??? Sony alpha a290l ???

Wildwill94 · #1 (**permalink**) 19-08-2010, 05:53 PM

hi there people.
looking at buying an entry level dslr, wondering if anyone could give me an opinion or advise on the sony alpha a290l. or infact what are sony like at making dslr's concidering they're new on the block.

regards will

Lancashire Lad · #2 (**permalink**) 19-08-2010, 06:42 PM

Sony have a good enough reputation as camera makers, and I wouldn't think that their entry level DSLR's are any worse or better than the "big two".

If the camera "feels right" in your hands, if it has the spec. that you want, and the price is right - etc. etc.

Perhaps a more important consideration at this stage might be whether they (and the independents) do a sufficiently wide range of lenses to suit your future intentions? - Once you are committed to a few lenses, it becomes a very expensive decision to then change brands.

Regards,
Mike.

Jim Ford · #3 (**permalink**) 19-08-2010, 06:44 PM

Have a look at the Sony reviews on dpreview. I couldn't find one on the A290l, but here's one on the A200:

Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 Review: 31. Conclusion: Digital Photography Review

Jim

wizzo · #4 (**permalink**) 19-08-2010, 09:06 PM

Hi Wildwill. Sony produce their DSLR's with all the know how/technical input of Minolta....so not really 'new kids' on the block. As others have said, lens availability is probably the biggest issue. I prefer Canon or Nikon but that's just me. Also, have you considered the new micro four third cameras? Good luck choosing mate! Wizzo

Wildwill94 · #5 (**permalink**) 21-08-2010, 10:42 AM

cheers people for your help. so theroretically they should be respectable cameras.
will

Jim Ford · #6 (**permalink**) 21-08-2010, 04:55 PM

Sony make good 'Play Stations', same as Canon make good copiers!
;^)

Jim

Swift Fox · #7 (**permalink**) 21-08-2010, 05:31 PM

I started out with the A200 and it was a good entry level DSLR, and most of the old Konica Minolta lenses are compatible. The thing you have to remember is that you are buying into a system and you might be better off with an entry level Canon or Nikon as you will have a greater choice of lenses available. Still i think Sony are pretty good and offer decent value for money and the lenses are cheaper as the IS/AF is built into the body and not on the lens like with the Canon DSLR's.

billybob99 · #8 (**permalink**) 21-08-2010, 06:07 PM

I've got a Sony a200 and love it not the best at high ISO but the latest adobe camera raw is a lot better at handling noise

Lady-Penelope · #9 (**permalink**) 24-08-2010, 08:54 AM

I have had a an a200 which was an excellent camera I now have an a230 and a a550, the latter is fantastic and I suspect that the a290 may have then same sensor as the a550.

I have found the Sony cameras to be robust and well able to withstand a few knocks, also they do seem to hold their value well.