Nikon D80 vs Sony DSLR-A100

[Mixman]

I have checked both out and come to the conclusion that one of these two are the one that I want to own.

I know that the Sony has a fast Autofocus that I like. It focuses as soon as you point at the subject rather than you having to press the button halfway. How does the Nikon's Autofocus compare ? I know The Nikon's LCD is clearer and that it has a few more features in general.

My only reservation about the Nikon is that the images I have seen around the net were too sharp in comparison to other DSLR's. The high ISO noise on the Sony isn't really a problem as I probably will not shoot in low light conditions much.

How do the cameras compare image wise ? In practical use ?

[Mixman]

anybody can help ?

[SpecialK]

DSLRs have adjustable settings so you can increase or reduce many image-quality factors, sharpness being one of them. If you shoot RAW and want to take the time to tweak them, you can make more and finer adjustments. However, you'll have to get some RAW software with Nikon as it is not provided. Not sure about Sony.

[Mixman]

I am wondering if the D80 is a clear step up from the A100 ?

[Mixman]

Is the IS important on the A100 ?

[SpecialK]

Since no one else is jumping in with an answer...

The D80 is not a "clear" step up.

IS is done one of 3 ways

1. In the body as Sony and Pentax do
2. In the lens as Canon (IS) and Nikkor (VR) do
3. Not at all.

Normally it is turned off when on a tripod. (Nikkor VRII allows stabilized panning in one of two modes.)

How important IS is to you is a personal thing - there are believers and non-believers. However, it is a big marketing thing and both Canon and Nikon users normally have to pay extra for it (and in each lens).

With Sony and Pentax, the theory is any lens that fits will be stabilized, so all your old favorite lenses can be used and be stabilized. It also opens the possibility of using third-party lenses.

[TNB]

However, you'll have to get some RAW software with Nikon as it is not provided. Not sure about Sony.
Unless you are writing about some gray market camera shops that don't include squat other than a body itself, that's total hogwash. Both my Nikons shipped with software. Also, below is a link to a Nikon brochure where it also states that "Picture Project is provided with every purchase of a Nikon D80." Regarding IS (or antishake, vibration reduction, image stabilization) and marketing, it seems that Pentax is doing just that--trying to market a lesser camera body by trying to push in camera IS. Have you read any articles about why companies like Canon and Nikon don't use in-camera IS? Could it have something to do with better stabilization via the lens... Any eyepiece movement? Any quality panning photos yet?

http://www.nikonusa.com/fileuploads/pdfs/D80_brochure.pdf

My only reservation about the Nikon is that the images I have seen around the net were too sharp in comparison to other DSLR's.
That may be simply because some of those photographers cranked up the "sharpness" on either the camera itself or with the software that actually ships with the camera. Both the camera and the "supplied" software are adjustable. Ask a sales rep to show you if you haven't already. More importantly, hold each and every camera you are interested in (whatever the brand may be) and try out various lenses to get a feel of the weight distribution. Check out the screens and menus in person as well.

Then again, I read this post as well... posted when? Before this thread.

Ok.... I got the K100D kit. I liked the Sony, but an extra $200 for a starter like me was a lot.n So far, so good. The pics I am taking seem to be pretty good, then again I am use to a Casio EX750.

The lens on the kit is alright, but what good wide angle zoom lens can I get for under $200 , for the Pentax ? I saw a Sigma 24-135mm lens on ebay for $149 is that a better lens ?

[SpecialK]

[QUOTE=]Unless you are writing about some gray market camera shops that don't include squat other than a body itself, that's total hogwash. Both my Nikons shipped with software.

QUOTE]

Sorry, I got this from Jeff's D80 review:

"One thing you can't do, amazingly enough, is edit RAW (NEF) images. For those who don't know, the beauty of RAW is that you can adjust image properties like white balance, exposure, sharpness, and color without affecting the image quality. It's like being able to take the shot again. Unfortunately PictureProject only views the NEF file (and saves it to other formats) -- if you want to actually edit the image you'll need Capture NX (see below) or Photoshop CS2, which should support the D80 soon. "

And I reread your IS request. I don't know how to do a "head on" pan as you request, sorry. And, if you wanted me to hand hold a pan versus a tripod pan, that makes no sense. So, you'll just have to use what I posted before. Or don't. And as I pointed out, there are many other reviews about IS lately.

I have read a recent post about Canon IS philosophy. It makes perfect sense. If you relax a little, you'll see I never said IS or VR did not work. You seem overly defensive. Relax.

[TNB]

Sure Capture NX and CS2 can do more, but Picture Project still comes with the Nikon camera.

And as I sit here with the Picture Project program open, I see under "Photo Enhance" adjustments for brightness, D-Lighting HS, Color Booster, Photo Effects, Sharpening, Straighten. In addition, there are more buttons, i.e. camera control, transfer, import, print, mail, share, slide show, muvee, burn, auto enhance, and auto red-eye.

Regarding panning, you can't follow an object coming towards you and take a photo? And since I've recently checked out the Pentax camera at one of the local camera stores and done my own reading on it, I really don't need any panning examples since from what I have already read about the Pentax camera, the anti shake feature needs to be turned off when panning a moving subject as well as when it is used with a tripod. Thanks anyway.