Testing new camera: Sony A77

[kaneohebud]

Just switched from Canon to Sony. Like the features of the A77!

[Bobobird]

Traitor!!!

Excellent shot, Sharp where it is needed and that hint of wing blur is just right. Well done.

You might want to clone out that red blob on the left edge. Also a bit of noise reduction.

[gregj1763]

Welcome to the Sony club Bud, im sure you will be happy with the A77. That's a great photo to start with and you have a nice selection of lenses.
Cheers, Greg

[kaneohebud]

Traitor!!!

You might want to clone out that red blob on the left edge. Also a bit of noise reduction.

Thanks Bobobird. I'm a great fan of your work. I am on the road and didn't take time for PP. Great suggestions I'll take care of when I get back home.

[Shadowman]

Looks the tests were successful. Nice images.

[kdoc856]

Beautiful shot and expertly captured. I've loved my A77 with one possible exception- it seems a touch noisy compared to the A700.

[splashy]

Very beautiful shot, don't crop, leave like it is, I love it.
I would take a bit higher F next time (but that's personal)

[AB26]

Hi Bud,

Looking at that image you sure made an excelent switch.
You can't go wrong with Sony - Nikon is "Sony inside".

Carl Zeiss glass - unfair advantage you got.

Enjoy the Sony and keep posting those beautiful images.

[GrahamH]

Hi Bud,
Just switched? And already a fine selection of lenses.
Looking forward to the addition into the galleries of your sshots with the new equipment.

Which features helped make your decision? What do you miss about the Canon?
Graham

[mknittle]

"Just switched from Canon to Sony. Like the features of the A77!" ...I'M sorry.
Nice image! Sony builds som nice cameras.

[GrahamH]

Getting some heat from the fanboys. So just to redress the balance a little (no offense intended Canon lovers) : -

Some great images from your less capable kit, now see what you can with the more advanced features.
Graham

[mknittle]

Getting some heat from the fanboys. So just to redress the balance a little (no offense intended Canon lovers) : -

Some great images from your less capable kit, now see what you can with the more advanced features.
Graham

All in good fun my friend

[kaneohebud]

Hi Bud,

Which features helped make your decision? What do you miss about the Canon?
Graham

I have used Canon products since 1972. What I finally realized ( I'm a slow learner) is that Canon has a constant rollout of "new" products to generate continued demand. It is a solid marketing strategy and business model that has worked for decades.

I saw that I would be constantly upgrading to get more MPs and better lenses with IS. After shooting a lot with a close friend who uses Sony, I realized he was getting equal or better IQ that wasn't a factor of technique. I did the math and figured that it would cost me over $14,000 to get to the next desired level of capability with Canon. I found I could sell my existing Canon gear and buy the equivalent Sony kit for an even trade (in other words - for free). The A77 has same MP the 5D MKIII has but retains a 1.5 crop factor reach that I want/need for wildlife. I love the A77 features like in-camera IS, EVF, 12 fps, HDR, Panorama, swivel LCD screen, GPS, etc. The A77 has 19 pt AF similar to Canon 7D. All this for $999. The Sony 70-400G lens is better than the Canon 100-400L and the 400 f/5.6L. The Zeiss 16-35 f/2.8 is better/sharper than the Canon 16-35 f/2.8L II and has the advantage of camera IS. I have used both those Canon lenses extensively so I have a good comparison. I also picked up a Sony 50mm f/1.4 for $200 too that equals or exceeds Canon's.

Since I could get all these capabilities to do 98% of the types photography I usually do, I made the switch. As a retiree, I cannot afford to be in the constant Canon equipment chase. I've only been able to shoot for a few hours but I'm already very impressed with the Sony gear. Another good friend just plunked down $10,000 for a Canon 500mm f/4L that he's using on a 5D MK III. He is getting slightly better bird pictures than me, but not $10,000 better. At my age, I don't need to stoke my ego by showing off my Canon gear in the field. It's the end result that matters and I think I will be getting decent enough photos.

[GrahamH]

Recently photographed a cricket match, gotta love the fps (1, 3, 8, 12) for the action shots. Number of shots on continuous could be better, as well as buffer clearance. But for the price - a great deal. I have a tool I can use, better than not having it when I need it.
I've tried the panorama function for a group shot and it was pretty reasonable. Not as good as stitching in PP, but a good job done immediately.
The main drawback for me (and as I can't afford one, it's a moot point), is the lack of tilt/shift lens availability. (Or not many after a quick google search revealed).
Graham
Nothing's perfect, so I work around the problems with what I have and find other ways to use the extra functions.
Love a Canon 7D as a second camera however.

[Aforns]

Excellent image Bud !! I think the Sony sensors are sweet !!! Just got into Sony myself with a NEX-7 and RX-1 Understand the A-77 has much better AF performance Interesting to see your comments regarding AF !! Still have Canon gear !!

[jeeperman]

Nice Bud! I saw that in your sig the other day and wondered. I am sure you will enjoy the new kit. Isn't that 70-400G sweetness!

[PhotoRob]

Sony does have some nice products, no doubt - look forward to seeing more of your pics with the new gear!

[kaneohebud]

Isn't that 70-400G sweetness!

AbsoFreakinglutely! Love it!