No comments about Olympus Evolt E-520 Digital SLR Camera Body with 8GB CF Memory Card + BLM-1 Battery + Cameta Bonus Accessory Kit.

5 comments about Nikon D50 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera with 28-80mm f3.3-5.6G AF Nikkor Zoom Lens.

1. I am selling my D50 600 flash and long range Nikon lens. The battery that came with my D50 was defective causing all kinds of weird behavior. By the time Nikon had a recall I had already bought after market. The 600 flash over came its inability to take indoor photos. Still my D50 would regularly lock up and not allow me to get a shot especially in lighting conditions and indoors. By the way the flash would not work initially due to poor battery electrical contact (please look at your plating process)
   My brother also bought a D50 similar problems. Only difference he bought an Olympus to fix the problem and I bought a Fuji F31fd.
   I trusted Nikon because I always had great luck with your cameras in the past. Bought the flash and extra lens to try to address the problem and looked like an idiot in front of my new wife by sending good money after bad; so no more Nikon for me probably going to buy a Fuji S100fs unless some one can recommend one of their other competitors camera. My brother favors Olympus. Sorry to say that the D50 is the worst camera I have ever had even though it shot a few beautiful outdoor shots.



2. The Nikon D50 is no longer in production, but you can find them used online. This is a great camera. They say it's a beginner camera, but it has almost every feature someone that's been shooting for a while would need. Specifically, a dedicated button for ISO and White Balance give you easy access to two thing I commonly use. Only thing I wish it had was a Black and White mode and an illuminated display on top. Other than that, a great great camera.



3. I have the D50 for 2 1/2 years now. I am still loving it. I also tested my friend's D40. In my opinion, it beats D40 on every count except the D40's bigger LCD and color histogram. D50 is a photographer camera and D40 is a consumer camera. Nikon is right. D40 sells like hotcakes. I buy D50 over D40 if I am buying an entry level camera today.



4. The D50 is a solid little camera, it's versatile, works great with different lenses, low noise even at 800 ISO, I won a betterphoto.com competition with a photograph produced by the D50. The pre-sets are OK, but if you want to draw out the full potential of this camera then go manual or shutter/aperture priority.
   I upgraded to the D200 and now my husband and son are using the D50 for shooting, the D200 has a few extra bells and whistles but for an "entry" level DSLR the D50 is just perfect!
   I never had any problems with anything not working, it all works perfectly, produces stunning colors and super sharp images.
   Too bad they stopped producing the D50, what a neat camera! Can't go wrong with it! I have owned it for almost 3 years and have shot over 60000 images with it!



5. This was a great camera back in it's day but it's long been replaced by the D40 and the D40 is on its way out now too. Why a camera that you can buy used for $300 is still listed as $1600 I don't know lol.

No comments about Canon EOS 50D 15.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Standard Zoom Lens.

5 comments about Sony Alpha A100 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only).

1. I bought this camera becuase I am a life long Minolta fan, however they discontinued their cameras without any notice and I was stuck with alot of Konica Minolta camera equipment. Sony picked up Minolta's pattons and made their first DSLR and everything I owed with Minolta is interchangeable with it. But I run 2 photo studios and I have not been happy with the controls, etc. of this camera. However a person who just wants a better camera to take better pictures then their snap and shoot--this would be a good camera for you, for a professional however--no. I am now switching everything over to Nikon.



2. 1. I purchased this camera (Sony a100) about a year and a half ago and it's lived up to my expectations. Photos are crisp and clear, controls are conviently located and the large LCD is handy although I wish it was the swivel type, battery life is good. I have three, one Sony and two much cheaper non-Sony. I wish the lens selection was a little better but this is just a hobby for me and SIGMA lenses are just as good and cheaper. There is some noise at low light levels but that's not a problem for me. My problem is dust bunnies inherent in all digital slrs in this class. But I have solve that too with a small bottle of ECLIPSE 2 and a few SENSOR PADS that fit the low pass filter to be cleaned. Sometimes it only takes a good whiff of dry air with the camera turned upside down. But sending it back to them until the warranty runs out consumes too much time and they don't do a very good job. My job was better. Last of all Sony has the gall to sell the A.C. adapter at well over $125.00 and then recommends that any type of cleaning (dust blower only) not be done without the A.C. adapter. This is of course so the mirror stays up while blowing off the dust. My advice is use a freshly charged battery; it only takes a few minutes to do a good cleaning with the blower or the more adventurous low pass filter. Be advised Sony will void the warranty if you screw up the CCD aka low pass filter while using the SENSOR PADS. But trust me, it's very easy to clean and the low pass filter is tougher than one suspects. Still, extreme caution and patience is needed with a light but firm stroke. By the way, the A.C. adapter can charge two batteries at once but still not worth the price and there are no substitutes because of the proprietary connection on the camera body, again Sony Only! Oh, there is also inaccessible dust inside the viewfinder, again inherent in all slrs in this class. My camera goes almost everywhere I go so there will be dust.
   
