Help on deciding on a D-SLR

[mrbrightside623]

Hey all, I'm looking into getting into photography and been looking at a few DSL-Rs currently. The ones I been looking at is the Sony a380, Nikon D5000, and the Nikon D90. Since I'm just starting out, I'm fine with a 18-105mm lens. As for the Sony, I was told by the camera salesman that the Konica Minolta lenses that I already have will fit onto the a380. So I am in search for your opinions on what to pick. A Nikon with a 18-105mm lens or a Sony body and use the current lenses I already have? Which is better and why? Also for the Nikon, which is better and why.

Thanks in advance.

-Tony

[a350]

The AF Minolta lenses will work on the Sony alphas.
I am not a fan of the 380, the 350 is better in my opinion, better yet get the 700, I have the 350 and 700. 350 is great when I want live view and 700 is great when I want to shot action or do HDR's.

What will follow this post, a slew of people telling you to get either Nikon or Canon.
Go and try all the cameras for yourself, pick the one that feels best to YOU.
If you already have a lot of Minolta lenses than that's a plus for Sony.

[mrbrightside623]

The AF Minolta lenses will work on the Sony alphas.
I am not a fan of the 380, the 350 is better in my opinion, better yet get the 700, I have the 350 and 700. 350 is great when I want live view and 700 is great when I want to shot action or do HDR's.

What will follow this post, a slew of people telling you to get either Nikon or Canon.
Go and try all the cameras for yourself, pick the one that feels best to YOU.
If you already have a lot of Minolta lenses than that's a plus for Sony.

I tested out the said cameras and am pulling towards a nikon but the cost is what's getting me. The Sony to me feels weird to hold for the a330 since they didn't have the a380 in stock but looks like the same type of grip. I like how the D90 and D5000 feels when held. The reason I don't want the a700 is because of no Live View shooting which I sort of need due to my vision. The Sony does have really fast live view shots on the a330 and I'm going to assume the same for the a380. I do currently have a good amount of Minolta lenses which would be a smarter pick for me when considering budget but I like how the nikon has video recording as well even tho I already have a video camera. It's just the convenience to it. I will wait on more opinions to see what people think before relaying it to my dad to see what he thinks. Right now he is thinking Sony due to having the Minolta lenses already and the cost.

-Tony

[TheStrudel]

The Nikon D90 is far superior unless you want to shoot crappy video on your DSLR. As I'm a firm believer in dedicated devices - and there are many reasons for this, including but not limited to the breadth of shooting controls and ergonomics, if you had to pick one, pick the D90 and splash out other money with which to shoot video. Unless, of course, you absolutely have to have a DSLR that shoots video.

I suggest the Nikon as a camera because I think Canon and Nikon are at the forefront of the DSLR market, both in tech and products, and if you pick either of those, you can get a lot of really good used lenses very cheaply. Note that older lenses will not autofocus on the D5000, I think, but will on the D90.

[mrbrightside623]

The Nikon D90 is far superior unless you want to shoot crappy video on your DSLR. As I'm a firm believer in dedicated devices - and there are many reasons for this, including but not limited to the breadth of shooting controls and ergonomics, if you had to pick one, pick the D90 and splash out other money with which to shoot video. Unless, of course, you absolutely have to have a DSLR that shoots video.

I suggest the Nikon as a camera because I think Canon and Nikon are at the forefront of the DSLR market, both in tech and products, and if you pick either of those, you can get a lot of really good used lenses very cheaply. Note that older lenses will not autofocus on the D5000, I think, but will on the D90.

Yes I liked the ergonomics of the D90 because it just felt right in my hand. As for video.... nothing really needed for me since I already got a Panasonic HDC-TM300 for HD video. So far I found a bundle from Adorama for the D90 at just a little over $1200 which comes with a 18-105mm VR lens, spare battery, camera bag, and pro cleaning kit which is pretty good to me. It's just convincing my dad to get it for me :D he like the D90 but because of money.... he is considering the Sony a380 which I don't like how it feels in my hand but he says it'll save us money because we already got Minolta Lenses.

-Tony

[leighonigar]

Which minolta lenses do you have? Remember the crop factor - you are unlikely to have anything which will be a wide-angle on APS-C.

[a350]

Try looking for a a350, I've seen deals on them around my area.
$699 for the body, 18-70, 50-200, vertical grip all new in box at ritz. The 350 will feel much better in your hand than the 380, the 380's are a joke when it comes to design.
Sony's image stabilization is built into the body so all the lenses you have will take advantage of that.
D90 $900 camera
a350 $500 camera, apples to oranges here.

