First time DSLR buyer: Anyone using the Sony Alpha 100?

[MattT24]

I am looking at purchasing my first DSLR. I am seriously considering the Sony Alpha 100. My current second choise is the Canon Rebel XTi. Any thoughts or suggestions? Anyone out there currently using the Sony? If so what housing did you go with (I am looking at the Ike)?

Thanks

 

[anzac65]

The Sony may well be a perfectly good camera but, from what I hear from serious photographers, if you want a serious digital camera buy one with the word "Canon" or "Nikon" written on it.... They're the manufacturers that really invest in DSLR design. (I think the Sony is based on a Minolta technology aquisition)

 

[Gudge]

This is a list of housings available/planned for the Sony:

http://www.digideep.com/english/digital/photo/camera/Sony/DSLR-A100-/34/2527

And this is this list for the Canon (the Rebel XTi is known as the 400D outside the USA):

http://www.digideep.com/english/digital/photo/camera/Canon/EOS-400D/7/2644

The Canon looks the better bet for UW use as there are lot more housings available including ones from the major housing manufacturers

 

[Gombessa]

Also, if you need to shoot high-ISO, the Sony A100 has noticeably poor high-sensitivity imaging characteristics compared to peers such as the Canon XTi/400D, Nikon D80, and Pentax K10D.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond80/page18.asp
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentaxk10d/page14.asp

 

[AUTiger]

Be sure to check out your lens options to make sure you can get suitable macro, wide-angle, and fish-eye lenses (as well as those for topside). I don't know much about the Sony lenses.

David

 

[HowardE]

Get the Rebel XT (or XTi) over the Sony. Sony camera is a Minolta. There's a reason Minolta went belly up. Sony's attempt to revive the dead brand has not been well received.