Need a second body, but can't decide which.

I have an a55, but my husband is now taking photography classes at our college, so we really need a second body. Thing is, I can't decide which one to get.

I've looked at the a65, which I really like, especially since I *do* like the EVF. I've also looked at the a700, the a580, and considered just getting a second a55, though I would rather have a different body.

I like the idea of the a700 because, mainly, the price is good. The a580 is also a better price than the a65, plus the high ISO performance would be great. However, I like the idea of having the video capabilities of the a65, which seem better than the a55. I rarely use video, though, so I'm wondering if wanting it is really a justification for paying that much more. I also haven't used an OVF in several months and I'm not sure if I could get used to it again. Ultimately, Sony not having the a65 without the kit lens is what is probably stopping me from really considering the a65, since I don't need another kit lens, but it's also my birthday today and I'm determined to buy exactly what I want.

Okay, so, basically:

1. For dynamic range, does the a580 compare well to the a65? How does it compare to the a55? This is important to me.

2. Is the video capability on the a65 really superior to the a55?

3. Is the a700 rather outdated for someone who has been regularly using an a55?

4. Does anyone here regularly switch between an OVF and EVF? Does it take some adjustment, do you feel like you're missing anything from one or the other, etc.?

The last OVF camera I used was the a230, so comparisons of the OVF on the a700 and a580 to the a230 would also be greatly appreciated, since I've never used either of those bodies.

Elle

I figured the a230 OVF was pretty bad, especially compared to higher end models. I was ecstatic over the a55, even though it isn't OVF, compared to the a230, and rarely touched it after getting the a55.

As for the feel, that's all my decision, since my husband is going to be using the a55. I do way, way more photography than he does, from just randomly taking pictures to photographing the jewelry I make, so it made more sense to both of us that I get the new camera. I can pretty much guarantee I'll have both once his class is over.

I do like your suggestion, though. Anyone have any recommendations for camera shops in Ohio or the eastern part of Pennsylvania? Even northern West Virginia would be good, too.

#1. Dynamic range? This ones easy! A55 (12.4EV), A65 (12.6EV), A580 (13.3EV).

#2. Video? A65 is non-interlaced full HD so, yes a lot better.

#3. A700 outdated? That's a bit tricky because the interface is quit a a bit different. If you were accustomed to a more traditional camera, I'd say the A700 is a lot better in terms of useability but, you're not so I'm on the fence.

#4. I do! No! Yes! in that order. There is a lot to like about the EVF but it's not better in every respect compared to my A900. Given a choice between the A700 OVF and the A65EVF, no question I'd go for the EVF. Given that you seem happy with the A55 EVF, you're going to be bowled over by the one in the A65.

The A580 is a good camera at the price and does have the advantage in terms of highISO but it's not huge. Say you were using the A65 at iso800 (where noise degradation is still low) the A580 could handle iso1250 with no increase in noise. Only you can say how much of an advantage that would be to your photography.

identical cameras =
* no fights over who gets the better camera.
* same battery, same menus, same buttons (you will find it a lot easier for yourself to give him directions on how to change settings on the camera over the phone if you are holding the identical model in your hands. I don't know about you, but in our house only one person RTFM).

So, I ended up with the a65.

Best Buy had one I could play with, and I fell in love, but didn't have any in stock. I walked out empty-handed, since I didn't want to order one and have to drive back to the store to pick it up, but decided to check out this tiny camera shop down the road from Best Buy. They had exactly one in stock, so I bought it, and now I'm happily waiting for the battery to charge so I can test it out. :D

I would recommend the a700 for a few reasons:

* He's new to the field. This is a GREAT first camera.
* It's very inexpensive
* It'll be a while until the camera is mastered

The video advantage you get with the a65 should only been seriously considered if the feature is going to be used often. For every single a65, two a700s can be had. Have him spend some serious time with a mirrored body so he can adequately compare the technology to mirrorless.

Advice well-taken, though. :)

He's actually had an OVF camera, the a230. We owned two, I sold mine and bought the a55, and then he fell in love with the EVF and sold his a230. He's taken over the a55 and I'm absolutely in love with my a65, but I think I will probably end up purchasing an a700 eventually just to have one OVF body. Actually, I am really tempted to pick up an a850 or a900 at some point, as I think that's one experience I would like to enjoy before Sony goes completely EVF. Not to mention, I have a nice collection of Minolta glass that I would love to use on a full frame body for once.