some advice on a350/700

[stevecim]

Hi All

I have some old Minolta Kit, 300 and 600si bodys, Minolta 50mm 1.7, min 70-210 4.5, 30-80mm powerzoom and a Sigma 170-500 all over 10 years old but in good condition.

I'm sick of taking photos with a Pan FZ10, which the salesman sold has being has "good has a SLR " brought before minolta released their Digital SLRs.

don't know what to get, it's either the a350 or a700. I want the faster focusing speed of the a700 but after reading posts here I'm not sure my old glass will handle the speed.

Would like to keep my total spend to to under 2K australian. (need a new flash has well, my old sunpak 4000F died )
all advice would be greatly welcomed.

Stephen

[Dr. Harout]

Welcome to the forum Stephen.
First thing you should do is hold both cameras and see which has a better feel for you.
Next step would be to decide what you are going to shoot.
Do you need a live view?
And so forth.
You'll come out with an answer on your own.
Wish you good luck and happy shooting

[David Kilpatrick]

The A350 has a focusing motor similar in speed to the A700, it's just the AF module which is not as responsive. So if your lenses will handle the A350, they'll be fine on the A700.

If you can afford the A700, it's the one to go for, especially with your 170-500mm. The viewfinder will be so much better for you on the A700.

David

[KevinBarrett]

Consider also that the A700 is a camera you won't outgrow as quickly as an A350. It has a full array of controls and customization, not to mention a very reassuring grip for one-handed toting. If processing speed is the only reason for moving up to the A700, you might as well go with an A300 or A200. They will be less demanding of your glass and shoot a bit faster...not to mention save you enough to pick up a few more accessories and filters. Personally, I find the viewfinder very dark and tiny on the live view models.

[stevecim]

Thanks all.

I'll need to spend some time in a store and play with both units
Looking at the specs only the a700 main controls are closer to those on the my 600si film SLR.

thanks again
Stephen