Which Digital SLR?

Question

I have recently been looking at Digital SLR's but am stuck between two, the Nikon D40 or the Sony A200K this is going to be my first SLR. Which would be better or is there any others you would recommend?

Answer 1

You had better read this:

http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/5429/dsl...

Answer 2

The Sony A200 is 10.2 megapixel, has its version of Image Stabilization in the camera body and can use every legacy Minolta Maxxum AF lens made since 1985. Plus, Sony currently lists 26 lenses and the new Carl Zeiss "ZA" line of lenses.

You can read an in-depth review of the A200, A300 and A350 in the Aug. issue of Shutterbug Magazine(http://www.shutterbug.com).

My vote is for the A200 although the A300 is only about $100.00 more and features Live View which works with the AF.

Answer 3

As a Nikon user I would say the D40/60/80 would be great for your needs - look for package deals where you can get the basic lens and memory cards. I use the D70, which although dated now, and only 6.1MP is still a very easy camera to use - I got started without having to read the instruction book, the Nikon system is pretty intuitive. But I've been using their film cameras for years too..

The Sony option I cannot comment on - they get good reviews, but do not have the same range of lenses. One thing to bear in mind that Sony cameras usually come with vibration reduction built into the body - Nikon and Canon only offer this in their lenses, but have superior optics in my opinion.

If I recall correctly Sony use the Minolta mount, so you may be also able to use recent Minolta lenses.

Hope this helps.

Scotty

Answer 4

Nikon, Sony, Canon all good but...

I'm not a Nikon guy, but always hear about no focus motor in the D40/D40x and not being able to use certain kinds of auto focus lenses.. look into that.

Canon's new entry level cam (XS august) doesn't have that limitation. Neither does Sony's A200.

And yes, Sony's anti-shake is built into the cam body, it works with all lenses. Take a good look at Nikon and Canon stabilized lenses, make sure you are willing to pay the price for them.

Sony can use Minolta glass made from about 1985 to about the time Sony took over, however the better glass has gone up in price, and it's a little limited on choices when it comes to new glass. But it's something that affects the serious amateur or pro more than the casual shooter.

They all take a great pic, but it's the little differences that make people choose one over the other. One thing to know about your first SLR. when you go entry level, it feels like 5 minutes later you want something better. You flip yours, lose some bucks and buy up.

If you think photography could get serious for you skip the entry level.

Nikon's D80 seems to be the best deal right now on the nikon side. d60 is newer, but the 80 seems more like a true semi-pro body, well reviewed. On the Canon side, I'd skip the XS and XSi both fine cameras, and go for the 40d.

Sony's bang for the buck are the A300/350 twins. Both have flip out LCDs, the best live view (at this time) and basically the same features. The chips are different with the A300 being 10 megapixels and the 350 being 14.2 MP

Go up the chain if you can afford it, you'll feel better about it trust me. I owned my Alpha A100 for three months and flipped it to go toward my A700, and I'm happy I did.

Do your research, it will pay off.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Pentax K200, best feature set and build quality of any entry level DSLR. You can use any Pentax lens made in the last 40 years, all of them will be anti shake. Cheapest quality system by far.

Nikon D40 has a load of basic functions missing. Expensive lenses.

Sony, indifferent build quality, lousy viewfinder, limited and expensive range of lenses.

When you buy a DSLR you're buying into a system, the camera is just the down payment, you'll spend a lot more than the cost of the camera on lenses in the next few years.

Chris

Answer 6

i have the nikon d40 and its superb. If you have the extra money go for the d40x as its up to 10 mega pixel.

Answer 7

I totally agree with Screwdriver.Save your money and forget about the D40. There are a lot of basic 'extras' missing from it, and if you did buy it, you will feel left behind.

The K200D Pentax, you can get for LESS than £400, which includes the 18-55 mm lens,and anti shake system, and some places are offering an 8gb sdhc card also.

Plus, because of the lens mount, there are lots of lenses available, and inexpensive to. A Sigma 70-300 macro for less than £100.

Message me if you want to see results.