Help me find my FRIEND a camera......She DECIDED!

[mom2rtk]

So I told my friend a while back that if she goes to Disney again with nothing but a cell phone camera, I wouldn't talk to her when she gets back! So guess how now gets to help her find a great deal on a new camera????

I know we've had a lot of "help me pick a camera" threads lately....... but now that my friend is in the market, I find myself with the same questions.

She wants to spend around $500, but might go over a little if she could get a good package deal.

She's likes the idea of a DSLR, but isn't completely married to that option. I did tell her I didn't think she'd be happy with just a body and 18-55 kit lens. So that's pretty limiting on price if she needs 2 lenses. But I do think she'll need more reach, but probably won't want to invest a bunch more money any time soon.

She said Costco had a package deal on the Sony Alpha 390 and both lenses (18-55 and 55-200) for $549. Can any of you guys give me feedback on this model and lenses?

I told her Pentax was a great choice (Ukcatfan.... I think I've read enough recommendations by you to convince her myself!) but does anyone every offer any Pentax bundles with a longer lens?

Do any of these lower cost base DSLR's ever come bundled with something of an all in one, like Canon does with the 18-135 sometimes?

Thanks for helping my save my friendship!

 

[ukcatfan]

There used to be a lot of packages with the K-x, kit lens, and 50-200mm for really nice prices. The K-x is sort of making its way out of the lineup now and I do not see many packages. Buydig does have it with the 55-300mm for $639, which is a great deal, but maybe getting more than your friend wants to spend.

http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=PKKXKT255300RD

 

[ukcatfan]

Just looked at the A390 and the K-x to me is easily worth the extra $90 over it. The high ISO and better fps would alone be enough.

 

[mom2rtk]

There used to be a lot of packages with the K-x, kit lens, and 50-200mm for really nice prices. The K-x is sort of making its way out of the lineup now and I do not see many packages. Buydig does have it with the 55-300mm for $639, which is a great deal, but maybe getting more than your friend wants to spend.

http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=PKKXKT255300RD

Thanks Ukcatfan! I'll show that to her. It might be stretching just a little further than she had in mind, but you never know. It just occurred to me too that if she buys online instead of locally she can save the sales tax.

 

[ukcatfan]

They also had it for $10 more in black, but I really like my red one!

 

[Anewman]

She said Costco had a package deal on the Sony Alpha 390 and both lenses (18-55 and 55-200) for $549. Can any of you guys give me feedback on this model and lenses?

If she does like Costco and their return policy(where she can try it out).

I have read review about the A390 stating that it is one of easiest to use DSLR for compact camera users.

Not a perfect camera, but it is capable and she can try it out for few weeks and if she is not happy Costco will take it back pretty hassle free.

 

[Anewman]

There used to be a lot of packages with the K-x, kit lens, and 50-200mm for really nice prices. The K-x is sort of making its way out of the lineup now and I do not see many packages. Buydig does have it with the 55-300mm for $639, which is a great deal, but maybe getting more than your friend wants to spend.

http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=PKKXKT255300RD

Buydig still has the K-x Digital SLR Lens Kit w/ DA L 18-55mm and 50-200mm Lens for $619-in white

No shipping charges
No sales tax to most states so the total cost of the deal does get closer to costcos price.

 

[Anewman]

Do any of these lower cost base DSLR's ever come bundled with something of an all in one, like Canon does with the 18-135 sometimes?

Thanks for helping my save my friendship!

Adorama has the Refurbed Olympus E-420 with a 14-42mm lens $270

Great price for an OK but 2008 Camera, the price would leave room to buy a walk around lens.

just throwing out options.

And Adorama has the Sony A500(imo better than the one at costco) for $599 with a 18-200mm lens
This is much better and faster than the a390, IMO

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

And Adorama has the Sony A500(imo better than the one at costco) for $599 with a 18-200mm lens
This is much better and faster than the a390, IMO

The A500 was one that came to my mind right away as I know the prices had dropped quite a bit on it. It's in a similar class with the Pentax K-x. And your friend might really like having only one lens to start out with. The 18-200 is a very decent starter lens.

Otherwise the Costco return policy gives a lot of time to decide if she likes the A390. That camera's sensor is a couple of years old so it doesn't compare to the high ISO wonders coming out now but it's still way better than a P&S or a phone camera and included menu features to help people learn how to use a DSLR.

 

[mom2rtk]

OK, this is all very helpful.

I think she would love the all in one 18-200 on the Sony, so that is a definite option.

Back to the Pentax....... she's looking at the bundle with the 55-300 but they also have a bundle with the 55-200. Anyone familiar with the IQ of one of those over the other?

 

[mom2rtk]

The A500 was one that came to my mind right away as I know the prices had dropped quite a bit on it. It's in a similar class with the Pentax K-x. And your friend might really like having only one lens to start out with. The 18-200 is a very decent starter lens.

Otherwise the Costco return policy gives a lot of time to decide if she likes the A390. That camera's sensor is a couple of years old so it doesn't compare to the high ISO wonders coming out now but it's still way better than a P&S or a phone camera and included menu features to help people learn how to use a DSLR.

I was hoping one of the resident Sony experts would weigh in.

