Which Sony to upgrade to?

[timcurtis@btopenworld.com]

Hi,

I have a Minolta Dynax 5D SLR which I would like to upgrade. I have 3 lenses, a Tamron 18-200 zoom, a Tamron 90mm Macro and a Sigma 10-20 mm wide angle.

I'm off trekking in the Himalayas soon and I'm looking for a Sony upgrade (because of the lenses I already have) that is lightweight and small.

When I'm back from travelling I need a camera that is a good all rounder but I enjoy taking macro shots and low light shots (orchestral concerts in dimly lit churches without motion blur or flash).

So... I've been looking at the A33, A55 and A580 (A560 is on its way I believe).

Also thinking of buying the Sigma 18-250 zoom to go with it.

The A55 looks great for the trip but will the EVF do the job (macro and low light) when I get back? Am I best sticking with a true SLR rather than the SLT?

Any advice greatly received!

Cheers,

Tim

[Paul2008]

Thats a tough one . (i use a 450 by the way).I`d say A55 with an extra battery. The EVF is large and bright even in the dark. You can view a live histogram at the same time as composing a shot which helps getting it right first time. The tilting screen is handy for macro. But if you want a bigger camera then go with the 580 as you can fit a grip and load it with 2 batteries. I`m waiting to see if a A77 shows up this year before getting another body. At the moment the 55 is at the top of my list for traveling light when i want more than a bridge. Cheers Paul

[chris-p]

Hi Tim, welcome to the forum.

It's a tough one. To me the decision is all about viewfinders and thats personal preference. Personally, I'd stick with a decent optical viewfinder. EVFs are getting much better but they still have their flaws.

Get into a shop and use both and see what you think. Apart from the viewfinders, there isn't much to choose between the cameras in terms of spec. Although the SLT models can shoot faster, they're hugely compromised at their high speed modes (no metering or no AF). The only other thing to consider is if you're likely to shoot much video.

[mysterylens]

Hi Tim,

I have the a580 and so far I have be disappointed by the results, the a55 is lighter but I think either will be your best choice. The main thing is to get at least two extra batteries as in the cold they will drain quicker.

Si

[Minos Hemrich]

Get the new sony a 57