Sony Alpha DSLR-A100

• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 28 reviews
• My rating: 0 stars

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• 9 stars

  Strong 9, but not a perfect 10 for Sony... yet

  by JonHsiung on August 23, 2006

  Pros: image stabilized (super steadyshot), 2.5" LCD, fast AF speeds, easily usable up to ISO800, great menu system and features

  Cons: ISO1600 pictures are noisy (fixable with noise removal programs), no wireless remote control available, minolta G-glass and Zeiss lenses are very expensive

  Summary: I am a photographic enthusiast. Although I can confidently say I know more about photography than most, I'm not a seasoned or contracted professional. Stepping up from a line ...

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  Summary: I am a photographic enthusiast. Although I can confidently say I know more about photography than most, I'm not a seasoned or contracted professional. Stepping up from a line of prosumer cameras, the Sony took the next step very well. Or should I say Konica-Minolta, since the Sony A100 is based off a slightly improved design of the KM5D?
  
  Handling/Build:
  For one thing, the build is a strong plastic and handles much more confidently than the Rebel XT, which is highly regarded as the benchmark for low-end dSLR cameras. That extra groove in the handgrip feels great. The shutter button is a little further back than preferred, as I tended to put my finger on the jog dial, but it took less than a day to get used to it. It’s not too heavy and inspires confidence in the build.
  
  Image Quality/Speeds:
  Anything up to ISO400 is shot without worry. Most all ISO800 pictures come out just fine, but expect to post-edit about 15% of them for noise. This may also be due to not-so-optimal shooting settings (user fault). Anyway, they're all usable and definitely recoverable. The noise at ISO1600 isn't unusable, but just be wary that you will be postediting around 50-60% of the pictures for noise before using them. In this arena, Canon's CMOS will win. But how often do you shoot in dark attics?
  
  The autofocus is precise, but I still long for the more covert orange/red light metering for metering dark areas, found on other cameras. One great thing that is seldom mentioned about the Sony is its processing speeds (writing AND accessing). It is ridiculously-blazingly-super fast. A 10mp RAW file comes up instantly and zooming in on your picture for details comes without hesitation. You are seldom waiting for the Sony, but also look into getting a 120x or above card (SanDisk Extreme III). I’d use as low as an Ultra II at minimum.
  
  Image quality on the whole is great. The colors are quite accurate and I think most people will be content leaving the camera on the "Vivid" color setting with a +1 sharpening. The kit lens, a highly regarded and now rebadged Konica Minolta lens, works VERY well with the camera in “stock” form. Unlike what Canon and Nikon give you in their kit lens, you might actually keep the Sony 18-70mm f/4.5-5.6 for longer than a year. Save those ebay fees for your previous camera.
  
  Lenses/Image Stabilization:
  With Sony's Super Steadyshot stabilization sensor (alliteration galore), you can be confident to get about 2-stops out of it and up to what they claim a 3.5 stops. For reference, 1/60 shutter speed is the minimum recommended for handheld shots for most situations. You can take sharp photos with the Sony from 1/30 seconds with confidence against blurriness. At 1/15, you'll notice that 85% of shots will come out clear. I've taken up to a 1" handheld shot which came out clear (usually a take three consecutive shots, delete two rule works quite well). For this reason, you can venture into realms you wouldn't for the price you pay. Since IS (image stabilization) is built into the camera, ALL your lenses are IS. Check online for lenses and you'll notice most KM lenses are under $300, whereas prices vary greatly with Nikon/Canon averaging a little higher. With old lenses on the market and newer third party Tokina, Sigma, and Tamron lenses available, MOST of the KM world is a great deal.
  
