Nikon D40 or Sony A200K??

[kenny]

Looking to make an upgrade from my Point and Shoot to a DSLR. Thinking of starting out with an entry level before dropping big bucks to make sure it is what I want.

So far the 2 best rated entry level camera's I see are the D40 and A200K. Which is better, or does some one have a suggestion for a better one?

Thanks

 

[MICKEY88]

the Sony has 2 advantages over the Nikon

1. in body image stabilization, so you don't have to by lenses with that built in..

2. I believe the nikon doesn't have a focus motor built in, so unless your lenses have a motor built in, you don't get auto focus

you also might want to check out the Sony a300 or a350, they are the newer sony entry level cameras, and I've seen some good deals on them bringing the price close to the a200

of course my opinion is slightly biased since I use Minolta/Sony equipment.


one other piece of advice, go to a good camera store and hold/play with the cameras, one camera will feel better in your hands, plus seeing the control layout could make a difference in your choice

 

[Pea-n-Me]

It would probably be wise to check out all of the entry-level available dSLRs available including holding them in your hands and trying out the dials before you make your decision. Also do plenty of research. (You left out Canon, Pentax and Olympus.) Good luck with your decision.

 

[ukcatfan]

I agree that you should check out all of the brands. The differences between the results you can get out of them is VERY small. The big differences are the usability features, the "feel", available accessories, and the price. Number one step should be going out to actually hold all the options. Some are harder to find locally, so you might be best off going somewhere like a Ritz or Wolf instead of the big box stores. If you can elaborate on why you want to upgrade, we might be able to help steer you in the right direction.

 

[kenny]

I agree that you should check out all of the brands. The differences between the results you can get out of them is VERY small. The big differences are the usability features, the "feel", available accessories, and the price. Number one step should be going out to actually hold all the options. Some are harder to find locally, so you might be best off going somewhere like a Ritz or Wolf instead of the big box stores. If you can elaborate on why you want to upgrade, we might be able to help steer you in the right direction.

Was looking to upgrade because I had a Minolta/Konica Z2. It was recently dropped and the battery door broke. To send it to Sony to fix it will cost $180. Figured I'd rather put that towards a new camera instead.

I had an old Minolta 35mm (sold it though about a year ago) and my wife has an old Pentax 35mm. I do not consider myself an expert/advanced photographer by any means but like the "power" of the SLR. My better pics in the past were always with my 35mm and love all the great pics I see on these boards take with DSLR's.

I still have a digital point and shoot for convienence but wanted a better camera for trips, outings, holidays, etc.

The only reason I was leaning towards the D40 or A200K is because they both seemed to get decent reviews and were a little cheaper then some of the other brands (wasn't really looking to spend $600-$700)

I held both in BestBuy today. Both seemed nice. BestBuy sales person said the D40 is easier to use, but the Sony has better lens and picture. Not sure if that is true of they are just pushing Sony. Liked the feel of both.

 

[ElizK]

I can't find this info specific to the Sony A200K: What is the max noise-free ISO?

The other Sonys listed on Consumer Reports.com are rated at a max of 400, so I assume the A200K would be similar. That seems pretty low to me. The Nikons are shown at 800, the Canon at 1600.

I'm new to the dslr thing. Considering buying myself a 40th birthday present (that would be on Thursday). I was comparing the Consumer Reports picks first. I'll stop at Wolf Camera on my way home from work tomorrow to try out everything in my price range.

 

[handicap18]

I'm a Nikon guy so I would say go with the Nikon. I've used the D40 and it is a nice camera. The lens focus motor isn't as much of a big deal, or at least not as much as it was when the D40 first came out. Between Nikon and Sigma there are about 80 different lenses that will auto focus with this camera and that list is always growing. Granted the are hundreds of other Nikon lenses that are AF and not the required AF-S, but many people think of only a small few lenses that people might want to use and think of this issue as big negative. But it is what it is.

You mentioned your DW has a Pentax. All Pentax lenses will mount and work with the Pentax dSLR's. I believe their newest entry level is the K200D. Great camera at 10MP. With your DW's lenses you could already be in good shape. What does she have in her collection?

 

[ukcatfan]

Was looking to upgrade because I had a Minolta/Konica Z2. It was recently dropped and the battery door broke. To send it to Sony to fix it will cost $180. Figured I'd rather put that towards a new camera instead.

I had an old Minolta 35mm (sold it though about a year ago) and my wife has an old Pentax 35mm. I do not consider myself an expert/advanced photographer by any means but like the "power" of the SLR. My better pics in the past were always with my 35mm and love all the great pics I see on these boards take with DSLR's.

I still have a digital point and shoot for convienence but wanted a better camera for trips, outings, holidays, etc.

The only reason I was leaning towards the D40 or A200K is because they both seemed to get decent reviews and were a little cheaper then some of the other brands (wasn't really looking to spend $600-$700)

I held both in BestBuy today. Both seemed nice. BestBuy sales person said the D40 is easier to use, but the Sony has better lens and picture. Not sure if that is true of they are just pushing Sony. Liked the feel of both.

What I really meant was for you to let us know the situations where you feel that your old camera was not good enough. Was it bad in sports, low light, etc... That could really influence the brands to lean towards.

Your wife's old lenses will work on a Pentax DSLR if that means anything to you.

On last thing. Don't trust anything a big box salesman tells you. They typically have zero experience in cameras and are only spouting back words they learned from their management.

 

[ukcatfan]

I can't find this info specific to the Sony A200K: What is the max noise-free ISO?

The other Sonys listed on Consumer Reports.com are rated at a max of 400, so I assume the A200K would be similar. That seems pretty low to me. The Nikons are shown at 800, the Canon at 1600.

I'm new to the dslr thing. Considering buying myself a 40th birthday present (that would be on Thursday). I was comparing the Consumer Reports picks first. I'll stop at Wolf Camera on my way home from work tomorrow to try out everything in my price range.

All modern DSLRs go to at least 1600 and many to 3200. IMO Consumer Reports is great if you are buying a toaster, but not so great if you are buying a camera. Check DCResource, DPReview, and Steve's Digicams. They will have much better reviews.

 

[kenny]

What does she have in her collection?

Don't remember. Haven't used it in a few years, so I will have to dig it out and see.

What I really meant was for you to let us know the situations where you feel that your old camera was not good enough. Was it bad in sports, low light, etc... That could really influence the brands to lean towards.

Definitely did not like the quality in low light even with a tripod. Fast action was ok. Sunny day was great. Obviously the zoom was very limited which I always found to be a draw back (especially at Disney).

Thanks

 

[ElizK]

All modern DSLRs go to at least 1600 and many to 3200. IMO Consumer Reports is great if you are buying a toaster, but not so great if you are buying a camera. Check DCResource, DPReview, and Steve's Digicams. They will have much better reviews.

Thank you! I will do that.