a NEW vote ... Christmas Still

[Phill D]

Yes Don shame this didn't get off the ground it was a good idea. Maybe Jeff could pick up the idea & make it something general as a prize so more of us could enter. If he could get a manufacturer to donate a prize or ask for a small donation to the site per entry he wouldn't be out of pocket.

[DonSchap]

Look ... I was concerned with the SONY DSLR group turning out some concerted effort ... to make use of their investment. It was a "focused" contest, providing insight to something other than the usual candid shots.

There was really no failure in the effort, as we all would have a chance to offer critique and ideas on improvements, if any, as we all saw them, to provide a lesson in photography, group style. It seemed to work in class, when I was taking courses, but obviously the priize was the grade, not a physical item.

In reality, the "end vote" was really just to provide an idea of what the majority felt was the best overall idea and depiction. The winner would get another lens to work with for the holiday season. I cannot do more than I have, without being true to the purpose. I know there are enough people on this forum to support and work the idea ... and the shame of it is that they have decided to not put forth the effort to participate. I even went to another board to try and get them to migrate over and join in on the fun. Not too much play with that idea, from what I have seen.

I would still hope that everyone who actually did vote might put up their ideas, regardless. I always found taking the challenge the real reward, winning anything is just "gravy" in pursuit of my hobby. It gets those creative juices flowing.

BTW: I humorously considered offering up the "kit lens", but I wouldn't wish that P.O.S. on anyone.

[ShaunZ]

BTW: I humorously considered offering up the "kit lens", but I wouldn't wish that P.O.S. on anyone.

Hey Don, by "kit lens" did you mean the Sony 18-70mm? I bought an Alpha 200 recently and been using that (first DSLR).
Is it mean to be that bad?

[dr4gon]

Hey Don, by "kit lens" did you mean the Sony 18-70mm? I bought an Alpha 200 recently and been using that (first DSLR).
Is it mean to be that bad?

Search around, there's been a lot of discussion about it. Look for the " busting the kit lens" thread. It's pretty bad to mediocre. You should step up to something better asap.

[DonSchap]

Hey Don, by "kit lens" did you mean the Sony 18-70mm? I bought an Alpha 200 recently and been using that (first DSLR).
Is it mean to be that bad?

I apologize for not being more definite, but YES ... I did mean the SONY DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6, which, from the very first day ... was a disaster on my camera ...waiting to happen, with nearly every shot.

As "dr4gon" suggested, please take the time to look at this discussion thread (<- click here) and, hopefully, you can see kind of where this is all coming from.

Thank you for asking, though.

[laydros]

Such a bummer that this didn't go through.

I'd still bet money that Sony is going to have 25% or more market share within 3 years, but things still kinda feel thin now.

[dr4gon]

Such a bummer that this didn't go through.

I'd still bet money that Sony is going to have 25% or more market share within 3 years, but things still kinda feel thin now.

It's getting there. I see more and more sony shooters everyday. not just new people too, but some really spectacular work (on flickr).

Sony has a few things to improve upon

• pricing (a900, and high end lenses have too much of a premium to attract people to the system)
• lens availability (need more variety and in-stock high demand lenses)
• customer service and quality control of lenses

Not too much to ask is it?

[DonSchap]

Now that they have breathed life into the system, it sounds like SONY should capitalize & boost the camera division and allow it operate independently, to make it truly viable. If they keep trying to make money off it for the rest of the corporation ... it will never really grow in the ways it should.

Hey, it's just my opinion ... that's the name of the game.