   SHELLBACK
   SEMPER FI



3. I bought the camera in Feb. and just charged twice since then. I charged the battery before my 10 days vacation in Europe, and took over 1,000 pictures (very beautiful) and the battery now is still 3/4 full!
   Another advantage of this camera is the anti-shake function. I could take pictures with very low shutter speed (1-2 seconds) and the pictures are still sharp.



4. This was my first introduction to DSLR - but not my first experience with an SLR - i had shared a Minolta Maxxum 3000 with my brother (that was the model # as i recall) but never really bothered to learn its functions and because it was a film camera quite an expensive hobby - with film and development. So essentially the Sony Alpha was my first real experience with SLRs (Single Lens Reflex). Digital photography has given me and a whole bunch of people a hobby that is very affordable after the first initial investment - but i digress...
   
   This was not my first digital camera. My first digital camera was another Sony - the DSC-V1 (i have written a review here at epinions about that as well) - that little camera had an excellent clear Carl Zeiss lens and great color along with functions of a SLR - you can fiddle with aperture and shutter speed - but with it's small fixed lens you'll always that great depth of field unless it is ultra close.
   
   I wanted to "graduate" from these so-called point and shoot cameras - although i know a bit more about photography from reading books since getting the Alpah but i would not call myself an expert. So really this review is from a novice's standpoint even after owning this for about 2.5 - 3 years. I'm more about composition and letting the camera take over the technical aspects - however i have played with aperture settings, shutter speeds, and exposure settings.
   
   There are so many options in DSLR these days - the iconic NIKON followed by ubiquitous Canon (my brother owns the XTi), Fuji, Pentax, Olympus -- then (at the time) there's the new Sony entry into the DSLR market - the Alpha 100 - there are now different models of the Alpha 200, 300, 350, and the top of the line 700 which boasts a live lcd preview.
   
   Just a bit of history about Sony entry into the DSLR market - they had a partnership with Konica-Minolta (KM would use Sony's expertise in digital electronics) and Konica-Minolta decided to tuck tail and leave the DSLR market sold their existing technologies to Sony so Sony using KM's foundation re-engineered the KM DSLR into their own and entered the market with the A100.
   
   The Sony A100 DSLR major features/benefits include (IMHO):
   
   *The Sony BIONZ engine - the brains behind the camera (like the DIGIC II for the Canon) -
   
   *10.2 megapixels
   
   *Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization - built right into the camera - some have it built into the lens - so every lens you use will have this super steady shot - but nothing beats a steady hand or a great tripod! I think this was a hold over from the K/M days.
   
   *Anti-Dust Technology - dust repellent coating and an active shake of the CCD for those stubbornest of specs. This works OK - i can see specs of dust - i haven't used the "shake" - although it gives a little nudge when you turn it on.
   
   *fairly large 2.5 color lcd screen - great color and clarity on the LCD screen
   
   *Eye-start autofocus system - if you turn this feature on - as soon as you put it close to your eye it starts trying to focus - i found this feature to be useless - it is light sensitive so if you put this close to your body it will start focusing - i turned off this feature - this was another holdover technology from K/M.
   
   *With the Alpha Mount you can use "old" lenses from K/M with the Sony A100 so if you had a K/M DSLR and multiples lenses you can also use it with the Sony Alpha. You are able to use the myriad of K/M alpha mount lenses but not all of the accessories - Sony changed the hot shoe for the flash so that won't work and you need to buy a new flash - BUT i had an old wired remote from my first original Minolta Maxxum and that worked.
   
   *New Carl Zeiss lens - exciting but it would probably cost more than the camera itself.
   
