Canon 450d Vs Sony a550!

[andycruxton]

Hi guys. I need some help. I am looking at upgrading to my first DSLR as I turn 30 next month!

I have been into 2 camera shops and been given 2 different opinions. I know they are only opinions but it has left me torn. One says that everyone goes for the 450d, it is a good camera but you can get more camera for your money with the Sony a550. The other guy just said Canon all the way.

Can I have some of your viewpoints please? Canon 450d or the Sony a550???

I want to have fun with it, I want to be creative but I also don't want to have to upgrade in a couple of years.

Please help...

[ianpinion]

Hi Andy and welcome to the forums. That's one mighty tough decision to make you have there, because both these cameras take very good quality pictures. You can equally have as much fun with each of them and be equally creative too. Indeed, the same could be said for all of the current crop of DSLRs on the market in this sector.

What it comes down to is your personal preference. You are going to be the one who is going to be using the camera, so which one do you prefer out of the two? Have you tried using either one of them, had a look round the menu systems, made a decision on which one may feel better in your hands?

One thing I will say is that the Sony A550 is classed as more of an enthusiasts camera, as the Canon 450d is more of an advanced entry level camera that has been superceded by both the 500d and now the 550d. I would say these two Canon models are more of a direct comparison because the 450d, though a fine camera, is beginning to show it's age a little. And against these two other Canons, the Sony doesn't look quite such a good camera. Sure it can shoot more frames per second and it has the Auto HDR mode, but these features are a bit gimmicky when compared to the tools it lacks like depth of field preview and mirror lock-up, for instance. The build quality of the Canon cameras is also better on the whole, but you pays your money and takes your choice.

So my advice is to compare the features of both cameras and see which one has the most that will be of real benefit to you.

[andycruxton]

Hi Ian

Thank you so much for taking the time to give me some sound advice. I see what you mean now that to compare the 450d to the alpha 550 is to compare 2 very different cameras. I think I was comparing on price not spec. When I look at the Canon 550d, it all suddenly very clear that I can't afford it so to get the features the sony has for the prcie of the Canon 450d sounds like a good deal to me.

I have had a little play with both and I did warm to the Sony aesthetically so I think you have helped me make up my mind. I know that whichever one I get I will fall in love with as I just love taking photos and all the online reviews are SOOO in depth it is a minefield!

Thanks for your help.

[ianpinion]

Glad to be of service, Andy.

[rbarry]

Hi Andy,

I can only offer you advice as an enthusiatic amateur.

Advances in DSLR technology has seen rapid growth in a very short space of time. To keep up with the current trends would mean having to replace your camera every six months!

If a camera got rave reviews two years ago, the results it gave must have been good then, and won't be worse now just because the latest camera is "better". I could be accused of being biased and advise you to purchase the brand of camera that I like; Canon. The results you get with most DSLR's in the range you are considering will all give great results. As you said, the one you choose will be the one you'll fall in love with anyway!

What I would consider though, is the range and price of additional accessories that you will inevitably end up wanting to purchase once you start to get up and running.