Sony A55: 16 MP, HD Video and 10 FPS w/AF, Built in IS, GPS, Swivel Screen

tkbslc wrote in post #10798271
That's a lame argument. Is the only brand of car you can compliment the one you drive? Can I find a certain lady attractive without filing for divorce from my wife?

You obviously did not read (or remember) my post form just a couple of pages back:

RetroBlader wrote in post #10783371
Since I got my 7D, other cameras don't impress me much (the 5D2 and the 1-series don't tempt me either), but this "phase-detection AF during video" thing definitely got a "wow" out of me.

[...]

Anyway, gimmick or innovation, one must give some credit to Sony for trying something new. As others have said, hopefully this will trigger some response from the Big 2, allowing us to benefit without switching brand/system.

Competition is a great thing for us consumers. I sincerely hope Canon considers this new Sony at least slightly threatening.

Like I said, I'm GLAD Sony came out with something like this, and I hope Canon would play catch-up so I can benefit from Sony's advances without switching system (for exactly the reasons you two outlined above).

RetroBlader wrote in post #10798286
You obviously did not read (or remember) my post form just a couple of pages back:

It's late (early?)! Cut me some slack...

tkbslc wrote in post #10798284
But who can predict what happens in the future? People that had planned on a certain segment of body being there just got blindsided by the new 60D. Canon seems to be getting rid of mid-level lenses, too. Nikon went FF after telling people for years that FF was dumb and they wouldn't do it. The system changes!

And you called my argument lame?!?!

Sure, I could get hit by a bus tomorrow, or World War 3 may happen, but that does not mean I stop paying my mortgage or contribute to my RRSP (Canadian retirement plan, sort of like the 401k).

Yes, I'm aware of Nikon's 180-degree turn regarding FF. I also remembered the collective cry of Minolta users when Minolta left photography. I remembered Kodak and Fuji being giants in the industry, with Agfa trying hard to find its footing. (I may be new to the DSLR world, but not new to photography.)

No one can be sure what the future will bring, but does that mean we should all sit on the sideline forever since something better is bound to come? We move forward and try our best to adapt, paying attention to clues which may suggest the direction things will be moving.

For example, a few years ago many people thought even the Rebels would become FF, and EF-S was doomed. The introduction of the 7D and lenses like the 17-55, 10-22 or 15-85 told me that APS-C is here to stay, at least for another 5-10 years. Today's introduction of the 8-15 with zoom limiters for APS-C and APS-H is yet another clue that Canon will not go all-FF anytime soon.

If the A55 turns out to be a home run (which it may very well be, based on what we've seen), maybe Sony will invest in more lenses and its user base will grow. Maybe the Canadian rental companies will start to rent Sony stuff. Maybe more of my friends will switch to Sony. Maybe then I will start thinking about switching.

Until then, I'm going to enjoy my Canon stuff, and the 70-200 Mk II and 24L II that will arrive into my possesion tomorrow (er, later today).

mikekelley wrote in post #10798035
I don't know why anyone new to SLRs would buy a rebel or entry level nikon over this. Can't think of a single reason, None, whatsoever.

There's a lot to like about this camera, but it's not going to be the end for anyone. A lot of the headline features are not quite fully baked, so they aren't going to be user friendly to the newbie.

This will change things in the entry-level market, but Canon and Nikon still have name-recognition, and that will still count for a lot.

I really do not care for Sony, just always had bad luck with their products including the NEX but I am very tempted to get one of these even though I would prefer to stick with all Canon. I really do not care for camcorders but I need something that can autofocus video for casual family stuff and as a general take everywhere camera. From what I can tell this is even smaller and lighter then the T2i.

this is awesome. I would recommend this to anyone starting out with DSLR tech. maybe just so they can get one and I can play with it

Ive been in the market for a Canon camera(t2i or a 50d if I want used) for about 2 months now, however I have been waiting to see what became of the 60d and all other companies product releases. Now this is making my decision tough as it seems like it could be a great camera for the price, however I don't know if having Sony will be a downside as this forum is so helpful with canon users and the abundance of used lenses you can buy! This is my first post in 3 years, ha.

tkbslc wrote in post #10798202
It used to be a lens thing, but now everything Sigma and Tamron are available in Sony, too and Sony has some good consumer/Prosumer options now. IN the last year they have released several really cool primes - 50mm f1.8, 30mm f2.8 macro, 35mm f1.8, 85mm f2.8 - all under $300. They have a sweet 70-200 f2.8, and the cheaper Sigma and Tamron ones benefit from in body IS, so that saves you a bundle. The have the Zeiss 16-80, they have some new Zeiss and G primes for the low $1000s if you are into higher end stuff. They have a great portrait/landscape FF body in the A850.

