Sony Alpha DSLR-A300

This was my first DSRL after shooting for 10 years with film on Nikon and Minolta film cameras. I had some good Minolta auto focus lenses and a Sony discount through my work so I went with the Sony DSLR. I use it for shooting portraits, cityscapes and my boys' hockey games. It's never let me down. The autofocus is fast enough to keep up with hockey games so that's good enough for me.

The prints I've made look great. I'll keep buying Sony cameras.

Fast auto focus even with my older Minolta lenses.
Controls and menu are well laid out.
Works with Minolta lenses

None that I can think of.

Nikon, Canon

Excellent! I initially purchased the Alpha 200 but when I got it, realized that it didn't have live view. Sony let me return it, no charge and I bought the 300 (has live view). I prefer the viewfinder but live view is nice to have sometimes.

Sony Service was also great when I had a problem with an older Minolta (Sony purchased Konica/Minolta) digital camera. They replaced the sensor, no charge even though it was out of warranty. I was impressed.

I've have been researching and reviewing for my first DSLR camera and my first choice is the SONY brand because I am familiar and accustomed to its friendly features I had a DSC H-10 before and it's really satisfying. I just bought my A300 two months ago and as a beginner for DSLR I never had a regret for A300, it's tilting LCD satisfied me a lot, because, I love to shoot on high and low anlges, I can even have a shot on my back by lifting the cam and just rotate the pix on my computer. As of now I am enjoying this new buddy. The only problem with its design is the Memory Cover which is located to the grip it moves a little when taking shots, quite irritating to the palm and small OSV. But overall, it's AWESOME!

-Super Steady Shot
-Tilting Live View
-Quick Live View Shift and AF
-User friendly
-Wide Choice for Lens
-Cheaper than other brands in its category
-Great Battery life/gauge

-Memory Flash Cover location
-Small OSV

Cybershot DSC-H10 Full HD
Samsung T6

Overall a pleasure to use! Things placed where you'd expect them and image quality very good. Value for money is excellent and build quality is very good. LCD extendability is a nice feature... and live view is so good to have. It is accurate and precise. Battery life is decent and the OVF has a shutter curtain which closes when using live view.
However, the anti-dust facilities weren't the best in class and the picture can get noisy at high ISO levels. The quality of the image as displayed in the LCD could be better but image quality is very good when transferred to a PC/Mac.
Quite simply a brilliant bargain for entry level photographers!!!

Live View
SuperSteadyShot[SSS]
AF that works on third party lenses
Tilting LCD
InfoLithium LI-ion battery gives accurate % of battery power left
Handles very well in most situations
Nice rubbery grip
Build quality good
Chunky 'whole' feel
9 point AF

OVF a little small
Anti Dust not brilliant
Noise levels quite irritating
Kit lens OK, but I'd recommend the 16-80mm Sony DT lens.
The official 'Alpha' carry case is expensive at £59.99 [correct at time of publishing] unlike rivals Nikon, Olympus & Canon. [Now I'm nitpicking]

Nikon D60
Nikon D40X
Olympus
Canon EOOS 450D/ Rebel XSi
Olympus E-510
Pentax K200D

N/A

Very good camera, love the weight, Live found it self to be useful, ,easy to use , quite responsive, great value for money

Minolta lenses , so many good ones are available
In body stabilisation is a plus with those older lenses

Feels like an amateur's camera well that what it is ,
Lcd quality for reviews are not as great as some other brands

Nikon d40?d40x, canon rebel, pentax k200

I spent a lot of time reviewing different cameras for my first official DSLR purchase before I selected the a300. The research paid off because this camera is wonderful. The live view is awesome- it gives you the capability to get high or low shots that would be a huge pain to get otherwise. Being able to compose your shots on the screen saves time and gives the freedom to have fun with settings without playing the guessing game to how it will turn out. And the live view does not sacrifice focus speed. This camera proves that Sony is edging it's way into the market as a solid competitor with quality DSLR products. I am now capturing beautiful shots like never before.

This camera is more cost efficient than the A350 unless you need the 14 megapixels for huge prints. I wonder if the A350 was made just so people can spend more money, since these cameras are essentially the same. Also, consider the AF Minolta lenses (I bought the 70-210 f/4 'beercan' and 50mm f/2.8 prime lenses and am really happy with both). Sony's lenses are the same mount(they bought out Minolta), and you might get a better deal on the Minolta lenses (I got both of mine for $400). Minolta external flashes work on this body as well.

Overall, I am extremely happy and do not feel like I could have gotten more bang for my buck with any other camera.

* Cost efficient

* Live View

* Image stabilization

* Uses Nikon chip for good reason (reliable)

* Accepts Minolta Maxxum lenses (some of the most reliable and best glass ever produced, especially the prime lenses)

* Wireless flash capability

* HDMI capability to plug camera to your TV set

* Don't get the kit lens (18-70)- too much CA. I have learned quickly that kit lenses are not usually worth the money.

* weak pop up flash construction

Fuji S9000

Canon Powershot S5

Nikon D40X (boyfriend's camera)