Sony shooters, come in!

[AKPhotography]

My DH bought me my A100 for my birthday last year. It was my first DSLR and I din't know much about them at the time. We did some research, and thought this would be the best for me at the time.

I've been considering switching to Nikon or Canon ever since. The noise factor kills me on this camera. I only have the kit lense, no external flash. I've been trying to decide if I want a new lense (50mm 1.4) or wait to upgrade and switch the body to C or N.

What do you think and why? Thanks!

[CFord]

Welcome to the Forum. If you are wanting to try some of the lenses in the Minolta/Sony mount you are more than welcome to try some of mine. I have seen some awesome shots come out of the A100 so I think it is capable for its price range and age. If you are going to jump brands do it before you get to much invested.

[groovyone]

The A100 was good at ISO 100 and 200, decent at 400, but I really tried hard to avoid ISO 800+. I replaced my kit lens with the Minolta 28-75 f2.8 and it worked great for low light, and still gave me a good zoom range. If you want to save some money, look for the Minolta 50mm f1.7. There are a couple versions out there, and can usually be found for $80 or so. Once I started using the 50 f1.7 a lot, I upgraded to the Sony 50 f1.4. I LOVE the 1.4. The lens performance is awesome.

Also, for the longer ranges, check out the Minolta 70-210 f4 aka Beercan. These can usually be picked up for under $200.

The other option would be to change Sony bodies if you wanted to stick with them. I picked up an A700 when it was released and sold my A100 immediately after. Obviously, it costs a little more. The A200 that is out is an upgraded A100. It used the same 10.2MP sensor, but does a better job handling noise at higher ISOs, has ergos closer to the A700, and can now be had at the retail price of $500 for the kit.

I do still have my 28-75 f2.8, a pair of 50 f1.7s and a 70-210 f4 if you are ever in the Dickinson area and wanted to check them out. I don't use any of the 3 much anymore since I have the 16-80Z, 50 f1.4 and 70-200 f2.8.

[groovyone]

One more thought, have you updated the firmware? I think V1.04 helped the higher ISO noise handling a little. Also, you can set the AUTO ISO to only use 100-400 if you want to avoid it jumping to 800.

[phillip ino]

In essence, we are all Sony shooters

[AKPhotography]

Originally Posted by groovyone

One more thought, have you updated the firmware? I think V1.04 helped the higher ISO noise handling a little. Also, you can set the AUTO ISO to only use 100-400 if you want to avoid it jumping to 800.

Thank you for all the helpful info!

One question - What is firmware? How much is it?

[CFord]

Firmware is the software inside your camera and it is free to download from Sony

Download from here.

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu...00&region_id=1

Make sure that you understand the instructions or get someone to help.

[toverman]

You know, if you'll stop calling it "noise" and start calling it "grain" like we did in the film days, it doesn't sound so bad.

Dude1: "Hey, you got a good shot in near-total darkness!"

Dude2: "Yeah, it was kind of hard."

Dude1: "Gotta love that grain though, eh?"

I say try a faster lens (50 f/1.4 sounds good to me) and get an accessory flash. Then, when and if you upgrade your Sony body, you'll still be able to use them. Or stop trying to shoot in the dark!

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by CFord

Firmware is the software inside your camera and it is free to download from Sony

Download from here.

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu...00&region_id=1

Make sure that you understand the instructions or get someone to help.

Like Chris said, check out the instructions. It is fairly easy once you read how to do it. It is a free update.

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by toverman

You know, if you'll stop calling it "noise" and start calling it "grain" like we did in the film days, it doesn't sound so bad.

Dude1: "Hey, you got a good shot in near-total darkness!"

Dude2: "Yeah, it was kind of hard."

Dude1: "Gotta love that grain though, eh?"

I say try a faster lens (50 f/1.4 sounds good to me) and get an accessory flash. Then, when and if you upgrade your Sony body, you'll still be able to use them. Or stop trying to shoot in the dark!

That is too true.

I did exactly as you are suggestiong, and bought the 50 f1.7 and the 56 series flash for use with my A100, then upgraded. Of course, I bought my A700 the day it came out and there were no 'upgrades' before then.

[AKPhotography]

Thanks for the great advice and info! Not shooting in the dark, just low light. :)