   ACTUAL USE / FEEL of the camera (from a novice standpoint):
   
   with anything new you'd have a learning curve but this camera is pretty intuitive however i would suggest reading the manual once over. Once you start using it and learning the control it will be like second nature.
   
   The feel of it is somewhat heavy - it is certainly a bit heavier than the Canon xTi but it has a very comfortable grip.
   
   The autofocus is a bit loud with the whirring of the motor - the mirror is louder than most- i would not take pictures clandestinely because you just can't it will give you away every time.
   
   I am currently using the 18mm - 200mm max aperature (open) is f3.5 - f6.3 - not quite quick to focus in low light situations, but the lens is so versatile with the wide 18mm and the nice zoom of 200mm it's hard not to like this lens. Please keep in mind that the DSLR mirror is larger than a regular film SLR so you have to multiply the "mm" by 1.5 to get the true "mm" size. At 18mm with the DSLR it is really 27mm and the 200mm is really 300mm.
   
   I find this camera to be very comfortable and fun to use. The strap that came with it is not length adjustable however and i like to strap the camera across my body - i have a small frame - people with a larger body should get an adjustable strap.
   
   PICTURES:
   
   a picture speaks a thousand words - here's is a link just some of my photos from flickr.com i've taken over the years with my Sony Alpha 100:
   
   
   http://www.flickr.com/photos/62904109@N00/sets/72157594360924382/
   
   only a very few of the pictures had post process done - some where cropped - mostly it is as is.
   
   one note - i have adjusted the camera to hard sharpness and high saturation - i love color and i thought the images from the sony was just slightly soft so i shifted it to hard sharpness on the camera itself.
   
   Also keep in mind the pics also depend on how your computer monitor is calibrated but it is a good presentation of what the Sony A100 can do.
   
   I find the pictures to reproduce excellent colors and the lens are quite clear.
   
   all were taken with the 18mm - 200mm Sony Lens.
   
   I bought this camera when it first came out and the kit was about $1000 dollars AND the 18mm - 200mm lens (as i recall) was $600 dollars. This camera could be had BRAND NEW for under $700 with this lens! What a great deal for a under-rated and all around Great Camera!
   
   Pros love their Nikon or perhaps their Canon - but I thought the Sony was a great camera and currently at a great price!



5. Excellent camera and lens. Terrific value and good service from supplier. Disappointed that there was an additional customs bill of £71! Could you warn customers of this charge, in future.
   
   Despite this, at a total cost of £330, it was still a real bargain

5 comments about Olympus Evolt E-3 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with Mechanical Image Stabilization with ED 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 Lens and FL-50R Flash.

1. WOW... finally a camera that gives you the sharpness and quality you were always looking for. Five stars to Olympus, well done. The camera is a little bit bigger that previous E-series, a little bit heavier too, well built, very compact and robust, but most importantly feels very comfortable in hands. I'm very impressed by the results, great vivid colors, excellent sharpness, fast autofocus. Low light performance is superb especially with the awesome mechanical stabilization system, even with high ISO (quite a jump from previous E series). I am not a fan of LCD live viewing, but honestly it's of great help is some circumstances (like ground-level or night shots)... especially because you're able to see the changes on light and contrast as you change the values of your depth of field or aperture velocity... this feature allows you to adjust and achieve the right exposure before every shot (although the results are not quite accurate... the pre-shooting live image is pretty close to the actual result). Strongly recommended if you take photography seriously. Money well invested.
   
   Disavantages: strap is of poor quality... other than that very impressive camera.



2. After a lot of research and considering the 40d and the d300, who claim to perform a little better (?), this camera has something they don't have: Image Stabilization! This means lighter and smaller lenses. And if you add the excelent quality of Zuiko lenses, you got a winner by far. Just think about carrying canon's and nikon's huge, fancy and heavy lenses (if you want Image Stabilization) around in a trip, on long walks, and you'll know what I mean. If you want to get great shots and still enjoy your ride, this is the gear.
   Playing with the buttons and the menus is just a matter of getting used to, and taking shots with iso over 800 is not a daily thing.
   All in all, outstanding quality, lighter gear and top of the notch optics, makes this camera the one to beat!



