Need opinions on which Entry-level SLR to buy? Nikon/Sony?

[gwend-n]

Hi all! I'm finally getting a SLR for myself. However, I don't know which model to get.

I've been eying Nikon D3000 from the start. But when I got to the MS Colour shop, the man introduced me to Sony. If I'm not wrong the model was Sony ALPHA DSLR-A300.

The price specs of both models at the store: Both kits cost $899, but the man quoted my mom a price of 880bucks for the Sony one. The functions are similar, except for the fact that the Sony model has a flip-out LCD screen with Live View, which comes in handy for me since I LOVE taking macro shots.

Then again, he IS a Sony SLR user. Not surprised if he made me get all hyped up myself about Sony.

 

[shaoken]

Why not try reading through reviews or compare these 2 cameras?
See which one suits you better in terms of functions.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sidebyside.asp

 

[renzokuken]

Hi all! I'm finally getting a SLR for myself. However, I don't know which model to get.

I've been eying Nikon D3000 from the start. But when I got to the MS Colour shop, the man introduced me to Sony. If I'm not wrong the model was Sony ALPHA DSLR-A300.

The price specs of both models at the store: Both kits cost $899, but the man quoted my mom a price of 880bucks for the Sony one. The functions are similar, except for the fact that the Sony model has a flip-out LCD screen with Live View, which comes in handy for me since I LOVE taking macro shots.

Then again, he IS a Sony SLR user. Not surprised if he made me get all hyped up myself about Sony.

i think you've answered your own question

 

[Galdor]

Both are pretty decent cameras. I would suggest that you try out the Sony A300 to see if you like it cos most people feel that the grip is too small (including myself). The Live View on the Sony is pretty good and effective with it's fast AF and the build in image stabiliser is also a plus.

 

[JW73]

I m canon user..go for Nikon.
Easier to upgrade later with more lens n accessories widely available in the new and used market. When considering a dlsr, it's more into expanding later.
Sony is good too but I would weigh and consider the a/m.

James

 

[Rashkae]

I'd say go for the Sony. At least it has a built-in AF motor so you won't be limited in your lens choices, and the built-in IS, tilt-LCD and fast autofocus in liveview are good. Also, sony has enough lenses to cover pretty much any need. Unless you want to collect 30-40 lenses that all overlap each other's capabilities...

As for the second hand market, just look at the Sony marketplace section here. More then enough choices.

 

[gwend-n]

I m canon user..go for Nikon.
Easier to upgrade later with more lens n accessories widely available in the new and used market. When considering a dlsr, it's more into expanding later.
Sony is good too but I would weigh and consider the a/m.

James

Yeah but Nikon D3000 is made in such a way you can only use Nikon DX lenses. Thats one of the main things I'm concerned about. If I ever wanna change lenses its gonna be a problem for me in terms of price. Haven't thought of any other Nikon models haha.

 

[android17]

I m canon user..go for Nikon.
Easier to upgrade later with more lens n accessories widely available in the new and used market. When considering a dlsr, it's more into expanding later.
Sony is good too but I would weigh and consider the a/m.

James

The Sony alpha has more lens to choose from compared to d3000.

D3000 can't use the full range of Nikon af lenses due to lack of focus motor

 

[hawk987]

why not try Pentax Kx

 

[android17]

Btw Ts, the sales man trying to sell u a300 or a330.

Last month when I check with ms colour they quote me $820 (without bargaining) for a330 with 18-55 kit lens.

 

[LBL2009]

Go back to the shop. Do a blind test. Close your eyes and ask the sale person to put a camera in your hands. Hold and feel it. Then another one. The one you feel most comfortable with is the one you should buy.

 

[Reportage]

If you can top up the budget. i do recommend the D5000 which in a way is a cheaper D90. It doesnt have a built in focus motor but unless you have a collection of really old Nikkor antiques, wont be an issue.

 

[artspraken]

D90...

 

[gwend-n]

Btw Ts, the sales man trying to sell u a300 or a330.

Last month when I check with ms colour they quote me $820 (without bargaining) for a330 with 18-55 kit lens.

He's trying to sell me A300 I think. Or wait, was it A330? Oops I think it was A330! Haha. A300 he's selling at $699. Which MS Colour did you go to? I went to the AMK one. My mom kept bargaining and he said $880.

 

[gwend-n]

Go back to the shop. Do a blind test. Close your eyes and ask the sale person to put a camera in your hands. Hold and feel it. Then another one. The one you feel most comfortable with is the one you should buy.

HAHA! Then it would most definitely be Nikon D3000. The grip was comparatively bigger and more comfortable, I felt weird holding the Sony one but after trying it out for a while it felt better. Just really small.

