Stick with Sony, or purschase Nikon?

[lj0913]

Like many, I can't decide on my next camera. I *think* I want to buy the Sony F828, but after seeing and using a friends Nikon it makes me want to buy the Coolpix 8700. I do like the idea of an "all in one camera" but I am not against a DSLR. I have a Sony at the moment, and have been happy with it. Any comments on these two cameras.

Thanks,
-Larry

[wilfredmrand]

I think we need to know more what you expect of the camera, and whether all-in-one actually meets your needs. If you keep buying the all-in-one so-called P&S type cameras, is it because they don't really meet your needs? If so, you could think about a system camera (dSLR) in which you buy a body, invest in components that you need....later on you can buy a more advanced camera body if you need it. More of an investment, larger range of potential, steep learning curve. P&S, on the other hand, is easier to handle and presents you less to think about. Oh, they're good cameras, too.

The 6mp dSLRs take a cleaner picture than an 8mp P&S - which means you can print them bigger. The 8mp sensors are small and dense, and thus prone to noise.

[castledude]

The biggest question is can you wait a month or two.

There are four good 8 Megapixel cameras that were announced at PMA and are supposed to be out by April all are in the same price range as the Sony. Remember most of the 8MP cameras work best at 50 ASA so you need a faster lense than the old 4/5MP cameras.

Minolta A2 ... Best of the bunch on paper. Stabilized focal plane and high resolution display with fast focusing. A1 may be a good buy at this point.

Canon Pro-1 ... Canon has a great track record (and a bunch of fanatics) this camera is smaller and has a faster lense than the A2. Lacks the wow factor.

Nikon 8600 ... They did add an illuminator but this is the old camera with a new sensor. The slow lense with 8MP may not be able to give you good low noise pictures. If you buy a 5600 you may get a better performer and can use the extra money for that big CF card.

Olympus 8080.. Not as much zoom range but that may give you a better lense with less distortion and lower CA.

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DSLR -- Faster (ISO) operation and 8mp is not that much of a boost over 6mp. The base price is nearly the same as the P/S but when you add glass you can get you into the $1500 range.

I will really miss the following if I go DSLR.

1- Voice annotations. So nice to add a quick note to the picture at the time of the shot. Now I can remember the name of that 3rd uncle on my mothers side.

2- Panoramic mode. The EVF assist is great and I may not make a lot of these but when I do it is really nice.

3- Real time histograms. Allows me to have a much better indication of light balance.


-------DSLRs to look at--------------
Nikon D70.. everybody is going nuts over this camera (including me). About $1400 (list) will get you (on paper) a fantastic camera that can work to ASA 1000 and create pretty darn good pictures.

Canon Digital Rebel.. Still a great camera, slightly dumbed down by Canon to not compete with the 10D but the camera is a solid outdoor performer.

Pentax *st .. They tried to compete with the higher end Nikon and Canon but now the price is dropping and it looks like they might go after the <$1000 buyer, you might be able to pick up a pretty capable heavier duty camera at a good price soon.
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Waiting for reviews but leaning to the A2 or D70.

[texindian]

If you plan on being an active photographer for years to come, a dSLR would seem the only way to go. You can buy accessories that will allow you to branch out into macro work, or scenic shots, etc. without limiting yourself to that one area. Yes, it takes time and money to build an impressive arsenal of lenses and accessories, but you don't have to start over every so often like you do when you trade for another P&S camera.

I have 3 Nikon dSLR's and couldn't be happier with them. The D1X has real-time histograms as mentioned above, and the D2H has voice annotation. These top-grade SLRs are indeed expensive, but you don't have to start there - I didn't, but my first Nikon accessories still work with the latest camera bodies.

[mrdazzler]

You mention that you are happy with your current camera. If so, why do you want to buy a new one? What is it that you want to do that you are unable to do with your current camera? Do you need more reach, specialist lenses, better lowlight performance, better quality at large print sizes, etc. etc.?

[karusel]

First of - it's not all about pixels. Some pro folx that own 1D camera said they sold it and bought the 1Ds, after a while they switched to 1D again. If you know the cameras you must be wondering if they are nuts. Well, my bet is they aren't and I ain't gonna loose this one.

But to get back on topic; I currently own a 717 and have been growingly unhappy with it, hey, sure it's a nice camera, but I realized that what I need is a DSLR, regardless of the pain in the wallet cost of lens and other stuff, and the fact that if you want to have a versatility of a 828 you need to take a backpack of lens wherever you go. I can live with that. If you can, than you're out of questions and into a store.

I'm getting a 10D, btw.

[ukexpat]

Castledude said this: "Remember most of the 8MP cameras work best at 50 ASA so you need a faster lense than the old 4/5MP cameras. "

Where did you get that from?