Nikon or Sony??

[level200]

HI Guys

I'm buying a new camera next week and i'm torn between the Nikon D5000 and the Sony a550 that comes out on Monday.

I like landscape photography and want a camera with an adjustable screen for low angle photography, apart from that i'm new to Nikon or Sony and would like some expert advice before i buy.

So... which one then?

Cheers
John

[chris-p]

I'll get in here before anyone else does. Also, up front I will say I shoot with Nikon.

Now... there isn't a right answer. The range of accessories, including lenses, is better with the Nikon but you can mount lots of old Minolta lenses onto the Sony. I am also not a fan of the latest generation of Sony ergonomics - especially in the cheaper models which feel flimsy and plasticy.

If you are a big fan of live view the Sony could be your better option as it has a much more clever autofocus system when in live view mode compared to the Nikon (which has a more normal system) and the Sony should be faster and more accurate. Also, the screen on the Sony is much higher resolution and it's larger so that's a big bonus when in live view.
On the flip side, the AF system in the Nikon is superb when not in live view mode. I've got a D90 and it's the same system in the D5000 and it's very very very impressive.

The other major difference is in the method used for image stabilisation. With the Sony you get it built into the camera. With Nikon you'd have to buy VR lenses if you wanted image stabilisation. I've used cameras with both systems and personally I prefer the in lens system as you can see it working but both systems work and the in camera system of the Sony means you don't have to shell out extra for stabilised versions of lenses.

My advice is go to a shop, hold both, work out which offers best value for money for you and which you prefer and go with that one. The Nikon is very good, the Sony isn't out yet so we don't know at the moment, both have similar specifications, both should be around the same price. If you're really stuck buy the prettier one!

[TommoR]

Hi John,

I shoot with a Sony A300 and do love it. The live view is excellent and the moveable lcd is very good. I have not used the two cameras you have mentioned but did try the older nikon when buying my first DSLR.

I totally agree with Chris' advice about going to a shop and having a hands on play. This is the most consistant advice I have seen on the forum and think it a very valuable lesson. Find what fits your hands, for me the sony A300 was spot on however have recently tried the new sonys and their ergonomics don't fit as well. If the shop has the A350 this is also a very good sony and is a little bigger but a great sensor.

Old minolta lenses are a great way to get 2nd hand lenses for sony, www.Dyxum.com is a great community to get a view on sony/minota cameras and lenses, they have a lens database for usable lenses (A great help). I am sure nikon have simular communities.

Just try them out and find what suits you.

Tom

[chris-p]

Just a couple of points to add to TommoR's post.

Firstly the a300 that he has doesn't have the "quick AF" live view system that is available on the newer models. The live view AF on the a300 works the same as it does on the Nikon D5000 so you can't draw a comparison there.

With regards to old lenses, Nikon have the largest back catalogue of compatible optics of any company. Having said that not all old lenses will work on a digital camera, and this is true of all manufacturers.

[TommoR]

Good point, well made. I have been struggling to get thoughts from my brain to my keyboard all day!

[GerryBateson]

I agree about the cheaper Sonys, i thought I had wandered into toys R Us. one point to consider especially if you have no lenses is that the Sony will give you stabilisation whereas you have to has this facility in your lenses. Please correct me if I am wrong.

[chris-p]

It's a shame about the Sony 200 and 300 series. It's only the latest ones as well, the 250, 300 and 350 were fine.

Gerry is also right about image stabilisation. With Sony this is built into the camera whereas Nikon put it in the lenses so if you want it you have to buy "VR" lenses. Having said that, the VR lenses aren't usually much more than a non-VR version - if a non-VR exists at all which often they don't.