Is the Sony Alpha A100 a good deal at $632 compared to the competition?

Question

I know the Nikon D80 and Pentax K10D are better cameras but they are close to $300 more expensive at current prices. I think the The Canon Rebel XTi is too small.

Answer 1

I guess OMG's point is well-taken. If you are tied to the budget and only think that you will want one lens or two, it's hard to argue against the value of the Sony. The question of comparing the Sony to the D80 comes up so frequently, though, that I have a boilerplate answer. If you are thinking of "going on" in photography, I'd rather see you buy a "lesser" Nikon to stay in budget instead of starting down the path to a very limited line of lenses. At least you can upgrade the body someday and not toss your lens collection. Maybe Sony will fix some of their problems in future models, also.

Which would you choose - a Nikon or a Konica/Minolta? Sony basically bought out Minolta and put their name on the camera. This is Sony's first DSLR and the D80 is simply the latest evolution of Nikon's years of experience. I wouldn't want to own anyone's "first ever" product, even if it was named "Camera of the Year."

When it comes time to buy lenses, do you want to be stuck with the limited amount of lenses that fit the Sony/Konica/Minolta mount or the endless selection of Nikon and Nikon-compatible lenses?

Yes, my bias is showing, but I'd buy the Nikon in a heartbeat over the Sony.

See the noise level in the Sony at this page:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond80/page27.asp

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=sony_dslra100%2Cnikon_d80&show=all

Click on "Our in-depth review" and "Read owner opinions."

In the owner opinions, I gleaned a few interesting comments, even from positive reviews:

"If I had the bucks, I'd go Nikon."

"I have some noise issues at ISO400 and above... for professional use only ISO up to 200 seems acceptable."

"...please start performing at your full potential as soon as possible.We all know you can perform better."

"This seems to say, 'Sony doesnt care about photography, Sony cares about money'."

"I think this camrea is a nice beginning for Sony, but not the camera I will buy."

"Would like dual aperture and shutter control dials... [instead of a single dial for everything]."

Answer 2

I think the A100 was launched at $1000, which was insane. At $632, the only reason I can think of to avoid it, is if you view this investment as the first step in a long term hobby or profession. Canon and Nikon offer a much better selection of lenses and an upgrade path for the bodies.

Answer 3

adequate, the gigantic characteristic of a digital camera with interchangeable lenses is there are occasions whilst only one ordinary reason lens isn't equipped of perfecting the photo you desire. the nearest factor to to a ordinary reason lens in your digital camera is a zoom with a three to a million ratio of focal duration that begins extensive and is going relatively into the telephoto variety. None of those can have the colossal aperture for purchasing the severe blurring of backgrounds like within the third illustration. Big aperture calls for gigantic diameter glass, and you will not get that for only $2 hundred utilized in both a constant or zoom lens for this digital camera. If you learn the descriptor, you might see this used to be shot with a $2000 lens. sorry no loose lunch.