I was wondering is this camera a good buy for $699
Sony Digital SLT 16.1MP Camera Bundle
Please advise
Sony Digital SLT 16.1MP Camera Bundle for $699 - Any good?
KnightRider on 03/07/2013 - 13:07
Comments
Sorry mate.. that's how it was mentioned on catch of the day.
I don't have any specific need but I need a good camera and I dont have access to any other lens.
would be great if you can suggest something.
i did some research and feel canon 600D or 650 D is good. Not sure whats the best price to buy with twin lens
Short answer - No. COTD rarely has cheap items which are good.
Long answer - No, but then the camera you want depends on how you're going to use it and what past cameras you currently have. You have to buy a camera to suit your needs, rather than buying the camera on a whim.
Trust me, DSLR owners develop 4 very permanent and hard to erradicate diseases. GAS, LBA, PFA and TUBIf you're not sure what you plan to do with the camera, then I'd suggest buying a second hand one first and playing with that one and see where your needs take you. In terms of brands, you could argue that forever and it will never end, but essentially they're pretty much the same really…
JB has a Nikon trade-in special with cash backs on now (http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/110634)
JB is also clearing the Canon 60D to make way for the newer model (http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/110005)
Pentax's K-30 will be on sale soon as the K-50 makes it's way to Aussie shores in the coming months.If you prefer something light, look to the Compact Systems.
Sony's NEX series are very good and IMO dominating this area. (at a premium price)
Pentax has their Q series which are miniature in size and cost and produce decent quality images when shooting in RAW (http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/110674)
(Or their K-01 cameras which has a very good sensor, but looks butt-ass ugly IMO)Just keep your eyes peeled on OzBargain. Cameras come along often, but first you have to decide what you want to do with the camera.
Otherwise, you might as well get this…
All good advice up above there.
If you're still keen on the SLT Sony's, graysonline have the twin lens kit for $649 right now, which is a pretty decent price for local stock. They had refurbed gear for even cheaper not that long ago, too.
I pulled the trigger on a K30 just recently (with 17-70mm lens + 70-300mm) for under $700 local stock. After reviewing US and UK prices it seems that maybe the K50 and K500 will force the K30 price down, but not by enough that I could be bothered waiting for (and not with the WR or an upgraded sensor - in short, nothing worth waiting for for my purposes).
The current Nikon deal at JB is pretty killer though. Trade in any old camera and get a D3100 (or 3200 or 5100) single lens kit for bugger all. It's so cheap that if it turns out you hate DSLRs then you're not out much coin for the privilege of having learnt that lesson - and all Nikon's hold their value really well. You'd have no trouble selling it in a years' time. On the other hand, if you love the feel and operation of a DSLR, the D3100 (or 3200/5100) is a ripper body to learn on.
I've considered the D5100 as the premier bang-for-buck mid level DSLR, atleast it was on my shortlist with the A57, 650D and K30 (though order was K30->A57=D5100->650D. Price and availability ultimately made the choice for me, though the GPS add-on for the K30 whcih has astrophotography functions was a big selling point also). It inherited alot of its tech from the D7000, uses the superb Sony sensor (also found in the K30). Indeed, had this JB sale come along a week or two sooner I may have pulled the trigger on the 5100 rather than the K30.
If astrophotography is something you'll look into, then Canon's are well worth a look due to the enormous amount of software that is available for them. Truly though, even the most entry level of DSLRs are capable of taking better photos then a large portion of their users will ever achieve.
Some sites for you to research these things on:
http://www.dpreview.com/ (always skip to the conclusion of their reviews and read 'The Final Word'. They also have a handy comparison tool)
http://www.photoreview.com.au/reviews/dslr-cameras/entry-lev…
http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/
Good luck in your hunt!
graysonline have the twin lens kit for $649 right now, which is a pretty decent price for local stock.
You're right, it's a VERY decent price for it.
I came here now to specifically ask if anyone could find me a cheaper price than Hardly Normal's $867. You're a legend! I've never dealt with Graysonline though. Can anyone comment on their shipping time please? And also their performance with regard to returns with faults?
I'm just wondering, did anyone buy from this dude here? The details seem a bit sketchy (and on thinking about it, I guess that really says enough in itself. :( )
I tried emailing that dude a little while ago when I was still looking and the email bounced. Take that as you will.
I bought a A65 last year as a travel shooter, I already have a 5DMKII & 1D III.
The electronic viewfinder took use to getting used to & GPS sometimes take a while to get a fix, but have to say its become my overall Favorite camera. The 5D still my Favorite for lowlight and indoor work. The Alphas with some prime glass are truly are a great bit of Kit.
Which of the Sony SLT's is it? The A37, A57, A58? What do you expect to be doing with it (sports, racing, portrait, astro etc)? Is video important? Do you have access to lenses from another manufacturer (Nikkon, Canon etc) via a family member or friend?