay, (as cheesy as it sounds) this camera has changed mylife. I am an artist, and the camera I use to take picturesfor studies directly effects the outcome of my work. It hasmade the art-making process so much easier therefore makingmy life easier. If you are looking for an SLR, I can easilysay this is the best one out there for the price. The easy to use interface matched with the sturdy body wasthe selling point for me, but once I got to know thefeatures there was much more to it than I originally knew.for instance, my favorite feature is the censor below theviewfinder that knows when your eye is looking through thelens, it shuts off the LCD. so when you are snapping away,then lower the camera to see the latest pictures taken, butyou see an important photo opportunity, all you have to dois just raise the camera back up to your eye, it mutes theLCD screen, and you are free to take the picture you needwithout pushing buttons. I also have to mention the batterypack as well. This is one of those things that 3 or 4 yearsago was a painful problem with digital cameras - notanymore! I can shoot for days on the camera, taking hundredsof pictures without any worries. Draining AA's are a thingof the past (Thank God). These are just some of the featuresthat you will fall in love with!

Expertise: Fine Arts Major with a Concentration Digital Media

Problems Encountered: Can't say anything bad about it.

Items I Recommend: 2gb card, UV filter, Polarized filter for outside shots

Comments about Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera with Sony DT 18-70mm Lens:

I bought mine in late December 2006 with a pair of TamronDi-II lenses (55-200 and 18-200 wide angle), and after 7+months of use I am VERY pleased the the results. I lookedat the D50 and XTi, and while they are both exceptionalcameras I ended up buying the Alpha based on feel of thecamera, the Image Stabilization, and the features for theprice. My primary uses are motion railroad photography andstatic scenery shots in all seasons; I don't do a lot offlash (indoor) photography or fast-action sports photography.I can vouch for everything positive that has already beensaid about this camera. It's got a very solid feel, greatgrip, and is perfectly weighted in my hands. The featuresare great, though I wish Sony would include B/W and Sepiasettings right on the camera like they do with theirCyberShots. The Image Stabilization is outstanding, and isone of the main reasons I chose the Alpha over the others. No longer do I get burned with telephoto shots when notusing a tripod. Image quality is excellent, as I've foundthe colors to be vivid and crisp in direct sunlight. Displays are clear and easy to read, and I am very glad youhave to look through the viewfinder to take your pictureinstead of on the LCD screen. Once you go into the world ofISO 800+, the images do become a bit noisy, but only twicein over 10,000 pictures have I ever had to shoot with aspeed that high. Not something I had to have with mycamera. Battery life is also fantastic! I can usuallyshoot an entire day on one charge. The only real complaintI have is the location of the light sensor just above thegrip. If you have large hands, you have to be careful notto cover the sensor when you hold the camera; otherwise,every image will turn out dark. As a result, I can't wearbulky gloves when I shoot in the wintertime. Also, you haveto do a little bit of digging through the menus to find somesettings, but it gets easier the longer you use the camera.A number of people have mentioned about the loud shutternoise; it personally doesn't bother me, though it may botherothers at weddings and quiet events.Like every camera, there are pluses, minuses, andpreferences. Does a Alpha take better shots than a D50 oran XTi? That depends on the eye of the beholder. For thetype of photos I want to take, this camera has producedevery time and has been nothing short of exceptional; I'mthrilled to have it. I recommend this camera if you arelooking to make the jump from point-and-shoot into DSLRphotography, as you will get fantastic images. I hopesomeday Sony will expand the accessory line to make this aprofessional grade camera (through battery packs, verticalgrips, and the like). You simply cannot beat this camerafor the price!

Expertise: Advanced amateur

Problems Encountered: Nothing that hasn't been mentioned!