[clams]

Try looking for a a350, I've seen deals on them around my area.
$699 for the body, 18-70, 50-200, vertical grip all new in box at ritz. The 350 will feel much better in your hand than the 380, the 380's are a joke when it comes to design.
Sony's image stabilization is built into the body so all the lenses you have will take advantage of that.
D90 $900 camera
a350 $500 camera, apples to oranges here.

One thing that you should definitely consider here is the fact that Sony just is not up to Nikon and Canon's snuff when it comes to noise at low light photography. Both Nikon and Canon are undoubtedly industry standards for controlling noise in consumer dSLRs. Take this into consideration if you would ever decide on taking pictures indoors. Although the image stabilization of the Sony helps, both Canon and Nikon are making this feature very affordable in their consumer zooms.

[TheStrudel]

If ergonomics are important to you, buy the camera that is most comfortable. I can't stress the importance of this enough, which is why I often tell people to try holding and using the cameras they're interested in. Splash out for the D90 if you can, since you seem to like it best. My D80, the previous generation of it, has been an excellent performer.

[HBOC]

Yes I liked the ergonomics of the D90 because it just felt right in my hand. As for video.... nothing really needed for me since I already got a Panasonic HDC-TM300 for HD video. So far I found a bundle from Adorama for the D90 at just a little over $1200 which comes with a 18-105mm VR lens, spare battery, camera bag, and pro cleaning kit which is pretty good to me. It's just convincing my dad to get it for me :D he like the D90 but because of money.... he is considering the Sony a380 which I don't like how it feels in my hand but he says it'll save us money because we already got Minolta Lenses.

-Tony

if i were you, i would see if you can get a better deal. Most likely, the camera bag is garbage, the spare battery is off-brand, and the cleaning kit...what ever..

There is ABSOLUTELY nothing wrong with third party batteries. A lot of them are actually better than the OEMs. But with this said kit, They charge you for the extras. I am sure if you look around, you can get a better deal with just the body and that lens.

[toxic]

to start with, "SLR" is a single acronym. there is no hyphen. it stands for "single-lens reflex," meaning it has a mirror that flips up and down. "D" is added when specifically referring to digital.

I tested out the said cameras and am pulling towards a nikon but the cost is what's getting me. The Sony to me feels weird to hold for the a330 since they didn't have the a380 in stock but looks like the same type of grip.

great. rule out all the Sonys.

I like how the D90 and D5000 feels when held. The reason I don't want the a700 is because of no Live View shooting which I sort of need due to my vision. The Sony does have really fast live view shots on the a330 and I'm going to assume the same for the a380.

why would you need Live View because of your vision? do you have some sort of medical condition, or do you just where glasses? if the latter, there should be no major issues wearing glasses and using a viewfinder. if it bothers you, you can try contact lenses or changing the diopter in the camera to match your vision.

Live View is a poor substitute for a viewfinder, and you pay the price in sensor heat and slow AF speed.

I do currently have a good amount of Minolta lenses which would be a smarter pick for me when considering budget

you haven't told us what lenses those are. they may become awkward focal lengths on APS-C, and if they're manual focus, you'll have to practice a lot to get good results from crappy DSLR viewfinders.

is there any reason why you've ruled out Olympus or Pentax? both of those are cheaper than Nikon.

[cube]

why would you need Live View because of your vision? do you have some sort of medical condition, or do you just where glasses? if the latter, there should be no major issues wearing glasses and using a viewfinder. if it bothers you, you can try contact lenses or changing the diopter in the camera to match your vision.


The eyepoint of Nikon DSLRs is very poor after the D100.
Contact lenses and diopter adjustment are no options for many people.

[a350]

great. rule out all the Sonys.



why would you need Live View because of your vision? do you have some sort of medical condition, or do you just where glasses? if the latter, there should be no major issues wearing glasses and using a viewfinder. if it bothers you, you can try contact lenses or changing the diopter in the camera to match your vision.

Live View is a poor substitute for a viewfinder, and you pay the price in sensor heat and slow AF speed.


the a350 uses a second sensor for it's live view so this statement does not apply to the sony

[cube]

For good ergonomics, including wearing glasses, you can get a used D100 for $200.

[mrbrightside623]

to start with, "SLR" is a single acronym. there is no hyphen. it stands for "single-lens reflex," meaning it has a mirror that flips up and down. "D" is added when specifically referring to digital.



great. rule out all the Sonys.



why would you need Live View because of your vision? do you have some sort of medical condition, or do you just where glasses? if the latter, there should be no major issues wearing glasses and using a viewfinder. if it bothers you, you can try contact lenses or changing the diopter in the camera to match your vision.

