OfflineHey
First, just want to say hello, for I'm new to this forum :)
And now to the main thing. After years of using all the auto-cameras, I've decided to go for DSLR. My choice is Sony line, for the built in steady shot, and the price :) (some great reviews are also to blame :P)
The real problem is, ofc the choice - the 350/700 are beyond price range. So the real question is 200 or 300. I really don't care for live view. All I need is user friendly camera, that will let me feel the world of DSLR :)
The A200 with 18-70 and 70-200 kit lenses are for $800, and the A300 with 18-70 is $1000 (these are prices in Poland, I know, rip off, comparing to US, but if I'd add the tax and shipping cost, the US price is same)
I'm rather thinking of A200 kit, and then some 16gb CF card, then the A300. But I might be mistaken. So is it really worth to pay extra for liveview in A300, or are there any "must have" features, that A200 does not have?
I think, that it's really up to you, if you think, that you need, or you will need that liveview, take the A300, if not, buy that A200 and use those saved zloties to lenses and other accessories. =) When I bought the A200, the A300 wasn't available at that time, so, easy to choose. A350 was out of the question, mainly because I had (and have) some doubts about the IQ with low light (14Mpix vs 10Mpix), especially when the biggest copies I order, are A4 -size.
Always a good choise: Try them both and choose your favorite, then mess up your mind with all the reviews you and Google can find from the Internet and choose again. :DDD
Sony α200 + 18-50mm Sigma EX F2.8 Macro + 18-70mm kit lens + 70-210mm 'Beercan'
The A200 is very user friendly in my opinion. It's far more so than the A100 and I wouldn't consider the A100 to be unuser friendly. I rather like having the Fn button rather than a Fn dial. It would be the one to go for if you don't need liveview. I don't know if anyone really *needs* liveview.
Sony A700, Sony A100, Maxxum 7xi
The main differences between the a200 and a300 would be the liveview and tilting screen. IF neither of these interest you, save your money :)
That being said I got an a300 due to a price mistake at circuity city where it was the same price as the a200.
A100, Sigma DG 28-200mm
A300, 18-70 and 75-300 kit lenses.
I agree with the others, and where you seem to be going already. If you don't especially care about live view or tilt lcd just get the a200. The a200 is a great camera I continue to see members here post just outstanding pictures from it again and again.
I also find it quite user friendly and a pleasure to use, but of course ponder on it more, and make your own decision.
Share some photographs from Poland with us sometime, when you're ready :)
Eric
-AlphaMountWorld Chef