  For Professionals:
  With the Minolta G lenses and upcoming Zeiss lenses, you may be inclined to buy the Sony thinking, “There are some awesome lenses out there for future upgrades,” but Sony's trend of overcharging isn't an exception to the Alpha series. For the price of a Zeiss or G lens, you can buy a Canon Image Stabilized (IS) L-series lens or a Nikon VR (vibration reduction) G-series lens AND STILL KEEP SOME HEFTY CHANGE. For professionals, I would leave it up to Nikon/Canon... for now. You'd be paying too much for lenses and praying that Sony fixes ISO1600 and offers 3200 in their next camera (hopefully shooting at 5fps).
  
  The Bottomline:
  I had to compare this camera with the Nikon D80, Canon Rebel XT (350D), and Canon 30D. The Rebel is a great toy for fast shooting in dark situations, but the small screen and lack of options hold it back. The D80 has better editing menus and probably will have better low-light shooting than the Sony, despite using the same/similar sensor. The Sony already has had similar ISO performance and shoots slightly better image quality than the highly reveled Nikon D200 during testing on other sites. But the Sony offers IS built-in, whereas with Canon and Nikon you'd have to pay a high premium to get it (though lens mounted IS systems are probably slightly better).
  
  Let's say you want a comparable range of lenses for your purchase. You'll spend under $1600 for the Sony body and about three good lenses. You'll spend probably $2500 for the Canon/Nikon body with an IS-featured lens for long range and a sub par kit lens. Up to around $2400, you'll be generally better off with the Sony. But if you want an L-series short-range, IS long range lens, then Canon/Nikon is for you, because you'll be spending that same amount on just one G-lens or Zeiss from Sony. And that's when it isn't worth it (spending over $2400 total in the long run). If you own a KM5D or 7D, don’t bother thinking twice – this camera is good, but it isn’t worth the $900 “upgrade.” You already have nearly all the features and 6-megapixels is plenty enough for the following year.
  
  When you add it all up, the A100 is for the masses, but not the elite. You'll be happier with a clear picture on your computer than most blur-shooting competing models, despite spending a wise $100-300 more. You can better check for quality on its fat screen. It’s a great, fun camera to use and you’ll get amazing results out of the box. But if you plan to go pro in the near future, Sony doesn't offer the speed you'll need to do it at a good price -- yet.

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  37 out of 37 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 9 stars

  Image quality on par with D80

  by totorosan on December 1, 2006

  Pros: Excellent images, excellent lighting, excellent colors, sharpness unbeatable

  Cons: I can't find anything wrong with this camera

  Summary: I tested this camera in several shops in Hawaii. If you had to choose between the Sony Alpha and the Nikon D80, I would choose the Sony Alpha. It is ...

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  Summary: I tested this camera in several shops in Hawaii. If you had to choose between the Sony Alpha and the Nikon D80, I would choose the Sony Alpha. It is on par with the Nikon D80.
  
  If I had money to burn I would get the D80, but the Sony Alpha is the ONLY camera that can compare to the D80, period. If you read the Popular Photography review of this camera, you will see the comparisons between the D80 and the Alpha. I love the Alpha. It is easy to use and the image quality is completely insane! It even has built-in features that can mimick Photoshop auto-levels if you want.
  
  Granted part of the cost of the D80 is due to the excellent lens that comes with it. You can probably find a D80 cheaper with the equivelant lens of the Alpha. Given this option, it would be a toss up. I would probably still favor the Alpha for it's incredible image stability.
  
  If you can't afford a D80 (most people can't), I would get the Sony Alpha and be proud to say I own it. I've researched probably 40 different high-level cameras and I plan on buying an Alpha next week.

  Updated
  I submitted this review with a 10 not a 9. What gives?

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  8 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 9 stars

  Just Love it ~!

  by lingoting on August 12, 2006

  Pros: 10megapixel, 2.5in 230K LCD, Antishake, Bionz, DRO, wide range of lens + new carl zeiss,

  Cons: Higher than average noise levels at ISO1600

  Summary: This might not be the best camera if you shoot at ISO1600 or higher and your budget is under $999.
  
  I personally think that the noise levels at ISO1600 are
  
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  Summary: This might not be the best camera if you shoot at ISO1600 or higher and your budget is under $999.
  
