Sony Alpha DSLR-A100K Camera with 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens

I had this Camera as my first DSLR, it was fantastic. I used it all around the UK and took it with me when I took my motorbike all around Europe. I came off in poor conditions in the alps and there was condensation in the camera / lens but the camera was fine as it was well protected. I thought I was faced with a pricy bill when I made it from switzerland over to italy but I simply wore the camera bag around while I rode around and to my surprise to condensation cleared perfectly! So great build, Sony definitely make the best cameras with Carl Zeiss Optics and built in image stabilisation. The other makes seemed a bit plasticky and just didnt have the same quality as the Sony Cameras, not to mention the image stabilisation. My only complaint about the sony was that compared to newer models the screen isnt so clear especially in sunny conditions. But with this you will definitely learn how to use an SLR and take some great pictures.

The A100 is an excellent first camera, its a great camera for learning and beginners.This camera gives excellent results and the only issue I have found is ISO is only usable upto 800 unless you require grain in your photos. This camera is quite large which I find better having large hands and you feel like you are carrying a solid built camera.This camera is quite old now so it doesn't have many of the features of a modern camera such as live view but if you can with out that it still makes for an excellent DSLR.

This camera comes at around the same price as a Nikon D40, and cheaper than a D40X...and I would say it is a better buy The Image quality is really great, I am particularly impressed with the Matrix metering...its very reliable and much less "quirky" than the meter on the Nikon D40/D80, if you want great "no brainer" shots with auto matrix metering...the Sony is great, with a bit of care, blown highlights and washed out pics are virtually non existent with this camera If you have ever used a Minolta 5D...well this is the same cam, only a bit better (10MP sensor, a bit nicer finish, menus a bit better organised etc) I find the kit lens pretty good, but this cam is also available with a 18-200 (11X) lens, which is a great range...and with the anti shake, makes a great alternative to a "superzoom"...so check out that other lens Performance is about the same as other DSLRs...its fast enough for me with a great burst rate if you need it.....but best of all, the images are really lovely Only thing I dont like too much, is that the flash has to be raised for the Autofocus illuminator to work....Nikon have it beat here, I must however point out, that the low light focus without the illuminator is very good right down to very low light levels, its just that Nikons will focus a bit quicker in very dark conditions....no big deal. One thing to be aware of is that if you buy the external flashgun (there are two Sony flashguns available)...even with the flash turned off, but mounted on the cam...the autofocus illuminator on the flashgun operates to assist focus...this is great, and with the flashgun attached to the camera, the focus speed in low light is improved even more, making it comparable to the D80 I have used both this camera and a Nikon D80 extensively, given the huge price difference, and the superior metering of the Sony....I would say go with the Alpha...its great.

I am an ex owner of this camera. Deciding not to upgrade my SLR lens collection for a camera that I failed to get on with. I am not saying this is a bad camera just that I did not get on with it and I will tell you why. Firstly the controls are not very well set out.It is still trying to cater to the creative compact market and has lots os settings for various scenes etc...this si either a serious camera or not it can't be both. I never worked out which it was and I only ever used 1 scene mode to shoot some sunsets. The camera took an age to set up with several dials and menu's to cope with but the results? well fantastic. That's the frustrating thing about this camera it can produce great results. But turn it off for 30 secs change position and re-shoot and guess what? it's failed to store any settings and you have to set the whole thing up again and again and again. so in short Fiddly and unsure of where it fits in but I have to say it can take a stunning shot. If you get one and don't like the image quality and everything else is set up right, think long and hard those sony lenses are very expensive. You can go Sigma or Tamron but they are not quite on the money in some respects. Summing up then. I found this camera drove me mad, and then calmed me down by producing a great shot only to drive me mad again. Had some brilliant features that cried out for better glass to exploit, that I was not prepared to pay for as it drove me mad again. If you do buy it don't say I didn't try to warn you.

Sony have not suddenly discovered expertise in SLRs - they bought out Minolta. This camera benefits and builds on Minolta heritage and is exceptionally good for the price. I've also purchased a 75-300mm lens which completes the package. The downside - like all SLRs (except perhaps the Olympus offering) it's big and the case makes it bigger still. The cheap lenses are not great - although the Sony 75-300 was only £105 bought from SonyStyle in Taiwan. Also if you're out of practice with SLR photography after years of digital photography buy a book on the camera.

Bit late in posting feedback but oh my god I am definitely pleased with this camera. Arrived quickly (especially as I bought it not long before Christmas). Was even better than described (the camera and components were in pristine condition!) and my boyfriend (whom the gift was for) is so incredibly happy with it. Thankyou very much.

five star