What features on the Sony were making you think it was the choice for you?

I have no idea. I just came across it and thought it was a good camera. I have no idea on lens. Point me where to look. I am at work and can check what ever out.

Camera labs and dpreview have decent reviews that give some insight anyway.

For Matt:

O

As a reference, that is >2lbs of fish. Not exactly cut like they do at sushi restaurants

Although if you look closer at the scallops you will tell that this was done on purpose and not because I couldn't make it thinner.

Mmmmmmmmmmmm

So.good!

Pics FTW

Fuji x100

For anything less than 1k I think it looks like point and shoots are just as good as or trump a budget DSLR.

Again, bodies are like rifles. Many are "good enough" the real payback is in glass.

And megapixel comparisons is similar to e-penii comparisons.

Something like a G12 or similar if budget is to be followed.

It is impossible to get around optic problems so getting an expensive body without appropriate optics is not so smart.

I laugh my ass off on phones with camera's. Great 10mp and a lens that resolves 1mp. Dee dee dee. Fucking marketing.

I remember years ago when I was shooting film after I had used an 80-200 for awhile how much nicer my 50mm f1.8 lens was once I switched back to it.

For a P&S I have a Sony HXV9 which is just pretty darn awesome.

Then again, I bought it in Vegas after our previous camera died. It was the best thing I found in the budget at the local best buy.

Adjustable apertature, shutter, iso, and ZERO shutter lag are the pre-requisites for a camera. If you don't use or know any some "training wheels" are logical....which to me would be something you can sell for what you pay which means used. If it's cheap enough to begin with then who cares.

Of course if you are shooting real estate, birds or other really specific things then recommendations can change.

Adjustable apertature, shutter, iso, and ZERO shutter lag are the pre-requisites for a camera. If you don't use or know any some "training wheels" are logical....which to me would be something you can sell for what you pay which means used. If it's cheap enough to begin with then who cares.

Of course if you are shooting real estate, birds or other really specific things then recommendations can change.

The zero shutter lag is the main killer for most camera it seems like. Every person and their brother seems to have a 'manual' mode that allows change of the goodies, but what kills it for me most of the time is lack of high ISO usability. I would love to be able to run good quality at ISO 3200+, but that sure isn't going to happen with an F5.6 zoom lens.

For some aspects, image stabilization can overcome some ISO definition, ability to handhold at 1/20 sec with great focus is pretty awesome. I use to be able to handhold that low, but it sure as hell took two hands and paying attention.

Had a Habanero burger today in Hutchinson. 3 roasted Hab's on it completely whole. The first two weren't so hot, the third actually kicked my ass. And by kicked my ass I mean I drank two glasses of water and for the first time in probably 5 years had a hot shit. Surprised.

Adjustable apertature, shutter, iso, and ZERO shutter lag are the pre-requisites for a camera. If you don't use or know any some "training wheels" are logical....which to me would be something you can sell for what you pay which means used. If it's cheap enough to begin with then who cares.

Of course if you are shooting real estate, birds or other really specific things then recommendations can change.

The zero shutter lag is the main killer for most camera it seems like. Every person and their brother seems to have a 'manual' mode that allows change of the goodies, but what kills it for me most of the time is lack of high ISO usability. I would love to be able to run good quality at ISO 3200+, but that sure isn't going to happen with an F5.6 zoom lens.

ISO is usually related to the sensor itself. It can't mimic film without heating up and creating noise. Budget SLR's will be limited to 1600, but you can make up for it with a low F stop lens. 5.6 isn't really an optic.

I assume Hutch, MN and not KS.

For some aspects, image stabilization can overcome some ISO definition, ability to handhold at 1/20 sec with great focus is pretty awesome. I use to be able to handhold that low, but it sure as hell took two hands and paying attention.

Buys you a stop or two, that's it.

And to think they now have DSLR's that'll run ISO 25,000+ with quality like I use to get out of Ilford 3200. What technology gets us.

Indeed, but that body will set you back a few thousand bucks. Along with some f/2 it sure would make taking pictures in old school European churches way easier.

For some aspects, image stabilization can overcome some ISO definition, ability to handhold at 1/20 sec with great focus is pretty awesome. I use to be able to handhold that low, but it sure as hell took two hands and paying attention.

Buys you a stop or two, that's it.

And sometimes thats what I need to make my life easier.

For real image quality.

http://www.shorpy.com/White_Star_Line_piers_New_York_1904

Something digital can't touch.

Holy education on cameras in the hop!

Neal. http://www.dpreview.com/previews/sonyslta57

8 pages of comparisons. Sounds like Sony is trying really hard. I'd still shop lens first and see maybe what your buddy can do to help. Other things in that price range that are interesting although taking 2 bills off makes a big difference.