  I personally think that the noise levels at ISO1600 are acceptable for a camera in this class. Despite the noise levels at ISO1600, you can still get usable images with a little help from noise reduction software.
  
  The BIONZ engine works ! It helps capture images with accurate colours.
  Built in hardware-based Dynamic range optimizer, the DRO does magics too! The compatibility with over 16million lenses makes this a great camera to start off with, for those who are thinking of joining the dSLR world!
  
  Built-in dust repellent system to fight sensor dust. Built-in antishake makes every lens attached to the camera an IS lens!
  
  Definitely a BIG bang for the buck and it is SONY...quality for sure!

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  8 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 9 stars

  A100 make Canon 30D and Nikon D200 overpriced...

  by simedarby on December 13, 2006

  Pros: Full of features which found only on higher class camera, good details especially in RAW, good kit lens, image stabliser, light weight, Dymanic Range Optimer works well

  Cons: ISO1600 is noisy, AF/MF button is not easy accessible like 7D, Propietary battery not compatible with 5D/7D.

  Summary: If you are looking for camera with features like 30D or D200, minus the metal body and 5fps feature, here you have A100 that does everything like 30D or D200 ...

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  Summary: If you are looking for camera with features like 30D or D200, minus the metal body and 5fps feature, here you have A100 that does everything like 30D or D200 with half the price.
  
  The RAW quality is excellent, small details can be seen very clearly, noise at ISO1600 isn't much of issue due to the post processing software in RAW file.
  
  The writing speed is blazing fast, especially on my Extreme III card. I have no problem viewing RAW file with less than a second after the shoot is taken.
  
  The DRO works magic here. It capture the dark-grey tone and highlight details very well, without underexposing or overexposing them. The tone details level are much stronger than my 7D comparing in RAW file. DRO is a best gift especially taking landscape photos. It has a very much fuji-velvia "film-like" feeling when looking at the photo.
  
  It shared the same sensor as Nikon D200, and the latest D80. While Sony is not as strong in JPG post processing which i'm not too concern of (as i shot RAW most of the time), the RAW photo quality of A100 is on par with D200. This give the little A100 most value-for-money if you are on budget and want a pro-features.
  
  There are also third party vertical grip www.ownuser.com.tw, fully compatible with it if you ever want to buy one.
  
  Compare to my 7D, the shuttler response is about 1/5s slower but too small to be concerned of. It mirror flip doesn't sound like a mechanical camera like my 7D, but that's fine with me either.
  
  This camera will be serve as my 2nd camera for any assignment or travel. The lightweight of this camera can easily be carry around by a lady (like my wife) and she has no complaint about the weight like before (my 7D)
  
  If you have a large hand, this may not be a camera for you as it may be just too small to hold afterall.

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  5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 10 stars

  Sony Alpha + Lenses review

  by aragorn121 on May 11, 2007

  Pros: 10.2 MP AS Build Easy to use

  Cons: No battery grip (but this is normal)

  Summary: The Sony Alpha is definitely an outstanding camera for the new DSLR users.
  
  There is no doubt that more professional grade machines will come out (see PMA reviews). This machine
  
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  Summary: The Sony Alpha is definitely an outstanding camera for the new DSLR users.
  
  There is no doubt that more professional grade machines will come out (see PMA reviews). This machine is not a weathersealed powerhorse and so it makes sense for it not to have a powergrip (especially since you can shoot 700+ pics on one charge).
  
  People also forget that Nikon etc uses Sony CCDs, so to say that the Sony machine is not outstanding or somehow made by a novice in the market is a mistake (DSLR bodies are more CCD than anything else).
  
  What is more, the idea that there is more noise in the pics at iso800 and iso1600 is a falacy. It is true when you shoot JPGS, but not when you shoot raw, since you do the postprocessing yourself. If you want to shoot in low light you should use RAW and if not you should use a flash to use normal ISO values (any "pro" would accept this).
  
