I have enjoyed amateur photography for many years and especially wildlife and sports photography. I finally made the big jump last August and purchased a DSLR after years using film SLRs. I bought a Sony Alpha 550L. I always care for my equipement and use it under normal conditions. During my vacation this July in Hawaii the camera just quit working. I sent it in since it was still under warranty. The Sony technician said it had corrosion damage and the warranty does not cover corrosion damage. I was quite angry as I have 15 year old cameras I kept with and used with this camera. I asked how this happened under normal use and they could not give me an answer. They said probably some corrosive agent got into the camera. The wanted me to pay $450.00 to repair the camera I had pain $850.00 only 8 months before. The customer service folks at Sony would not relent so I am royally screwed! Please do not make the same mistake I did. If you buy purchase from Costco or some dealer that offers a no restriction extended warranty because the Sony factory warranty is absolutely worthless. I guess next time I go to the shooting range I will bring some Sony logo stickers for bullseyes.
