I have an a200. very basic model but capable of some very good shots (by more capable togs than me!).

I'm having a bit of trouble getting shots that look any better than with my compact. I'm playing around with settings but if I'm honest, I'm not really sure what I'm doing.

Can anyone who is familiar with this camera/range recommend a good setup in terms of settings that will deliver good outdoor shots?

Thanks in advance and apologies for the newbie-ness of my questions!

Rich

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Hi Rich,

I've got the same camera.
Like you I was a little disappointed with the quality when I first got it.
I then picked up a Minolta 75 - 300 lens and things improved a lot. I even use this for close-ups, in preference to the original

Conclusion, based on nothing more than my experience, is that the basic 18 - 70 lens that comes with the camera is not up to the old Minolta standards.
ie, it's not the settings, but the glass

Techy speakers may clear it up.....

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I have a couple of Alphas, the original A100 and the A380. As already mentioned, spend your money on the glass. The Carl Zeiss lenses, although a lot more expensive are excellent.

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Eddie
"We look to Scotland for all our ideas of civilisation."
Voltaire

I think a Zeiss lens is a bit out of my reach at the minute but there are plenty of minolta lenses on eBay, particularly a good selection of 75-200/300mm. I shall have to invest in a couple!

What lens would you recommend for taking close ups of flies? My compact is pretty good clarity-wise but again seems to take over with the setting and the colours aren't always the best.

Cheers

Rich

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"Be thankful that we're not getting all the government we are paying for..." Will Rogers

I use a sony a55 sony
af 50mm monolta and minolta af beercan 70-210...it also has a macro mode
excellent lens....af a tadge slow by modern lens but really good glass...

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It's all about the lens you use. I have an alpha 350, and use sigma lenses.

The mega pixel rating means nothing if the lens is bad, the basic sony lenses are bad in my experience. This lens is one of the best i've ever used:

Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd

i have a Sony Alpha A500 and its a very good bit of kit, the lenses are good also. however, since Sony aren't a specialist camera company the lenses are a bit more expensive

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I also have an A55. Absolutely love it.

Second GHunter on the Minolta 50mm prime (he's the one who told me about them). Get one for less than £100 on ebay. You will be amazed at the results compared to the kit lens. Night and day difference. I find its a very usable focal length even on the smaller sensor.

<M

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thats why they got into bed with konica-minolta... when you buy a sony you are acyually buying aa minolta.. decendants of the dynax range.

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ah, i see

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