I recently purchased this camera prior to a vacation to Colorado. I made an upgrade from a very compact 5 megapixel camera, so this was my first experience with a digital SLR camera. I found the controls very easy to use, especially in the auto mode. Armed with a fair amount of film SLR experience, changing the more advanced settings was very easy. In addition to the 75-300mm lens, I also purchased one of the telephoto lens by Sony. I have been shopping around for additional lenses, a fish eye and a wide angle and have found that while quite expensive, they are abundant and many Minolta auto focus lenses will work this camera.

One of my concerns was the time it took to set up shots where I was customizing everything manually (aperture, shutter-speed, etc.). The camera operation is also quite loud. It would not be appropriate for using in situations where silence is a requirement such as weddings or stage performances. The last of my concerns is that Sony includes a proprietary USB transfer cable instead of the typical mini USB that nearly every other camera manufacturer uses. In the event of loss, this would require purchasing the over priced cable directly from Sony.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 499
This Camera is a Good Choice if You Want Something... Flexible Enough for Enthusiasts