Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
I have finally settled on getting a sony a700 slr - any reasons not to get it.
- Thread starter macgrl
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Sony has all the realistic options for a general shooter. Now that they've got a pro-FF body, their lens selection will grow quickly.
Not the A700, it's got the same sensor as the D300 from Nikon. And most agree that the D300 is the best high ISO APS-C DSLR in today's market.
SLC
That is another reason that I liked the a700, but is there really that much difference between the iso on the a700 and the 40D?
I think that I have opened a can of worms sorry
I think that I have opened a can of worms sorry
Anything involving brands guarantees a multi-page thread.
Dpreview seems to indicate that they all perform equally well at high ISO with each body giving a slightly different look as a result of different methods of approaching NR. Looking at the results, I prefer the D300's film grain look, followed closely by the Sony.
And the Sony has the added benefit of body based shake reduction. Giving some benefit with each lens you attach. I don't think it can be overstated how nice that is to have at your disposal.
And the Sony has the added benefit of body based shake reduction. Giving some benefit with each lens you attach. I don't think it can be overstated how nice that is to have at your disposal.
Yes, that means that I don't have to buy a lens with shake reduction built in. I think that I may be leaning towards the 40D or at least this thread has put a bit of doubt into my mind. Although I do like the ability to add on a geo tagging device to the sony, I don't know if you can with the 40D The D300 is out of my price range really
Yup, I agree, Sony high ISO is horrible! In terms of High ISO performance, top is Nikon followed by Canon and last is Sony. Well I'm not sure how long it will take Sony to improve their image processing, but right now, it is the worst of the 3 companies, and even the A900 has FF, its high ISO performance is still horrible when compared to 5D Mark II, don't need to put it to shame if to compare with D700.
Hmm, I guess for Sony, their premium lenses will be Zeiss? As for Canon it will be L lenses, Nikon dont have specific labels for their lens, its more of you pay more and get good glass.
Nikon's edge over Sony isn't the base sensor's noise limits, it's the signal processing after the sensor, where Nikon clearly beats Sony with their own sensors. Look at any DPReview noise comparision at high-ISO, especially with the full-frame sensors.
You can't just look at the sensors, you have to look at the whole platform.
You don't say what lenses you're looking at, nor what your intended shooting is. It's often much better to spend less on a body than on lenses if you're looking at a long-term investment. DSLR bodies are 3-5 year commitments, lenses are 10-20 year commitments- plus, there are quite a few used lens bargains around if you search (KEH.com is probably the best place to use for budgeting online.) Although each ISO/f-stop is a doubling or halving of the light, when you do it on a lens, you also get more subject isolation from the shallower depth of field. If you're shooting people, that's a good thing- landscapes not so much- so your intended use is important. Also, not everyone needs something that produces clean shots at ISO4800- so you have to really look more at what you're going to shoot, as well as your percieved long-term lens goals if you want to get the most for your money. For instance, if you were to want to shoot birds, you'd see that your only option once Sony comes out with a long enough lens is going to be a new lens in the $8000 range- where Nikon and Canon have a used market that can save you $3000 or so with 2-3 generations of super-telephotos.
If you're just going to shoot normal stuff with consumer or common focal length lenses, then it really doesn't matter which DSLR you get- anything current will give you excellent results for general-purpose photography.
While Nikon may make use of Sony's wafer fabs (and conversely, Sony probably makes use of Nikon's semiconductor manufacturing equipment), the sensor designs produced on Nikon's behalf are unique to Nikon.
If you want high ISO performance from Nikon in your price range, the D90 is nearly as good as the D300. Plus it shoots video.
SLC
SLC
If you peruse the tables at dxomark, the D90, GX-20 (Samsung's version of the K20D), and a used original 5D pop up in your price range.
The 5D gives you access to the widest zoom (Sigma 12-24), but be forewarned that at 12mm, the effect is extreme (I use the Nikon version with my 14n).
Because of that kind of thing, it's important to also look here:
http://dxo.com/us/photo/dxo_optics_pro/product_editions/cameras_lenses
(open the triangle in the cameras that interest you)
The 5D gives you access to the widest zoom (Sigma 12-24), but be forewarned that at 12mm, the effect is extreme (I use the Nikon version with my 14n).
Because of that kind of thing, it's important to also look here:
http://dxo.com/us/photo/dxo_optics_pro/product_editions/cameras_lenses
(open the triangle in the cameras that interest you)
Good for you
Well you've selected the same camera I've been looking at too. The Alpha a700 would be a great starting camera for you. Great for the new learner and advanced photographer. I always thought that one sould buy a camera with more than you need now and as you advanced in you're ability you won"t need to buy another camera too soon. As for lens, because Sony uses the same lens mount that (Konica)Minolta used, there are more than enough lenses that you may choose from. Adorama and B&H Photo have great selections of Minolta and Sony lenses new and used. Good shooting!
Well you've selected the same camera I've been looking at too. The Alpha a700 would be a great starting camera for you. Great for the new learner and advanced photographer. I always thought that one sould buy a camera with more than you need now and as you advanced in you're ability you won"t need to buy another camera too soon. As for lens, because Sony uses the same lens mount that (Konica)Minolta used, there are more than enough lenses that you may choose from. Adorama and B&H Photo have great selections of Minolta and Sony lenses new and used. Good shooting!
It's important to check some reputable stores about the availability of used lenses. In my experience, nothing comes close to the offer for Canon and Nikon.
Note also that some brands discontinued many of their older lenses (RoHS?), and there's few new replacements, so that finding things like a big tele could be very hard and expensive.
Note also that some brands discontinued many of their older lenses (RoHS?), and there's few new replacements, so that finding things like a big tele could be very hard and expensive.