Newbie - Sony A300 or A350

[essexboy80]

Hi All,

I am looking at getting my first DSLR and not 100% which one to go for.

Having read reviews etc I am torn between the A300 and the A350.

I can get them both for roughly the same price, so is it worth going for the A350 or the A300?

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks

Paul

[wastedperfection]

Im not that clued up but my next door neighbour had a Sony A350 and in the end went and sold it to buy a Sony A200. I asked him why did he downgrade and he said in good light the results were virtually identical and at night the A200 was actually better.

Matt

[ajex]

Its upto you what size you want to print!!!

A350 you need better glass due to higher MP !!

A300 10 Mp with the same sensor less noise!!!

Having said that if you want to sell it after 2/3 yrs 14 mp may have better resale value!!!

my 0.02

Good Luck

Aj

[bradleysmith]

More frames per second on the 300 as well. The 350 had high megapixels but to the detriment of image quality (sensor is same size so more noise). 350 does allow more cropping I guess (assuming your glass is good enough). I went for the 300 and am very happy so far.

[essexboy80]

thanks guys.

what is the biggest you could print if you had the A300?

Realiscally I won't ever want to print bigger then A3 Size.

Thanks in advance.

Also does anyone know if the Tamron 70 - 300 is any good or have any sample shots they have taken with it.

Thanks

[leaky5]

I have produced one print which was just a bit smaller than A2 from an a200 and it was fine for a framed print. So a300 should be able to do the same.

[fabs]

I've known people who have printed A3 from a 6mp camera, there are probably those who have done it from smaller.

TBH I'm really not sure that MP is that much of a consideration in this instance. If it were me I'd go for the A300 as the noise handling is probably better, although I also know someone with an A350 who will probably debate that.

[ajex]

I have Tamron 70-300 ; bought it under 100 brand new am pleased with it!!

cheers

Aj


thanks guys.

what is the biggest you could print if you had the A300?

Realiscally I won't ever want to print bigger then A3 Size.

Thanks in advance.

Also does anyone know if the Tamron 70 - 300 is any good or have any sample shots they have taken with it.

Thanks

[essexboy80]

Okay thanks, think that is my mind decided to go for the A300.

Will have to go to Jessops now -

What is the best bag to go for any suggestions?

[essexboy80]

Hi, where did you get your Tamron from?

[Happy Snapper]

Hello I have the a350 and love it.

Also If I were you I would go for the Sigma 70-300 lens about £100 depends were you go.

Jessops are doing a backpack for £35 **** looks good for the price and can hold lots of kit because you will soon want loads and loads of things :naughty:

On the camera side of things dont really matter a300 and a350 are just as good as each other I think, the a300 is the newer camera so ive been told. :shrug:

Have fun :thumbs:

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=89126&page=25

Thats were us Sony users hang out be sure to stop by :rules:

[stan the man]

although I also know someone with an A350 who will probably debate that.

wouldn't be talking about me,would you marc...:lol:

if i'm honest,i'd say the A300 would have been all i need,but i was bitten by the mega pixel fairy...:nuts:

i'm hoping i will shortly have the A700 in my hands,which is only 12MP in comparison,but a far better camera....:D

[essexboy80]

hi all

thanks for all your help so far, where would i pickup the sigma 70 - 300 for £100.

how does this compare to the sony 18 - 200 in terms of quality

also i know pretty much naff all about photography and all these terms you see around and the details of lenses etc, anywhere good online that covers the basics that i can read?

was thinking about doing a series of evening courses to understand it all better, but is it better to buy a book and read or go on a course?


thanks

[Happy Snapper]

hi all

thanks for all your help so far, where would i pickup the sigma 70 - 300 for £100.

how does this compare to the sony 18 - 200 in terms of quality

also i know pretty much naff all about photography and all these terms you see around and the details of lenses etc, anywhere good online that covers the basics that i can read?

was thinking about doing a series of evening courses to understand it all better, but is it better to buy a book and read or go on a course?


thanks

Sigma 70-300 DG
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/products/Sigma/70-300mm%20f4-5.6%20DG%20Macro%20(Sony%20A%20%20KonicaMinolta%20 AF)-26775/Show.html

Sigma 70-300 APO {better lens coating}
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/products/Sigma/70-300mm%20f4-5.6%20APO%20Macro%20DG%20(Sony%20A%20%20KonicaMino lta%20AF)-26770/Show.html

The Sigma or the Sony lens will do just what you want doubt theres a great deal of difference, I have the 70-300 DG and its great.

