a300, a350, a700 or a900?

[Ian C]

Right, I need some help please...

Having been an a100 owner since its release and after seeing all these new swanky models come out, I'm now thinking its time to upgrade! but I really need some advice on which alpha to get.

Q. Why do I want to upgrade from my current a100?

A. I want better detail, noise control and the ability to print very large prints of photos taken on long exposures.

I love my a100 with the kit lens 18-70mm and my Sony 100mm Macro, but I'm not sure if I can get a noticeable jump in detail from another alpha? Do I keep my a100 and get better lenses..... or keep my current lenses and buy a new alpha?

Opinions welcome. Price is not a factor. (Well, lets not be silly!)
Thanks,
Ian C

[alphaomega]

I am not an expert and you will get better advice than I can provide but frankly I believe from having read widely that there is no point in upgrading the A100 to a later model without getting a better standard Zoom lens. The 18-70 has received mixed review and is held to be soft at the corners. have no experience of the 100 mm Macro but I am certain that the more experienced members will approve of this optic. In your situation I would go for the CZ 16-80 mm Zoom instead of upgrading the camera if that is your choice. David Kilpatrick thought highly of the A100 and if you are not satisfied with the results from the 18-70 I would put the blame on the lens if otherwise the A100 functions in terms of focus, exposure etc.
I upgraded from my DSC-R1 to A700 and A350. I purchased the CZ 16-80 because I was so impressed by its performance on my R1. That camera is still in use by my son and I am continually impressed by the Jpegs (and RAWs) that the R1 produces. I put it down primarily to the lens.
I am happy with my A700 and A350 but IMHO there is no point in spending money on these if you do not at the same time upgrade the standard zoom lens. You can also consider the 16-105 but consider if the faster CZ would be better for your purposes.
Ideally you should probably go for the A700 with the CZ 16-80 as this camera with firmware v.4 has good reviews highlighting better noise control now on a par with the Nikon D300. There has been some concerns expressed about noise in the A900 at higher ISO levels, but that would be a major step up. On the other hand, if you have the money the 100 macro lens would fit but a decent standard zoom such as the CZ 16-35 is in a different price league even compared with the CZ 16-80.
But also wait for other comments as there is a lot of knowledge available on this Forum.

[Ian C]

You must have read my mind regarding the CZ 16-80! Recently been looking into buying one of those

I am definitely interested in getting new lenses as well, but nothing too expensive.... if I can get the results I want from my a100 with better glass... I am more than happy to stick with it if thats the general consensus

Thank you greatly for your input

[harveyzone]

Having been an a100 owner since its release and after seeing all these new swanky models come out, I'm now thinking its time to upgrade! but I really need some advice on which alpha to get.

Q. Why do I want to upgrade from my current a100?

A. I want better detail, noise control and the ability to print very large prints of photos taken on long exposures.

I love my a100 with the kit lens 18-70mm and my Sony 100mm Macro, but I'm not sure if I can get a noticeable jump in detail from another alpha? Do I keep my a100 and get better lenses..... or keep my current lenses and buy a new alpha?

Opinions welcome. Price is not a factor. (Well, lets not be silly!)

Well, that is quite a range of kit you are looking at!

At ISO 100 the A100 is hard to beat on detail. You may be wise to look out a new lens or two and keep hold of the body.

If you really have money to burn and want to upgrade then I would say that the A300 is too similar to your A100 to warrant the change unless you specifically need live-view, and will not offer anything more with respect to detail, and little more in NR. The A350 would give you more detail. Personnaly I would go for the A700, and a new lens (CZ 16-80?). It may not give you much more at ISO100, but will give you better noise handling. The A900 seems overkill, but will give you more detail. If you buy an A900 then you will be needing a new lens too as the kit one is a cropped image circle.

My needs may be different to yours, but I would be looking at the A700.

[KevinBarrett]

I have to agree with these guys. Your camera is good (10.2 MP is no slouch), so picking up a new 16-80 will be the single most cost-effective improvement to your kit. If you "upgraded" to an a200 or a300, you've got the same sensor and the same kit lens. If you go up to an a350, you're going to need to get a new lens anyway because the 18-70 isn't good for much more than 10 MP. Same story with the a700, however, the a700 can be bundled with a variety of kit lenses, from the 18-70 (you don't need another one, I promise), to the 16-105 or 16-80. The best two prurchases you could make would be (1.) the 16-80, and (2.) either an a350 or an a700. The choice between these is simple, the first has a higher pixel count and live view, but a very tiny, dim viewfinder, and the second has a very bright viewfinder, shoots twice as quickly, and provides more control.

[Ian C]

Great Help big thanks one and all!

I think It's safe to say that I will find myself purchasing a CZ 16-80mm DT lens ......then.... if I feel the need...... pick myself up an a700 body! (or a900 if I deem it really really necessary)

This the one were all thinking of? if so... will shop about for a better price and buy it!

http://www.jessops.com/Store/s49126/0/L ... lse&comp=y

[harveyzone]

I think It's safe to say that I will find myself purchasing a CZ 16-80mm DT lens ......then.... if I feel the need...... pick myself up an a700 body! (or a900 if I deem it really really necessary)

A word of warning - CZ 16 -80 is a DT (crop lens) so if you are serious about the A900 then perhaps you might do well to look for a full frame alternative, otherwise you will be replacing it when you upgrade your body. Unfortunately most lenses in the 16/17/18 to 50/70/80mm range are for cropped sensors so you would probably be looking at either a 24/28/35 to 70/105mm type range, or a shorter 17/18 to 35mm type range for a full frame lens, which would be less useful on a crop sensor.

Have a look at http://www.dyxum.com/lenses/results.asp?IDLensType=3 for some alternatives.

[Ian C]

Ah yes! I forgot about that!

Thanks