Need help deciding on my first camera

[iAstonish]

I appreciate the responses overnight.

I ruled out pretty much everything but Sony, Canon and Nikon from the start just based on what features I was looking for - Pentax/Olympus didn't have what I wanted.

And I went with the Sony in the end, after seeing the Canon in person. I really didn't like the Canon :/

I did the same thing when I was looking for my DSLR. I ruled Canon and Nikon out from the start. Olympus didn't have what I wanted. I narrowed it down to Pentax and Sony. I found the A230 on sale, and got it. I personally couldn't be happier with it. I also like the fact that I can use the older Minolta AF lens with it. You can get some really nice used Minolta glass on eBay for super cheap.

Why did you immediately rule out Canon and Nikon? Just wondering because thqats the first time I've heard that before.

 

[OffTheWall]

I've finally decided to actually spend the money, and get myself fully involved in the world of photography. I looked around at all the good, name brand models and I've narrowed it down to two cameras but I could use a little help deciding between them.

The Sony a550
and the Canon EOS Rebel T2i EF-S 18-55mm IS Kit

They're pretty similar, but I'm looking for a second opinion from some actual photographers on whether or not the little differences between the two are going to make one of them better.

*I don't care about the video capability that the Canon has, I'm really just focussed on imaging capabilities.

Thanks

I loved my Sony Alpha A230, the only reason i got rid of it was because i was doing a lot of night photography and the noise on the images on a 30' exposure was ridonculous. A couple of my best friends own the A550 and absolutely love the camera, low noise, great price range for a mid level dslr, and sony has pretty quality cheap lenses at that too, except for the nifty fifty i think they could come down a bit on that one as the canon and nikon ones can be had for a little less than a hundred bucks. The image quality really stands out very saturated colors might be a little over saturated for a few folks but the results are far from bad.

My 0.2 cents

 

[KmH]

If a camera doesn't feel good in your hands, you aren't going to hold it as well, you may have to make compromises in how you hold it to make it comfortable,.........

So, when they give me the 60MP Hassy, and it doesn't feel comfortable in my hands I should give it back? NO WAY! I'll adapt to the camera, thank you.

What happens if I decide to upgrade from an entry-level to a prosumer camera. The prosumer cameras have so many more buttons, they're bigger, heavier.

How do pro women shooters cope using huge 1D MKIII's and D3x's. Their hands aren't as big as men's hands?

Not withstanding that humans have opposable thumbs and unequaled dexterity in the animal world........

 

[Fatback]

I appreciate the responses overnight.

I ruled out pretty much everything but Sony, Canon and Nikon from the start just based on what features I was looking for - Pentax/Olympus didn't have what I wanted.

And I went with the Sony in the end, after seeing the Canon in person. I really didn't like the Canon :/

I did the same thing when I was looking for my DSLR. I ruled Canon and Nikon out from the start. Olympus didn't have what I wanted. I narrowed it down to Pentax and Sony. I found the A230 on sale, and got it. I personally couldn't be happier with it. I also like the fact that I can use the older Minolta AF lens with it. You can get some really nice used Minolta glass on eBay for super cheap.

Why did you immediately rule out Canon and Nikon? Just wondering because thqats the first time I've heard that before.

For me it was more about money then anything. Both the Canon, and Nikon was $150 more then I had to spend(unless I bought an older used model). Also I don't like there lens. I'm sure the quality is fine, but there to expensive for me, even used. Another thing for me is that both Pentax, and Sony have built in stabilization where I would of had to pay more for a Canon, or Nikon lens with stabilization. I'm not saying that Canon, or Nikon suck because of course they don't and there is plenty of proof of it. It's just a personal thing really, I just never pictured myself shooting Canon, or Nikon.

 

[I X L R 8]

sure i'll explain what he means. He shoots with a Sony : )

Well you see, that's where you're wrong.
You see every review I watched, read or browsed through rated the Sony's live view auto focus much higher than canon or Nikon.

Have I ever said that a Sony Camera is " Better than" Nikon or Canon?

I'm not here to defend any camera brand. Apparently you and your buddy are.
What you shoot, everyone should shoot. Right?
Here let me flip you the middle finger on that analogy right off the bat.
Did you see that?

I Don't shoot with a Sony. Not yet anyway.
I did purchase one , however, but it's hasn't been delivered as of yet.
That was MY choice ( and read the last part carefully " MY CHOICE " just as it was YOUR CHOICE to dive in with your snide comment) based on reviews, lenses that I already have along with other compatible equipment that I already have. It had nothing to do with what you and your buddy think MY choice should have been or whose camera is better than anothers, snobbery.

I'm new on this site. I'm certain that I do not know as much about photography as you and a very broad spectrum of the members here, and that is ONE of the reasons I am here. Again by choice. Mine.

Should the two of you disagree with reviews on Sony's live view auto focus abilities, please feel free to upload your own reviews to youtube or possibly reply to cameralabs with your professional critique and how you know what's best for all, which I'm sure will be welcomed with open arms by the entire photography industry, here and abroad.