For quick reference:
HVL-36AM
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalo...
"Bright illumination (guide number: 36)
Wireless operation for quick flash setup and adjustment
Up to 17mm angle for use with wide-angle lenses
Auto zoom, high-speed sync capabilities
Accurate ADI Flash Metering with Sony® DT lenses
90° vertical adjustment for up-angle or bounce flash"

I am considering purchasing a Minolta 2500D flash for an A300 camera. I haven't had a lot of luck finding reviews on that flash, though the few that are out there speak highly of it. I realize it has a low guide # and not much versatility, but I mainly want something small and portable to provide increased output over the camera flash and reduce red eye. And as a light boost to avoid noisey photos with a zoom. I would mostly be using it for closeups indoors. The price tag is much more appealing, as well. Any thoughts?

My a700 left at office,I'll post the outllook and test photos for the Sony's flagship flash F58AM tomorrow.

I bought it with a very suprising price: HKD$2780 by credit card (That's about USD$356 only!!)

The sales at the shop also told me Sony will announce the flagship a900 at 10 September and sales at Mid-October.

Tooooo..... exciting now:)

Ok, so I'm going to go with the A300. Most of my shots will be of special needs children so I need Bokeh to blur the distracting equipment & focus on the child. The Live View may prove to be useful. I also want to play around with Macro & from the shots I've seen here, I can do both with Sony. Once I've made up my mind (which is a lengthy process) I want it 'NOW' so, this afternoon I'm going to buy my camera along with a Sigma 105/70 2.8 (I think) & definatley going to order a Minolta AF 50mm 1.7. Getting excited! Just put CS3 on the computer but that's a whole other topic!

I am a brand new owner of a Sony A350, replacing my KM 7D. I missed out on the deals at Best Buy, or I would have purchased the A700.

I want to setup an in-home studio for doing family portraits. I have already found DIY plans for the backdrop stand.

As for lighting, I want to go with flashes instead of continuous lighting. I understand that Alien Bees is the way to go, but my budget doesn't allow a full three light setup right away.

First photo using my new 50 mm f/1.4 lens with a 20 mm extension tube.
I took this photo at 1/200 hand held, f/22, ISO 100, HVL-F56AM flash with blow up diffuser held next to lens.
It's a mountain laurel.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2188/2531741933_c4953ee8c3_b.jpg

Hi,

I have recently upgraded from a Sony F828 to a Alpha 350. I usually do studio work (model photography) and think the A350 has a big shortcoming when working with studio flashes... live view is simply unuseable!