Well I went to Wolf Camera and...

[Stargazer79]

now I'm more confused.

I went to look at the XTi and came out confused with Sony A100. The salesman said that since I'm starting out I should just go with the A100 because of the IS thats inside the camera unlike the XTi where i would have to purchase the lenses with IS. He also said the the A100 is better for action photos then the XTi. Which is all good but its not like I plan to take little league pictures for the rest of my life. So all you wise photogs out there what would you suggest? My concern with the sony is that they make so many other products I'm not sure if they are concentrating on the quality of the camera. Then there is canon that has always been at the top when it comes to any type of camera. Ugh! I'm so confused. :o

[Chrisku13]

I guess it depends on what photos you plan on taking. I'm in the dSLR buying department as well, and looked at both the Sony and the Pentax K100D for their image stabilization. From what I understand, lenses with this feature inside will be more expensive, so the Canon might cost more in the long run. Have you checked the reviews on this site, and places such as CNET?

[iomatic]

Sounds like you got advice based on the clerk's kickback, not what you need.

[SpecialK]

The Sony can use most older Minolta lenses. The Pentax can use older Pentax lens (possible requiring an adaptor). You usually lose some features (focusing, metering, etc) the further back you go.

Canon and Nikon make nice products but if you are a believer in stabilization then you will spend extra for it from those brands.

The K100D had the basic features I wanted and affordable lenses, particularly the fisheye.

[Stargazer79]

I guess it depends on what photos you plan on taking. I'm in the dSLR buying department as well, and looked at both the Sony and the Pentax K100D for their image stabilization. From what I understand, lenses with this feature inside will be more expensive, so the Canon might cost more in the long run. Have you checked the reviews on this site, and places such as CNET?


I have read the reviews from several sites including this one. I guess I'm just getting a little overwhelmed with all the information that I'm learning about each. This purchase is an expensive decision (at least in my household) and I just want to make sure I get one that is right for me, my budget and one that I won't regret making.

The Sony can use most older Minolta lenses. The Pentax can use older Pentax lens (possible requiring an adaptor). You usually lose some features (focusing, metering, etc) the further back you go.

Canon and Nikon make nice products but if you are a believer in stabilization then you will spend extra for it from those brands.

The K100D had the basic features I wanted and affordable lenses, particularly the fisheye.

How long have you been using your Pentax? Is it difficult to find accesories for this brand? What kind of photography do you use it for?

Thanks :)

[SpecialK]

Hi:

What "accessories" are you talking about?

Besides Pentax lenses, there are Sigma or Tamron brands, among others to choose from.

I got the top of the line Pentax flash (bounce, swivel, wireless, P-TTL, etc) AF540FGZ for about $275, though they have the AF360FGZ for about a hundred less, and if you do not need so many features, there are many 3rd party flashes for under $100.

There are remotes, viewfinders and eyepieces, etc, but no battery grip.

As far as my photos go, I have a link to some of them below. Most of the first page is with Canon P&S cameras. I do no sports action. I do very little flash photography yet (though planning ahead with the AF540 :-)

I think the Pentax was really the right choice - for me at least.