Is the Sony Alpha DSLRA330 a good dslr camera?

Question

Hi there. I have been using a pentax slr for quite awhile now, so this is going to be my first dslr camera. I want to know your thoughts about this camera. Is it good or bad for an amateur photographer? I'm using this camera as a hobby, so I don't need anything to be too technical. Like an slr camera, I like to manually adjust the aperture and shutter speed for the camera. Will this camera allow me to do that? If you don't think this is a good dslr, what other camera would you suggest? I like something that is manual and has high megapixels (preferably 8.0+)
In advance, thankyou for your unput.

Answer 1

All dSLRs act like film SLRs, you can adjust aperture and and shutter speed manually. The Sony makes good dSLR cameras. In my own opinion, they are better than most of the four-thirds system dSLRs with smaller digital sensors.



Since you already have Pentax equipment, you are better off with a Pentax dSLR. You can use your old lenses without much problem. This is where Pentax excels, the compatibility of older lenses on newer digital bodies. It would be as if you never left film. You will be shooting in exactly the same way as before.



The Pentax K2000 is cheaper than the Sony a330 at Adorama.



http://www.adorama.com/IPXK2000K1.html



http://www.adorama.com/ISODSLRA330L.html



If you are really tight on the budget, just buy the body at B&H to save more dollars. Use your old lens for the meantime.



http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/610948-REG/Pentax_17311_K2000_Digital_SLR_Camera.html

Answer 2

There are reviews all over the web, so I'm a little puzzled as to why you are here. But you are so...



It's a fine camera, but I don't know why you'd want to jump ship. Yes all alphas can shoot in manual mode, aperture priority etc, but if you have invested in pentax glass, why not keep it and get a pentax dSLR? If you don't have a lot of money invested in the Pentax system, then I guess jumping to Sony isn't such a big deal.



Keep the megapixel count out of your head, it doesn't matter. dSLRs have giant image sensors that are better than compact cameras by a long shot. Also, get it out of your head that there is such a thing as a good or bad camera for an amateur. It's like saying there is such a thing as a good or bad car for a beginner driver.



If you plan on going Sony/Minolta alpha go here http://www.dyxum.com/dforum/forums.html



spend time lurking, reading and search for your answers/questions don't start asking questions right off the bat, it annoys everyone. And by the way, in case you want to cut your teeth on something cheaper, check out the slightly older Sony Alpha A200, or the model below the 330, the A230.

Answer 3

I think that the a330 is a fine entry level DSLR, but I agree with fhotoace that you should stay with Pentax unless you aren't happy with them for some reason. Maybe you just don't realize that the lenses you have may be compatible with the Pentax DSLRs. If they are autofocus lenses they should be compatible.



Have a look at these DSLR models from Pentax:



http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=pentax_k20d%2Cpentax_k100d%2Cpentax_k200d%2Cpentax_km%2Cpentax_k7%2Cpentax_kx&show=all



If the equipment you have is fully manual then you should consider all the possibilities and Sony is a great choice. I own a Sony DSLR myself and love it. The a330 has live view if that interests you and the lcd is reticulated. It's a nice camera. Keep in mind that you can use Minolta Maxxum lenses on a Sony DSLR and those lenses can be found on ebay and craigslist for a steal. Keep your eye out for a Minolta Maxxum 50mm f/1.7 which you can get for $100-125 in good condition.

Answer 4

Sony Alpha DSLR A330 is a good dslr camera