A900, AT LAST

[malcy]

Well, after many months deliberation I finally took the plunge and purchased an a900. For me it was quite a jump from my a350. I had read all the comments on this site, some of it I actually understand. I have practised and practiced using some of the info that most of the experts on this site discuss in their forums. I have found it extreemly helpful and continue to do so. I was also lucky enough to be able to buy the 24-70cz, 70-400G and have the 135cz on order. A very close friend of mine has also got herself an a900, the 24-70cz and the 70-300G. I would like to thank all the contributors to this site for their continuing support to novices and experts alike as the information gleamed, in my case anyway, has turned a hobby into a passion.
Mal

[alphaomega]

I can only concur with malcy's comments and that Photoclubalpha is a "civilised" site devoid of personal attacks and full of useful information. I have also found that queries are generally answered qucikly and in a satisfactory manner. It is a great credit to the more knowledgeable participants that they are prepared to take the time to share their knowledge and experience.

[aster]

Congratulations Malcy !

This a couragous step up and I'm sure you'll enjoy the extra megapixels and the features that make shooting a pleasure. Also a good set of quality lenses that will give those extra pixels the right boost.

Enjoy!

Yildiz

[Dr. Harout]

Hip hip hurray.
Congratulations buddy. Wish me to acquire it (those) too

[Lonnie Utah]

As a fellow A900 owner I would like to say welcome to the club! You are going to love it. If I could offer any advice it would be read, re-read, and re-re-read your manual!

[jbtaylor]

I tried to read the manual and found it wanting. Not much print dedicated to the finer points. I guess that is what this forum is for. We are lucky indeed.

[Lonnie Utah]

read the manual with camera in hand. DO everything that the manual describes on the camera while reading....

[UrsaMajor]

I tried to read the manual and found it wanting. Not much print dedicated to the finer points. I guess that is what this forum is for. We are lucky indeed.

Most manuals from most companies leave a lot to be desired. IMO, one of the best investments you could make would be to purchase Gary Friedman's book on the A900. You can read more about it - and purchase it - at Gary's web site. The link to Gary's A900 book is at:

http://www.friedmanarchives.com/Alpha900/index.htm

Fair warning - I have not read the A900 book, as I do not have an A900. However, over the years I have purchased his books on the Minolta A2, the Konica-Minolta 7D, and the Sony A700. All are excellent, and I have no reason to assume that Gary's book on the A900 would be any less well-written. I think my willingness to be a repeat customer on two separate occasions testifies to my opinion. (FWIW, my only connection to Gary is as a customer for his books and as an attendee of one of his photography seminars.)

With best wishes,
- Tom -

PS
As a correction to the above, I should mention that I was a volunteer proofreader for Gary's A330/A380 book, which was also very clear and well written, IMO.

[malcy]

Thank you all for the positive feedback. I have to say that I dowloaded the manual some months ago just to see what the a900 could do. I'm amazed at the resolution and the speeds that the a900 is able to achieve as I do like to shoot in aperture mode. I've found the controls very easy to use, so much so that going back to my a350 becomes quite slow. I have used the a900 to great effect for landscapes and wildlife in my native Cumbria and even more so in Buckinghamshire where I now live.
I intend in the near future to do some portrait and wildlife courses and will hopefully reach an acceptable standard.
I think with the a900 that I may be on the right path to do this. Thank you again.
Mal