Sony A300 or Canon 1000D

[Donki]

Hi guys,

I am buying my first SLR and wondering which of the above would be the best option? They are both the same price and have same lens. Which one would you go for and why?

Is there any other choices I should be havign a look at?

[LindaS]

I bought my first DSLR a few months ago. I purchased a Sony A350, so I can tell you my initial impressions.

You can get a lot cheaper Minolta lens off of ebay. The image stabilization is in the camera, so there are cheaper, used lens out there.

The live view can be handy, but it isn't as big of an advantage as I thought, because I use it less and less.

The AF can be a little sluggish-not terrible.

The auto white balance looks very true to real life.

I think that the auto focus is a little soft. I notch up the sharpness on the settings.

In general, I think that all of the entry level DSLR are good. The difference is probably going to be in how good of a lens you can afford to buy and how much skill you have manipulating the settings for different situations.

I'm sure they are both great cameras :)

Linda

[Aussie Nan]

I bought the Sony A200 about six weeks ago, which is virtually the same as the A300. My first SLR too.

One of the things I like about it is the ease of use. It's a very intuitive camera, and all the settings etc that can seem so overwhelming on an SLR are very easy to use.

Like Linda, I find the images a bit soft, and I up the sharpness in the camera settings (when I remember), or else post process sharpness. I'm a bit dubious though, lack of sharpness may be operator error on my part because all the reviews, and displayed review images, show the camera is pin sharp.

I love the colours I'm getting, they are very true to what my eye is seeing. Will be able to tell you more in a few weeks, but probably too late for you then. (I am taking four lessons at the store I bought it from)

My real suggestion to you is to go to a camera store and handle both cameras for a while. It has to 'feel' right for you. You will not be happy with a camera that doesn't 'fit.' The rest will come with practice, but the size and your comfort in handling it has to be a major factor in your decision making.

Good luck

[Inspeqtor]

My real suggestion to you is to go to a camera store and handle both cameras for a while. It has to 'feel' right for you. You will not be happy with a camera that doesn't 'fit.' The rest will come with practice, but the size and your comfort in handling it has to be a major factor in your decision making.


Donki,

That is very good advice, go to a store where you can handle both (if that store sells both brands)

I own the Canon XSi (450D) and I can tell you it is a very good camera. IMHO the photos are not soft, but very crisp and clear (at least most of them) The ones that are not great are the fault of the picture taker, not the camera (eehhmmm.. that would be ME!)


The 1000D will be mostly the same as the XSi but scaled down a little. Why would you not want the XSi (450D) since they are both the same price?

[Donki]

I went for the 1000d, and I got it at discount because I know the buy in the local camera store, got it with a 4gb card for £340, I dont know the dollar conversion. Also can claim £30 back from Canon so I am very happy with my purchase, I just go to get snapping http://www.elementsvillage.com/forums/images/icons/icon7.gif. Thansk for your imput guys.

[Inspeqtor]

I am sure you will be very happy with the 1000D. I love my XSi (450D) :D