Entry-level DSLR shootout

[tegan]

Another part of your quote, RET:

By pushing the AF button on the Nikon D80 you can activate one of three focus modes: AF-A Auto select (default setting), AF-S Single-servo AF, AF-C Continuous-servo. Again this feature would have to be activated by pushing the Function Menu on the A350 and then selecting your desired option. (END of quote)

The Sony view would be that an AF mode button is NOT necessary since most shooters would keep it at the default AF-A position or focus manually.
I would certainly NOT say that I am changing autofocus modes so frequently that an autofocus mode button would be useful. On the contrary, it would just get in the way.

Tegan

[tegan]

To deal with another part of your quote RET:

One other Nikon D80 design advantage that can be seen above is that the "Delete" and "Playback" buttons are located at the top of the camera, which makes it easy to activate these frequently used buttons comfortably with your left thumb while holding the camera in a normal position.

With the Sony A350 we found while holding the camera with both hands, you have to extend your left thumb unnaturally backwards to reach these same two buttons which are now located at the bottom, or you have to change your grip and move your hand further down the base of the camera, activate the button and then move your hand back to a comfortable shooting hold. (END of quote)

I don't see the location of the delete and playback as being an advantage for the Nikon D80 at all. If you are "frequently using" these buttons in the field, then you are wasting battery power and missing shots. The Sony has an automatic playback for a few seconds without any button pushing and that is certainly sufficient for checking out most shots. Moreover Sony views DISP or display information and menu as more important buttons in the field.

Tegan

[ret]

The Sony view would be that an AF mode button is NOT necessary since most shooters would keep it at the default AF-A position or focus manually.
I would certainly NOT say that I am changing autofocus modes so frequently that an autofocus mode button would be useful. On the contrary, it would just get in the way.

Tegan

the point that he is making is that Sony's view is not spot on .... and how would it get in the way?

I don't see the location of the delete and playback as being an advantage for the Nikon D80 at all. If you are "frequently using" these buttons in the field, then you are wasting battery power and missing shots. The Sony has an automatic playback for a few seconds without any button pushing and that is certainly sufficient for checking out most shots. Moreover Sony views DISP or display information and menu as more important buttons in the field.

Tegan

But if battery life is a concern then surly the automatic playback function in Sony is likely to drain more battery than an easy option in Nikon to check when you need to playback!!! Moreover the automatic playback in Sony could turn out to be annoying

[tegan]

Originally Posted by tegan

The Sony view would be that an AF mode button is NOT necessary since most shooters would keep it at the default AF-A position or focus manually.
I would certainly NOT say that I am changing autofocus modes so frequently that an autofocus mode button would be useful. On the contrary, it would just get in the way.

Tegan

RET: the point that he is making is that Sony's view is not spot on .... and how would it get in the way? (end of quote)

I have no idea what you mean by "not spot on" and on the Nikon it gets in the way by being an unnecessary button that can be pushed by accident.

Tegan

[tegan]

But if battery life is a concern then surly the automatic playback function in Sony is likely to drain more battery than an easy option in Nikon to check when you need to playback!!! Moreover the automatic playback in Sony could turn out to be annoying

Well, if you use the Nikon playback with that sort of discretion, then it does not need to be in top position next to the LCD screen. Sony determined its priority correctly and put it in the appropriate location.

The Sony automatic playback is not annoying since if you are not looking at the LCD screen you would miss it. It stays on for less time than the push button approach and therefore does not cause a battery drain, and of course it CAN be turned OFF in the preferences.

Tegan

[ret]

dpreview gave the A350 - "Recommended" status and NOT the "Highly Recommended" one .... below is the review

A350's conclusion page

[scorpio_e]

Good luck in your decision. It's not going to be an easy one. Soooooo many choices. I would go with a Nikon or Canon. From my experience, they have more lenses and third party lenses. I have been able to buy and sell Canon lenses with no problem. In most cases, I have been able to try the lens and if I did not like it sell. it.
I think you buy into a system but thats just my opinion.

[tegan]

dpreview gave the A350 - "Recommended" status and NOT the "Highly Recommended" one .... below is the review

A350's conclusion page

Frankly I find that Popular Photography does more objective reviewing than dpreview. It was more a personal characterization of the Sony by someone with a strong bias for another brand.

Popular Photography said that the switch for live view was faster than the mode select from a menu and there were none of the problems such as the need for manual focus etc. present in another system. DPreview has "philosophical" issues with a practical fast approach to Live View????

Lag time between shooting and seeing the image??? Any faster and I would miss seeing it appear and then disappear automatically. As to shooting speed
I certainly cannot remember any situation where I ever needed or used (even when I did have it) 5 frames per second or more.

As to IQ, I don't have or use kit lenses, so he is talking about low end glass and/or lack of care or attention to the autofocus system.

I think reviews should be practical. When they get philosophical it usually means they are putting a negative spin on what they see.

Tegan