 

[Joispig]

Here's my suggestions.

1) Surf more in this forum.
There are many info here whcih you can use.

2) Try the cameras out.
U will know what u like after handing it.

3) Think of what you want in the long run.
If you do not intend to get real seriou in this, get one that can last longer..

I am also new here, surf this forum for weeks before getting my 1st DSLR. Initially plan on either D3000 or A330 but after playing with them again and again in SOny Style shop and Courts I dont like the grip, too small. Then change my mind to D5000. But after reading more in this forum. I eventually bought the A500.

Reasons :

1) I take this as a hobby, do intend to upgrade any time soon. I think the A500 can last me longer.

2) Built in auto focus and image stabilizer, lenses cost much lesser than Nikon D5000 lenses.

I exceeded my initial budget by a few hundreds but I think I should save more in future. I still like Nikon more, even now, but in the end I chose Sony..

Btw, my brother is using Nikon D300 and D70 with a range of lenses which I can borrow, but I chose to be independent as I dont think I can keep borrowing from him, dont feel comfortable using his precious lenses.. And finally I also like to buy buy and buy when bonus day arrives... Haha..

 

[JW73]

The Sony alpha has more lens to choose from compared to d3000.

D3000 can't use the full range of Nikon af lenses due to lack of focus motor

I am talking about Nikon on the whole. Not just that camera which will be obsolete in no time. When the time comes...Then it's easiler to sell Nikon stuff as in fact there are more users out there.

I have no reason to support N. But just my opinion.

I used to be a Minolta user..Minolta is now Sony. When I get more serious, I want to buy some higher end lens..because of less Professionals are using, normal shops won't stock those lens I want. They will tell u must special order here and there. But if u remain as hobby and general shots, Sony is great. Canon or Nikon, anytime got stocks.

 

[agentxq49]

Nikon
Good:
Great high end camera for you to choose from if you plan to upgrade, then again, if you can top up more, i'd say get a d5000 or a d90 instead.
d3000 has a nice guide mode for those people are lazy to read up on google
Good selection of AF-S lenses

Bad:
The d3000 doesn't do very well in high ISO, then again, i'm not too sure about the sony.
Can only use AF-S lenses, and they are EXPENSIVE compared to their non-AF-S counterparts (eg wide angle lens from tokina, and the 50mm f1.8)
Does not have live view

Alpha
Good:
Fast live view autofocus (this is due to a second sensor for live view, such that it doesn't bypass the original AF system in the mirror)
IS in body, thus don't need to worry about VR lenses
Has an AF-screw for usage of non built-in motor lenses (not so sure about this, can clarify?)
Tilt-screen

Bad:
Less consumer base (less 2nd hand lenses)
Less range of lenses


I'm a nikon user, and i'd say, if you don't plan to futher your photography usage into the high end cameras and lenses, go for sony, if you plan to, go for nikon.
Nonetheless, based on these 2 camera bodies, and their prices, sony wins hands down.

Hope this helps

 

[gwend-n]

Nikon
Good:
Great high end camera for you to choose from if you plan to upgrade, then again, if you can top up more, i'd say get a d5000 or a d90 instead.
d3000 has a nice guide mode for those people are lazy to read up on google
Good selection of AF-S lenses

Bad:
The d3000 doesn't do very well in high ISO, then again, i'm not too sure about the sony.
Can only use AF-S lenses, and they are EXPENSIVE compared to their non-AF-S counterparts (eg wide angle lens from tokina, and the 50mm f1.8)
Does not have live view

Alpha
Good:
Fast live view autofocus (this is due to a second sensor for live view, such that it doesn't bypass the original AF system in the mirror)
IS in body, thus don't need to worry about VR lenses
Has an AF-screw for usage of non built-in motor lenses (not so sure about this, can clarify?)
Tilt-screen

Bad:
Less consumer base (less 2nd hand lenses)
Less range of lenses


I'm a nikon user, and i'd say, if you don't plan to futher your photography usage into the high end cameras and lenses, go for sony, if you plan to, go for nikon.
Nonetheless, based on these 2 camera bodies, and their prices, sony wins hands down.

Hope this helps

Thank you very much! That's real helpful

I can tell you're a Nikon user? Then again, since I'm not the one paying for the camera I don't want to spend too much or I'll feel real bad for my mom who's gonna pay for the whole thing. What you said about planning to further = Nikon and not = Sony, I DO want to further this hobby of mine :cry: but sadly, I'm just a kid who hasn't earned enough money to support this expensive hobby of mine haha even though I'm REAL keen on the Nikon one.

 

[Titan10k]

If you don't like the a330 grip, try the a300, if stock still available. Get the d3000 if you want to pay more for less.