3. First , I will say if you love the 4/3rds system then you will love this camera, it is by far the best camera to date in the system. Secondly, I must say that if you are a gear junkie, then this is a great system to get into--Olympus, in my opinion, makes the best lenses for digital imaginable.
   
   Now, why do I say, 'if you know how to use it?' The images produced by the E-3, and the E-1, have a film-like quality to them, an almost Leica quality. The color rendition of the E-3 image sensor is beautiful. And the noise it produces (all image sensors produce noise) is also quite lovely compared to other systems. But these qualities are only appreciable if the images have been exposed perfectly and in perfect, or nearly perfect light. So if you rely on your camera to manage exposure for you, if you don't know how to use exposure compensation, or spot metering, or even manual mode exposure, then this camera will force you to learn all about obtaining perfect exposure.
   
   Next, I must share with you the only major disappointment that I have in the camera. Yes, it has the fastest autofocus in the world with certain lenses, but more importantly, only in the right light, with the right subject. Much too often, the camera searches for focus far too long, or simply will not find focus at all. If you are a photojournalist or a sports photographer who relies on autofocus, then this is not the camera for you.
   
   Finally, you may be wondering why i give the E-3 five stars (I would give ten if Amazon would let me). Because, for the right photographer doing the right kind of photography, this camera is sublime. Its favorite use for me is travel photography, but it is outstanding for fashion, outdoor portraiture, studio work, wildlife (A 300mm f2.8--that's a 600mm f2.8 equivalent, WOW!), street photography, landscape and cityscape (check the 7-14mm f4 lens--the best wide-angle zoom manufactured by anyone), and the list goes on, just not fast-paced sports.
   
   So, I highly recommend the E-3 system, with the above caveats, to anyone as a primary system, and to everyone else as a system to supplement an existing Canon or Nikon system.



4. This camera is everything it has been said to be. I could not be happier with this camera. From macro to portrait to landscape to time exposures, you are in complete control! Big High 5 !!!



5. this is an awesome camera
   
   great upgrade for me to my first DSLR
   
   excellent camera and excellent lenses
   
   great manual controls
   
   not too heavy- wasn't sure this would be true but I use it 99 percent handheld
   and it's fine for me

No comments about Canon EOS-40D Digital U.S.A. Camera with 28-135 IS USM Lens, 4GB CF Memory Card, Spare BP-511 Lithium-Ion Battery, Lowepro Holster-Style Case, Mack 3 Year Extended Warranty, Digital Remote Release, Professional Lens Cleaning Kit.

5 comments about Pentax *istDL 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera with DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL Digital SLR Lens.

1. No problems so far... I have had thsi item for about a year and I would not trade it for the world.



2. I am a 35mm and Medium Format (6cm) film photographer converted to digital by this camera. I love this camera. I am used to Pentax LX, MX, ME, and K-1000 35mm cameras and (a huge collection of) M-series and A-series lenses, along with Rolleiflex medium format. Some tripod work, but mostly hand-held. I hike a lot (photos: landscapes of all sorts, natural details, sky drama) and also take candids of family and friends outdoors and indoors (the 50-200 zoom is great for candids.)
   
   I had basically stopped doing any photos except business work and snapshots with a 2MP digital ELF (Canon Powershot 110). The ELF was fine for basic snapshots but has very little flexibility.
   
   Since my wife gave me this camera a year ago, I've re-discovered the fun of making photos. I felt restricted by film costs (and environmental impact) and the limits of the ELF. Now, I have amazing creativity and flexibility at my fingertips. I am enjoying this camera more than any other, even the LX and Rollei. It does everything I ask of it, easily and well. The auto focus is really great and so are the auto-exposure modes (I was previously an ALL-MANUAL guy.)
   
   Laundry list of things I like:
   Manual or auto-focus
   Manual or multiple auto exposure modes
   Depth of field preview
   Delay timer for tripod work without cable release (or remote control)
   Uses all Pentax K-mount lenses including my old M-series and A-series lenses that I love
   Wonderfully ergonomic -- all the buttons where you want them, great grip (for right-handers)
   Fast continuous shooting mode
   Easy to use and logical menus and functions (I've only rarely needed to consult the manual)
   Display screen is wonderfully large, bright, and clear; and you can zoom (to 12X) and pan the images -- so you can really make a good judgment about deleting an image
   Viewfinder is bright and clear, seems to be about 95% of final image
   I love the 18-55 zoom and 50-200 zoom lenses (I still want the 14mm)
   Download is fast and simple
   Everything is small and lightweight
   I put Li-I batteries into the camera last August and they still read as fully-charged (this is after ballpark 2000 photos, 20+ downloads, and hundreds of flashes -- amazing!)
   I get all the flexibility I want AND my techno-phobic wife can easily use it (!!!)
   The only feature I've even considered that it doesn't have is mirror lock-up.



