Can't decide Nikon or Sony

[dreamn_Disney]

I was all set to buy the Nikon D 5000 when I came across the Sony a500. I like them both now but like the price of the Nikon better. Here is the issue I am having with my camera now.

When I am taking photos of my son he does not stay in one place for long and I miss many good shots waiting for my camera to focus and get the shot. I end up with a lot of photos of him moving on to the next activity. I like to use live view and wonder which camera will have the faster focus and fps. From reviews I have read the Sony is winning the battle in this area. It will only be about $100 more to get the Sony if there is a noticeable difference in fps. Keep in mind I use a Kodak Z712 now and either of these cameras will be an improvement over that.

 

[ukcatfan]

I like to use live view and wonder which camera will have the faster focus and fps.

I am not being rude, but you need to break your live view habit if you want to get better shots in that situation. In many cases, a DSLR will react slower than a p&s in live view. Also, it is using the same af technology as a p&s in live view, so it will never be better. IMO if you do not learn to use the viewfinder, you will likely be right back here talking about how unhappy you are with your DSLR you just invested $1K into. Live view is best suited for situations where you cannot easily look through the viewfinder and tripod work.

FWIW, let me throw another DSLR in to your mix. The Pentax K-x is currently the best bang for the buck in an entry level model. I am not saying it is without a doubt the best one for you, but you should at least consider it.

 

[dreamn_Disney]

I am not being rude, but you need to break your live view habit if you want to get better shots in that situation. In many cases, a DSLR will react slower than a p&s in live view. Also, it is using the same af technology as a p&s in live view, so it will never be better. IMO if you do not learn to use the viewfinder, you will likely be right back here talking about how unhappy you are with your DSLR you just invested $1K into. Live view is best suited for situations where you cannot easily look through the viewfinder and tripod work.

FWIW, let me throw another DSLR in to your mix. The Pentax K-x is currently the best bang for the buck in an entry level model. I am not saying it is without a doubt the best one for you, but you should at least consider it.

Thanks for the honesty. I do not want to invest all this money and not be happy. I have tried to use the viewfinder and find it uncomfortable and have become lazy about it. It was so easy to just turn it on and look at the screen.

 

[VVFF]

Thanks for the honesty. I do not want to invest all this money and not be happy. I have tried to use the viewfinder and find it uncomfortable and have become lazy about it. It was so easy to just turn it on and look at the screen.

Perhaps you would be better suited by a micro four thirds camera then? The Panasonic models are known to be very quick to focus.

 

[ssanders79]

Have you determined which camera body feels better in your hands?

 

[dreamn_Disney]

Have you determined which camera body feels better in your hands?

No, I am heading out here soon to do this. That was why I posted. I know I will purchase on spot and do not want to regret my choice. I think my best bet is try them at the store and just suck it up and use the view finder. I use to use one back in the day. I do not do anything fancy but want to try some different lenses and get the shot. I have now added the Pentax to the list.

 

[JJ71]

I am not being rude, but you need to break your live view habit if you want to get better shots in that situation. In many cases, a DSLR will react slower than a p&s in live view. Also, it is using the same af technology as a p&s in live view, so it will never be better. IMO if you do not learn to use the viewfinder, you will likely be right back here talking about how unhappy you are with your DSLR you just invested $1K into. Live view is best suited for situations where you cannot easily look through the viewfinder and tripod work.

Sony live view is as fast at focusing as the viewfinder, that's the big advantage of their system. Here's a quote from a review:

The beauty of the system is that the Sony A300 and A350 only use the secondary sensor to get a live image to the LCD, not for autofocus. Since it happens in the normal SLR pathway, the normal autofocus system is not interrupted as it is on Live View systems that use the main capture sensor, so there's no blackout, and autofocus is as fast as the system can produce regardless of the viewfinder mode.

 

[zackiedawg]

Exactly...just to add to that on the Sony live view system, which is different from all other DSLR systems - it was specifically designed to be 100% as functional as in viewfinder mode - no loss of focus speed, no loss of focus ability, no loss of shooting speed, shutter speed or lag, etc. It can even shoot 4fps in live view mode. So yes, the answer is for live view shooting, the Sony system will be vastly better than the Nikon system. In viewfinder mode, they're not much different - Sony, Canon, Nikon, Pentax. All fine. And for main sensor live view capabilities, they are all going to be the same too - good for still shooting subjects and such. But for quick live view use, only the Sony system can support it among DSLRs.