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Sony DSC-P73 CyberShot

Items I Recommend: SanDisk 4GB Extreme III CompactFlash Card, Sony NP-FM55H Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery (7.2v, 1600mAh), Tamron AF 55-200mm f/4-5.6 Di-II LD Autofocus Lens, Tamron Super Wide Angle 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro Lens

Comments about Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera with Sony DT 18-70mm Lens:

I had been using Canon in previous film SLR days. I just couldn't pass up in-body stabilization (useful with any lens) since I am just getting started again after about a 5 year hiatus. Except for the lack of a PC Sync socket and problems with certain people blinking because of the TTL pre-flash, this camera is awesome for portraits. Color output seemed smoother than the Canons and it seemed a bit sharper than the equivalent Pentax. I'm not shooting sports anymore, so I didn't need the USM/HSM focusing like I used to and the noise at higher ISO isn't bothersome. It is easily cleaned up with Neat Image and I prefer to do it myself on my PC rather than have the camera process it for me like other SLRs. I can save critical detail at high ISO that way and the end result is better in my eyes. I love the Dynamic Range extender when shooting in .jpg, it really does ad shadow detail that you would otherwise lose unless you shot the photo in RAW. I prefer the dials to buttons and screens for camera settingsI don't miss the top mount LCD at all. The grip is more substantial than the Rebel and feels better built. It's not waterproof like the Pentax, but that's not really a deal killer for me. Shutter has a very satisfying click to it compared to other dSLRs (think old film Nikon).

Expertise: Advanced Amateur

Problems Encountered: Not a problem for me, but this lacks the in lens USM/HSM focusing systems that I really enjoyed with the Canon lineup; focus speed just isn't quite as quick and snappy. Haven't had a situation where I would have missed it yet, but I don't shoot sports or fast action shots anymore. It lacks the standard PC sync socket and it is difficult to find a 3rd party flash solution that is inexpensive. Also, the blinking problem is very real in about 20% of the people that I took photos of using the Alpha TTL flash system. Overcame both of these problems by picking up a pair of Sunpak 383s and a hot-shoe adapter . Works better than the Sony/Minolta system for portraits at 1/2 the price. Just wish they had a an OEM vertical grip available for this camera. It's not developed to the point of being a true system camera, yet. Needs more support from Sony and 3rd party manufacturers developing accessories and lenses. Wish Sigma would pop out a 70-200 f2.8 for this body.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Canon Rebel G, Elan IIe, A2, 5, 1n.

Comments about Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera with Sony DT 18-70mm Lens:

I had done a lot of research on everything from Canon to Sony before I had made my decision. The only camera that competes with the Sony Alpha A-100's price and features and image quality is the Canon Rebel XTi. Don't get me wrong the Nikon D80 with 10 mega pixels is nice but way more pricey than the two of them. I seriously picked Sony over Canon because of its in-body image-stabilization which Canon does not have, and to get included it in the lenses can be pricey. My older brother owns the Canon XTi and pixel for pixel I'd say the image quality is about the same. The Sony Alpha A-100 is a great camera for beginner photographers. Its kit lens is a great one to start with given the fact if its zoom range. I have had this camera for a couple of days and i have taken about 350 pictures and most of them turned out crystal clear. The grip of the sony is very comfortable which makes it very easy to hold. It is a great first DSLR camera and will work well for anyone from the beginner level to near pro. It is a great budget DSLR. For the features the 10 megapixels is a great thing to have especially if you are one who likes to print out pictures on a large scale. Sony's Super Steady Shot is very effective and makes a large difference in the clarity of the pictures. The auto focus works very well, the one problem I have had with it is when the camera is turned on the lens is always focusing and can be quit annoying at times. The LCD screen is very bright and is easy to read. Also what is great is for people who dont have the best eye sight, the text on the screen can be enlarged with the simple touch of a button. Also when shooting portraits when you have the camera held in portrait mode the screen adjusts itself so you can read the LCD screen easily. The built in flash is not amazing but makes a difference when is darker places. The lighting in my house is very low but with the flash up the pictures turn out with good natural lighting. The minolta/sony lens mount also is a bonus because of the fact that old minolta lenses are cheap but still have high resolution.To sum it all up this camera is very reliable and the pictures it can produce are amazing.

Expertise: Amateur

Problems Encountered: The two problems I have encountered are that when on auto focus the lens is always focusing even when not looking in the viewfinder.And the noise at ISO 800 and 1600, but an easy solution to the problem are excellent noise reduction software (Neat image, noise ninja, etc.)

