What’s Your Preference?

Matthias099 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-14-2011, 02:26 PM

According to some rumors, and that's all what they are so far, the new Nikon D4 (coming Feb 2012) and the new SONY A99, will share the same 36MP FF sensor. The SONY of course would be somewhat cheaper as the Nikon.

Nikon D4 « NEW CAMERA

Therefore my question: Would you rather safe some cash and go with the SONY, or do you think that it's worth to spend the extra money and get the Nikon? Of course only considering if the lenses, that you might already have, wouldn't matter in this equation.

If you prefer one over the other, why do you think so?
What makes a great camera, other than just sensor size and resolution?
I'd like to hear your related opinions on this battle in the pro sector....

Skoropada · #2 (**permalink**) 10-14-2011, 02:33 PM

I can only speak from my Sony experience.
I own an A200 and A700 and they are great cameras.
The handling and ergonomics (specially in the higher models, like A700, A77, A850 & A900) is excellent. The menu system is easy and intuitive. And all Alpha cameras have in-body stabilization, so even legacy Minolta glass is stabilized.

Of course that the A99 is still a rumor, but given the features that the new A77 has, it will probably be an excellent camera.

Anyhow, I believe that 36 MP is way too much for my photography, but it might be useful for really large printing, or heavy cropping.

ishootRAW · #3 (**permalink**) 10-14-2011, 02:53 PM

Agreed, although I've never liked EVFs. Even the one on the A77 which is excellent.

#4 (**permalink**) 10-14-2011, 03:01 PM

You couldn't pay me to use a Sony....

ok... I lied.... you could pay me... it would have to be a lot, but still.... you could pay me.

OsmosisStudios · #5 (**permalink**) 10-14-2011, 03:50 PM

The A99 will be closer to the D800, which is likely to be announced by month's end. The D4 is still very much up in the air, as is the D400.

Doug Sundseth · #6 (**permalink**) 10-14-2011, 05:33 PM

The D5 is way better than the D4. And just wait till you see the D6.

Matthias099 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-14-2011, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug Sundseth

The D5 is way better than the D4. And just wait till you see the D6.

Do I detect a hint of sarcasm here?

Biomech · #8 (**permalink**) 10-14-2011, 07:41 PM

I use an a200 and a580 and both have been great. I looked at the SLT cameras when I bought the a580 - they were tiny, weak and the EVF is gay. I was handed my other choice, the a580, which was meaty and sexy. It took about 0.2seconds to make my mind up. So that has put me off the SLTs.

And +1, 36 megapickles?! Unless you're working with big advertising firms I wouldn't go that fair. Even the upgrade to 16.2 megapickles added an unnecessary 50% to all of my RAW file sizes.

Doug Sundseth · #9 (**permalink**) 10-14-2011, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matthias099

Do I detect a hint of sarcasm here?

I'm not very good at hints.

Nor am I very good at comparing the capabilities of one camera that doesn't exist yet with another camera that doesn't exist yet. This is probably a grave failure on my part; please don't judge me too harshly.

Matthias099 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-17-2011, 01:23 PM

I guess my question can be more generalized:

Would you consider going with an alternative brand if the specs are right, or would you go with one of the established manufacturers (Nikon, Canon) no matter how good the competitor might be?

I just used the example of the new D4 and the A99 since they will share the same sensor manufactured by SONY, according to all reports I have seen so far.

Again, this question is posed with the assumption, that your current collection of lenses for either manufacturer does not play a role.

Does this make it a little clearer, what I am going for?

I appreciate your input so far.....