Looking to 'Go Digital', any advice?

[OneLittleSpark]

Hi everyone. I've been lurking round this board for a while, but not posted before. I've now come out of the woodwork to ask for some advice. I've currently got a Minolta Dynax 4 film SLR with a couple of lenses, but am thinking I might benefit from having a digital as well (not that I'd get rid of my film camera, I'm far too attached for that). Can anyone suggest a digital SLR that might suit me? I've not got the biggest budget in the world, but do have some birthday money squirreled away, so it doesn't have to be a 'value' model . I don't need bells and whistles on it, if I want to play with the picture, I can do that in PSP; I just want it to take a decent picture. Ideally, I'd like one that I can attach my current lenses to, but that's not essential.

Thanks in advance !


PS I love the photos on here, you guys are really good!

 

[Master Mason]

the only one that would be a possiblity of using your current lenses with is the Sony, they bought Minolta. They currently have a single model. So the first thing you need to decide is can you use your existing lenses with that system, if you can then you are at the crossroads and have to make a choice, if not then the world is open to you.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Thank you for that, I didn't realise Minolta had been bought by Sony. I've looked at their camera online, it will take my lenses, but it's fairly pricey. That said, it may work out less expensive than buying a cheaper camera with lenses. It looks like I might have to trundle down to the camera shop in town at some point to see what's on offer, and what they're asking. If anyone has any recommendations or suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

Thank you!

 

[YEKCIM]

Keep in mind the 1.5X sensor size crop factor. Your existing lenses will work, but will be subject to the crop factor. For example, if you have a 28-85mm lens, on the Sony Alpha, the effective field of view will be 42-128mm. You will benefit on the telephoto end, but lose on the wideangle end. You should give consideration to how useful your existing glass will be on the Sony; you may or may not be better off buying the Sony, vs. just starting over with another brand.

~YEKCIM

 

[photo_chick]

Thank you for that, I didn't realise Minolta had been bought by Sony. I've looked at their camera online, it will take my lenses, but it's fairly pricey. That said, it may work out less expensive than buying a cheaper camera with lenses. It looks like I might have to trundle down to the camera shop in town at some point to see what's on offer, and what they're asking. If anyone has any recommendations or suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

Thank you!

I didn't think the Sony was that far off in price from the other entry level DSLR cameras. I'm not a Sony fan, but if I already had lenses I would consider one. Of course a lot would depend on what lenses I had since they can get really expensive really fast.