The micro 4/3 cameras with no mirrors would also be worth looking at - the Olympus Pen and the Panasonic. They aren't DSLRs, and have no mirror assemblies, so they function much like P&S cameras for focus and shooting...but have larger sensors and interchangeable lenses making them superior to P&S cameras.

I would recommend looking at the Sony A500 or A550 in person, handle it, try out the quick-view live view system, and see how you like it. It is an excellent DSLR, as good as any other manufacturer, and has a completely unique live view system that is excellent for those who want to shoot 'normally' using the LCD. And if you decide to use the viewfinder more, which would be useful in improving your photography skills and your stability when shooting, well the Sony can work wonderfully that way too, just as any other DSLR.

 

[ukcatfan]

Even with a responsive LV system, I would still suggest the OP try and learn to use the viewfinder. Not only is it better technical form (i.e. less bad pics from camera shake) but you also risk unwanted light entering the viewfinder and making it down to the sensor messing up your shot. It is a minor risk, but can happen.

 

[JJ71]

Even with a responsive LV system, I would still suggest the OP try and learn to use the viewfinder. Not only is it better technical form (i.e. less bad pics from camera shake) but you also risk unwanted light entering the viewfinder and making it down to the sensor messing up your shot. It is a minor risk, but can happen.

I agree the OP would be well-served by using the viewfinder when appropriate (for me it is at about 80% of the time). But a good LV system + articulated screen can really help in certain situations– shooting low for kids, shooting over crowds, etc. In-body anti-shake from several vendors helps; and I know with the Sony system the switch which changes to LV also closes a shutter over the viewfinder. So stray light is not an issue there.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Even with a responsive LV system, I would still suggest the OP try and learn to use the viewfinder. Not only is it better technical form (i.e. less bad pics from camera shake) but you also risk unwanted light entering the viewfinder and making it down to the sensor messing up your shot. It is a minor risk, but can happen.

Live view with the articulating screen could be a big plus for shooting kids. No getting down on your knees and it may not be as obvious to them if they are running around and playing.

LOL - I see somone else already said this! Must read further down

And, the Sony live view is done differently than other systems and actually is "live".

 

[zackiedawg]

Even with a responsive LV system, I would still suggest the OP try and learn to use the viewfinder. Not only is it better technical form (i.e. less bad pics from camera shake) but you also risk unwanted light entering the viewfinder and making it down to the sensor messing up your shot. It is a minor risk, but can happen.

100% agreed on using the viewfinder. Despite the fact that I love having Sony's dual-mode live view, I actually shoot with my viewfinder about 90% of the time. The live view and tilt LCD screen comes in handy for tripod night shots, low or high angle shooting where you can't put your eye to the finder like overhead or at your feet without lying on the ground.

In general, one's stance and stability is greatly improved when the camera is up to your eye using the viewfinder.

(as mentioned above, Sony does use a trick little shutter that closes the viewfinder whenever in live view mode...pretty cool approach, that they started back with their A300/350 cameras).

 

[ukcatfan]

(as mentioned above, Sony does use a trick little shutter that closes the viewfinder whenever in live view mode...pretty cool approach, that they started back with their A300/350 cameras).

FWIW, all the manufacturers could be doing this now. I remember seeing comments about it being a potential problem when LV was still a new thing and never kept up with updates since I don't use LV very often.

 

[pgowder]

I was all set to buy the Nikon D 5000 when I came across the Sony a500. I like them both now but like the price of the Nikon better. Here is the issue I am having with my camera now.

When I am taking photos of my son he does not stay in one place for long and I miss many good shots waiting for my camera to focus and get the shot. I end up with a lot of photos of him moving on to the next activity. I like to use live view and wonder which camera will have the faster focus and fps. From reviews I have read the Sony is winning the battle in this area. It will only be about $100 more to get the Sony if there is a noticeable difference in fps. Keep in mind I use a Kodak Z712 now and either of these cameras will be an improvement over that.

