Fashion cameras - the argument (help!) :(

[Photo-John]

What's large to you? I can make great quality prints from all kinds of camera. Print quality often has more to do with proper exposure and processing than the camera you're using. A better camera is always nice. But be careful about buying into the hype when it comes to cameras.

One reason to change cameras is marketing. As sad as it is, having a camera that impresses a client can secure jobs. I have a friend who shot weddings with a Hasselblad for just that reason. He didn't love the Hasselblad but his clients thought it was better. The Canon EOS 5D Mark II is a great camera. But you could argue that its reputation is even better than it is. Same goes for the Nikon D700 or D3 - they're both great cameras. But they're never any better than the photographer who uses them. You could very well be making better photos with your Olympus than a super pro with a D700.

[zipperfoot]

Hey everyone -

Thank you SO much for your input -- as I'm sure most of you know, advice is invaluable when it comes to buying a new camera, especially a dSLR.

Sorry I didn't put in a little note to mention that MF meant medium format and not manual focus, as you all picked up on anyway -- actually when I first read that I thought he meant manual focus as well and thought he was insane for a few seconds.

Your advice has only helped to more solidify what I've been thinking on, and that is saving up a little more for the a850. My only concern is that, other than Imaging Resource, I haven't really seen any work done with the Sony a850 (which also reminds me, Photo-John, you're absolutely right when it comes to the comment about having a more well-known or impressive-sounding/looking camera...which is tragic).

On the comparisons of the two from Imaging Resource, it seems that the Sony a850 has a bit better color and is also a bit sharper when it comes to the smaller details... however this sharpness is also something I fear a little -- does anyone know if the a850 is a camera where that sharpness can be toned down a little? Or is this merely a lens thing?

Also, what is everyone's opinions on Sony lenses and/or Zeiss lenses?
Thank you very much for all your help and recommendations.