Live View is a poor substitute for a viewfinder, and you pay the price in sensor heat and slow AF speed.



you haven't told us what lenses those are. they may become awkward focal lengths on APS-C, and if they're manual focus, you'll have to practice a lot to get good results from crappy DSLR viewfinders.

is there any reason why you've ruled out Olympus or Pentax? both of those are cheaper than Nikon.

Didn't think was a spelling bee and I misplaced the hyphen by accident and didn't bother to change location since I'm sure people know what I'm talking about. I do not have a medical condition and yes I do wear glasses but my vision is so bad that the diopter doesn't help me because it still looks blurred because I have severe astigmatism. As for contact lenses, I don't like the fact of having something in my eyes because I rub my eyes a lot even with glasses so that's a bad idea. As for lenses.... I'm in the process of upping some pics of them since this camera is mainly my dad's and he just gave it to me for learning but plans on getting me a D-SLR since it's simpler than going through a roll of film and finding out it was really out of focus or something. As for Olympus or Pentax.... It's not my major choice in picking since my dad is getting it for me. He prefers Canon and Nikon over those so I'm in no obligation to go against the one who is buying the camera for me.

The eyepoint of Nikon DSLRs is very poor after the D100.
Contact lenses and diopter adjustment are no options for many people.

I Agree.

the a350 uses a second sensor for it's live view so this statement does not apply to the sony

Yes, I have read about that and that's the reason it is so fast in processing it to the LV.

[mrbrightside623]

http://s877.photobucket.com/albums/ab332/mrbrightside623/

Here is the pic of the Minolta camera and the lenses.
To a350: These lenses should fit the a350 or a380 should I go with them right?

-Tony

[a350]

yes the lenses will work on all the sony alphas
not sure on the tele converter

[mrbrightside623]

yes the lenses will work on all the sony alphas
not sure on the tele converter

Ok thanks. Can you please tell me the difference between the a350 and a380? I know the ergonomics on the a350 is better for I have tried it yesterday as well and thought it felt so much better in my hand than the a330 which has the same grip as the a380. What does the a350 have over the a380 and vice versa?

-Tony

[a350]

sony went backwards with the 380 i would go for a 350, would not get the 380

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=sony_dslra350%2Csony_dslra380&show=all


maybe even get the a300 it's the same as the 350 just less megapixels.
or wait to see what sony releases in the next few months, plenty of rumors about a 500 series

[mrbrightside623]

sony went backwards with the 380 i would go for a 350, would not get the 380

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=sony_dslra350%2Csony_dslra380&show=all


maybe even get the a300 it's the same as the 350 just less megapixels.
or wait to see what sony releases in the next few months, plenty of rumors about a 500 series

Just looked at the link you gave me and they seem identical minus some stuff here and here which is minor but I noticed the storage card is a CF on the a350. I sort of don't want to go back to using CF since I have stacks of SD and a few MS already... but ugh hate how it feels lol. I will discuss it with my dad and see what he thinks since I know he doesn't want to buy additional cards.
Thanks for your help a350. As for the rumored 500 series you said.... it might be out of my price range. But I will take the Sony into consideration due to the lenses I already have and will be saving money due to it.

-Tony

[a350]

sony has an adapter so you can use your ms duo cards

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=11034265&tab=featuresTab

it's pricey to get through sony ($55) but may find elsewhere for much cheaper amazon($45 used).

i've seen sd to cf adapters from $11 on amazon so there are adapters out there for cheap, not sure the compatibility or quality.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DKO7R8/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=304485901&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000NVD1ZW&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0WWYF15DNE4FEJATV3AG

[mrbrightside623]

sony has an adapter so you can use your ms duo cards

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=11034265&tab=featuresTab

it's pricey to get through sony ($55) but may find elsewhere for much cheaper amazon($45 used).

i've seen sd to cf adapters from $11 on amazon so there are adapters out there for cheap, not sure the compatibility or quality.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DKO7R8/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=304485901&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000NVD1ZW&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0WWYF15DNE4FEJATV3AG

Only have 3 MS pro duo cards so no need for an adapter since I mainly use it on my PSP. As for the SD/SDHC to CF adapter... looks great. was just reading comments on it and is rated pretty good minus no support for eye-fi as one said and another saying it might not fit some devices since it is a bit thicker to incorporate the converter? but yea I will take this into consideration since it is best for me. No on tested 32gb SD card in it yet but says a 16GB card will work which is the max I have currently. One of the guys said he hasn't seen any performance decrease to it so that's a plus for me.

