Upgrade to A700? Or upgrade lenses?

[PeterPhoto]

Since this is my first post on this forum, let me introduce myself: I'm Peter, a 30 year old photography enthusiast from The Netherlands. In the 35mm film years, I worked with a Minolta Dynax 5000i that used to be my grandfathers camera. When switching to digital, I chose the Konica Minolta D5D at the end of 2005. Main reason for that: being able to keep using the lenses I possessed at that time (especially a 50 mm macro (F2.8 )).

I now own:
- Minolta 50mm macro (F2.8 )
- Minolta 18-70mm kit (F3.5-5.6)
- Sony 18-250mm (F3.5-6.3)
- Sigma 10-20mm (F4-5.6)

Why the list? Well, because of my ideas about what's next & best to do:
1. Switch to an A700 (since the release of firmware v4 and what I've read on this forum I'm interested in this upgrade)
2. Invest in a new lens like a Sigma 24-70 F.28 or Sigma 105 Macro F2.8 (or if you've got another advise ,let me know!)

I'm wondering what would be a wise thing to do. What's the benefit of replacing the body? Does it give plenty of extra quality so the need for new lenses diminishes? (sharpness, performance on higher ISO, speed, ease of use...) Or does a new lens ad more to what I've got right now? In case you're asking yourself 'why?'. Well, my employer is granting me a nice little extra bonus as a thank you for what I've achieved recently. I'd like to spend it on my photography equipment to be able to enjoy it as much as possible. It's enough to buy a A700 with a spare battery of even both the lenses I mentioned...

Best,
Peter

[marktuma]

Sonolta gave a much better response while I was typing this one, but FWIW: I've just got an A700 and I love it, so I'd go with the body - you'll get an upgrade in capability and quality in all your pictures, whatever the lens.

[picman]

Whereas I agree 100% with all that was said by Sonolta and marktuma maybe it might be wise just to hang in there for a short while. Isn't there a chance that Sony may come out with an upgraded version of the A700 soon? Personally I would at least wait until after PMA, even though chances are slim that anything new will come out then, there might be some news.

Cheers, Bob.

[PeterPhoto]

So, the A700 is a real upgrade in quality, speed, etc. I'm not a sports or action photographer, so for me the speed isn't the first thing to look at. Of course, the larger files are nice when there's a need for some cropping. But I also read in Sonolta's reply that the ISO and colours of the D5D are still quite good compared to the A700. There isn't a real urge to upgrade to an A700 right now (maybe to some of you I'm drawing a totally wrong conclusion... if so, let me know!)

Looking for some glass still leaves room for a later replacement with a A700 or follow-up (no intention to start a new thread on the A800 rumours...). Might take a while before a replacement gets to market, but it will be (I hope) an improvement compared to the A700.

Anyone else with interesting ideas or advice?

[bossel]

Go for the A700, can be had for <750 in NL now! I also went from KM 5D to A700 and there is no comparison!

Or wait til after PMA, but any A700 successor will certainly be more expensive.

[Dr. Harout]

I see the heralding lens is the 50/2.8 Macro, so I can assume you love and do some macro shots... therefore the viewfinder should be a good one. So, if I am correct, then no doubt go for the A700.
And, of course, welcome to the forum.

[pakodominguez]

tricky:
first answer: get the A700
but...
you will need a better lens than the kit lens in order to take advantage of the extra-everything the A 700 gives you (regarding the D5D), specially resolution.
second answer: get a nu lens too


regards

[bakubo]

Based on what you said and the lenses you already own I would say get the A700. It is a wonderful camera and the best of the 5 DSLRs of various brands that I have owned since 2003. Although I have quite a few lenses I have found that with the A700 I use the Sony 18-250mm most of the time. That lens plus your 10-20mm and macro cover you pretty darn well for most general photography, travel, etc.

[pakodominguez]

What are you talking about?

- Minolta 50mm macro (F2.8 )
- Sony 18-250mm (F3.5-6.3)
- Sigma 10-20mm (F4-5.6)

He already has three nice lenses to use on the A700 already! That's plenty of decent glass to get him started...

-Sonolta

You right
I don't know why I'd skipped the 18-250
So, only one answer: get the A700!!!

[PeterPhoto]

Now things get clear to me
Thanks for the advice! Based on what you all write, a new A700 will be the best thing to do. Just enjoy all the extra's this camera brings. And IF there's still a desire to get myself some new lenses, than that's the next step, not the first.

And yes, the macro lens is my favorite. I've got a budget photostudio (some simple halogen lighting and DIY diffusors en reflectors to work with) where I like to spend some time every now and then. Never thought I could have so much fun with a stapler, for example. If you would like to see some of my work, check out my portfolio on redbubble: http://www.redbubble.com/people/peterbusser" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (and leave a comment if you've got an account or send me a private message).

Thanks for your advice so far! I've been learning a lot while reading posts on this forum. Participating is even much more fun!

Peter

[alphaomega]

Peter
I went from Minolta MD through the Sony DSC-R1 to the A700. This is a fine camera and Sonolta has already sung its praises. I fully agree with him. I have the Tamron 18-250 as well as Sigma 10-20. The Sony 18-250 is made by Tamron. These are both fine lenses on the A700. The 18-70 is not bad stopped down, but cannot beat my Zeiss 16-80. I have never regretted buying the A700. There will be a successor at some stage and much more expensive at least initially. I do not consider the A700 an interim solution. Unless you are looking for mega pixels the Exmor 12 Mp sensor and V.4 upgrade will satisfy all reasonable requirements and the A700 is quite sturdy.

[PeterPhoto]

Thanks you all for your thoughts and advice. Yesterday I bought my copy of an A700. Today I did some shooting in my appartment as a first try with some settings. And I can tell you that I am extremely happy with it! It looks great, is fast, silent (compared to the KM D5D) and had lots of extra buttons to enter specific camera settings in the blink of an eye. Knowing how to operate the D5D makes it very easy to use this camera.

Wednesday the 4th I'm going on a short holiday to Austria with some of my colleagues. Most of them will go skiing, but I'll go for a hike with another photo-enthusiast and my A700. Let's find out what it's capable of doing...

Peter

[Dr. Harout]

Thanks you all for your thoughts and advice. Yesterday I bought my copy of an A700. Today I did some shooting in my appartment as a first try with some settings. And I can tell you that I am extremely happy with it! It looks great, is fast, silent (compared to the KM D5D) and had lots of extra buttons to enter specific camera settings in the blink of an eye. Knowing how to operate the D5D makes it very easy to use this camera.

Wednesday the 4th I'm going on a short holiday to Austria with some of my colleagues. Most of them will go skiing, but I'll go for a hike with another photo-enthusiast and my A700. Let's find out what it's capable of doing...

Peter

Congratulations and have a nice trip, Peter.