I realize Nikon and Canon are the "big two" and those of us who use other brands -- Olympus, Pentax, Sony, etc. -- are the quiet minority. For those of us who grew up with 35mm film cameras, proudly shot with Minolta cameras, and still own a stable of Minolta-mount lenses, Sony was the way to go, and I (for one) am happy with my Sony cameras. With that said, I'm thinking of getting a new one. I currently have the A200 and the A550. Not fond of the A550, just never became comfortable with it. I am, however, hearing good things about the A57. So I'm asking if anyone here shoots with an A57 and, if so, would you recommend it? Why?
LOL, I had a chuckle because as a Minolta owner you felt you had to go with Sony. I felt anything else but. That said, I'm sure that the Sony is just fine. I am always amused by people's brand loyalty since I work in marketing--please don't think that I am trying to be rude. I really like my Panasonic Lumix, which is also a lesser used brand around here.
Did you see in the discussion thread that lots of us are shooting film for the month of February? I myself will be shooting with my Minolta Maxxum 5 as well as some antique film cameras. It's not too late to join in since it's takes more time to get through film---I have nothing to post yet myself. http://365project.org/discuss/themes-competitions/16164/film-february
@5unflow3r Trina, the compact camera that is always in my purse if I don't have a DSLR nearby is a Panasonic Lumix. I wasn't convinced that a Sony compact was the way to go. I remain brand-loyal to Minolta, however. I had several friends back in the 35mm film days who bought Canon cameras because advertisements told them Canon was the best. Saying "I own a Canon" was akin to saying "I own a Cadillac." Even if you drove it rarely and eventually gave it up, still, you had bragging rights. I don't shop for a camera (or anything else) for bragging rights. And I've never been one to be taken in by marketing/advertising. :)
I am, however, relatively careful with my money. Since I own several nice Minolta/Sony-mount lenses, and since Sony cameras are (despite what advertising might tell you) equal to "the big two" in quality and capabilities, why should I switch brands and be forced to purchase a whole new kit when a new body is all I might need? And I don't really NEED that, I'm just looking around. :)
@sjoblues I actually wasn't really aware of the Sony/Minolta connection until today...I kind of made my decision based on how Sony chose to use cards that were different from everyone else's, making it inconvenient if you lost your card while out---more of a pain to replace. I don't know what they use now.
I used to want a Pentax 35mm, because everyone used to say that they were the best. Then I borrowed my brothers and the film jammed. LOL C'est la vie
@5unflow3r Trina, yes, Sony bought Minolta, which is why you no longer see Minolta cameras. I had a 6-megapixel Minolta DImage camera that was one of the last cameras to carry the Minolta name, which I didn't know at the time, and learned when it encountered a problem (i.e., ceased to function) and I took it in for repair and was told it was cheaper to buy a new camera. Which is when I switched to the DSLR (the Sony A200).
Yes, it was annoying to discover that the Sonys seem to be all over the place with memory cards. The A200 takes the larger compact flash cards. The A550 takes the SD cards and a "memory stick," which I've never purchased. I've learned to check what sort of memory card any future camera purchase(s) might involve.
I like my A500's. Consider that Sony makes the senors for Nikon and other parts for Canon, it make sense to get a Sony. In addition to owning Konica/Minolta, Sony recently purchased Olympus. This is great because it adds a company who is improving the 4/3's format for camera's.
@sjoblues Thanks for the scoop on the link between these two cameras, btw. I have just realized that I can still probably get lenses for the Maxxum 5. :-)
I was a Minolta film SLR user, and fell into Sony given all of the lenses I had and the cost to convert. I had the first model Sony Alpha and now shoot with the A55 (the 57's predecessor). It's a great camera - great in bright light, good resolution (even in JPEG format), and very intuitive usability. It's also one of the lighter cameras out there.
One consideration: if you're thinking the A57, you might want to consider bumping up a touch to the A65 for not too much more money: 24.3MP (up from 16.1), same 10fps, and pretty much all of the functionality of the A77 for MUCH less. If you like/need to shoot in low light, my understanding is that Sony lags behind Canon and Nikon ... so that might be one consideration. Sony also apparently has one of the best video capabilities, though this is not a function I ever use on purpose (I've hit the record button multiple times by mistake).
Alpha 65 owner. I haven't used a a57 but I've also heard good things about it as well. I see at Amazon the reviews are still very good. Only concern is the EVF is not as good as the a65 or a77- so I've read. You can probably get a a65 cheap these days considering Sony just released the a99 (which I want). Something to consider.
I think you just need to check them all out. I shoot with an A55 and my husband uses my old A33. Absolutely LOVE them both!! Lots of great features, including features not available on the beginner/mid-levels of the others. The A57 would be an upgrade from what we are shooting but doubtful you could go wrong with it. GOOD LUCK!
@lynne5477@brianl@still_beachradish@jannkc@harveyzone@nanalisarocks Thanks everyone for your responses. Unfortunately you've given me many other options to consider when I was thinking the A57 might be "the one" for me to trade up to from the A200 and the A550 currently in my possession. :)
Just got an A57 and I am loving it! It's very easy to use, but has a lot of really helpful features (such as a level in the viewfinder). I would highly recommend it.
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Did you see in the discussion thread that lots of us are shooting film for the month of February? I myself will be shooting with my Minolta Maxxum 5 as well as some antique film cameras. It's not too late to join in since it's takes more time to get through film---I have nothing to post yet myself. http://365project.org/discuss/themes-competitions/16164/film-february
I am, however, relatively careful with my money. Since I own several nice Minolta/Sony-mount lenses, and since Sony cameras are (despite what advertising might tell you) equal to "the big two" in quality and capabilities, why should I switch brands and be forced to purchase a whole new kit when a new body is all I might need? And I don't really NEED that, I'm just looking around. :)
I used to want a Pentax 35mm, because everyone used to say that they were the best. Then I borrowed my brothers and the film jammed. LOL C'est la vie
Yes, it was annoying to discover that the Sonys seem to be all over the place with memory cards. The A200 takes the larger compact flash cards. The A550 takes the SD cards and a "memory stick," which I've never purchased. I've learned to check what sort of memory card any future camera purchase(s) might involve.
One consideration: if you're thinking the A57, you might want to consider bumping up a touch to the A65 for not too much more money: 24.3MP (up from 16.1), same 10fps, and pretty much all of the functionality of the A77 for MUCH less. If you like/need to shoot in low light, my understanding is that Sony lags behind Canon and Nikon ... so that might be one consideration. Sony also apparently has one of the best video capabilities, though this is not a function I ever use on purpose (I've hit the record button multiple times by mistake).