3. This camera will give you clear crisp pictures with bright colours as well as capture sequential action shots. I have been using this camera for personal use and have won several local photo contests with my pictures. Would suggest that you invest in another telephoto lens (75mm - 300mm) which can be picked up for about $140 (on Amazon).
   
   With the wide angle and the telephoto lens, you will have a camera that is a good as it gets.



4. This is a great camera. It is a great buy: simple to use, takes great pictures, the speed is a little on the slow side (I have not had a digital camera that wasn't), and it has some heft to it.
   
   Again a great all around camera for someone who wants to take great pictures of the family, vacations, and life in general.



5. The Pentax line has consistently offered the best 'bang-for-the-buck'. This machine feels much better built than comparative offerings from the other DSLR big guys, and has a feature set that's pretty well rounded. If you have any old Pentax SLR equipment around, this is a real bargain; Pentax is the only current DSLR manufacturer whose offerings can use any Pentax lens ever made. I've got an old Pentax 135mm f2.5 that I couldn't stand to give up; it clicks right on my *ist DL and takes beautiful pictures. The kit 18-55 is not bad at all. Just generally this camera is hard to beat for the money. If you have a few extra bucks, though, upgrade to the newer Pentax machines like the K200D (10 MPixel and shake reduction, along with a host of new features).

5 comments about Olympus Evolt E500 8MP Digital SLR with Zuiko 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 Digital SLR Lens.

1. The E-500 is my first DSLR. I have owned it for about two years. Overall, the camera is not too bad for what it is, but you need deep pockets for any upgrades. Also, the kit lenses are soft (fuzzy). Later, you will find out that the "high grade" upgrade lens are soft, too. This camera is about the same level as the Canon Xti. If you have ever dreamt about learning professional photography, go with Canon or Nikon and forget about this camera.



2. I have been using SLR cameras for 30 years and have had a digital camera since they came out on the market, most will last at least 5 years. This thing began to break a week after I got it. The second time I removed the compact flash card two of the pins came with it which rendered the slot useless, fortunately the XD slot was still functioning. One week after the waranty expired the thing stopped working completely.
   The pictures were ok but nothing to brag about, my little Casio Exilim takes much better pictures than the Olympus ever took in any mode and it only cost $ 150 that was $ 500 less than the Olympus.
   Get a Fuji S700 or a sony DSC H5 they give professional results and require no expensive special batteries or cards. Both offer manual and automatic settings which work great and are simple to use for the beginner or the professional and both are under $ 250.



3. At the time I bought this camera, it was at the end of its product life. The E-510 had just come out and was selling for more than a $300 premium over the E-500. Yes, the E-510 has a better pixel count and image stabilization. But I just couldn't pass up the relative bargain of the E-500. It's a very satisfying camera. Very good picture quality, good lenses, decent manual (considering the complexity of digital SLRs, a good manual is a necessity) and light weight.
   
   My one complaint is the lack of a usable remote trigger. I have the infrared remote and it's really only useful for taking pictures of yourself as it must be aimed at the lens side of the camera. I like to take shots of birds at my bird feeder using a tripod and this remote is useless for this purpose.



4. OK, so I'm not a professional photographer (not for lack of desire or talent, mind you!). I'm actually very much the novice when it comes to camera equipment, but I'm learning. I've had one form of camera or another since the age of 7, though, and I know what I like.
   
   I got my Evolt 500 kit from my husband, Christmas 2007. This is my first GOOD camera and I'm wondering how I ever got along without it! I love the image quality I'm getting. I love the ease of use. I love the feel of it and, as I saw someone else write, the very satisfying sound of the shutter-click!
   
   I realize I still have much to learn about cameras and all of the bells and whistles that go with them, but I would absolutely recommend this camera to other beginning, aspiring photographers. I'm having a blast with it! By all means, this baby gets Five-plus stars from me.



