Investing in a new SLR

Location : Derbyshire Spotter Watch Member : No

Hi,

Kind of related to my previous post from a few weeks ago, but not lol.

I used the Fuji S5700 at Waddington, great for statics, got a few ok 'in-flight' shots.
I have saved and now ready to part with some money for an SLR camera.

After reading many reviews, probably too many, I am considering a Sony A200. I have also looked at the A350 but don't think the 'live view' is something I would use...or would I? Maybe you could tell me if it is a valuable component for aircraft shots?

I have a budget of £300 - £400 at a stretch...I could get the A200 and possibly a 300mm lens for it? Invest in the A350 and an 18-70mm lens and save more at a later date for a bigger lens OR have you any other opinions?

I have, as I mentioned before, used the D50 and D40 but dust really was an issue...more likey user error? I am really looking for a model with dusr reduction on this buy...and it will be the last DSLR hopefully for a long time!

I have looked at an EOS 450 D on ebay too, but they do seem expensive, or more so than other brands? Maybe this is for good reason? Appealing to you for feedback on this choice (no pressure) lol!

Thanks in advance,

Trevor Smile

Location : Glasgow

I doubt that you would use Live View for aircraft shots, certainly not flying.
You may use it for unusual angles (like placing it on the tarmac for low shots of static aircraft or held above your head ) but it's certainly not a must have feature.

Imo it's very hard to beat an A200 for vfm as long as it feels comfortable to you.

Whilst the A200 does have an anti-dust feature dust on the sensor is just part of DSLR life.
A rocket blower suffices for most spots though.

Location : Derbyshire Spotter Watch Member : No

Hi

Thank you for that. I had a feel of it yesterday and it felt more solid than my D40 did. It does seem quite well packed features wise and I'm cosidering getting one today.

Cheers