-Tony

[mrbrightside623]

Hey a350 what do you think of the 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 & DT 55-200mm f/4-5.6 Zoom Lenses that comes with the Sony a350x? or should I just get body only and utilize my own lenses? the a350x coming with those 2 lenses from amazon.com costs $813

-Tony

[a350]

18-70 is ok, plastic mount.
don't have the 50-200
here is a list of the lenses i have now.


Zoom lenses
* Sony ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* DT16-80mm 3.5-4.5 za Great

* Sony 18-70mm 3.5-5.6 (kit lens) good

* Sony 75-300mm 4.5-5.6 good to great

* Quantaray 70-210mm 4-5.6 good

* Quantaray 28-90mm 3.5-5.6 great

* Minolta 24-85mm 3.5-4.5 good

Prime lenses
* Sony 500mm f8 Reflex great

* Sony 50mm 1.4 great

* Minolta 28mm 2.8 good

[a350]

the a350x coming with those 2 lenses from amazon.com costs $813

-Tony

thats high

Ritz had them for $699.99
with 18-70, 55-200, and the vertical grip

[luminosity]

The eyepoint of Nikon DSLRs is very poor after the D100.
Contact lenses and diopter adjustment are no options for many people.

That's not true, at least in my experience. I had no trouble with the D300, let alone the D700, which takes its cue from the D3, which has a huge viewfinder.

[cube]

That's not true, at least in my experience. I had no trouble with the D300, let alone the D700, which takes its cue from the D3, which has a huge viewfinder.

A big viewfinder is even worse when the eyepoint is so small.

[luminosity]

A big viewfinder is even worse when the eyepoint is so small.

Seems big enough to me, and I wear glasses for everything.

[toxic]

As for Olympus or Pentax.... It's not my major choice in picking since my dad is getting it for me. He prefers Canon and Nikon over those so I'm in no obligation to go against the one who is buying the camera for me.

forgot to add this to my first post, but Sony and Olympus' implementation of Live View is more like point-&-shoots than Canon or Nikon's. dunno if Pentax has Live View yet... so if you want the LCD to replace the viewfinder, Nikon might not be for you.

A big viewfinder is even worse when the eyepoint is so small.

i have no issues using glasses with a 5D, which also has a large viewfinder.

[cube]

i have no issues using glasses with a 5D, which also has a large viewfinder.

The 5D Mark II has an eyepoint of 21mm, while the D3 is only 18.
The first 5D had 20mm.

[mrbrightside623]

I can get use to the view finder but like I said I need LV to help with my vision issues. But my dad was looking at the D90 comparing it to our point and shoot Canon Powershot a640 and said resolution is pretty close to each other... in other words he doesn't wanna get it due to it being close to each other in resolution so I suggested the Canon 50D which is high res but doesn't have live view for taking pictures which I guess is ok for me. I was at Best Buy yesterday and tested it and liked it even tho I couldn't use LV to see what I was taking. So I'm still trying to decide and persuade my dad.

-Tony

[cube]

You don't compare megapixel count. P&S have too many. The quality of the DSLR images will be WAY WAY better.

People say the 50D is worse than the 40D because it has too many megapixels too.

[ProwlingTiger]

You don't compare megapixel count. P&S have too many. The quality of the DSLR images will be WAY WAY better.

People say the 50D is worse than the 40D because it has too many megapixels too.

The 50D has more megapixels, but on the same size sensor. The IQ is part of the reason I shoot 40D instead of 50D.

[toxic]

But my dad was looking at the D90 comparing it to our point and shoot Canon Powershot a640 and said resolution is pretty close to each other... in other words he doesn't wanna get it due to it being close to each other in resolution

resolution is a function of lens resolution and sensor size (and technology, to a lesser extent). the lowest of DSLRs are superior to the highest of point-&-shoots in this regard. megapixels have little to do with it.

[compuwar]

But my dad was looking at the D90 comparing it to our point and shoot Canon Powershot a640 and said resolution is pretty close to each other... in other words he doesn't wanna get it due to it being close to each other in resolution

Take him to a store like Best Buy that has the D90 in stock and bring along the Powershot. Take the same picture with each, then go to Wal*Mart and get an 8x10 print made from each. The ~$8 it will cost will quickly put the number of megapixels myth to rest.

[mrbrightside623]

Take him to a store like Best Buy that has the D90 in stock and bring along the Powershot. Take the same picture with each, then go to Wal*Mart and get an 8x10 print made from each. The ~$8 it will cost will quickly put the number of megapixels myth to rest.

Understandable. So far we just took pics with the 50D and the D90 using our own SD card and brought it home to compare on the computer when blown up bigger. I guess that isn't a good way to compare. I know my dad wants a DSLR as well but my dad just wants to find a way out of buying it for me since he owes me lol. But I will explain what you guys have said. I know he knows all this since the minolta is his. He knows a lot about cameras which is why I know he trying to get out of buying it for me through that same resolution comparison.

