The answer would be yes...

There is no short answer though...

The a700 is a lot more responsive than the a100. Although my own comparison is against my Minolta 5d... using the same 50/1.7 prime at iso 1600 I find I went from 1 out of 10 "keepers" in ten shots from the 5D to 10 out of 10 on the a700 because of its better responsiveness. You would also gain by having a faster lens. I would suggest bringing your 50/1.7 and set it up for 2.8 aperture with the a100 and try your results...that will be indicative of the faster lens. Also are you using auto ISO? Probably need to bump it up to at least 800 for indoor use...that will also help

I'm not sure how much difference in response there is between the a100 and a300...

Had the A100 for a short time and did not like the camera at all.

I have a A700 and just picked up the A300. I am really liking the A300 and find it a better camera
than the A100. The Tilt screen is worth the upgrade. BUT if you are happy with the pics that are coming out of your A100 then stick with it and go for the new glass. The A300 will probably drop in price (already has since I bought it) over time and be more affordable later on.

The Sigma 24-60/2.8 is a decent lens. I just traded mine for the 24-70/2.8 that is coming today.

V

Thanks for the replys all.
I just picked up the A-700 a couple of days ago at Best Buy on a killer deal, close out, open box special.

I have not even come close to exploring all the improvements over the A-100 but they are numerous.
My main points of interest to explore are the much higher ISO capabilities, the faster shutter speed and rapid shoot (5fps). The response times are much quicker as is the auto focus. There is virtually no shuttter lag.

So far very impressive. Now to get out and take some pictures.

glad you're liking it.

share some photos with us sometime when you're ready

have fun

Will do Eric.
What the procedure for posting on your forum?

Just paste the link to your image into the post. A lot of people host their images off places like flickr, pbase etc as you probably know.

That's about it, there's a bit more information about it written below the post entry box.

thanks

First opportunity to really play with the camer was today and I am a bit upset.
My main reason for sticking with Sony is to be able to use my Minolta lenses. They all worked perfectly on my A-100.

With the A-700 they all fit on the mount way to tight. My 35-70 will focus and shoot one picture and then will not focus/shoot. This is the tightest fit of the Minoltas.
The 50mm and the beercan are snug but they do function properly.

The kit lens that came with the A-100 works perfectly.

Does my camera possibly have a bad mount?

I am strongly considering returning it.

Thanks for your thoughts.

I initially thought it was too tight as well, but afterwards realized that the reason it is tight is to keep fine dust and even liquids out of the mount area. This is a good thing.

On your 35-70..

Might want to check the firmware version of the A700 and make sure it is the latest to start. Version 1.03

Also, make sure none of the contacts on the lens have any grease, and are perfectly clean. Then try it again.

The finest film of oil or grease will create that problem. The camera can't communicate with the lens and it will render the camera inoperable as a safeguard.

Carl

I up graded the firmware to version 3 as listed on another forum. My camera was version 1

I shall take a clean cloth and wipe the lens and camera mount with a touch of alchohol and try again.

Thanks.

The cleaning seems to have done the trick.
I shall use the tightest lens exclusively for a few days and see if things free up a bit.

Thanks for the tip Carl.

Sorry had to abbreviate.

Glad to help. It will wear in a bit too, so no worries. It will stay tight but eventually get to feeling a bit more free.

Can't wait to see what you think of the IQ etc, now that the issue is solved.

Carl

I am putting myself at great risk of sounding ignorant but must ask, what are you refering to in your statement

"Can't wait to see what you think of the IQ etc"

Thanks

IQ = Image Quality :)

Thank you.
Drat, I should have been able to quess that one.

So far, I am quite impress but am still learning my way around the camera. Shot a couple of pics in RAW today which I have never done.
Stunning. Sharp as a tack. The exposure was a tad off but the clarity is superb.

My next step is to go out with one lens at a time and shoot a variety of shots and see if they all perform or if I have a favorite. Most shots thus far are with the kit Sony AF 18-70mm DT. It may not be the highest quality lens out there but it does a hell of a nice job.