Try resetting it. I'd also place it in a zip lock with uncooked rice to dtaw out any condensation. it's that time of year.

It could be some kind of vapor around the camera that is condensing on the lens (doesn't necessarily have to be air), so if you keep it around any type of chemicals, or things like that, that could be your problem. The A700 is actually equipped with weather seals which are better than most of the SLR cameras around its level that I've seen out there. Canon's are definitely not as good, and Nikon is equal, if not a little worst, in my opinion. It could be that the two cameras you've had that the seal is broken, or just the environment that you're keeping the cameras in. Try keeping some dry salt around the camera, such as silicon packs that are in almost every packaged thing, to see if the problem keeps happening. The salt, or silicon pack, type devices help absorb moisture and keep it away from the camera. I think you may have just been unlucky and gotten two consecutive cameras with defective weather seals (or the same camera twice, depending on how you got it replaced). If all else fails, try a Nikon and see if you have the same problem.

Without knowing the model, I'm going to say I'm 90% sure it should work on the Alpha - I found a few lenses that did not work, but most I have bought used work fantastic on the 700.



One thing to note on the lenses is, if they are using a film style UV filter on the end, you will want to replace that with a digital version or not use a filter at all.



The film filters allow more flaring and can cause other light distortions. Once I put a digital filter on my minolta 135mm F2.8 lens, the image quality picked right up and is pretty impressive.



One great source of used but good quality Minolta AF lenses is at this link

photography.search.ebay.com...  have purchased a few from them and got a great deal. As well, they note on their listings if it will work with the Alpha series cameras or not.

I rather doubt it. Low light is low light. You don't have a flash and you'll have to rely on longer shutter times and wider aperture settings (which will have it's limits depending on the speed of the lens). You can boost the ISO, but the higher you go, the more chance noise will enter the fray. With movement while dancing, I'd say you need a flash.

I think that largely depends on the lighting design. I have cases where the lighting was ideal and cases where it didn't. You can help yourself out, though, by bringing a tripod or monopod to help steady the camera. But if you use a tripod, it's usually a good idea to turn off the IS.

Since Sony took over Minolta's camera business and has the same lens mount, I'd say the chances are very good. Worst case, you can use it solely on manual. I think it's worth taking a long look. Take your lens down to a brick and mortar and ask the salesman if you can check it out.

Luc Landry has good information. I just wanted to add that their are MC/MD lens adaptors available now that will even turn the "in focus" light on in the screen (know of focus confirmation). But as stated james is wrong and why would you come here to be told to go to a BM, who even goes to those anymore and when are the people their useful?

Yes, the mount for Sony and Minolta cameras are the same, so if it fit the Minolta, then it fits the Sony series, both the A100 and the A700. Hope this helps, if you have any other questions feel free to ask.

The X-700 was one of the last Minolta manual focus camera's and is NOt compatible with the autoficus A mount used by Minolta, Konica Minolta or sony alph cameras.

The 3" ridiculously high resolution screen on the A700 is nice.... lol. But over double the price? With how great the A100 is for the price, I can't imagine spending that kind of crazy money on the A700. Geez... I can't get over the price of the A700....

I don't question the A700 will have better pictures... but >$1000 better pictures? No way. There's only so perfect a picture can be, and we're near that limit. Unless that A700 comes down to $1000 body, it'll be hard for me to consider it a legitimate option to the A100. Just me, I'm stingy :)

I have used the a100 alittle. But for the cost, it directly competes with the Nikon D300 and has the SAME cmos sensor. Finally sony has stepped up to the plate.

Vern hinze, Thanks for the welcome. Well I am so sure that I am going to ENJOY the A700 I am going to buy a body this sunday. I have a Minolta 7D which (even though only 6meg) I feel is as good as the A100. Sony took most of the qualities from the 5D. Also if you look at just price the Nikon D300 17999.95 12.3 meg and the Cannon 40D 1299.95 10.1 meg. To me the Sony is the best bang for the buck. Also the A700 has a vertical grip and the A100 does not.

I have used both and owned two Minolta 5D.



Here is what I will tell you from experience and reviews I've read from users and sites.



The A700 is better in about everyway but this is when your going to notice it:



Feel, Fit, and Finish: If you had a 5D or A100 this camera may look close to the same but in actual use its a whole new world. If your coming from the 7D you WILL NOT WANT ANY OTHER SONY CAMERA. Its easy to switch Aperture, Speed whatever with the two dials without having to futz around in the menu's all the time. Their is a switch by your left hand to switch tracking mode, so if for instance your taking pictures of a flow and see an Eagle all of a sudden you can flip to constant focus and get a great shot. Its also easier to switch how you are having the light metered with this model. While not waterproof the A700 has seals on all buttons and switches so it will be longer lasting and be able to withstand the elements better. Fit is subjective but I think the A700 feels better in my hands then pretty much any other DSLR on the market (I like the Canon 40D and 5D also). If you have large hands you will have a place for your fingers unlike with the unbelievably popular Rebel series. If you have come from the A100/5D you will be surprised at how little pressure it take a picture. I found myself accidentally taking pictures when I just wanted to focus at first, but this has made a HUGE difference in my telephoto shooting as I found with the 5D that the shake from pushing down the button would often ruin a photo, this oddly also makes using a tripod way easier.



AUTOFOCUS: Compared to the 5D/A100/7D the A700 Autofocus is WAY faster. This makes a huge difference on certain lenses. My Beercan (70-210 F4 all metal lens) gets way more use now, its always been a wonderful lense but it was hard to use for moving objects before. The tracking of moving objects is way better also. The A700 also has an extra sensitive center focus cross which helps with center tracking. Their are very few Minolta/Sony lenses have drive motors and their are lots of great older lenses so this is even more important with this system as the camera will be doing a lot of the lens spinning. The first time your telephoto gets off target and focuses all the way in and out you will be glad you have an A700.



Low Light: The A700 gives you more ISO choices and WAY less noise then any Sony/Minolta lense before it. The A100 was a mess in this regard, Sony simply tried to fit too many pixels on the 5D design to have their first SLR. Remember we are dealing with a CMOS sensor here which you won't find on too many SLR's and gives you way better perfomance.



Great Resolution: Megapixels mean nothing besides how much space the picture is taking up on your computer. Fortunately for you the A700 truly delivers on its resolution, testing shows that it will even resolve more detail then sony's own 14megapixel sensor (once again because the A700 uses a CMOS sensor like the Nikon D300 (same sensor actually Nikon buys them from Sony).



Available hand grip is a must for any wedding photog, and awesome for everyone else. This also gives you the ability to to have a second battery for longer battery life.



In short: If your a pro their is no excuse, esp if you do weddings. If you shot sports or birds the A700 will be almost impossible to resist

due to the amazing autofocus. If you shoot posed pictures of friends and families, or like to do landscapes and/or macros I think the A700 is a much harder sell, except you would be surprised at how fast kids can move and how they never want to stay in the light :). Remember that these are SLR systems and if your still using the kit lens (except the 17-80 is actually a decent little lens) or a cheap lens you will probably be getting a better return by buying better glass (lenses). In a year or two the A700 is going to have greatly lost value and with the Sony system becoming more popular many used lenses have been going UP in value.

According to SONY ( sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/st...  ), the In estimated ship date: 10/01/2007.

There's a good chance, as I believe that Sony uses the same lens mount. Worst case, you only use them on manual.