General photography, family pictures, 5 year old son

user43044 | Asked over a year ago | Last response was 6 months ago

I am coming from a point and shoot. I was at my son's school program and had a really good seat in the balcony only to realize that my camera didn't have enough zoom to take pictures from there. I want something that will "reach out and grab ya" with a zoom because I plan on taking pictures at school programs and his sporting events. I have been in Best Buy and played with the Nikon d3100 as well as Canon T2i and like them both. Another camera that I have not been able to get my hands on is the Sony SLT A35, which has gotten really good reviews. I like the fact that you can take very fast pictures with it (10/sec) and that it performs really well in low light. Low light situations will not happen ALL the time, but in an instance of a school program where the lighting might not be just right and I am too far away for the flash to actually work, I want something that has the capability to perform in these situations. Another important factor is video. I will use this camera to shoot my video. With any of these cameras I will be buying a zoom lens. So what are your suggestions and or recommendations and why? Thank you for helping out this beginner!

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5 Answers

Intermediate III

cameras Community

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over a year ago WaterlooAlex recommends the Sony SLT A35

Both these cameras are fantastic, but I think you'll like the Sony A35 a lot, it has great video capabilities (including phase detection autofocus, which the D3100 doesn't do), and great image quality and as you pointed out rapid fire.
The D3100 has a slight edge in image quality at high ISO, but they are very close. The A35 has an awesome twilight mode which takes several photos in rapid succession at a high ISO and combines them together to remove the noise resulting in a good quality shot in very low light. Nikon doesn't tend to have innovative features like this.

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Beginner I

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6 months ago Azzes-Kairos recommends the Sony SLT A35

Its preety much the best in it's line.
The a37 only has af in P mode

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Intermediate I

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8 months ago Marco-de-Boer recommends the Nikon D3200

You are a beginner, and the D3200 is an excellent camera for beginners. Start with the guide and it leads you to the correct setting for the best picture.
The D3100 has the same type of on-screen guide, but is already somewhat older.

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Beginner I

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over a year ago Ryan-MCbobby recommends the Sony SLT A35

Overall better camera for your uses. Takes much better photos in low light.

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Beginner II

Sony SLT-A37

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11 months ago yudhir-khanal recommends the Sony SLT-A37
An upgrade from A35..oviously..You will love this one
1. Beginner I
  
  6 months ago Azzes-Kairos
  
  A37 has af only in P mode so you have to go MF for M, S, P trust me the 35 is much better
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