Another which camera is for me? Rebel vs Sony Alpha DSLR A350 14.2 megapixel body

[Acroholic]

Guys,
I read the thread by coral88 and got a lot of great info. Looks like the Canon EOS 45D Rebel 12.2 megapixel camera with a 100 f2.8 macro lens is the recommended setup, but I have seen a Sony alpha DSLR A350 14.2 megapixel body that is in the same price range as the Canon EOS 45 D body.

I never hear mention of the Sony DSLRs. Are they lower quality?

Thanks. Trying to talk myself into a DSLR to get the high quality pics I see here.
Dave

 

[JuniorMC8704]

They are good cameras, however their build quality isnt up to par with Cannon or Nikon.

Also, the lens selection is 10x for Cannon vs Sony.

 

[Poseidon]

Exactly!

The Sony sensors are very nice, I find the navigation to get from menu to menu to be less intuitive on the Sony then on a Canon or Nikon. Plus as Jr already mentioned the lens selection is enormous for Canon, huge for Nikon, and about 12 lenses for Sony....

I would stick with either Canon or Nikon, whichever one "feels" better in your hand.

 

[Snprhed]

I think your goal for the camera matters. I am no expert, and I also have a lot of respect for Junior (no intended slight poseidon). However if the primary purpose of the camera is to take pics of tank inhabitants; and also have a nice all around camera for the family, then I think the Sony could be a great choice. I held the canon (XSI) and the Sony (a300) this weekend. I did not "feel" any discernible difference in quality, and as far as glass... I only plan on having a couple of different lenses. The Live View seemed very nice on the Sony, as did the tiltable screen (think about bending over the tripod and centering the piece of coral in the viewfinder). I have definitely decided on going with the a300, unless someone wants to give me a canon at a severe discount!!!

2cents

 

[Acroholic]

Yea, the goal is to take pics close up and be able to take general pics of the family, etc. I figured an all-arounduse lens and a macro, and photoshop, etc.

Circuit City has an Rebel EOS with regular lens for about $699. It was actually $659 last weekend. You also get a free picture printer with that as well as a camera bag and a couple other minor things. Body Only seems to be about $625 online. Figure another $460 or so for the 100 mm f2.8 Canon Macro lens.