Just read up all you can buy camera mags talk to us and you will learn loads from members on here.

Im looking into going on a course for the sake of about £30 its well worth doing

[essexboy80]

thanks happy snapper

what is the difference between those two lenses?

what are the best mags & websites to look at (apart from this forum)

thanks

[Happy Snapper]

thanks happy snapper

what is the difference between those two lenses?

what are the best mags & websites to look at (apart from this forum)

thanks

Heres a list from Sigma tells you what all the letters they add to the name of a lens means.
http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/support/abbriviations.htm

I buy Practical Photography you can get it from most corner shops.
Sometimes comes with rather good How To guides.

Websites Im not sure of any good ones for leaning photography but Im sure someone here will know of some.

Really what you want is to buy the camera you want that will come with a 18-70mm lens **** will do you fine for a while, a bag, and a lens cleaning kit from jessops about £6, worth getting a UV filter aswell to protect your lens.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hoya-55mm-UV-Filter/dp/B00006H2EP/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1231265847&sr=8-2
Buy from amazon for the filter cheap as chips jessops will charge you alot more for the same thing.

Any other questions fire away glad to help. :thumbs:

[fabs]

wouldn't be talking about me,would you marc...:lol:


Nah, never. :whistling:

[p1tse]

i chose a300 over a350, because:
1) cheaper
2) wouldn't benefit the extra 4MP as 10MP is pleanty for me
3) apparently noise handling is better on a300

[njfcourt]

Ref camera bags and magazines; Practical Photography were recently offering a free Kata bag worth about £40 if you took out a years subscription (about £40). I took up the offer; the bag is a shoulder bag that takes a body and 2 or 3 lenes plus bits and pieces. Seems a well made bag.

[essexboy80]

thanks will look into that re bag.

So can someone explain what this means : Sony 70-200mm F2.8 G

[Happy Snapper]

thanks will look into that re bag.

So can someone explain what this means : Sony 70-200mm F2.8 G

Thats one of Sonys lens's costing around £1200

http://www.ukoptics.co.uk/sony-70200mm-f28g-lens-sal70200g-p-868.html

Too explain the F2.8 look here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-number

And I think the G bit means its Sonys pro glass.

[Sarin]

I looked at the A350, decided that i liked the 300 more for the price and eventually settled on a A200 because at the time the 300 was £100 more than the 200 for what is essentially the same camera, the only difference being that the 300 has live view. £100 for live view, didn't really think it was worth it. I have a mate who has a Tamron 70-300 and have borrowed it on numerous occasions.

Good points:

*Cheap - around the £100 mark.
*Decent build.
*Macro option.

Bad points:

*Tend to suffer from chromatic abberation at anything past 2/3 zoom and gets even worse if working at f/4.
*Can hunt sometimes - annoying if you want to take quick pictures.
*Stiff zoom mechanism.

IMO the Sigma 70-300 APO is a much better choice.

I also agree that the A200 is better at night shots than the A350. Having experienced both cameras i would still go with the A200 every time.

[fabs]

thanks will look into that re bag.

So can someone explain what this means : Sony 70-200mm F2.8 G

Nirvana! :D

It mean focal length from 70mm to 200mm, widest aperture f2.8 at all focal lengths and the "G" is just Sony's code letter for top specification, similar to Canon's "L".

[Happy Snapper]

Nirvana! :D

It mean focal length from 70mm to 200mm, widest aperture f2.8 at all focal lengths and the "G" is just Sony's code letter for top specification, similar to Canon's "L".