5. I picked up this kit at Sam's Club a couple of months ago as a used camera for $200, and I couldn't be happier. The camera works wonderfully and takes marvelous pictures. For the everyday walking around camera, this kit completes your needs.

5 comments about Sony Alpha A100H 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 Lens.

1. I bought this camera becuase I am a life long Minolta fan, however they discontinued their cameras without any notice and I was stuck with alot of Konica Minolta camera equipment. Sony picked up Minolta's pattons and made their first DSLR and everything I owed with Minolta is interchangeable with it. But I run 2 photo studios and I have not been happy with the controls, etc. of this camera. However a person who just wants a better camera to take better pictures then their snap and shoot--this would be a good camera for you, for a professional however--no. I am now switching everything over to Nikon.



2. 1. I purchased this camera (Sony a100) about a year and a half ago and it's lived up to my expectations. Photos are crisp and clear, controls are conviently located and the large LCD is handy although I wish it was the swivel type, battery life is good. I have three, one Sony and two much cheaper non-Sony. I wish the lens selection was a little better but this is just a hobby for me and SIGMA lenses are just as good and cheaper. There is some noise at low light levels but that's not a problem for me. My problem is dust bunnies inherent in all digital slrs in this class. But I have solve that too with a small bottle of ECLIPSE 2 and a few SENSOR PADS that fit the low pass filter to be cleaned. Sometimes it only takes a good whiff of dry air with the camera turned upside down. But sending it back to them until the warranty runs out consumes too much time and they don't do a very good job. My job was better. Last of all Sony has the gall to sell the A.C. adapter at well over $125.00 and then recommends that any type of cleaning (dust blower only) not be done without the A.C. adapter. This is of course so the mirror stays up while blowing off the dust. My advice is use a freshly charged battery; it only takes a few minutes to do a good cleaning with the blower or the more adventurous low pass filter. Be advised Sony will void the warranty if you screw up the CCD aka low pass filter while using the SENSOR PADS. But trust me, it's very easy to clean and the low pass filter is tougher than one suspects. Still, extreme caution and patience is needed with a light but firm stroke. By the way, the A.C. adapter can charge two batteries at once but still not worth the price and there are no substitutes because of the proprietary connection on the camera body, again Sony Only! Oh, there is also inaccessible dust inside the viewfinder, again inherent in all slrs in this class. My camera goes almost everywhere I go so there will be dust.
   
   SHELLBACK
   SEMPER FI



3. I bought the camera in Feb. and just charged twice since then. I charged the battery before my 10 days vacation in Europe, and took over 1,000 pictures (very beautiful) and the battery now is still 3/4 full!
   Another advantage of this camera is the anti-shake function. I could take pictures with very low shutter speed (1-2 seconds) and the pictures are still sharp.



4. This was my first introduction to DSLR - but not my first experience with an SLR - i had shared a Minolta Maxxum 3000 with my brother (that was the model # as i recall) but never really bothered to learn its functions and because it was a film camera quite an expensive hobby - with film and development. So essentially the Sony Alpha was my first real experience with SLRs (Single Lens Reflex). Digital photography has given me and a whole bunch of people a hobby that is very affordable after the first initial investment - but i digress...
   
   This was not my first digital camera. My first digital camera was another Sony - the DSC-V1 (i have written a review here at epinions about that as well) - that little camera had an excellent clear Carl Zeiss lens and great color along with functions of a SLR - you can fiddle with aperture and shutter speed - but with it's small fixed lens you'll always that great depth of field unless it is ultra close.
   
   I wanted to "graduate" from these so-called point and shoot cameras - although i know a bit more about photography from reading books since getting the Alpah but i would not call myself an expert. So really this review is from a novice's standpoint even after owning this for about 2.5 - 3 years. I'm more about composition and letting the camera take over the technical aspects - however i have played with aperture settings, shutter speeds, and exposure settings.
   
   There are so many options in DSLR these days - the iconic NIKON followed by ubiquitous Canon (my brother owns the XTi), Fuji, Pentax, Olympus -- then (at the time) there's the new Sony entry into the DSLR market - the Alpha 100 - there are now different models of the Alpha 200, 300, 350, and the top of the line 700 which boasts a live lcd preview.
   