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: I do not own it but my brother owns the Cannon Rebel Xti and i have worked with it many of times.

Items I Recommend: 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 and 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Two Lens Kit for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum, 55mm UV Pro 1 Super Multi-Coated (S-HMC) Glass Filter

Comments about Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera with Sony DT 18-70mm Lens:

I was using Canon cameras/equipment for a long time and when I decided to buy a DSLR the decision wasn't easy, after a lot of research and reading several reviews I decided by Sony. I am using the A100 more than a month and all I can say It is an excellent camera with excellent resolution and color accuracy, It is well built and has a lot of features and those more used are easily accessible from the mode dial / function dial. Turn the dial and set as necessary. You dont need to make a deep dive on hidden menu commands. The LCD is bright and with clear fonts that automatically rotate when you are shooting horizontals or verticals. The viewfinder is wonderful with lot of exposure info as well shows how steady you are. The Super Steady Shot (anti-shake) is based on the sensor, that means all lens you use will be stabilized (you dont need to buy expensive IS lens). You can get about 2 stops in speed gain and that may be the difference in getting the picture or not. Also, It has an eye activated AF (when something gets close to the viewfinder the AF starts focusing). This may be annoying and you can simply turn It off. The A100 has a loud shutter sound that I like (It remembers the old time cameras). Noise is an issue at ISO800+ but you can pos-processusing some excellent noise reduction softwares (Neat image, noise ninja, etc etc) and your images will be fine at your taste and control. Other cameras hide the noise under the makers taste. Wireless flash commanded by the built in is another important feature. The battery life is very long, sufficient for a whole day of shooting.Well, the A100 is not a pro caliber camera and, regarding its features and image quality, it will please very well the amateur/advanced amateur photographers. It has everything you need to take a picture and a lot more. The Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) will bring out many details hidden in the shadows.You just need to learn how to use your equipment and, if you are not an illiterate person you can learn a lot from the friendly A100 users' manual. You will be familiar with its controls in few days after that you will enjoy every picture you take. In fact, It is a pleasure holding this camera and going outdoor to photograph. For its price, image quality and features It is a five star camera.

Expertise: Advanced Amateur

Problems Encountered: No problems so far

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Elan 7e, A70, S2-IS

Items I Recommend: 2 GB Compact Flash, extra lenses, protective case

Comments about Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera with Sony DT 18-70mm Lens:

I got this camera about a month ago. My first shoot with it was at the Zoo. I got some very good pictures with it. Excellent color. When you get up to 400 ISO or higher, the noise is unacceptable for me. I have an external Minolta flash that I used on it for a wedding this past Saturday. The camera is always trying to focus, even with the lens cap on. You can feel it moving. The external flash communicates with the camera, so the flash was trying to keep up with the focus. The new batteries ran out within 30 minutes in the flash. When I took the batteries out, they were almost hot enough to burn me. When you set up with some customized settings, there is no way you can save the settings. When the camera shuts off, or you shut it off, you have to reset everything as your settings will not be saved. The shutter/mirrors really have a loud clap when you take a picture. Outdoors, the colors and photo quality is fine. Indoors, it just doesn't cut it. I had a 30 trial with the camera and took it back today. Now to decide if I want to go to the Canon XTi or the Nikon D80.

Problems Encountered: Noisy shutter. Noise in pictures 400 ISO and above. As long as the camera is on, it continues to focus, even with the lens cap on. The constand refocusing makes an external flash continue to adjust to keep up with it, causing batteries to wear out and get very hot.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Minolta A2

Items I Recommend: The 75-300 mm zoom lens

Comments about Alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera with Sony DT 18-70mm Lens:

I have been dabbling in photography for some time now and this is the greatest camera i have ever owned. I have never owned a minolta so i didn't have any minolta lenses. But the sony lenses that i bought were great. I have owned all canons before this and it was a big step for me not to get another canon. It was the greatest decision of my photographic career.

Problems Encountered: None at all

Items I Recommend: sony 75-300mm