I was woundering how long it would take for you to come and inlist the poor boy :rules: :lol:

[fabs]

I was woundering how long it would take for you to come and inlist the poor boy :rules: :lol:

That's usually Stan's job. He must have had an early night. Anyway, don't blame me, I didn't bring it up. :p

[stan the man]

That's usually Stan's job. He must have had an early night. Anyway, don't blame me, I didn't bring it up. :p

no early night...first night back to karate :p

anyway,as the senior "white lens club" member,it should be your job to enlist new suck...er newbies into said club :lol:

[fabs]

no early night...first night back to karate :p

anyway,as the senior "white lens club" member,it should be your job to enlist new suck...er newbies into said club :lol:

Didn't you get yours before me? and JPS if I recall.

[stan the man]

Didn't you get yours before me? and JPS if I recall.


got mine in the middle of september this year :thinking:.

i know JPS had his before me,and i thought you did too........:thinking:

[fabs]

got mine in the middle of september this year :thinking:.

i know JPS had his before me,and i thought you did too........:thinking:

Nope, got mine at the end of September, with my redundancy money.

[stan the man]

Nope, got mine at the end of September, with my redundancy money.

ah well....JPS should be "the one" then :rules:

where is the old fart anyway :thinking:

[fabs]

ah well....JPS should be "the one" then :rules:

where is the old fart anyway :thinking:

If he's got any sense, hiding from us! :lol:

[stan the man]

If he's got any sense, hiding from us! :lol:

"the sony spammers"...lol

[fabs]

"the sony spammers"...lol

Speak for yourself! :suspect: ;)

[Happy Snapper]

Did somebody say Sony :woot::woot::woot:

[fabs]

Did somebody say Sony :woot::woot::woot:

He's back! :lol:

[stan the man]

Speak for yourself! :suspect: ;)

well...you're the matt sayle wannabe :p

[stan the man]

He's back! :lol:


got a fanclub now marc.... :lol: :lol: :lol:

[fabs]

well...you're the matt sayle wannabe :p

I'm really not quite sure how to take that so :razz: :D

[stan the man]

I'm really not quite sure how to take that so :razz: :D



http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=103826


:D

[fabs]

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=103826


:D

:p

[essexboy80]

Hi Guys

Thanks for all your help so far, I am afraid I have more questions and will probably have many more over the next few weeks too.

Firstly Sarin commented about the Tamron 70 - 300 saying :

Good points:

*Cheap - around the £100 mark.
*Decent build.
*Macro option.

Bad points:

*Tend to suffer from chromatic abberation at anything past 2/3 zoom and gets even worse if working at f/4.
*Can hunt sometimes - annoying if you want to take quick pictures.
*Stiff zoom mechanism.

On this I have some questions.

1) What is a Macro option and what does it give you? (sorry for simple questions really am new to this)
2) What is chromatic abberation?
3) What does can hunt sometimes mean?

Also I am planning on trying to get to Jessops today if I have time to pick up a A300 with Kit Lense, what price should I try and push them to sell this to me for. The list price is £332.76

Also should I try and get them to chuck stuff in like a memory card (what card should I go for?) and a bag?

Thanks in advance as usual

Paul

[leaky5]

Hi Guys

Thanks for all your help so far, I am afraid I have more questions and will probably have many more over the next few weeks too.

Firstly Sarin commented about the Tamron 70 - 300 saying :

Good points:

*Cheap - around the £100 mark.
*Decent build.
*Macro option.

Bad points:

*Tend to suffer from chromatic abberation at anything past 2/3 zoom and gets even worse if working at f/4.
*Can hunt sometimes - annoying if you want to take quick pictures.
*Stiff zoom mechanism.

On this I have some questions.

1) What is a Macro option and what does it give you? (sorry for simple questions really am new to this)
2) What is chromatic abberation?
3) What does can hunt sometimes mean?

Also I am planning on trying to get to Jessops today if I have time to pick up a A300 with Kit Lense, what price should I try and push them to sell this to me for. The list price is £332.76

Also should I try and get them to chuck stuff in like a memory card (what card should I go for?) and a bag?

Thanks in advance as usual

Paul

Can't comment on the lens, but Jessop's are not very competitive on bags and cards and I have heard mixed views on if they will do deals.

