advice on switching from 35 mm SLR to digital please

The price of the Minolta Dimage A-2 is $900+. I am not trying to steer you
away from that camera, but you can get a real DSLR for about the same amount
of money. I too was in the market for a new digital camera and decided to
go with a Canon Digital Rebel 300D. The Rebel with the kit lens (18-55mm
which really is a 28.8-88mm) is about $900. The retail price is $999, but
you can find it from reputable online dealers such as http://www.newegg.com
for $900. Definitely check out reseller ratings before doing business with
some of these companies. Many times, just do a google search on the company
by searching newsgroups. You want to stay as far as a possible from those
New York City based gray marketeers.

I was seriously considering the Minolta Dimage A2, Canon Power Proshot 1,
and Canon Powershot S1 IS. Since the first two were in the $900-$1000 price
range and I found the Rebel for the same amount of money, it was an easy
choice for me to go DSLR.

Sounds like though you would want to purchase another lens to meet your
needs. You can get a Canon lens like that for around $200. Another option
would be to by the Rebel with the kit lens to save $100 and then buy the
lens you want. The kit lens was not for sale anywhere. Because many people
gave the kit lens a thumbs up, I decided that I would get the kit lens and
buy my second lens which is a Canon 55-200mm USM. I am also considering a
75-300 and then I think I wiill be set.

Jeff


"Mark Panszky" wrote in message
...
Hi All,

I am an amateur (intermediate?) photographer considering trading in my
35 mm SLR to a digital camera.

I currently have a Minolta Maxxum 550si with a 28-200 mm Tamron lense
and I am considering buying the Minolta Dimage A-2.

I use my camera for taking mostly outdoor, landscape photographs (some
nightshots) while travelling. I like the versatility of a 28-200 mm
lense, I have 4x6 prints developped with the occasional 8x6 blowups. I
can't really afford a DSLR but I've read some good reviews about the
Dimage A-2.

Some of my reasons for going digital a
- being able to take more pictures without the extra cost,
- being able to delete images and have prints done from the frames I want
- being able to take short video clips
- better manage my pictures
- limited "life" of printouts and negatives

My question is whether a 4x6 or 8x10 print made with the A-2 would match
the quality of a printout made with my SLR. Also I wonder what the
quality of the video and sound is of the video clips taken with the A-2.
(Is there perhaps a site where I could view some movieclips?

Please also write to my e-mail address, I cannot always access the groups.

Thanks,

Mark

"Jeff Durham" wrote in message
...
The price of the Minolta Dimage A-2 is $900+. I am not trying to steer
you
away from that camera, but you can get a real DSLR for about the same
amount
of money. I too was in the market for a new digital camera and decided to
go with a Canon Digital Rebel 300D. The Rebel with the kit lens (18-55mm
which really is a 28.8-88mm) is about $900. The retail price is $999, but
you can find it from reputable online dealers such as
http://www.newegg.com
for $900. Definitely check out reseller ratings before doing business
with
some of these companies. Many times, just do a google search on the
company
by searching newsgroups. You want to stay as far as a possible from those
New York City based gray marketeers.

I was seriously considering the Minolta Dimage A2, Canon Power Proshot 1,
and Canon Powershot S1 IS. Since the first two were in the $900-$1000
price
range and I found the Rebel for the same amount of money, it was an easy
choice for me to go DSLR.

Sounds like though you would want to purchase another lens to meet your
needs. You can get a Canon lens like that for around $200. Another
option
would be to by the Rebel with the kit lens to save $100 and then buy the
lens you want. The kit lens was not for sale anywhere. Because many
people
gave the kit lens a thumbs up, I decided that I would get the kit lens and
buy my second lens which is a Canon 55-200mm USM. I am also considering a
75-300 and then I think I wiill be set.

Jeff

Did you ever consider the Nikon D70? Why/Why not?

I think the Nikon D70 would be a great choice. The primary difference came
down to price. Without a lens, the D70 was about $200 more than the Rebel.
I have always had great respect for Canon and the Rebel had exactly what I
wanted. No question that it is a tough choice because Nikon makes great
products as well.

