I am. We are definitely in a minority.
I have used minolta cameras since the mid 80s, and, via a Dimage 7Hi, currently use an A77, and occasionally an A100.
Not an SLT, but I shoot with a Sony (DSLR) A200 and an A550. Like Tom (@harveyzone) and Danette (@danette), I used to shoot with various Minolta film cameras and still use my Mintola and Minolta-mount lenses on the Sonys. We are definitely in the minority behind the "big two," however. :)
@embarkr Hello and Welcome to 365!
I got myself an ebay Sony Alpha 300 dslr for Christmas as it would fit the minolta lenses we already had... really need a chance to sit down and work it all out as I'm still a bit scared of using it. I keep my Canon P&S in my pocket for most excursions which isn't helping me to take that leap. (chicken!)
I thought the a700 was brilliant but the a77 is a fantastic camera. The evf is so good you forget its not glass and you have all the extra info and feedback too. Sony do not get the credit they deserve for such good cameras.
@godders I'm thinking 700, because I can probably manage the $ for a used one eventually, and I hear it is VERY durable, and I'm kind of rough on my cameras :-) Glad you think it's brilliant!
@m9f9l I keep my a700 as my spare body. Very well made as Sony had to prove themselves at the time. It is a really good camera body and a good choice for used purchase. It feels like a real camera. Its Penta Prism view finder and magnesium body shell.
By the way, my husband has one of the newer mirrorless Sonys (not the A77). He loves it. I don't like to use it. Yet I hear the mirrorless cameras are really gaining in popularity.
Reading this thread, I looked at the A65 which is comparable with the A700 in price for a used one , and while the A65 looks good, I'm still sold on the idea of the A700. Any thoughts anyone?
@m9f9l It keeps doing odd things... like showing me a screen of jargon and squiggly graphs when I want to see the subject, and refusing to take a photo when I'm holding down the shutterbutton and want it to click ... even when it's off auto. I don't think it likes me very much but will try again to make friends with it.... :)
@filsie65 And as for the graph, I wonder if you mean the histogram. If that's the case, try pressing the Disp button...that scrolls through the different viewing options.
alpha 65 user. Went down the Sony road about two years ago. Lots of lens....too many to consider switching brands.
@filsie65 Seems like your accidentally hitting your "display" button? Also shoot in Aperture, Manual or Shutter. Avoid program if you can. Also if it's not in focus (or has a lock on focus) it won't take a shot.
@m9f9l the 700 is kind of an older model. I would consider the 65 over this. Also 700 doesn't have live view (or whatever they call it). Since the a99 is out now I would also consider the A77. I plan on getting a A99 in a couple years if I continue to like this hobby.
Thanks for all the great replies (and welcomes) while I was sleeping here in Brisbane. Nice to know there are a few Sony users around (though obviously we're the minority).
I'm using the a57. I've never used a Canon or Nikon, to compare it to, but it's certainly a nice camera to work with from an ease-of-use perspective and has some very good features for the price. I'm not over the moon about my lens (Tamron 18-200mm), but this is my first interchangable lens camera and I'm still getting the hang of things. Will get a 50mm (or possibly 35mm) prime lens as soon as I can afford one.
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I have used minolta cameras since the mid 80s, and, via a Dimage 7Hi, currently use an A77, and occasionally an A100.
I got myself an ebay Sony Alpha 300 dslr for Christmas as it would fit the minolta lenses we already had... really need a chance to sit down and work it all out as I'm still a bit scared of using it. I keep my Canon P&S in my pocket for most excursions which isn't helping me to take that leap. (chicken!)
For Sony and Minolta users in the UK the following hire site might be useful
http://www.hireanalphalens.co.uk/
@filsie65 Seems like your accidentally hitting your "display" button? Also shoot in Aperture, Manual or Shutter. Avoid program if you can. Also if it's not in focus (or has a lock on focus) it won't take a shot.
@m9f9l the 700 is kind of an older model. I would consider the 65 over this. Also 700 doesn't have live view (or whatever they call it). Since the a99 is out now I would also consider the A77. I plan on getting a A99 in a couple years if I continue to like this hobby.
@harveyzone @filsie65 @wayoflife @jannkc @jesperani @brianmcm @pizzaboy @brianl - looks like we are the mirrorless pioneers.
I'm using the a57. I've never used a Canon or Nikon, to compare it to, but it's certainly a nice camera to work with from an ease-of-use perspective and has some very good features for the price. I'm not over the moon about my lens (Tamron 18-200mm), but this is my first interchangable lens camera and I'm still getting the hang of things. Will get a 50mm (or possibly 35mm) prime lens as soon as I can afford one.
Happy shooting!
In fact, the SLT is not mirrlorless. ;-)
It is really good to know, that I am not alone here.
I was referring to "looks like we are the mirrorless pioneers".
Yes, what a blunder! Thanks for correcting. I'm here to learn.
i love it and all its features