   Just a bit of history about Sony entry into the DSLR market - they had a partnership with Konica-Minolta (KM would use Sony's expertise in digital electronics) and Konica-Minolta decided to tuck tail and leave the DSLR market sold their existing technologies to Sony so Sony using KM's foundation re-engineered the KM DSLR into their own and entered the market with the A100.
   
   The Sony A100 DSLR major features/benefits include (IMHO):
   
   *The Sony BIONZ engine - the brains behind the camera (like the DIGIC II for the Canon) -
   
   *10.2 megapixels
   
   *Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization - built right into the camera - some have it built into the lens - so every lens you use will have this super steady shot - but nothing beats a steady hand or a great tripod! I think this was a hold over from the K/M days.
   
   *Anti-Dust Technology - dust repellent coating and an active shake of the CCD for those stubbornest of specs. This works OK - i can see specs of dust - i haven't used the "shake" - although it gives a little nudge when you turn it on.
   
   *fairly large 2.5 color lcd screen - great color and clarity on the LCD screen
   
   *Eye-start autofocus system - if you turn this feature on - as soon as you put it close to your eye it starts trying to focus - i found this feature to be useless - it is light sensitive so if you put this close to your body it will start focusing - i turned off this feature - this was another holdover technology from K/M.
   
   *With the Alpha Mount you can use "old" lenses from K/M with the Sony A100 so if you had a K/M DSLR and multiples lenses you can also use it with the Sony Alpha. You are able to use the myriad of K/M alpha mount lenses but not all of the accessories - Sony changed the hot shoe for the flash so that won't work and you need to buy a new flash - BUT i had an old wired remote from my first original Minolta Maxxum and that worked.
   
   *New Carl Zeiss lens - exciting but it would probably cost more than the camera itself.
   
   ACTUAL USE / FEEL of the camera (from a novice standpoint):
   
   with anything new you'd have a learning curve but this camera is pretty intuitive however i would suggest reading the manual once over. Once you start using it and learning the control it will be like second nature.
   
   The feel of it is somewhat heavy - it is certainly a bit heavier than the Canon xTi but it has a very comfortable grip.
   
   The autofocus is a bit loud with the whirring of the motor - the mirror is louder than most- i would not take pictures clandestinely because you just can't it will give you away every time.
   
   I am currently using the 18mm - 200mm max aperature (open) is f3.5 - f6.3 - not quite quick to focus in low light situations, but the lens is so versatile with the wide 18mm and the nice zoom of 200mm it's hard not to like this lens. Please keep in mind that the DSLR mirror is larger than a regular film SLR so you have to multiply the "mm" by 1.5 to get the true "mm" size. At 18mm with the DSLR it is really 27mm and the 200mm is really 300mm.
   
   I find this camera to be very comfortable and fun to use. The strap that came with it is not length adjustable however and i like to strap the camera across my body - i have a small frame - people with a larger body should get an adjustable strap.
   
   PICTURES:
   
   a picture speaks a thousand words - here's is a link just some of my photos from flickr.com i've taken over the years with my Sony Alpha 100:
   
   
   http://www.flickr.com/photos/62904109@N00/sets/72157594360924382/
   
   only a very few of the pictures had post process done - some where cropped - mostly it is as is.
   
   one note - i have adjusted the camera to hard sharpness and high saturation - i love color and i thought the images from the sony was just slightly soft so i shifted it to hard sharpness on the camera itself.
   
   Also keep in mind the pics also depend on how your computer monitor is calibrated but it is a good presentation of what the Sony A100 can do.
   
   I find the pictures to reproduce excellent colors and the lens are quite clear.
   
   all were taken with the 18mm - 200mm Sony Lens.
   
   I bought this camera when it first came out and the kit was about $1000 dollars AND the 18mm - 200mm lens (as i recall) was $600 dollars. This camera could be had BRAND NEW for under $700 with this lens! What a great deal for a under-rated and all around Great Camera!
   
   Pros love their Nikon or perhaps their Canon - but I thought the Sony was a great camera and currently at a great price!



5. Excellent camera and lens. Terrific value and good service from supplier. Disappointed that there was an additional customs bill of £71! Could you warn customers of this charge, in future.
   
   Despite this, at a total cost of £330, it was still a real bargain

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