When I decided to buy a digital SLR camera for the first time to look at the Nikon D40 ($ 499) and Canon Rebel XTi ($ 599). I was out of the D40 because of its 6MP sensor and lack of JPEG (fine) + basic functionality. I finished the transmission of the Canon Rebel XTi, because of complaints about the poor quality of the kit lens that added costs beyond is the initial price.
Looking at the various photography forums I discovered the Sony Alpha is recommended to others facing the same price range was. Had a 10.1 MP sensor, a lens good and was in the same price range as the Rebel XTi. I am very happy with the purchase. The picture quality is excellent, with the goal of the kit (SAL-1870). I also purchased the SAL-55200 telephoto and is also a very good target for the money.
Battery life of the camera is excellent. The autofocus is super fast and deepen the manual a bit ‘will be very powerful configuration options (do not think many fans of Nikon and Canon, which are critical of this camera is never what it says, because I’ve seen it done in a forum that simply are not true).
Some of the myths that I heard:
* Do not lock the shutter button (not sure, just set the camera to “manual”)
* Limited and expensive target selection (Sony has a pretty decent selection on their own, but this camera can also use many of Konica-Minolta lenses dating all the way back to 1985).
* You can not use standard flashes (while the alpha property is a hot shoe which is lame, there are cards that are good.
Lack of live preview of a problem (this is very narrow and apparently these people have never made films before. Professionals who know do not need or use a live preview)
There are many professionals, but some that stand out in particular for this class are:
* The software bundled Grande (software package is usually found only in the area, but the programs that are included Sony are actually very good)
* ISO 3200 (this is extremely rare in a camera of this price range)
* In stablization camera pictures
* Dynamic Range Optimization
Overall, this camera is actually more in the class of the Nikon D80 in terms of image quality, but almost half the price.