DSLR dilemma...?

Question

alright, plain and simple everyone......I'm torn between the Nikon D80 and the Sony Alpha 100. Which one should I get and WHY? I've read the magazines, read the reviews, etc. Someone give me a good reason for one and not the other.

Answer 1

If you've read the reviews and you are still considering the Sony, you must have read something I didn't read. One of the answers here said that the controls seem counterintuitive. I have NOT used a D80, but own a D50, D70s and a D200 and feel exactly the opposite. The Sony only has one dial to operate everything and the D80 has a front dial for aperture related adjustments (near the lens) and a rear dial (near the shutter) for shutter related adjustments.

The February 2007 issue of Popular Photography has an article where they compared the top 10 MP DSLR's.

I took the scores and ranked the cameras similar to the way Formula 1 gives championship points. I just gave 5 for 1st place down to 1 for last place, splitting the difference when cameras tied in their catagories.

They evaluated Image Quality (giving this twice as much weight as anything else), Ease of Use, Control, and System Flexibility.

The final order and my scores are:

Nikon D80 - 17.5 points
- BEST in Image Quality, Control and System Flexibility
Canon Rebel XTi (400D) - 13.5 points
- Tied for best in System Flexibility
Pentax K10D - 11 points
- Tied for best in Ease of Use
Samsung GX10 - 11 points
- Tied for best in Ease of Use
Sony Alpha 100 - 7 points
- LAST in Image Quality, Ease of Use and System Flexibility."

Then again, this is the same magazine that put the Sony Alpha 100 dead last in this comparison named it the camera of the year in the previous issue!

This review is now available online at:

http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/3569/10mp-dslr-shootout.html

~~~

Which would you choose - a Nikon or a Konica/Minolta? Sony basically bought out Minolta and put their name on the camera. This is Sony's first DSLR and the D80 is simply the latest evolution of Nikon's years of experience. I wouldn't want to own anyone's "first ever" product, even if it was named "Camera of the Year."

When it comes time to buy lenses, do you want to be stuck with the limited amount of lenses that fit the Sony/Konica/Minolta mount or the endless selection of Nikon and Nikon-compatible lenses?

Yes, my bias is showing, but I'd buy the Nikon in a heartbeat over the Sony.

See the noise level in the Sony at this page:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond80/page27.asp

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=sony_dslra100%2Cnikon_d80&show=all

Click on "Our in-depth review" and "Read owner opinions."

In the owner opinions, I gleaned a few interesting comments, even from positive reviews:

"If I had the bucks, I'd go Nikon."

"I have some noise issues at ISO400 and above... for professional use only ISO up to 200 seems acceptable."

"...please start performing at your full potential as soon as possible.We all know you can perform better."

"This seems to say, 'Sony doesnt care about photography, Sony cares about money'."

"I think this camrea is a nice beginning for Sony, but not the camera I will buy."

"Would like dual aperture and shutter control dials... [instead of a single dial for everything]."

Answer 2

The D80 without question. The Alpha is kind of neat but the Nikon has an all around better set of accessories. You will find more lenses, more speedlights, more everything for the Nikon. Remember that in the digital world you will probably have those accessories longer than the camera body.

As has been mentioned, the Alpha has image stabilization built into the body. However, the concensus is that image stabilization is better when it is built into the lens. That is why Nikon has its VR lenses and Canon has its IS lenses.

I've used a D50 for more than a year and am approaching 8,000 images and have enjoyed the camera. I've worked a little with a borrowed D80 and it is great. I have my eyes on a D200 but that is only for the frame rate.

Buy the D80, you will be glad you did.

Answer 3

The D80 is a Poor Man's Pro Digital Camera; it mimics the more expensive pro-level Nikon D200 in features and technology.

The real test will be when you hold it in your hands and feel the ergonomics and how comfortable it feels in your hands, the no-nonsense feel and build.

When you buy into a camera with interchangeable lenses, you're actually buying into a system of lenses for future use, as you learn and grow in photography. You get what you pay for.

I would also suggest the very versatile 18-135mm AF DX Nikkor lens; Nikkor lenses are known for their superior glass formula for great image detail quality above and beyond many of the other popular brands now on the market. Also, there is an immense variety of lenses available that will fit that lens mount, too; your future digital Nikon cameras will also be able to use the same lenses you buy today (Nikon has not changed its lens mount since 1959)!

This camera will be with you for a number of years and you'll appreciate its features and robust build. It's MORE than just a long-established, sound reputation...

Answer 4

while i have not personally used the sony, i can say that when i tried the nikon d80, i found some of the controls in awkward, counterintuitive places, but that may be because i am a lifelong canon user. i think you would also have better luck at picking up inexpensive used lenses for the sony instead of the nikon, since the sony cameras use minolta lenses.

Answer 5

I would suggest the Nikon. Nikon specializes in cameras. Sony specializes in electronics. Since Nikon's main focus in photography equipment I'd say they would be the most reliable and well manufactured. Sony can produce good products of course, but cameras are not their specialty. Not many professionals would chose a sony over a nikon or a canon. I personally use a Nikon and I love it. User friendly, manual and auto functions, tons of accessories available. Another plus to getting a nikon is the extras you can buy for it including lenses. There are SO many lenses for Nikons... not so many sony lenses and i wouldn't rely on them.

Answer 6

One Sony feature I think is very important is the Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization. This is a system that makes physical moves of the sensor to compensate for movements of the camera by the photographer.

Most DSLR's do not have this in the camera body, and you have to buy expensive lens versions to get image stabilization in each lens.

This is the tie breaker for me, especially for telephoto shots.

Good Luck

Answer 7

Check whether or not the lenses which you already have may be used on their DSLRs. (Try Canon's web site or a Canon user group.) Both Canon and Nikon are very highly regarded and I'm sure you will be pleased with whichever one you choose.

Answer 8

The Sony has a lot of Noise at higher ISO ,& sony lenses are more expensive If you want better picture quality I would consider the Canon

Answer 9

Sony hands down. Sony has some of the worlds most advanced computer cameras & technology. They also have many compatible acessories for that camera. :-) happy shopping.