Sigma SA-9 QD

i bought this camera in a kit which came with a 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, a 70-300mm f/4-5.6 lens, and a sigma camera bag. that is why the price is so high. i did a comparison on the B&H webite of the SA9QD with the Nikon N65 and their performance is similar, so i got the sigma because of the price point. i already have nikon gear also, so i figure i would try something different. the autofocus is extremely slow, but that could be because i don't have any nice glass to go with the camera. low lighting and night shots are impossible without a tripod. i later bought a sigma 28mm f/1.8 lens and the autofocus sped up a bit, but not by much. so at this point i conclude that the autofocus is really slow. the mirror flapping noise is extremely loud as well. it's a loud "clacking" sound that makes you feel that the next shot you take will break the shutter. however, it is very user friendly. very simple to learn on and to use. my prints came out decent, but i have only used regular consumer films and haven't tried any slides, so the image quality part of the review is not conclusive. you should buy it if you're just picking up photography as a hobby, it does gives you everything you need to get started. definitely a no-no for weddings or sports, but most people have switched to digital. i only use it for portraits and landscapes where time is not restricted. i usually take it with me on vacations because not too many people know about Sigma products, and it's a lot lighter than my nikon gear.

great price point, ultra lightweight, user friendly

slow autofocus, not really usable in low lighting nor nighttime without tripod

nikon F6, nikon D50, nikon FE

never needed them.