Bag example.

Jessop's
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/Accessories/Bags%20and%20Cases/Backpacks/products/Lowepro/Slingshot%20200AW-34701/Show.html

Most over places have it for under £50, Jacobs even had it for £30 before xmas.

[essexboy80]

thanks for bag info.

is anyone else able to answer my other questions?

thanks

[stan the man]

1) What is a Macro option and what does it give you? (sorry for simple questions really am new to this)
2) What is chromatic abberation?
3) What does can hunt sometimes mean?

macro option means you can get quite close to objects like insects etc..but it's not a true macro lens with 1:1 magnification,as it will most likely be 1:3...but good results can be had with it.

i'm not sure about chromatic abberation,so i'll leave that to someone that knows

hunting is something a lens does when it's unable to lock on to focus.this is normally a problem in poor light conditions with basic model lens i believe.

[essexboy80]

thanks for the reply, it is all starting to make a bit more sense, but slowly.

[stan the man]

just to add that i've no experience with either the tamron or sigma 70-300 lens,but did own the sony 75-300,and it's a pretty good lens IMO...but doesn't have the "macro" facility that the other two do,but if you want to do macro work,then a macro dedicated lens is the way to go...or get a set of extension tubes if cost is a factor :thumbs:

[p1tse]

i picked up a300 body only and went for sony 18-200, works well for me at the moment, although saving for something sharper

[essexboy80]

hi all

has anyone managed to get a deal out of jessops on a sony a300?

just went into jessops on oxford street and they wanted £332.76 for the camera with the kit lens.

they wouldn't even chuck in a memory car.

has anyone managed to secure a deal if so what did you get.

thanks

[Happy Snapper]

hi all

has anyone managed to get a deal out of jessops on a sony a300?

just went into jessops on oxford street and they wanted £332.76 for the camera with the kit lens.

they wouldn't even chuck in a memory car.

has anyone managed to secure a deal if so what did you get.

thanks

Dont think they will do any better then that mate as they are the only people selling the a300.

Get your memory card from Amazon 4GB Sandisk Extreme 3 £14.99

[fabs]

Dont think they will do any better then that mate as they are the only people selling the a300.

Pixmania also sell it but Jessops are way cheaper.

To be fair, you're not really going to get anything else from Jessops when you're spending a little over £300, a memory card would be the equivalent of a hefty discount.

[essexboy80]

thats a shame, wonder if it is worth trying another branch, or just bite the bullet and pay for a memory card!

i assume the memory cards can be bought cheaper from other sources then jessops?

[Happy Snapper]

thats a shame, wonder if it is worth trying another branch, or just bite the bullet and pay for a memory card!

i assume the memory cards can be bought cheaper from other sources then jessops?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/SanDisk-CompactFlash-4GB-Extreme-Memory/dp/B0007QU7NM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1231353299&sr=8-1

[fabs]

thats a shame, wonder if it is worth trying another branch, or just bite the bullet and pay for a memory card!

i assume the memory cards can be bought cheaper from other sources then jessops?

Way way cheaper. Sandisk Extreme III CF for £14.99 from Play.com (http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronics/4-/880501/SanDisk-Extreme-III-4GB-CompactFlash/Product.html)

Damnit! must type faster!

[Happy Snapper]

Way way cheaper. Sandisk Extreme III CF for £14.99 from Play.com (http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronics/4-/880501/SanDisk-Extreme-III-4GB-CompactFlash/Product.html)

Damnit! must type faster!

Too slow :razz: :lol:

[fabs]

Too slow :razz: :lol:

:sulk:

[stan the man]

lots of places that sell cheap memory...amazon(already mentioned)my memory and play.com to mention just a few...

jessops are deffo the cheapest for the A300....

[essexboy80]

is there somewhere in london (maybe tottenham court road) that will be selling them that cheap?

if i get the camera tomorrow will be too impatient to wait for the memory card!

[fabs]

lots of places that sell cheap memory...amazon(already mentioned)my memory and play.com to mention just a few...

jessops are deffo the cheapest for the A300....

