[kingslynnfc7]

Hi, I'm looking to buy one of these cameras, but can't decide which one to buy.
I'm going on safari in July and want a decent camera. These two cameras have caught my eye.
My use for the camera will be wildlife shots and also general holiday photos. Think im going to need a decent zoom up to 200mm.
Theres an offer in jessops for Sony nex 5n with a twin lense kit for 699.95 which includes a 55-210 zoom lense.
A Nikon d3200 is 649.99 without a zoom lense but I could get a body only version for 549.99 and buy a lense for £150 if thats possible but would want a lense that covered close and long shots so guessing that would be expensive.
Budget is max 700-800. Which is the better camera? I like them both..

Any help, advice would be great?

[sconie]

Hi, you will fin everyone has an opinion, but here's mine, I moved from a D90 to a Nex 5-n as I wanted something more compact for travelling as I felt the D90 too bulky, however I missed the viewfinder (important if taking outdoor photos in sun) and the camera was way off balance using anything but the kit lens, the size saving was negated by still having to carry extra lenses.

I sold the Sony and moved back to Nikon, this time the D5100, I bought it from Amazon (body only) and picked up an 18-105mm lens, which gave me a lot more flexibility as a walkabout lens, I then added the 55-300mm VR, this gave me the reach I need.

I also believe that full size dslr kit will hold it's value better over time. Like I say just my two bits worth, but whichever Nikon you buy it will be the better choice.

[kingslynnfc7]

Thanks sconie, I do like the idea of a viewfinder, had a go with a d3200 today's at jessops and can see how it can be useful in bright sun light. Also felt the d3200 felt more professional and higher quality than the Sony. One thing I do like on the Sony is the picture effects like miniature effect, HDR, key color, are these available on the Nikon ?

[dejongj]

Personally I would forget about effects within the Camera...Anything you can do there you can do easier/better on a computer. Really don't get why manufacturers bother with that...

If you really want to go for something like the d3200, I'd really would advise to get the 70-300VR to go with it as well. It is a cracking lens and give you more reach...

[RajP]

Agree with DJ on this... effects are things that can be applied later on... try the camera and see what feels more comfortable in your hand and if the controls are in easy reach...

[springtide]

It all comes down to size. Personally I'd be tempted by the NEX + 18-200 lens mainly for the size.
And if size isn't an issue, then I'd suggest getting a DSLR and something like 70-300 zoom.

I would also recommend looking at the m43 cameras; something like the Panasonic G range also might suite your needs?

I guess it depends on whether you want to be that camera guy?

Olympus Advert with Kevin Spacey - YouTube

There is nothing wrong with being the camera guy btw

[Reemul]

I have the Nex-7 and really like it however there are a few issues with the Nex range.

Lenses there are not enough. I keep hearing there will be more coming but even I am losing hope, I mean they have recently released a black 18-200 to replace the silver one. How pointless is that, you also have a tamron 18-200 so why a third one is beyond me. A pancake or 2, a decent macro length (100mm) and a good zoom.

Difficult to get hold of the 50mm lens. Sony really do not seem interested in the user that wants a wider choice of native lenses. Yet they are announcing more Nex bodies again.

24mp just don't need it really, big files good for cropping but the 5 has a great sensor and the d3200 seems to have a 24mp which you probably don't need.

I really like my Nex 7 having upgraded from a 5 but feel I may have to go the adapter + a mount lenses when all I want is native lenses.

Like the look of the Nex Samsung NX20 think it is, the Samsung have great lens choice in a compact body. Personally I still don't want a big dslr but Sony is pretty frustrating at the moment.

[springtide]

Originally Posted by Reemul

I have the Nex-7 and really like it however there are a few issues with the Nex range.

Lenses there are not enough. I keep hearing there will be more coming but even I am losing hope, I mean they have recently released a black 18-200 to replace the silver one. How pointless is that, you also have a tamron 18-200 so why a third one is beyond me. A pancake or 2, a decent macro length (100mm) and a good zoom.

Difficult to get hold of the 50mm lens. Sony really do not seem interested in the user that wants a wider choice of native lenses. Yet they are announcing more Nex bodies again.

24mp just don't need it really, big files good for cropping but the 5 has a great sensor and the d3200 seems to have a 24mp which you probably don't need.

I really like my Nex 7 having upgraded from a 5 but feel I may have to go the adapter + a mount lenses when all I want is native lenses.

Like the look of the Nex Samsung NX20 think it is, the Samsung have great lens choice in a compact body. Personally I still don't want a big dslr but Sony is pretty frustrating at the moment.

I think it is a little frustrating the lack of lenses for NEX, but I did take a good looks at the Samsung before I got the NEX-7: NX Lenses | NX Cameras - SAMSUNG UK
If you add what's available from Sigma, apart from the lenses being pancakes, there is little to be gained. The obvious conclusion was to add the LA-EA2 adapter to the Sony and bide my time with NEX (or maybe Canon if they release a competitor to NEX)

It seems the shortage for the NEX 50mm/1.8 is over. Park Cameras (cheapest - ordered one today) have them in stock, as do Cardiff Cameras; Bristol Cameras are getting some at the end of May.

Will start a NEX discussion up regarding lenses, rather than take over this thread!