  The ease of use is outstanding, you don't need to read the manual, because all ISO, flash settings, DR/DR+, white balance etc are accessible from one rotating bezel (this is how it should be for a consumer DSLR, the pro versions are yet to come).
  
  To say that there are not enough lenses for the Sony Alpha is also ridiculous. There are many many lenses on the market made by Minolta (bought by sony), so there is a lot of very good and cheap glass for this machine. Who would say that the 80-200 APO HS and 70-200 APO SSM lenses are somehow inferior to the Canon and Nikon versions? Same with the 300 F2.8 SSM. There are also many many lenses by Sigma, Tamron and Carl Zeiss lenses.
  
  This machine is also perfect for the DLSR newbie, because of the Anti-Shake (AS) system. This is wonderful at reducing the price of lenses for the normal user and at being able to use lower F-stops in low light.
  
  This machine is very complete, it does not suffer from missing options that a new DSLR user would need. If you are a pro then wait a little bit. You cannot expect Sony to launch everything at once. New pro glass is on the way and it is reasonable not to release this glass for a DSLR aimed at the amateur.

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  2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 2 stars

  Not pleased with warranty or customer service!!

  by sparkey1976 on October 5, 2009

  Pros: The camera is a GREAT one for taking pictures...I have a lemon and they won't stand behind it.

  Cons: My camera tells me that the lens is not attached about every 3 or 4 pictures...it has a problem and the company will not stand behind it!! Stay away from Sony....they avoid problems with products like the plague!!

  Summary: As mentioned above...the customer service with Sony is crappy. I use my camera for a hobby photography business. I have sent it in 3 times and it always comes ...

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  Summary: As mentioned above...the customer service with Sony is crappy. I use my camera for a hobby photography business. I have sent it in 3 times and it always comes back not working....I have to reschedule appointments because it takes them up to 5 weeks just to look at it!!!! It has yet to come back fixed!! They will not replace the camera...and I can not afford to buy another one as a hobby photographer....so.....I keep using this crappy piece of equipment. Sony does not care that I am using the camera as a part of my income for living. The easy way to fix my problem would have been to give me a new one, tell me they are sorry that I got a lemon, and I would have been pleased with the Sony Corporation.....as it is....I tell EVERYONE NOT to buy Sony....especially not cameras!!!

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  1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 9 stars

  High Performance and ease of Use at Great Price

  by cgl88 on June 4, 2007

  Pros: Best value in its class, excellent quality of images from kit lens, easy menu navigation, comfortable feel

  Cons: Some default settings out of box need to be changed

  Summary: I spent almost six months researching the a100 against the other models, despite already having a Minolta film-based solution. All my Minolta gear works with this camera (50mm f/1....

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  Summary: I spent almost six months researching the a100 against the other models, despite already having a Minolta film-based solution. All my Minolta gear works with this camera (50mm f/1.7, 70-210mm f/4, 28-80mm xi lenses). Only the flash (the 3500xi fires at full power) did not work properly. When the price dropped and there was a sale at one of the retailers, I took advantage of it and bought the a100 + 17-80mm. I urge you to get the kit lens, because it is only $100 more. The 17mm is very wide and will let a lot of scenery fit as compared to other cameras and especially point and shoot cameras. I would only recommend not getting it if you plan on getting a higher quality wide-angle lens (many users on forums who buy a nicer lens end up selling it on ebay or leaving it on their shelf).
  
  A word of warning to first-timer dSLR buyers: Sony Carl Zeiss lenses are expensive! Either get the package lenses, or plan on getting used KM lenses. In the latter case, the overall cost of owning a Sony a100 is lower than with competitors.
  