Oi! :bat: Play.com was mentioned too! :p

[Happy Snapper]

I think I should get a job a jessops then I could sell all the Sony stuff easy :lol:

[stan the man]

Oi! :bat: Play.com was mentioned too! :p

just backing up what was mentioned :p :p :p

[fabs]

I think I should get a job a jessops then I could sell all the Sony stuff easy :lol:

Would you really want a job there in the current climate? :eek: ;)

[Happy Snapper]

Would you really want a job there in the current climate? :eek: ;)

If it ment first dibs on the closing down sale then yes :D

[stan the man]

is there somewhere in london (maybe tottenham court road) that will be selling them that cheap?

if i get the camera tomorrow will be too impatient to wait for the memory card!


spectrum may be worth a try as they did me a good deal on my macro lens and protective filter.there's a lot of camera type shops on TCR...

[fabs]

If it ment first dibs on the closing down sale then yes :D

I really don't know where to start with that one! :lol:

[essexboy80]

ahhh, so frustrated want to find a decent priced compact flash card somewhere near my office so i can play with the new camera tomorrow night!!!

shall i go 2gb or 4gb - assuming i can find a good price!!!

[Happy Snapper]

ahhh, so frustrated want to find a decent priced compact flash card somewhere near my office so i can play with the new camera tomorrow night!!!

shall i go 2gb or 4gb - assuming i can find a good price!!!

I would go for the 4GB one holds around 742 photos in jpeg
Do you know anybody thats into photography? maybe you should nick a card off them untill you get yours.

[essexboy80]

is it worth going for this package - http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/Cameras%20and%20Lenses/Digital%20SLRs/products/Sony/Alpha%20A300%20Twin%20Lens%20Bundle-75203/Show.html

are both the lenses decent?

[essexboy80]

i don't know anybody that is into photography with a dslr.

unless anyone on hear works around mayfair and wants to lend me one ;-)

how big are pictures in RAW format?

[Happy Snapper]

is it worth going for this package - http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/Cameras%20and%20Lenses/Digital%20SLRs/products/Sony/Alpha%20A300%20Twin%20Lens%20Bundle-75203/Show.html

are both the lenses decent?

buying all of that would come to £547.05 so seems like a good deal thats pricing the card at £39.14 thats what jessops sell it for.

Dont know about the second lens never used it sorry.

[essexboy80]

anyone else have an opinion on the dual lens package?

[p1tse]

i think it's a good start bundle.

what pics you thinking of taking? if not get the body only and choose a sharper and quicker lens

[essexboy80]

Mainly planning on pics of my daughter and random other shots. What would you recommend?

[fabs]

Seems like a pretty good deal to me, especially if you want to get started ASAP.

[p1tse]

i went for sony 18-200, just because i wanted a general lens. but people say anything 4x zoom won't be as good etc.

if it's pics of your daughter, i've heard the tamron 17-50 is very sharp for the money. which is what i want to get next, as most shots are of friends and family.

and also want a wide angle to have a little fun on scenery etc.

[essexboy80]

Hi

I am going to get the twin lens bundle at lunchtime today.

Quick question before I go though.

Is it better to get the Tamron 70 - 300mm F4/5.6 DI LD Macro or the Sigma 70 - 300mm F4/5.6 DG Macro

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Paul

[Happy Snapper]

Hi

I am going to get the twin lens bundle at lunchtime today.

Quick question before I go though.

Is it better to get the Tamron 70 - 300mm F4/5.6 DI LD Macro or the Sigma 70 - 300mm F4/5.6 DG Macro

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Paul

Ive heard better things about the Sigma also I have the Sigma myself so I would say that but really its down to you.

[essexboy80]

the tamron is the more expensive though right?

[Happy Snapper]

the tamron is the more expensive though right?

Yeah it is but that doesnt always mean its better I think either lens will be fine I doubt theres any difference.

