Could any one help me to decide which Digital SLR camera to buy. A Sony Alpha A100 or a Nikon D40x ?

Which would you choose - a Nikon or a Konica/Minolta? Sony basically bought out Minolta and put their name on the camera. This is Sony's first DSLR and the D40x is simply the latest evolution of Nikon's years of experience. I wouldn't want to own anyone's "first ever" product, even if it was named "Camera of the Year."

When it comes time to buy lenses, do you want to be stuck with the limited amount of lenses that fit the Sony/Konica/Minolta mount or the endless selection of Nikon and Nikon-compatible lenses? It is true that there is a "slight problem" with older Nikon lenses not autofocusing on the D40, but if you do not own a bag full of older lenses, it is not going to be a problem. It is barely a problem anyhow. If you check www.nikonusa.com for "AF-S" lenses, which are ALL 100% compatible with the D40, you will find 23 lenses, including 7 "VR" (vibration Reduction) lenses and one true macro lens with "VR". There are another 25-plus lenses in the current catalog that provide all functions except autofocus as well as many (possibly dozens) "out of print" lenses that will work just as well. In addition, although these lens will not autofocus, most of them will still give focus confirmation. From the D40 manual: "If the lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 of faster, the viewfinder focus indicator can be used to confirm whether the portion of the subject in the selected focus area is in focus. After positioning the subject in the active focus area, press the shutter release button halfway and rotate the lens focusing ring until the in-focus indicator is displayed."

The D40 only has 3 autofocus zones arranged horizontally at the center, 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. This might be considered a limitation, but realistically, most people will find this perfectly adequate, especially if you are moving up from a point and shoot with only a center zone.

Yes, my bias is showing, but I'd buy the Nikon in a heartbeat over the Sony. See http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/3896/cam... for a glowing review.

See the noise level in the Sony at this page:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond80...

To me, the one advantage the Sony has is on-board image stablization. Okay, and price. It is selling for $100 LESS than the D40X. I admit that this does make it attractive. I'm still not sure it would make me want to jump on board a ship where there is only one in the fleet and it was designed by someone who went out of business.

You're welcome. Have fun with your new camera! Report It

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this guide will help you choose

I worked in a Ritz Camera store for 8 years. Though that was before the digital cameras came onto the scene, I think I can help you here. When talking about image capturing devices such as cameras, we must emphasize the importance of the lenses. They, like speakers on a sound system, determine the quality of the end product. For instance, you can have a $1000 stereo tuner with 50 cent speakers and you'll hear 50 cent sound. Likewise, you can put a 50 cent lens on a $1000 camera and you'll get 50 cents worth of image quality. I say all that to make the following point. In the camera business, Nikon has always produced the finest optics available. The next time you see a National Geographic photographer, look closely at the equipment in his hands.....NIKON! Professional photographers in all genres rely on Nikon optics for the best results. You see them everywhere. Nikon optics have always been super sharp. Apart from the lens, a camera is simply a box that allows light in for a fraction of a second. Not much to it. So, really, the quality in any photograph depends entirely on the lens.

If you're only interested in average results, any camera will probably work fine. But if you want your photography to stand out over the rest, Nikon optics are the only way to go.

I, personally enjoy just average photography and use Canon equipment. So, as you can see, I'm not just some crazed Nikon maniac pushing Nikon products. I'm just tellin' it like it is. Keep in mind though, if you choose Nikon, you'll be choosing Nikon prices. They ain't cheap. It's your call. Is the superb quality worth the price?

Good luck! I hope this was the "best answer" you were looking for. (Hint, hint!) Okay, I'll admit it. I'm point hungry.

:)

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Nikon and Canon are the two top D-SLR manufacturers. Most pros shooting digital will be using a camera made by one or the other. The huge selection of lenses and accessories is what most attracts pros to these brands. They know they can buy or rent lenses for any kind of photography.

Neither brand is better. They are equal. Asking for an opinion on who is better between Nikon and Canon is like asking for an opinion on religion. Both sides will argue until they are unconscious. The truth is, both Nikon and Canon make fantastic cameras and lenses. It's almost pointless to debate over who is better because the other company will announce something even better next year. You can't lose with either choice.

Whatever camera you choose, it will go out of date eventually. That's the nature of electronics and you can't escape it. Both Nikon and Canon are very competitive and both of them invent new cameras continuously.

What is important for you to consider, however, is the lens and accessory SYSTEM you are buying into. Once you start investing money into lenses, flashes and accessories you will be more and more invested into one brand or the other. Cameras will go out of date in 2 years. Lenses and accessories will last you much longer. Have a look at the lenses, flashes and other gear available from the manufacturers. Think about what you will be interested in doing pictures of and look at the lenses and accessories each company offers to get you there.

Consider the availability of rental lenses and other equipment in your area. Being able to rent a lens for your camera can give you a lots of creative choices without needing to buy expensive lenses.

Finally, what matters the most is picking the camera you most love to use. Features and specification mean nothing if you don't love using the camera. Try equivilant cameras at your local camera store. Maybe rent some for a week to really try them out. Choose the one that makes you want to make thousands of pictures.

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Disclosure: I am the owner of www.lenslenders.com in Canada.

Neither...Go for a Pentax K110D. Really great V F M. The Pentax lens is, as usual, the highest quality, and the camera is so comfortable to hold, and easy to use. All for less than 拢400. Go for it....

I Recently Have Bought The Nikon D80 .. If You Can .. Get It !! .. Without A Doubt The Best Semi- Professional Camera On The Market Today ..