Guys, I've just started out in the world of photography... 2 months old. Bought a 2nd hand Minolta A1 and it does the basics. However, I'm starting to get cold feet thinking that I may not wish to continue with the Minolta series, and probably move to Nikon.
So I'd like advice to either reassure me or have pointers of how to get the results I'm lookin for.
1. Colours are not as vibrant/rich. Example: photo number 2 in http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=194651 . The guy who took the photos informed me that the childcare was just well lit. But the photos are so good - it seems they've been edited. If he really did take the photos without edit... am I being short changed with my A1?
Mine: http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h13/Cap_Dingo/Portfolio/PICT0390edit-low.jpg
2. Pics not as sharp with the standard kit lens. f2.8 to f11, 28-200mm. Do I need to upgrade, and what would be the best value lens to get?
Examples compared: Other Clubsnapper: http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=183242
Mine: http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h13/Cap_Dingo/Portfolio/PICT1494.jpg
3. It seems like nearly all the the pics are naturally on the "bright" side and lacking the rich-ness in contrast.
I checked to make sure I was using nearly exact settings as what this other guy did, ISO, apeture, shutter speed, tripod. There was a very slight breeze that night, but I reckon even without the slight breeze, there is no way I could take as tack sharp as the other clubsnapper. My inexperience or crap lens?
Would appreciate honest and constructive comments on how to go forward with these issues. Honestly its seriously a let down for me...
- (I hope the problem is with me and not the camera! At least there will be hope.)
Thanks in advance.
Andrew
So I'd like advice to either reassure me or have pointers of how to get the results I'm lookin for.
1. Colours are not as vibrant/rich. Example: photo number 2 in http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=194651 . The guy who took the photos informed me that the childcare was just well lit. But the photos are so good - it seems they've been edited. If he really did take the photos without edit... am I being short changed with my A1?
Mine: http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h13/Cap_Dingo/Portfolio/PICT0390edit-low.jpg
2. Pics not as sharp with the standard kit lens. f2.8 to f11, 28-200mm. Do I need to upgrade, and what would be the best value lens to get?
Examples compared: Other Clubsnapper: http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=183242
Mine: http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h13/Cap_Dingo/Portfolio/PICT1494.jpg
3. It seems like nearly all the the pics are naturally on the "bright" side and lacking the rich-ness in contrast.
I checked to make sure I was using nearly exact settings as what this other guy did, ISO, apeture, shutter speed, tripod. There was a very slight breeze that night, but I reckon even without the slight breeze, there is no way I could take as tack sharp as the other clubsnapper. My inexperience or crap lens?
Would appreciate honest and constructive comments on how to go forward with these issues. Honestly its seriously a let down for me...

Thanks in advance.
Andrew