I just switched from Sony to Nikon. My A700 is on eBay right now.

The biggest reason for my switch was for the better ISO performance in Nikon. And I do a lot of low light photography.

But having said that, I'm also looking forward to being in the Nikon family for other reasons. Buying a camera from Canon or Nikon has lots of benefits that you don't realize until you've had another brands camera for awhile. And these are little things, but if you are debating between the two they all add up.

When you look for accessories from 3rd parties it is tough to find things for Sony. It's getting better, but there is just so much more available for Canon and Nikon. And if you want to rent a lens or buy a used lens off eBay, there are 1000's more available to you with Nikon!

I'd loved my A700 and Minolta 7D though. they are great cameras. Again my need is pretty specific.

But if I was faced with the decision now I wouldn't hesitate to go Nikon!

 

[dreamn_Disney]

Thanks you all for the information and I did go out a try cameras. When I left the house Canon wasn't even on the list of cameras but once I held it, I loved it. I even was comfortable with the viewfinder. There is a big difference between this viewfinder and the one on my p&s.

Since I am going to move away from live view and towards the viewfinder I do not need anything more, at this time, than the Canon XS or the Nikon D3000. The Nikon didn't have a better feel in my hand than the Canon and the store has a great deal going on for the Canon at this time. I will be going back today and making my final choice.

 

[Evad]

Thanks you all for the information and I did go out a try cameras. When I left the house Canon wasn't even on the list of cameras but once I held it, I loved it. I even was comfortable with the viewfinder. There is a big difference between this viewfinder and the one on my p&s.

Since I am going to move away from live view and towards the viewfinder I do not need anything more, at this time, than the Canon XS or the Nikon D3000. The Nikon didn't have a better feel in my hand than the Canon and the store has a great deal going on for the Canon at this time. I will be going back today and making my final choice.

Keep us posted on what you decide but IMO Nikon is the way to go....





I'm not biased or anything.

 

[ukcatfan]

You probably did not even get to see the Pentax. Unfortunately they are moving to more of an online sales presence, which is a shame if you ask me. I originally was sold on the Rebel XT but once I held the Nikon D50 and Pentax K100D, I immediately dropped the Canon from the list. I ended up with the Pentax because I liked the features it had over the D50. The K-x is a really nice camera at only about $500, but I really think they are losing sales by not having them in the big box stores.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

You probably did not even get to see the Pentax. Unfortunately they are moving to more of an online sales presence, which is a shame if you ask me. I originally was sold on the Rebel XT but once I held the Nikon D50 and Pentax K100D, I immediately dropped the Canon from the list. I ended up with the Pentax because I liked the features it had over the D50. The K-x is a really nice camera at only about $500, but I really think they are losing sales by not having them in the big box stores.

Unless they went to a camera store they probably didn't get a chance to see the Sony A500 either. Best buy will ONLY carry the lower end Sony's. The one camera store left in our area does carry Pentax - or at least they were still at Christmas.

 

[dreamn_Disney]

Unless they went to a camera store they probably didn't get a chance to see the Sony A500 either. Best buy will ONLY carry the lower end Sony's. The one camera store left in our area does carry Pentax - or at least they were still at Christmas.

Best Buy was a big joke. I left there, a 30 mile drive from my home, and went another 25 miles further to an actual camera store. There I was able to hold everything but the Pentax.

I ended up with the Canon because I liked how it felt in my hands. I really wanted to fall in love with the Nikon but I just liked the Canon better. I also found out my Uncle uses one and will lend me lenses when I want to use a special lens for something. Who can refuse the use of free lenses?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Best Buy was a big joke. I left there, a 30 mile drive from my home, and went another 25 miles further to an actual camera store. There I was able to hold everything but the Pentax.

I ended up with the Canon because I liked how it felt in my hands. I really wanted to fall in love with the Nikon but I just liked the Canon better. I also found out my Uncle uses one and will lend me lenses when I want to use a special lens for something. Who can refuse the use of free lenses?

Yes, Best Buy may be an electronics store but isn't much of a camera store. That's great you had a camera store to go to that wasn't too far away. They're becoming more and more difficult to find!

And congrats on your camera! Have lots of fun with it!!