Sigma SA-7 35mm SLR Camera with Compact 28-200mm Lens

Rating:
Summary: Sigma SA-7 SLR camera with Sigma 28-200mm lens
Review: An excellent combination, the Sigma SA-7 and the Sigma 28-200mm zoom lens. This is a well built camera expecially considering the price range. I've used Canon, Pentax and Fuji SLR 35mm cameras and the lower priced Sigma SA-7 gives just as good results and saves you money for an extra lens etc. Metering system performs as good as the name brands (actually Sigma is a well known lens manufacturer, just not known for their cameras since they are fairly new in that field). Auto Focusing slightly slower than some others but as accurate and is not a problem for me. Well made and completely "FUN" camera and lens. And it actually has some features found only on more expensive cameras. You'll fall in love with it right off and save a lot of money in the process. What more could you want!!!

Rating:
Summary: A nice camera with a great lens.
Review: I have shot several rolls of "test film" with this camera and I am very pleased with the results. I used to use a basic manual 35mm slr for several years, then went to point and shoots for awhile and finally decided it was time to get a "real" camera. I spent many weeks researching the different brands and models on the manufacturers web sites, photo magazine articles and photo shops. I chose the Sigma SA7 because I want to explore photography more and wanted a camera that is a little more sophisticated than some of the other "entry level" 35 slr's but without being intimidating, the SA7 is just that. It feels comfortable in the hand, it's easy to use and it gives you lots of options in your photo taking. It has excellent build quality (100% Made in Japan, camera and lens, an added value at this price level)and comes with a great compact hyperzoom macro 28-200mm lens. I chose this lens because I did not want to carry around several lenses and I was impressed with it's aspherical design (smaller and lighter than other 28-200 lenses, with no focal loss or distortion) and since most of my shooting will be of my children, family, sports, nature etc., I felt this lens would probably cover about 85-90% of my photo taking. The kit includes: camera, lens with dust cap, strap, batteries, lens hood and carry bag (some of these items cost extra with other brands). The instruction manual is well written. The autofocus is sometimes a bit slow to "lock on" but I think that is due to it's sensitve nature (I'm used to manual focus)and you learn to compensate for that. I did purchase the Tiffin 62mm filter kit with this camera (uv, polarizing,inside lighting filter)and have gotten great results. I would like to see Sigma offer a battery pack for the SA7. If you want a well made, easy to use camera that you can grow with the Sigma SA7 is it.