Help Needed - Nikon D80 vs. Sony A100

[Scott D]

Hey everyone,

Well, I've narrowed down the camera selection to the Nikon D80 & the Sony (aka Minolta) A100.

Knowing these aren't really an apples comparison, it still what I've narrowed it down to. I'm looking for any and all insights you might have, especially you camera experts & anyone who has used them both & can give me a thought on comparison. To help, what I will use the camera for is watch pictures (of course ) and outdoor "vacation" shots (mostly landscape or scenery). I'll probably do some portrait styles, mostly outdoor but some indoor. I still have a Kodak DX6490 that I plan to keep for "everyday" pictures, so this won't be the only camera I'm using. Just remember, I won't be using it as a professional make a living camera....

That I can tell, the Pros of the Nikon are the better processing, better low light performance, and better feel. I know it's a better camera, but it's also $300 more than the Sony. Cons, other than price difference are that it does not have Image Stabilization on the camera and you need VR lenses to get the stabilization (and more $$ for the lenses too).

Pros of the Sony are (besides the $300 savings) in-camera optical image stabilization. This is the biggest pro. Cons are slightly worst noise at 800 & 1600 ISO, lower ability for low-light focusing.

My lens stable will consist of a standard lens (0-70mm or so), a high zoom (70-300mm or so) and a 100 or 105mm Macro.

The Nikon has +-5 EV while the Sony is +-2 EV. I know the EV rating has something to do with low light focusing (I think), but maybe one of you can explain it to me a little better. I believe the Nikon also has an IR light for low-light focus assist.

Again, any input to help me make a decision would be greatly appreciated. I've been going back & forth for 2 weeks now, and can't seem to land on one. I don't mind spending the extra for the Nikon, but not if I won't use the better functions & features I'm paying for. I'm not sure I'd be using the extra bells & whistles and if not, it doesn't make sense to buy the more expensive camera. On the other hand, if I do use the extra features, than maybe it's worth it?

Also, before anyone throws another camera into the mix (like a Canon), I did look at the XTi. While I liked the performance, the camera body is smaller & less comfortable than I want, thus I eliminated it from the choices.

Thanks for any & all help all......

Scott

[Scott D]

Hey all,

Well I guess this forum page doesn't get nearly the hits as the other pages... or maybe everyone is out having fun this weekend.. oh - well.... In either case, I ran across a great sale on the D80, was able to negotiate further, get a better ED lens in the package and got some extras thrown in all for about $100 more than the Sony stock kit price - so I got it. Haven't had alot of time to play with it yet, but hopefully next week will have a chance to take some new pictures & post them. Also looking for a reasonable priced copy of Photoshops (I know - a very relative statement), but I'll ask for input on that in a new thread.

[JBHII]

Scott - yea...unfortunately, this forum just doesn't get that much patronage.

Congrats on the Nikon. When it comes to camera bodies, usually the best one is whichever one is the newest. But when it comes to glass, nobody beats Canon, which is why I went Canon. When I go to sporting events, I see about 4 to 1 Canon equipment in use by pro photographers.

[Scott D]

admin said:

Scott - yea...unfortunately, this forum just doesn't get that much patronage.

Congrats on the Nikon. When it comes to camera bodies, usually the best one is whichever one is the newest. But when it comes to glass, nobody beats Canon, which is why I went Canon. When I go to sporting events, I see about 4 to 1 Canon equipment in use by pro photographers.

Hey John, Thanks! Yes, I got that same input from many, many other about Canon, though the Nikon feedback seemed to be a close 2nd. I really liked the Canon, but in the end it really just didn't "fit" well in my hands. Given I'm not counting on the camera to make my living off, I'm sure either would have been technically just fine for my needs though if I was looking for it for profession, the feel of the camera wouldn't have been as important as the other items (aka lenses). So far, I'm impressed with the D80 & performance, though I haven't done too much with it yet.... Hopefully you'll get to see some new & improved watch pics soon.. But first, need to go get me a macro lens.. ;D

[bpajwhite]

Well here's my 2 cents for what it's worth. I have a degree in photography, and used to shoot weddings before I joined the Patrol. I don't have a Digital SLR yet (just can't afford one), but based on my knowledge of 35mm SLRs this is what I know.

Nikon is always the best!!

And sorry John but I have to disagree; Nikon glass is the best in the business. Cannon jus feels very Fisher-Price. It's too light and plasticy. Nikon is a solid heavy pice of equipment. Most people would think that a light camera would be preferable, but it is far easier to shoot hand-held with a heavy camera. Much more stable.

Were I buying a Digital SLR, the D80 would be my choice. One caveat though, don't buy non-Nikon lenses that are made to fit a Nikon, i.e. sigma. Many people buy one to try and save some money, but it defeats the whole point in buying Nikon. Your camera system is only as good as the lens you are shooting through.

Look for this lens:

Nikon Zoom Super Wide Angle-Telephoto AF Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR II Autofocus Lens

You could check B&H Photo they usually have pretty good prices.
www.bhphotovideo.com

OK so it's a little expensive, but it is most likely the only lens you will need. Remember that with Digital SLRs you need to multiply the lens focal length (18-200mm) by 1.5 to get the equivalent for a 35mm SLR. So this lens is the equivalent of a 27-300mm. That's fantastic. Also this lens has image stabilization. Very handy.

Hope this helps,

bpajwhite

[JBHII]

Clearly the Nikon vs. Canon debate is akin to Chevy vs. Ford...or BMW vs. Mercedes for those of us with the means. ;D

Scott - I understand the feel issue. The XTi is, in many respects, and entry level models. It makes a perfect "back up" camera to my 20D which has the sort of substantial feel I think you're looking for.

Bpajwhite: Let me offer my field experience to counter your book learnin'. ;D Whenever I go to a professional sporting event, I always see a sea of white L series lenses on Canon bodies....Canon easily outnumbers Nikon by 4 or 5 to 1 at these events. Most true professional photographers choose Canon - it's a fact.

I'm also questioning your opinion on the feel/utility of Canon bodies. Like I told Scott, the XTi is designed to be smaller and lighter. And I can tell you, when the camera is around my neck all day, I MUCH prefer it to my larger, true pro quality 20D - without a doubt I can shoot handheld easier with it too. My 20D is now a studio queen. ;D