Why I bought a Sony A390 DSLR Camera rather than a Canon or a Nikon

by Ralpapajan

A discussion about which camera one prefers. This argument seems to rage whenever I get together with anyone who is a keen photographer.

Which was the first ever Digital Camera and does it matter?

Was it the Sony Mavica in 1981 or the Canon RC-701 in 1986?

1st Sony

 

In August, 1981, Sony announced the Sony Mavica (Magnetic Video Camera) electronic still camera, the first commercial electronic still camera.  This is a photograph of this rather clumsy looking camera. I am so glad that miniatureisation took place.

 

 

 

1st CanonCANON RC-701 STILL VIDEO CAMERA - 1986 ~ Canon was the first to market a still video camera, the professional model RC-701 (one source states that the 1981 Sony Mavica was marketed, but this has not been independently verified as of yet). If the claims are correct then Canon certainly made their version smaller.

 

 

Sony Mavica 1997

 This is a photo of the first ever Digital Camera I used.  It was in 1997 and a colleague had just come back from Singapore when flood struck Durban and the Coast of KwaZulu Natal.  I was asked by the Munich-Re of Germany to look at some damage.  The lady who owned it lent it to me and I spent the day looking at the water damage.  Even before the water had drained away the photographs had been sent digitally to Johannesburg ~ impressive service and I was hooked. From then on I have always bought Sony Digitals.

 

The Nikon D1is the first of their digital single-lens reflex camera range introduced on June 15, 1999. It featured a 2.7megapixel image sensor, 4.5 frames per second continuous shooting, and accepted the full range of Nikon F-mount lenses.The first generation has only primitive picture and white balance adjustments. They started with the D1 of 1999 and continues in 2008 with the D40. 

So why should I buy a Sony A390?  

Mainly because I have owned a previous Sony W30 Point and Shoot and because one of my daughters, the one takes the best photographs in the family, has owned three.  And they are all operate with the same software and similar functions buttons.  Then there is the simplicity.  Both the Nikon and Canon range seemed to me to be far more complicated.  Finally there is the picture quality.

Reflections of MaltaThis is a photograph I took in Malta.  This is in my Picasa Album situated as shown below.  The versatility of the Sony A390 suits me as an Amateur Photographer who has no intention of turning professional.  

The Canon and Nikon are more versatile for the Pro and their servce is second to none.  I have a friend whose son is a Pro and who was accredited as an official photographer when Kate and Wills were married. Nikon did a complete service of all his equipment without any charge so that there would be no glitches that could embarrass him or them.  I don't need that sort of service.  

A professional photographer friend who lives in Okinawa has the Nikon range whilst another semi-professional friend in Okinawa has a Canon.  My "Japanese" daughter has a Canon, my "Canadian" daughter-in-law has a Canon as does her mother.  Many of my friends have Canons. But for me the prrof of the pudding is in the eating and if you look at my Picasa Albums you will see that proof.  https://picasaweb.google.com/112585359012706310860/ReflectionsOfMalta#slideshow/5576590269383312466


 

 

A few photographic examples taken with a Sony A390 DSLR

Just so you can see the sort of quality you get even though you're an amateur such as I
Boats and Buses of Malta
Boats and Buses of Malta
The Harbour taken from my Hotel.
The Harbour taken from my Hotel.
Old Malta or a few photos I thought would loo great in monochrome.
Old Malta or a few photos I thought would loo great in monochrome.
Action at the Hawk Conservancy as the Sony A390 catches a hawk flying between the handlers legs at full speed
Action at the Hawk Conservancy as the Sony A390 catches a hawk flying between the handlers legs at full speed

A Few Sony Digital Cameras for you look at

Just to compare
Sony A390 Digital SLR Camera (Black)

The Sony α390 DSLR camera brings you the freedom of Live View, which lets you compose and shoot photos using a tiltable 2.7" (diag.) LCD screen. SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera ...

Only $258.0
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V 10.2 MP CMOS 10x Wide-Angle Zoom Digital Camera with Optical Steady ...

Capture stunning low-light images and sweeping panoramic views with the DSC-HX5V featuring an “Exmor R” CMOS Sensor. Plus catch fast action shots with up to 10 frames per ...

Only $139.99
Sony Cybershot DSC-HX1 9.1MP 20x Optical Zoom Digital Camera with Super Steady Shot Image ...

Sony Digital Still Camera with 9.0 MegaPixel / 20x Optical Zoom

Only $84.88

Some Canon Cameras for you to look at

Just so you can compare
Canon PowerShot SX130IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized ...

Canon's 4345B001 PowerShot SX130 IS 12.1 MP Compact Digital Camera is the perfect companion to all your good times. Now you can capture every detail of special moments in ...

Only $49.99
Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera and DIGIC 4 Imaging with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5 ...

The Canon 5169B003 includes the EOS Rebel T3i Digital SLR Camera and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS type II Lens. This camera and lens will help photographers who are looking for ...

$599.00  $528.49
Canon EOS 60D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS UD ...

Canon's 18.0 megapixel EOS 60D bridges the gap between the novice and the seasoned professional with a perfect combination of high speed and quality. ISO capabilities up to ...

Only $422.8

A few Nikon Cameras for you to look at

Just so you can compare
Nikon COOLPIX L120 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 21x NIKKOR Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and 3 ...

Get closer than ever to your active family with the powerful, affordable Nikon COOLPIX L120 26253 Your images will zoom to the next level with its 21x optical Zoom-NIKKOR ...

Only $59.36
Nikon D3000 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

Nikon D3000 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens (25462)

$108.0  $699.95
Nikon D7000 16.2MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR with 3.0-Inch LCD and 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX ...

Nikon D7000 16.2MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR with 3.0-Inch LCD and 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR ED Nikkor Lens

$999.99  $999.0
Updated: 06/19/2013, Ralpapajan
 
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Anyone want to chat about Sony A390 DSLR's or Photography in general, please feel free. I warn you in advance that I am an amateur so don't get too techncal.

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Guest on 08/25/2011

I'm partial to Sony myself..The Mavia was a great start.

barbarab on 08/25/2011

I have wondered if the Sony Point and Shoot was good and this convinced me! great article !!

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