Looking to purchase a camera

[huntr1]

I've decided that I want to move up to a DSLR.

I am looking at the Sony A100.

Looking to take pictures of scouting events, kid sports games, training events, and portrait type shots.

Not looking for a top of the line camera. Not looking for a super cheapo camera. Looking for a decent "student" level camera. The reviews I have read online lead me to believe the A100 fits my needs. Prices are running about $250 on eBay for used but good condition.

Anybody have any other cameras they would suggest, in that price range?

Anybody have a camera they are looking to sell, in that price range?

TIA

 

[jbr13]

Here is something that may give you more info on the Sony A100.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonydslra100/

 

[aps45819]

Doesn't Sony use proprietary batteries and memory?

 

[sn315on]

My starter camera was a Nikon. And I still use Nikon for my pro cameras. You can get a really nice entry level for about $500 including a lens or two if you look around.

Have you looked at camera stores in the area? I'm not sure where you are, but, Alexandria has a great Penn camera store that I use a lot. It's about 20 minutes for me in the Waldorf area to get over there.

 

[bigluke33]

I bought the Sony a300 as an entry level kit. I love it. It's also compatible with older Minolta lenses, so I've been able to get some really good glass for relatively cheap second hand. It does use a Sony battery, but it takes a standard CF card, not the sony memory stick. Not sure about the a100.

 

[wch]

My starter camera was a Nikon. And I still use Nikon for my pro cameras. You can get a really nice entry level for about $500 including a lens or two if you look around.

Have you looked at camera stores in the area? I'm not sure where you are, but, Alexandria has a great Penn camera store that I use a lot. It's about 20 minutes for me in the Waldorf area to get over there.

the Penn Camera in Tyson Corner is always helpful, they let me try things out before i purchased, especially lenses, a little high on prices but I could see what i was getting before I bought it, which I did from BH

 

[czygvtwkr]

Doesn't Sony use proprietary batteries and memory?

They all use proprietary batteries except Pentax which uses AA's.

 

[aps45819]

They all use proprietary batteries except Pentax which uses AA's.

My Olympus, Nikon, Minolta and Fuji have all used AA's

 

[mAlice]

I just got a Nikon D40 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm Lens, and a 70-300 Lens, and I love it!

 

[MrX]

My Olympus, Nikon, Minolta and Fuji have all used AA's

Most modern DSLR models user a proprietary battery. Not sure about the SLR's, but many point and shoot models use AA batteries.

Every Nikon DSLR Ive had used a proprietary battery, but it has never cause an issue.

 

[huntr1]

The A100 uses a standard memory card or the memory stick. Yes, proprietary battery, but that's fine, I will just buy a couple and always have a spare ready to go.

 

[huntr1]

Camera purchased. Now waiting for it to arrive.

Sony A-200 w/ 18-70 lens.

Not a stellar camera, but will be more than up to my needs. And can't beat the price I paid. Well under 1/2 of what Amazon wanted. If (when) I outgrow it, I will buy something better, nicer and more expensive, but for what I am looking to do with it, and what my skill level is, I think I've done good.

 

[huntr1]

All the camera pieces I ordered over the last 2 weeks have arrived. Lens came in last Tuesday. Memory card on Saturday. Batteries and charger yesterday. Camera body came in today.

Gonna play with it tonight.

Just bought a 75-300 lens. Pounced on an auction within moments after it being listed. The going price for the lens, used, is $130 + shipping, averaging $160 after shipping. I paid <1/2 of that. Now if only I could get it by Saturday. Then I could play with it at the Blue Crabs game (my Cub Scouts are presenting the Colors before the game).

 

[OldHillcrestGuy]

Now if only I could get it by Saturday. Then I could play with it at the Blue Crabs game (my Cub Scouts are presenting the Colors before the game).

I'll be at that game. Im looking to get another camera also, and a Sony, Ive got to find out what model your neighbor/my son has. Its a Sony with 10x zoom and its just a nice little camera, its under $300, and Ive seen the pictures that he has taken at the various concerts we both have gone to together and Im impressed with the zoom capabilties that camera has, pictures always seem to be great no matter how far he zooms in or out when using it. Its also small and you are not getting stopped by the ticket takers or bag checkers at the different concerts venue's, saying that its not allowed.

 

[huntr1]

I'll be at that game. Im looking to get another camera also, and a Sony, Ive got to find out what model your neighbor/my son has. Its a Sony with 10x zoom and its just a nice little camera, its under $300, and Ive seen the pictures that he has taken at the various concerts we both have gone to together and Im impressed with the zoom capabilties that camera has, pictures always seem to be great no matter how far he zooms in or out when using it. Its also small and you are not getting stopped by the ticket takers or bag checkers at the different concerts venue's, saying that its not allowed.

This isn't a point and shoot. Sounds like you are talking about a point and shoot. Our P&S is a Fuji from Target. Very nice pictures. Just too slow of a shutter when shooting a moving target.