[essexboy80]

ok cool, thanks for the help

[p1tse]

keep us updated

[essexboy80]

will do

[genchi]

Hi guys, i`m completely new in DSLR photographing, bought my A350 just month ago.. well, actually i`ve ordered A200 and recieved A350 for same price :D but even if i have no experiencess with photography have to say i`m bit dissapointed with noise on ISO400 and higher. Looks like i`ll be soon upgrading, not decided yet if for Sony again (although love live view and adjustable screen).

Anyway, im about to upload my first pic post, as soon as i`ll get back home from worktrip. Looking forward for comments.

[p1tse]

Hi guys, i`m completely new in DSLR photographing, bought my A350 just month ago.. well, actually i`ve ordered A200 and recieved A350 for same price :D but even if i have no experiencess with photography have to say i`m bit dissapointed with noise on ISO400 and higher. Looks like i`ll be soon upgrading, not decided yet if for Sony again (although love live view and adjustable screen).

Anyway, im about to upload my first pic post, as soon as i`ll get back home from worktrip. Looking forward for comments.

wow, for the same price, that's cool

[genchi]

Was ordered from ebay but i`m not telling you seller name :D

Feel bad about not leaving any feedback but really didn`t know what to write :lol:

[stan the man]

genchi...the A350 is a little bit more noisier(sp)than both the A200 and A300 because of the higher MP on the APSC sized sensor.i shoot generally between ISO's 100-800,and after running through noiseware,it's hardly noticeable...without any great loss in sharpness.i will shortly be adding the A700 to my armoury though,so i expect to see big improvements.

[essexboy80]

right I have joined the club.

just bought the following:

a300 with kit lens
tamrom 70 - 300mm
sandisk 4gb extreme 4

all for £430 and get £40 cashback from sony.

so will cost £390

[bradleysmith]

Nice. Let me know what you think of the Tamron mate. Particularly interested in image quality at the long end.

[essexboy80]

by long end you mean full zoom?

[fabs]

by long end you mean full zoom?

Yep, long end would be at 300mm

[essexboy80]

another question for people, do you print your own pictures at home or get them done at a shop or from a website?

[fabs]

another question for people, do you print your own pictures at home or get them done at a shop or from a website?

I tend to print my own. What do you want to do with your prints?

[essexboy80]

i might want to print of some 7 x 5 which is probably fine at home, i use fuji film paper with epson printer.

but if i wanted to print a3 where would be the best place for this to be done?

[fabs]

i might want to print of some 7 x 5 which is probably fine at home, i use fuji film paper with epson printer.

but if i wanted to print a3 where would be the best place for this to be done?

Never printed A3 myself, but there are plenty of places that will do it. Depends on how much you want to pay though. Loxley Colour are very good, but also expensive. Photobox are cheap, but some say there are quality issues, although I've never had a problem myself. There is also Togsprint, the owner of which is a member here (LeeP). Try doing a forum search, there have been many threads on here.

[bradleysmith]

I use http://www.dscolourlabs.co.uk/

Very fast turnaround. 18" x 12" is 99p. there is a standard delivery charge of £4 however so you need to gather a bunch of prints together to make the cost sensible.

[Sarin]

Nice. Let me know what you think of the Tamron mate. Particularly interested in image quality at the long end.

Should have got the sigma, it's a better lens according to all reviews. The Tamron suffers "chronic" chromatic abberation past 2/3 zoom especially if at f/4 and into bright light (see previous post). Saying that, the Tamron isn't a bad lens but does suffer from noise in certain conditions.

For an explanation of chromatic abberation, search google images or wikipedia and it'll turn up quite a few good examples. I'll post some images later that have been taken with the Tamron 70-300mm, some good some bad!

Happy snapping.

[stan the man]

right I have joined the club.

just bought the following:

a300 with kit lens
tamrom 70 - 300mm
sandisk 4gb extreme 4

all for £430 and get £40 cashback from sony.

so will cost £390

great stuff...time to contribute here then ;)


http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=89126

you know it makes sense ;)

[essexboy80]

i have been already a little bit, but will be a bit more now. guess we should close this thread down now

[p1tse]

congrats

i'm well chuffed with the a300

[Happy Snapper]

Congrats on your new buy.
Dont need to close this down others can learn from it.

:thumbs: