Why is Sony making this so hard...

[1Grumpy9]

Every time I find a new camera and I am generally set on buying it, they come out with one one that would do the job for me.

About a week ago I was set on buying the A65 in either May or June...Well, I just saw this morning that Sony now has an A57. There are some differences, but one of the big differences is that the 57 only has a 16.1 megapixel.

I was trying to read up on some of the advantages that the 65 would have over the 57, but I haven't had time to look for it. The one thing that is making me think about the 57 is that it is the same body as the 65 and 77.

If any of you on here have heard on why I should wait to get the 65 when I can officially afford it, please let me know.

The A57 is about $200 cheaper and I might be able to swing it a little sooner.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I think these camera manufacturers just like to mess with our minds!!! Why does a company release 15 different P & S' in one day. Come on! I don't get it. I think they think if they can keep us confused we will end up making mistakes which leads us to correcting that by buying more/different cameras. I know I'm old school, but I bought a very good film SLR and used it for over 20 years. I never saw the need to 'upgrade' the camera. Film changed, but the camera still produced the same images (and it will today) that it did the day I opened the box. I guess this is the price we must pay to stay current in the digital age. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[HPS3]

Don't base your decision the megapixel count. The Sony 16MP sensor is the same one used in the Nikon D7000, Nex 5N, and Pentax K-5. It's terrific for higher low light shooting. I had the Sony Nex 5N and just received the Nex 7 yesterday. They have the sensors you are comparing. The picture quality is pretty much equal so the 24 MP was not the deciding factor for me. I ordered the 7 because of the body feel and controls. I say if the A57 fits your needs, go for it. The only difference I see that I like in the A65 is the OLED VF. You can put your $200 towards a lens, flash, or other accessories.

 

[ukstitch]

This summary is taken from another site, but should prove quite useful:


A65 key features:

OLED Viewfinder
Lens correction i.e. Chromatic Abberations, shading and distortion control
Built in GPS
24 MP sensor for better resolution and cropping ability

A57 key features:

Slightly better EVF than the A55 but not the same as the OLED in the A65
Auto ISO upto 3200
16 MP sensor which some believe is better at high ISO
Clear view zoom (not the same as the TC in the A65?)

For me, I'd be looking at the A65 as I currently have the 55 and love the built in gps so would be sad to lose it. I've not played with the viewfinder so can't tell how much better the 65 version is but that would also tempt me...

 

[1Grumpy9]

For me, I would turn off the GPS feature...I have heard it drains the battery faster. I guess I am going to have to find a dealer close to me (there isn't one within a half hour of me), to look at one and see which one I want to buy.

I am also hoping that when I am ready to buy, the prices drop a little.

The nice thing with both of those cameras is that they use the battery I already have for my A300.

 

[mcraige]

After looking at many cameras and talking to several people, I made the jump into a DSLR with the A65V. I was nervous after hearing the A57 was announced, thinking they would be releasing a A67 sometime shortly, but made the purchase anyway. I haven't used the camera much, but notice that the battery life seems short. I have the GPS turned-on, so I will try turning it off and see if that makes a difference (thanks for the pointer).

 

[1Grumpy9]

Well after last night I have made my decision (and it is just the waiting game to get the extra money to pay for it). I went to Best Buy and they had a A57 there. The biggest reason I didn't just automatically pre-order one is because I wanted to first look at it and pick it up before I bought it. I got to play with it last night a little bit and I am impressed with the OVF. It is definitely better than the A55.

So come the second week in May I will be buying the A57. Although for me, I will probably be buying it from B&H as I only need a body and not another lens.

 

[Tropical Wilds]

I have the A65V and I love it. That said, I'm still learning how to use it to its fullest, but I'm blown away by how great the pictures are.

If you do get either one, there's a great seller I found via Amazon who offers the cameras at about list, but with a bunch of other items to go with. I got my camera through them at list and it came with filters, an extra battery, a case, and some ether goodies.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005OB79PY/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00

 

[1Grumpy9]

Thanks for the info. I am hoping to have it before I go to Charlotte the 2nd weekend in May. I have a bill that I have to pay first and then it can be ordered. I need to figure it out the camera for concert shots before I go to Nashville in June.