Hey all,
The past 4 months have been very very busy months in terms of new photographic excursions, work and life in general. My time on TE has dropped substantially and I've mostly transitioned from regular member to regular lurker.
But my time towards quality photography has actually increased during these days and I'd decided to take the step towards more serious photography around 2 months back.
Then began the hunt for the replacement for my Sony A300 DSLR. My budget was flexible but I'd decided to keep a cap. I was even open to shifting to Canon or Nikon if the price/features were right. At the end of the day, I realized that full-frame was what I wanted to upgrade to and it came down to a new Canon 5D Mk II, new Nikon D700, used Canon 5D or a new Sony A850. The Sony system's sheer value-for-money bowled me over and that's why I have it now.
PHEW!! Talk about a looong intro!
Here's what I shoot with now:
Sony A850, 24.6MP
Lenses: Minolta 28-75 f2.8, Minolta 17-35 f2.8-4.0, Minolta 24-105 f3.5-4.5 (lightweight lens), Minolta 70-210 f4.0, Sony 50mm f1.4
Flashes: Sony HVL-42AM, Sony HVL-20 (superb compact flash!)
Supports: SLIK tripod (inexpensive but usable!), Manfroto monopod
Bag: Kata 3n1-20 and a Kata DR-467
This is a huuuuuuuuuuge step up from my A300 but I'll miss the awesome quick Liveview the most. The A850 itself isn't too heavy or too bulky in fact..and the viewfinder is magic!! It is like looking at a massive screen! The DOF and perspective with a 50 1.4 lens is too die for...and yes, the sound of that huuuge shutter is impressive.
Total damages: All I'll say is that this is anywhere between 40-50% cheaper than a comparable Canikon FF system. Minolta's used market is awesome and all the lenses are in great shape. Proof to this is that I sold a Minolta 50mm f1.7 for the same price I bought it at! 
Camera body bought in India (smartshoppers, Chennai), everything else abroad.
Photos to follow soon!
Cheers!
Payne
PS: Sony A300 sold to supercsar, our own TE regular!
PPS: Irrespective of all this, I'll still stress on the importance of skill, timing and location over just great gear. Look at ANP's awesome shots from his D40! I just hope to make the most of this kit now. *fingers crossed*
The past 4 months have been very very busy months in terms of new photographic excursions, work and life in general. My time on TE has dropped substantially and I've mostly transitioned from regular member to regular lurker.
But my time towards quality photography has actually increased during these days and I'd decided to take the step towards more serious photography around 2 months back.Then began the hunt for the replacement for my Sony A300 DSLR. My budget was flexible but I'd decided to keep a cap. I was even open to shifting to Canon or Nikon if the price/features were right. At the end of the day, I realized that full-frame was what I wanted to upgrade to and it came down to a new Canon 5D Mk II, new Nikon D700, used Canon 5D or a new Sony A850. The Sony system's sheer value-for-money bowled me over and that's why I have it now.
PHEW!! Talk about a looong intro!
Here's what I shoot with now:
Sony A850, 24.6MP
Lenses: Minolta 28-75 f2.8, Minolta 17-35 f2.8-4.0, Minolta 24-105 f3.5-4.5 (lightweight lens), Minolta 70-210 f4.0, Sony 50mm f1.4
Flashes: Sony HVL-42AM, Sony HVL-20 (superb compact flash!)
Supports: SLIK tripod (inexpensive but usable!), Manfroto monopod
Bag: Kata 3n1-20 and a Kata DR-467
This is a huuuuuuuuuuge step up from my A300 but I'll miss the awesome quick Liveview the most. The A850 itself isn't too heavy or too bulky in fact..and the viewfinder is magic!! It is like looking at a massive screen! The DOF and perspective with a 50 1.4 lens is too die for...and yes, the sound of that huuuge shutter is impressive.
Total damages: All I'll say is that this is anywhere between 40-50% cheaper than a comparable Canikon FF system.
Minolta's used market is awesome and all the lenses are in great shape. Proof to this is that I sold a Minolta 50mm f1.7 for the same price I bought it at! Camera body bought in India (smartshoppers, Chennai), everything else abroad.
Photos to follow soon!
Cheers!
Payne
PS: Sony A300 sold to supercsar, our own TE regular!
PPS: Irrespective of all this, I'll still stress on the importance of skill, timing and location over just great gear.
Look at ANP's awesome shots from his D40! I just hope to make the most of this kit now. *fingers crossed*