Jeff


"DR" wrote in message
...

"Jeff Durham" wrote in message
...
The price of the Minolta Dimage A-2 is $900+. I am not trying to steer
you
away from that camera, but you can get a real DSLR for about the same
amount
of money. I too was in the market for a new digital camera and decided
to
go with a Canon Digital Rebel 300D. The Rebel with the kit lens
(18-55mm
which really is a 28.8-88mm) is about $900. The retail price is $999,
but
you can find it from reputable online dealers such as
http://www.newegg.com
for $900. Definitely check out reseller ratings before doing business
with
some of these companies. Many times, just do a google search on the
company
by searching newsgroups. You want to stay as far as a possible from
those
New York City based gray marketeers.

I was seriously considering the Minolta Dimage A2, Canon Power Proshot
1,
and Canon Powershot S1 IS. Since the first two were in the $900-$1000
price
range and I found the Rebel for the same amount of money, it was an easy
choice for me to go DSLR.

Sounds like though you would want to purchase another lens to meet your
needs. You can get a Canon lens like that for around $200. Another
option
would be to by the Rebel with the kit lens to save $100 and then buy the
lens you want. The kit lens was not for sale anywhere. Because many
people
gave the kit lens a thumbs up, I decided that I would get the kit lens
and
buy my second lens which is a Canon 55-200mm USM. I am also considering
a
75-300 and then I think I wiill be set.

Jeff

Did you ever consider the Nikon D70? Why/Why not?

I got the D-70 after trying the Rebel. It is MUCH sturdier (Albeit heavier,
as well) and solid-feeling.

The 18-70 lens is also much the same as compared to the Canon.

After having a Canon A2E for several years, I'm pleased as punch to be back
to Nikon. However, the digital Rebel DOES have plenty going for it & has
similar image quality.

The D70 kit lens is MUCH better than the Rebels lens.The lens alone is worth
$250 more than the Rebel lens!It might be "much the same" range,but it is
not the same quality!Also,the A2 can be found in the low $700s.If he does
not like switching lenses,it might be a better fit for him.I have several
dslrs,but not everyone needs or wants a dslr!The A2 is a very nice camera!
"Jimmy G" wrote in message
news:q81Cc.33$Y_5.7@fed1read02...
I got the D-70 after trying the Rebel. It is MUCH sturdier (Albeit
heavier,
as well) and solid-feeling.

The 18-70 lens is also much the same as compared to the Canon.

After having a Canon A2E for several years, I'm pleased as punch to be
back
to Nikon. However, the digital Rebel DOES have plenty going for it & has
similar image quality.

I have the D Rebel (had 4 compatible lenses on hand). I'm very happy
with the results using the 18-55 kit lens. I'm sure I would like the
D70 as well or better. Eventually I will get a more capable Canon
(e.g., whatever replaces the 10D) and the Rebel will be my wife's (I
have enough lenses to outfit two cameras already).

Phil

Jimmy G wrote:

I got the D-70 after trying the Rebel. It is MUCH sturdier (Albeit heavier,
as well) and solid-feeling.

The 18-70 lens is also much the same as compared to the Canon.

After having a Canon A2E for several years, I'm pleased as punch to be back
to Nikon. However, the digital Rebel DOES have plenty going for it & has
similar image quality.

Unfortunately, I didn't have the right Canon lenses, or else I would have
stayed Canon. Still, the Nikon hasn't disappointed me yet. Canon still
leads the bunch with their 1Ds (?). At 11mp & all the bells & whistles, it
looks like king of the mountain.. for $8k it BETTER!

"Jimmy G" wrote in message
news:q81Cc.33$Y_5.7@fed1read02...
I got the D-70 after trying the Rebel. It is MUCH sturdier (Albeit
heavier,
as well) and solid-feeling.

That was my take on it as well. It also had a "plasticky" feeling. Based on
touch it is definitely the lesser of the two cameras.