  Image quality, color saturation, and sharpness are all very good with the kit lens. I have read the 75-300mm lens is a good quality. If you are looking for a starter solution, you should get the kit+zoom. If you are picky about quality, get a Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8. This type of lens will have even better performance indoors. Users try to get away with low-light performance by increasing the ISO to 1600. Noise is apparent at these levels, even with competitor cameras. This is not a major issue for me because I have a 50mm f/1.7 lens that does not require high ISO. This lens is also $125US on ebay. Clearly the overall cost of the sony solution is lower than that of Canon and Nikon, but only if you are willing to shop and use second hand parts. Don’t be fooled in thinking the camera body makes the shot. It is first and foremost the photographer, followed by the lens. Indoor performance with the kit lens will be poorer than more expensive lenses. A workaround would be to shoot at a slower shutter speed, and to keep ISO no lower than 400. With the in-body SSS (image stabilization), it is now possible to shoot at incredibly slower shutter speeds. If your hands are still shaky, get a tripod. They make tripods so portable and light now that serious photographers should have one with them (regardless of the camera body, but then again SSS helps a lot on those days you forgot your tripod!).
  
  I mentioned default settings should be changed: I recommend disabling eye-start AF, setting DRO to advanced, and setting sharpness to +1 if you don’t like to do post-processing with software like Adobe Photoshop. Be sure you update the firmware to v1.02. This is available on the sony website. Once you buy the a100, be sure to join FLICKR and look up the sony a100 group. We are all there helping each other out. DPReview and DYNAX are also great sites to help you get the most out of this camera.

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  1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 9 stars

  Great camera for the money!

  by kevinsp131 on October 4, 2006

  Pros: Photos are sharp with acurate color. Sony's steady shot works with all lenes. Dust reduction system. DRO+ works very well.

  Cons: Noise at 800 is a little high. At 1600 much more than I would prefer. Also loss of saturation at 1600. Would have liked a battery grip option.

  Summary: I really love this camera. I have the KM 7D and wasn't sure how this camera would compare. The price was good, so I thought I would take a ...

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  Summary: I really love this camera. I have the KM 7D and wasn't sure how this camera would compare. The price was good, so I thought I would take a chance. I am glad I did. The biggest difference is the quality of the jpegs. I always shot my 7D in raw as I was never really happy with the color or exposure with the 7D. I even used this to shoot a wedding in jpeg mode and the photos were great. If you shoot in low lot often, you may have to think about the noise at 1600. You do gain the steady shot and with a fast lens you can avoid using high iso settings most of the time.

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  1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 4 stars

  8 weeks old and already broken

  by shandley78 on January 5, 2007

  Pros: Its fast battery life is long

  Cons: Sony Doesnt like to warranty there products

  Summary: I have a this camera. Only 2 months old. Over christmas when i would turn the camera on it shook violently. Then a few days later my lens would make ...

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  Summary: I have a this camera. Only 2 months old. Over christmas when i would turn the camera on it shook violently. Then a few days later my lens would make a horriable grinding sound when i was trying to manually focus it.. Ship it to Sony. They called and said that it would cost me 647.00 to fix it.. The said the anti shake mechinism was broken and missing... It should have been inside the camera body somewhere.. They accused me of taking my camera apart.... WHY ohh Why. would i pay that kind of money to only take it apart so after a few moments of arguing they agreed to fix the body not the lens. So im A little miffed.They PROMISED me they would call me back and Ofcourse they havent.. Need less to say if your camera breaks they will blame you so they can try and make more money.. I mean it doesnt matter how hard you argue that the camera was not taken apart they can say it was and your at fault.

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  3 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 9 stars

  Outstanding machine!

  by Wes Penn on August 22, 2006

  Pros: Back compatibility with Minolta lenses/accessories

  Cons: No major faults noted.

  Summary: Love this camera. Was great to hear that my many Minolta Maxxum lenses and accessories would not have to be trashed! Battery life was very good. This is an outstanding ...

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  Summary: Love this camera. Was great to hear that my many Minolta Maxxum lenses and accessories would not have to be trashed! Battery life was very good. This is an outstanding unit, performance was excellent in the field and has a solid, comfortable feel. Look out Canon and Nikon...there's a new sheriff in town.

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  1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.

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