They are lacking in a good action cam, but I think that will change. 7D/D300s competition is coming. Pro sports may be a long time, if ever, but they do have a 300mm f2.8 SSM and a new 500/4.5 is supposed to be coming.

Excellent and well-researched points, as always tkslc. And lets not forget, with in-body IS, those old classic Minolta lenses can compete with new, top-dollar ones. I bought two lenses on ebay for an old a350 I am just borrowing! I got a non-extending 70-210 F4 with an all-metal body (known and loved by old Minolta users as "the beercan") for about $100, and a metal 1.7 50mm for about the same. To repeat, those are both are now stabilized. I decided to go Canon after comparing the reviews of the Alpha 550 and the Canon 550D. I don't regret it, but if Sony keeps up this kind of momentum, in a year or two I may be rethinking my position...

After burning me retinas out on this topic here and viewing some of the links attached, the a55/33 seem to be a good bang for the buck.. Not saying I'm comparing it to any xxD or xD, just based on the specs and price, etc.

I own a Sony DSC HX1 and it has come in handy more than once. It is nice sometimes, to have a 20x zoom and video in one camera, especially with the family, etc. I will say that you have to plan ahead so to speak, if you want to use the 10fps. A few menu options, delays on same, etc. If the a55/33 has a similar program, then it's not too impressive as far as that is concerned. If your able to do it (as simple as it is on xxD) then that would be impressive in regards to the price of it. As well as the other features that were shown on the YouTube link a few pages back.

So far it appears that the controls on the A33/55 are pretty well sorted, with sufficient direct-access buttons to the things that matter. Unlike the NEX cameras, which would be fantastic if it weren't for those darn menus and non-specific buttons.

RetroBlader wrote in post #10783371
It may not be possible to do this "close down/expose frame/open up/AF/close down/expose frame/open up/AF" dance 10 times per second.

This applies to any phase detection in conventional DSLRs such as the 7D. If I am not wrong 7D cannot focus in between when its shooting at 8fps, because the mirror is up when the shutter is firing away. 10fps from a camera in this price range kicks Canon in its pants for paltry <4fps for Rebels and the 5D2.

If I hadnt gotten the T2i, then this would have been my next DSL'R'. Maybe for $630, T2i was a bargain, but I wouldnt mind spending extra for the Sony.

May I point out that Sony IMO has hit the market they were aiming at with this great offering. I counted at least 5 prior postings by members with recent memberships to POTN, low post counts who made intelligent comments concerning the attractiveness of this cam. That says something to me. Some of us "invested in the system" members are wiggling in our seats about the great offerings coming about from other systems.

Photon Phil wrote in post #10970025
May I point out that Sony IMO has hit the market they were aiming at with this great offering. I counted at least 5 prior postings by members with recent memberships to POTN, low post counts who made intelligent comments concerning the attractiveness of this cam. That says something to me. Some of us "invested in the system" members are wiggling in our seats about the great offerings coming about from other systems.

I agree ^^^

I will say that if the A55 was a Canon, POTN would probably crash with all the posts.

coldcuts113 wrote in post #10971670
I agree ^^^

I will say that if the A55 was a Canon, POTN would probably crash with all the posts.

I think that is the most spot on comment I've read about the Axx cams. It would be quite the battle between those claiming that Canon has shown us the future of photography and those who just don't understand why anyone would put video in a camera.

While the Axx are very interesting to me, the more I think about switching sides the more I wonder if those cameras/features/tech are ready to be used as your everyday DSLR. Not that I'm a pro paying the mortgage (or anything) with my camera, but I am fond of the automatic nature of my Canon gear.

While I may have ordered an A33 the other night if B&H and Adorama weren't closed, now I'm thinking hard about letting more performance data bubble to the surface, and maybe waiting for gen2 SLT options.

mpix345 wrote in post #10971789
While I may have ordered an A33 the other night if B&H and Adorama weren't closed, now I'm thinking hard about letting more performance data bubble to the surface, and maybe waiting for gen2 SLT options.

I do the same thing...excitement then caution.

Somedays I wish had the guts, just took the plunge and joyfully posted some of the first shots from whatever cam it was that caught my fancy.