Hello everyone, I'm a newbie and thinking of purchasing my first dSLR. I have read the reviews on the A100 and A200. The question is whether to buy the A100 or the A200. I need some inputs from Alpha users as I'm in a confused state right now. From what I read, the A100 and the A200 are basically the same except for some features not being present on the A200 compared to the A100 like MLU and DOF. In terms of noise, the A200, according to the reviews, address noise very well. My dilemma is that the A200 is not actually a replacement of the A100 but rather a new entry-level that will be the basis of later models. So the A100 is on a league of its own here.

What do you, guys, think? Should I get the A100 or go for the new model, A200?

Cheers!

go for th latest model which is the a200.
far more better than the a100.

i think nobody would buy bnew on the a100 over the a200.
m2c

Thanks, Sean. Now for the lens, is the Sigma 18-125mm F3.5-5.6 a good start / walkaround lens? Anyone tried this lens? I'm thinking of not getting the kit lens and instead swap it for this. Any inputs would be much appreciated. Thanks

Thanks, Sean. Now for the lens, is the Sigma 18-125mm F3.5-5.6 a good start / walkaround lens? Anyone tried this lens? I'm thinking of not getting the kit lens and instead swap it for this. Any inputs would be much appreciated. Thanks

Get the Tamron 18-250.. longer reach and good IQ.. In case you need to shoot indoor ( flash is needed ) Or get a good f2.8 one which might stay for longer use (expensive though).. :Grin:

just a thought!

There were a100 features that were not included in the a200 like the flash shoe cap, DOF previeew button and the lock mirror.. (forgot what exactly it was) to make it less expensive for an entry level camera. I think the strong point of a200 is cleaner higher ISO and was reviewed that can be match to nikon d80 although same sensor was use in a100. LCD only increase to 2.7" and if you want a grip support a200 have one with more controls other than a100 that has only 3rd party grip. So obviously go for A200 :) and I believe its much cheaper than my A100 :(


For lenses, try to look at CZ1680, SONY 18-250 or SONY 16-105... I visit SONY HK lately and the price for the SAL 18-250 is around 20k. a good all around travel lens :)

@Jeffrey >> All of the Sony lenses you mentioned are of quality build but it's expensive. LOL. I can't afford it yet. :Grin:

@Jay >> I will look into the Tamron 18-250. I just hope the camera store will let me exchange the kit lens with this. :Grin:

@Jeffrey >> All of the Sony lenses you mentioned are of quality build but it's expensive. LOL. I can't afford it yet. :Grin:

@Jay >> I will look into the Tamron 18-250. I just hope the camera store will let me exchange the kit lens with this. :Grin:

hey John, i think the price of sony 18-250 is not far behind than the tamron version, im not sure in your place but try to look at it. :)

just in case, there were old minolta lens that are doing well in digital like the beercan. try to look at dyxum.com web site. it has all the list of lenses fit best for a-mount.

hey John, i think the price of sony 18-250 is not far behind than the tamron version, im not sure in your place but try to look at it. :)

just in case, there were old minolta lens that are doing well in digital like the beercan. try to look at dyxum.com web site. it has all the list of lenses fit best for a-mount.

The Tamron version is cheaper by NZ$180. :Grin: Although there are second hand stores here that sells older Minolta lenses, I'll pay them a visit one of these days.

^You might not like the AF performance of Tam18-250 so try to save up a bit for the SAL18-250 OR try the Tam18-250 with the A200 if you can before buying.

^You might not like the AF performance of Tam18-250 so try to save up a bit for the SAL18-250 OR try the Tam18-250 with the A200 if you can before buying.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll try it with the A200. Thanks :Grin:

A vertical grip is available for the a200.

Sonystyle.com (http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665304378)

I'm still unable to purchase the a200. LOL. Sooner than later the a350 will arrive although it's expensive than the a200 yet this will sway my buying mood to focus on the new model. Oh well, that's marketing strategy for you, one day you buy something and the next day there's a new model out (figuratively speaking). :Grin: