Looking at getting a new Digital SLR, anyone have any experience with the Sony A300 or A350, also considering the Olympus e-510. Any and all feedback appreciated.

Thanks

 

I just bought a Canon 40D and am not familiar with either of those models.

I believe the Olympus has camera as opposed to lens image stabilization which is supposed to same money on lenses.
I will say that most of cameras in this category are very similar and lens selection and cost would be quite important.
I'll look at the specs and get back to you.

 

I took a quick look at a couple of comparison reviews of the A350 and e510 and to find many differences you have to be pretty picky.
Manufacturers are so close in quality that you can drive yourself crazy making a decision based on specs alone.
You should really handle any camera you wish to buy and twist the knobs to see how you like the feel.
Mega zoom point and shoot cameras have advanced quite a bit in the last couple of years and the main reason IMO to choose an SLR over a mega zoom is because of the choice of lenses.
Lenses are where you may find some differences and you would do well to compare the range and price of lenses for any body you may wish to buy.
The body and kit lens that is usually included will potentially be a small part of the cost of a decent outfit.

Keep us posted on how your shopping goes.

 

I know what you mean, I was all set to purchase the Olympus and then I got a brochure for the Sony in the mail. I had not even considered the Sony but I like some of the feature particularly the speed and type of auto focus the camera utilizes.

The fact is that I want a dslr to have more control in lieu of the automatic features of digital cameras and of course the lens capabilities (so maybe the Sony is overkill). I have a couple of 35mm slr cameras none of which are automatics, I like my digital camera, and sometimes I like that I can just point and shoot, while at times I would like to compose the shot and control the focus depth, which I can't really do with my current digital camera. I also like the size and feel of my 35mm and want a digital closer in size and feel to my 35mm cameras. I just want to cover all my bases before I dump a grand or more on new camera equipment.

 

It all boils down to what you want.

I have a 10 megapixel digital Canon SLR that I bought to use my good collection of Canon lenses. I also have a Canon SD1000 Elph. I get many more good photos with my Elph than I do with my SLR simply because it is good, handy and very usable.

With the advances in point and shoot digitals it makes things almost too easy. When I get out my SLR, it seems like I am gearing up for a mission. I do get better shots with my SLR, but I have to be ready when the situation is there or I can plan ahead.

The best bird shot I got was a Gray Owl sitting on a fence post 20' away - with my Elph. He would have been gone if I tried to get out and use my SLR.

I started with SLRs and have continued to use them. For a period, I also used my little Rolli 35 and an older Canon Elph that were small, handy and built like a brick. Some of the point and shoot cameras are now similar to thaem also.

I am older, so I still enjoy the feel of a big old, heavy camera, but I do appreciate the 2 or more gig cards that let you shoot whatever you want. The new software certainly is much better than the old trays, chemicals and enlargers to correct the final prints.

Dick

 

I have not missed my Nikons & my 4 or 5 lenses ( can't remember ) but, I wish I had some of that money back
I do enjoy my Sony & digital Nikon--the software is what
makes up for it all

 

Dick has a point about simplicity.
If you want an adjustable camera that you can purchase different focal length lenses for then DSLR is the way to go.

A simpler way to have an adjustable digital camera without the need to purchase any additional lenses then a mega zoom similar to the link above could be a consideration.
This class of camera has all the manual adjustment capabilities of a DSLR along with a film equivalent focal length of 28-400mm built in.

My son is shopping for a mega zoom type camera like the Fuji S100FS or the Panasonic FZ50 and he is going through the same head spinning seemingly endless list of specs trying to get his perfect camera.

 

Thanks for the input, I already have a nice fuji digicam that I like very much, I am not planning to send it packing. I am just fond of being able to manually set a camera and I guess I am a little weird but I like the feel of the bigger camera's that remind me more of my old 35mm. Now I just gotta decide which one to buy, guess I will go look at them both again and look at the accessories as well that I will want to get with the dslr.

 

Another thing to consider is you aren't just buying a camera, you are putting your money into a system. Meaning, if you get more into different lenses...Canon and Nikon are the way to go. Sony hasn't impressed me with their lineup of lenses. Also, most lenses that third party are available for much less than brand name. Again, Canon and Nikon have it here too. Just my .02

Good day!

 

jHOward, I am like you, I still have my Minolta XE7 bodies and an assortment of lenses. I've put them up on ebay, but the buyers want you to give them away and pony up shipping, so they are still in a nice safe place. Maybe someday. I really like the feel of SLR's, too. Replaced a Fuji with a Minolta Dimage. Although not a true slr, it gives a good latitude of adjustments and options I didn't find on others. Battery life is awesome.
Rapture, these aren't tools, so get back in the tool forum. Or have you bought all you are going to???

 

HAHAHA! Good one chandler. I have enough for now...but buying a new home next month....so I'll be back in that area soon enough. I have to balance my tools with my lenses! Just bought a new macro lens for my 20D...so that put a damper on a table saw. Oh well....needed the lens more than the saw.

 

Rapture,

What macro did you get and what other lenses have you managed to accumulate for your 20D?

I have a 28-135 IS/USM and a 70-300 USM lens for my 40D and hate changing out in the woods!
This is where I was at with my film camera but bugs and pine needles didn't seem to bother my Canon A-1 much.

This is the joy of SLR...........mo money!

 

I have the Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro. That is a fantastic lens for macro. I also have the Canon 50mm f/1.8 and a Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 (the Canon equiv is $1200, so $400 isn't bad). Those are the only three lenses I have at the moment. A 70-200 f/2.8 would be next if I catch a windfall of money.

I bought a reverse ring for my macro lens that will allow my 50mm to sit on it "reverse". A grain of salt nearly fills the entire frame....a tripod is a must for this though.

 

I would like to thank everyone for their input. After bouncing back and forth between the two cameras, I also looked at some super zooms, I decided to give the Sony A300 a try. Ordered one from Sony and I should have it this weekend. I will let you all know how I like it after I have spent a little time with it.

Once again Thanks for your thoughts and ideas.

 

Well I got my new Sony A300 this past weekend and I gotta say after playing around with it a little, I am very impressed, the auto focus is pretty fast and there is very little shutter lag. MUCH better then my old p&s digicam. I think I am going to like this camera a lot, but time will tell for sure...

 

Glad you like it.
I'm sure you will be happy with it.