-Tony

[compuwar]

Understandable. So far we just took pics with the 50D and the D90 using our own SD card and brought it home to compare on the computer when blown up bigger. I guess that isn't a good way to compare. I know my dad wants a DSLR as well but my dad just wants to find a way out of buying it for me since he owes me lol. But I will explain what you guys have said. I know he knows all this since the minolta is his. He knows a lot about cameras which is why I know he trying to get out of buying it for me through that same resolution comparison.

-Tony

*Seriously* evaluate prints from images shot side-by-side at the same ISO and aperture. 8x10 is a reasonable size and under $2/print. Looking at images on a screen won't show you the differences as well as putting two prints side-by-side will. If you shoot at base ISO, somewhere in the middle and high ISO you'll get the best comparison- shifting apertures to see the lens sweet spots.

[Zion21]

A big viewfinder is even worse when the eyepoint is so small.https://tipgnome.com/images/smile.gif

Yeah you hit the nail on the head. Nothing is more annoying then a big viewfinder with a small eye point. Check out the canons

[John.B]

... in other words he doesn't wanna get it due to it being close to each other in resolution so I suggested the Canon 50D which is high res but doesn't have live view for taking pictures which I guess is ok for me.
Huh? :confused:

I have a 50D and it most assuredly does have live view.

Which, IMO, isn't useful except on a tripod, zoomed in, to check critical focus. Its not something you'd want to use normally like on a P&S, and for the same reason; it's s-l-o-w. It can be difficult to explain to someone new to a dSLR, but that viewfinder is your friend. Its part of the system that gives you the ability to almost instantaneously get a shot. If you're good with shutter lag, you can save boatloads of money staying with a P&S. My 2¢.

[cube]

The Nikons below D300 don't have "hand-held" live view.

The Olympus have it similar to the D300 (but the old E-330 also had another mode with an extra sensor like Sony).

[mrbrightside623]

Huh? :confused:

I have a 50D and it most assuredly does have live view.

Which, IMO, isn't useful except on a tripod, zoomed in, to check critical focus. Its not something you'd want to use normally like on a P&S, and for the same reason; it's s-l-o-w. It can be difficult to explain to someone new to a dSLR, but that viewfinder is your friend. Its part of the system that gives you the ability to almost instantaneously get a shot. If you're good with shutter lag, you can save boatloads of money staying with a P&S. My 2¢.

I guess I was misinformed >_<

The Nikons below D300 don't have "hand-held" live view.

The Olympus have it similar to the D300 (but the old E-330 also had another mode with an extra sensor like Sony).

What do you mean by "hand-held" live view?

[cube]

What do you mean by "hand-held" live view?

That is what it's called by Nikon. You press the AF button, the mirror goes down, and it makes a fast phase-detect AF.

Their cheaper cameras only have the slow contrast-detect "Tripod" mode, which maintains the live view but uses the imaging sensor.

[mrbrightside623]

That is what it's called by Nikon. You press the AF button, the mirror goes down, and it makes a fast phase-detect AF.

Their cheaper cameras only have the slow contrast-detect "Tripod" mode, which maintains the live view but uses the imaging sensor.

thanks for the clarification.

[HBOC]

But my dad was looking at the D90 comparing it to our point and shoot Canon Powershot a640 and said resolution is pretty close to each other... in other words he doesn't wanna get it due to it being close to each other in resolution so I suggested the Canon 50D which is high res but doesn't have live view for taking pictures which I guess is ok for me. I was at Best Buy yesterday and tested it and liked it even tho I couldn't use LV to see what I was taking. So I'm still trying to decide and persuade my dad.

-Tony


Sensor size has soo much to do with IQ on cameras. I just love how the marketing department of all these manufacturers use megapixels as a selling point. Too many MP on a small sensor results in heavy use of AA filters on the sensors to try and keep noise under control. The difference in 4 megapixels on a P&S are a wash. How many people actually enlarge pictures larger than 8x10? most people use them to get 5x7s and to post the pictures online. An 8Mp P&S can do enlargements of 8x10 with no problems.

And remember, the sensor size on a P&S is the size of a dime, whereas most DSLRs (except higher end ones, ie full frame cameras or the 1D series (Canon) ) are quite a bit larger.

The G10, for example (14MP), has a sensor size of 7.60x5.70mm. The XSI has a sensor size of 22.3x14.9mm. But they shoved more megapixels on the G10, which i think 12MP was more than enough (G9).

[cube]

http://6mpixel.org/en/?page_id=32