Which is better? Sony DSLR or Nikon DSLR?

Question

Which DSLR should I choose?

Hey all

I am looking to get a new DSLR camera for some beginning digital photography. Right now my choices are limited to just two cameras (for budget reasons.) I can either get the Nikon D60 (18-55mm lens included) for 633.54 or the Sony Alpha A 200K (15-70mm lens included) for 541.49.

I am looking to take a lot of nature photography and scenery and some action shots of birthday parties and whatnot…

Which camera do you guys recommend for this??

Thanks!

Answer 1

The Nikon D60 has the best features, image quality, and has the best price for features in its class. I sell DSLRs, so I like to think I have a better knowledge than some. Anyway, the Sony A200 is a cheap (price wise) DSLR, and comes with an 18-70mm kit lens, and in-body stabilization. Pretty great, huh?

The fact is, though, the body is difficult to hold; not because of large hands or small hands, but just because of its poor finish. There is also no rubberized grip on the back, making the drop factor a real concern.

Image quality is not so hot when compared to Nikon or Canon. Some will argue that Nikon uses the same Sony sensors as in Sony DSLRs, so why would image quality be different? This is true that Nikon uses Sony sensors, but they rework them to fit their own specifications. What else would explain oversaturated, more grainy images for Sony, while the Nikon equivalent had the best color rendentation and noise control according to Popular Photography's August issue.

The in-body image stabilization is also considered a major selling point for the Sony, since it will work with any lens; while Nikon's VR works only for that specific lens. This is true as well, but on the flip side, in-lens stabilization just works better. It provides 3-4 stops difference, while in-body only 1-2.5 stops. Plus, since the in-body version is sensor based, you cannot even see it helping out. While this is not such a big issue, it would be nice to see it working.

I'm not saying Sony makes terrible DSLR cameras, or that the A200 is worthless. I'm just saying that for the price, there are much better choices out there.  

Answer 2

Bill P must be smoking something.  Current lenses get reviewed every month for things like sharpness, light falloff, distortion, weight, compactness etc. Look at any photography magazine or sites like dpreview and kenrockwell- some lenses are demonstrably better than others.

I'll admit that these days with computerized design, most major manfucturers have good lenses, but when placed head-to-head? The experience of companies like Canon and Nikon puts them head and shoulders above other established lensmakers like Vivitar/Pentax, let alone newcomers to the still  photography arena, like Sony. While Olympus and Minolta have similar credentials from the 35mm film camera days, there's a reason why 90% of pro photographers have used either Nikon or Canon.for the past 30 years.

In fact, one of Fuji's smartest moves was to design their Finepix DSLR cameras with a Nikon mount, so they could concentrate completely on the electronics/image processing side of things, while providing access to an world-class existing lineup of lenses.

I agree the 15-70mm gives you a signficantly more useful range to work with so don't dismiss the Sony outright, but the best suggestion I've heard was to go into a camera shop and hold both cameras.  Ergonomics such the placement of controls, weight, viewfinder height, size and balance are extremely important.  If you find one camera is intuitively easier to use and feels much better in-hand, that may trump other factors because with an uncomfortable camera you could miss the moment completely.

Visit a camera shop and compare the Nikon D40, Canon Rebel XT and Sony Alpha A200K firsthand.

Answer 3

nikon all the way.  

Answer 4

nikon d40     has 2x light sensitivity than the d60  its pictures have less noise     great for natural nature shots   indoor shots   and cheaper.  Spend your saved cash on accessories

Answer 5

CANON!!!

But honestly, it's learning what to DO with the camera, whatever it is, that is more important than WHAT camera it is. Check out craig's list or ebay for nice affordable packages that you can grow with! It will be worth it!!

Answer 6

Nikon considering they only make cameras... while sony is... eh... just not that good unless you are buying a disposable cybershot.  

Answer 7

Both are good cameras.  I like the Sony better and the argument that most Nikon users give is that the Nikon lenses from ancient history will all fit.  That might be well and good, but the chances are that you will never use them or buy them to use, so the $100 difference is not enough for you to buy the more expensive camera.  Mechanically, one is not better than the other and to further negate the lens argument, there is a plethora (more than enough) excellent Minolta lenses that will fit on your Sony for you to purchase and you can get them cheaper than you can get Nikon lenses.  .  The lens that comes on the Sony offers far more latitude than the lens on the Nikon, you will get a wider angle and a longer zoom with the Sony camera.  

Those who continually say that Nikon is better can offer no proof that they are better.  Actually, they have no experiences with other cameras and cannot offer practical evidence that one is better than the other.  

I would even say that you might do  yourself a favor looking at other brands like Olympus

Answer 8

Get a Nikon D40/60/80 or a Canon Rebel XT/XTi/XSi

Answer 9

Nikon and Canon make the best DSLRs on the market- Sony is good, but not in the same league unless you're looking at different categories like point & shoot cameras, digital camcorders etc.

Have you considered the Nikon D40?  It might actually be a better choice (and less expensive too)!