Its photo quality is very good though, although I must admit I am a bit
biased when I say that the Nikon has the edge. The dpreview of the D70 also
seems to think so. :-)

--

Regards,
Wayne
Nikon D70
18-70 Nikkor
70-300 Nikkor

Thanks for your input. Is there a decent 28-200mm (or 35-200mm) lense
available for any of the DSLRs and if there is would I be better off
purchasing the body only (without the kit lense)? I just can't see
myself changing lenses.

Also any idea what my Maxxum 550si with the Tamron 28-200mm lense would
be worth on the market? (Is is worth trading in or should I sell it
separately?)

Mark

Jeff Durham wrote:
The price of the Minolta Dimage A-2 is $900+. I am not trying to steer you
away from that camera, but you can get a real DSLR for about the same amount
of money. I too was in the market for a new digital camera and decided to
go with a Canon Digital Rebel 300D. The Rebel with the kit lens (18-55mm
which really is a 28.8-88mm) is about $900. The retail price is $999, but
you can find it from reputable online dealers such as http://www.newegg.com
for $900. Definitely check out reseller ratings before doing business with
some of these companies. Many times, just do a google search on the company
by searching newsgroups. You want to stay as far as a possible from those
New York City based gray marketeers.

I was seriously considering the Minolta Dimage A2, Canon Power Proshot 1,
and Canon Powershot S1 IS. Since the first two were in the $900-$1000 price
range and I found the Rebel for the same amount of money, it was an easy
choice for me to go DSLR.

Sounds like though you would want to purchase another lens to meet your
needs. You can get a Canon lens like that for around $200. Another option
would be to by the Rebel with the kit lens to save $100 and then buy the
lens you want. The kit lens was not for sale anywhere. Because many people
gave the kit lens a thumbs up, I decided that I would get the kit lens and
buy my second lens which is a Canon 55-200mm USM. I am also considering a
75-300 and then I think I wiill be set.

Jeff


"Mark Panszky" wrote in message
...

Hi All,

I am an amateur (intermediate?) photographer considering trading in my
35 mm SLR to a digital camera.

I currently have a Minolta Maxxum 550si with a 28-200 mm Tamron lense
and I am considering buying the Minolta Dimage A-2.

I use my camera for taking mostly outdoor, landscape photographs (some
nightshots) while travelling. I like the versatility of a 28-200 mm
lense, I have 4x6 prints developped with the occasional 8x6 blowups. I
can't really afford a DSLR but I've read some good reviews about the
Dimage A-2.

Some of my reasons for going digital a
- being able to take more pictures without the extra cost,
- being able to delete images and have prints done from the frames I want
- being able to take short video clips
- better manage my pictures
- limited "life" of printouts and negatives

My question is whether a 4x6 or 8x10 print made with the A-2 would match
the quality of a printout made with my SLR. Also I wonder what the
quality of the video and sound is of the video clips taken with the A-2.
(Is there perhaps a site where I could view some movieclips?

Please also write to my e-mail address, I cannot always access the groups.

Thanks,

Mark

Mark Panszky wrote in message ...
Thanks for your input. Is there a decent 28-200mm (or 35-200mm) lense
available for any of the DSLRs and if there is would I be better off
purchasing the body only (without the kit lense)? I just can't see
myself changing lenses.

Also any idea what my Maxxum 550si with the Tamron 28-200mm lense would
be worth on the market? (Is is worth trading in or should I sell it
separately?)

Mark

The new Sigma 18-125mm gives equivalent to 28-200 on a DSLR with APS
sized sensor. It should be available this month. Seems to be about
£250:
http://www.bestcameras.co.uk/shop/ac...n s__646.html
http://www.bestcameras.co.uk/shop/ac...8_125_663.html

I doubt you will get much for your SLR on trade in. I saw the
buying-in price for a camera shop here and the prices were pitiful.
You will probably get more on ebay. Maybe best to wait till the
Minolta DSLR is available before selling your lens as you should get
more for it then.

Dan