I'm pulling for the Sony as I think she would dislike changing lenses all the time. The A500 looks like a great kit.

The only issue I see is Image Stabilization. The Pentax has built in IS. I didn't see that in the Sony description for the camera or lens. Any thoughts on whether it's worth choosing one over the other just on this issue?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Sony, Pentax and Olympus all have the image stabilization built in to the cameras so no differences there.

I've had the A550 which is the same model as the A500 but with more megapixels. It's a great camera and gives a big bang for the buck IMO. Good size, articulating view screen, fast fps and great live view if she's interested in using that. The A500 was often argued to have slightly better IQ than the A550 and I had no complaints about the 550.

 

[mom2rtk]

Sony, Pentax and Olympus all have the image stabilization built in to the camera's so no differences there.

Perfect. Thanks Kat!

 

[Anewman]

The only issue I see is Image Stabilization. The Pentax has built in IS. I didn't see that in the Sony description for the camera or lens. Any thoughts on whether it's worth choosing one over the other just on this issue?

I do not believe that the sony kit has any IS(GUESS I WAS WRONG-Thanks mom2rtk)... Obviously a Pentax/Oly fan would state that the in-body IS is priceless. As a Canon fan that only has two lenses with IS, I can tell you that I seldom turn on IS.

It really depends on the shooter, There is obviously some benefit if one takes lots of handheld slow shutter speed shots.

The sony has some other things like very fast live view focus and tilting LCD, for some it might be priceless yet for others never used.

 

[mom2rtk]

I do not believe that the sony kit has any IS(GUESS I WAS WRONG-Thanks mom2rtk)... Obviously a Pentax/Oly fan would state that the in-body IS is priceless. As a Canon fan that only has two lenses with IS, I can tell you that I seldom turn on IS.

It really depends on the shooter, There is obviously some benefit if one takes lots of handheld slow shutter speed shots.

The sony has some other things like very fast live view focus and tilting LCD, for some it might be priceless yet for others never used.

I think she has hopes of shooting her daughter's dance rehearsals, so I think she will be doing a decent share of low light shooting. I use my IS a lot because I have unsteady hands. So it does help that both options have IS built in.

She's mulling over the options. I think the Costco deal is out, as the A500 looks much better. She might be leaning toward the K-x. I would probably vote Sony for the all in one lens. But since it's not my money, I'm not sure I get a vote! (I did promise to laugh every time she complains about changing lenses! )

It really helps to get everyone's input here. Thanks a bunch!

If anyone has feedback on the 55-200 vs. the 55-300 lens, she'd still love to know that. That site had both bundles.

 

[Anewman]

I think she has hopes of shooting her daughter's dance rehearsals, so I think she will be doing a decent share of low light shooting. I use my IS a lot because I have unsteady hands. So it does help that both options have IS built in.

Dance rehearsals... image stabilization is not much of a help, unless the dancers are standing completely still.

For moving subjects one requires shutter speeds faster than those that would benefit from IS.

But again both units do have IS, so all is well.

 

[mom2rtk]

Dance rehearsals... image stabilization is not much of a help, unless the dancers are standing completely still.

For moving subjects one requires shutter speeds faster than those that would benefit from IS.

But again both units do have IS, so all is well.

I do know that. But I also know she's never going to invest in fast glass. So I think she needs every tool she can get with this initial purchase. I think if she's not successful with the action shots (which hopefully she will be with the high ISO's of both of these alternatives)........ then I'm going to advise her to try for shooting in times of slower action or pauses between the action.

 

[ukcatfan]

I have never used the 55-300mm, but have the 50-200mm. For me, that is all I need since I do not do much telephoto. I have seen reports that say that the IQ of the 55-300mm at any comparable focal length is actually a little better, but the far end past 300mm starts to loose that tack sharpness, but is still very usable. So, if given the choice, I would suggest going with the 55-300mm.

I looked all over for the 50-200mm kit when you posted this and could not find it anywhere. I guess I just overlooked it at Buydig.

 

[mom2rtk]

I have never used the 55-300mm, but have the 50-200mm. For me, that is all I need since I do not do much telephoto. I have seen reports that say that the IQ of the 55-300mm at any comparable focal length is actually a little better, but the far end past 300mm starts to loose that tack sharpness, but is still very usable. So, if given the choice, I would suggest going with the 55-300mm.

I looked all over for the 50-200mm kit when you posted this and could not find it anywhere. I guess I just overlooked it at Buydig.

I really appreciate your feedback on this line, and for hunting for this deal. She would have never found the other deal if you hadn't linked the first one. I get a sense she's leaning in this direction. Both this and the Sony have a lot of features for the money.

 

[mom2rtk]

Well, my friend is the decisive sort...... She called today to say she ordered the Sony A500 with the 18-200! I'm so excited for her. It's been our running joke for years that I was going to have to ditch her as a friend for not having a decent camera!

Thanks to everyone here for your input yesterday. Ukcatfan...... the k-x was in close contention, but I just think she preferred the all-in-one lens.

Thanks to Kat4disney for the heads up on the a500. She's getting a lot more features for only $50 more than the Costco package with the a390. And with no sales tax and free shipping, even that's pretty much a wash.

I can't wait to get her started with it!