[Monopot]

I’m in a bit of a pickle here and need some opinions please.

I have been looking at picking up a DSLR for a few weeks now due to being frustrated recently with the lack of control our point and shoot Sony DSC-W17 gives us outside of perfect conditions. I don’t want to spend too much to start with as its only going to be a holiday and general shooting usage so not every other day.

I was initially draw to the Canon EOS 450D due to the history and recommendation of the camera but the cost was a put off to start with as I came across the Sony A200. This looked to do everything I was looking for at a better price and had the in body stabilisation which to me seemed a better idea. I nearly brought this a few weeks ago until I realised, being a DSLR newbie that you couldn’t frame the picture on the screen (live view). This was a huge problem as although I know I would use the viewfinder, I’m sure the misses will find this a problem. I thought it would be OK but the more I thought about it the more I realised live view would be something worth having, even if its only used to start with and then doesn’t get used that much, it would just help the transition.

So, I looked at the A300 and it ticks all the boxes again. Live view looks much better on the videos I’ve seen (cameralabs.com) compared to the EOS 450D, so just wondering what peoples opinions of the A300 are? Does it live up to your expectations, are you happy with, do you use live view etc?

Is it worth the extra price over the A200 for just the live view in your opinion?

Thx!

[Gingerbillc]

I thought the lack of liveview would be a problem for my missus but as it turns out, she hates using the screen on our P&S so always used the viewfinder. A 100-200g compact is easy to hold out in front of you, a 500g- 1kg DSLR by the time the lens is attached is going to be unusable for the more delicate of the species. Liveview has its uses, although general photography will not be one of them. As my old man used to say though "What can do a lot can do a little", so get the best you can afford and if you feel you'll miss liveview, then get it. Might as well step up a little and get an A350.