Trying to decide between Sony and Nikon: I'm looking to purchase a new camera for my upcoming trip and I need help. My last camera I purchased was a number of years ago, it was a Sony...

JudyD Loc: Florida

I'm looking to purchase a new camera for my upcoming trip and I need help. My last camera I purchased was a number of years ago, it was a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F717. It was top of the line when purchased. I'm tossing around the Sony A6000 or 7A verses the Nikon 1 J5. Any feed back on these two? Thanks for your thoughts.
Judy

davyboy Loc: Anoka Mn.

Welcome to the hog!

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

JudyD wrote:

I'm looking to purchase a new camera for my upcoming trip and I need help. My last camera I purchased was a number of years ago, it was a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F717. It was top of the line when purchased. I'm tossing around the Sony A6000 or 7A verses the Nikon 1 J5. Any feed back on these two? Thanks for your thoughts.
Judy

Either will allow you to capture stunning images. In today's market you are not buying just a camera, you are buying a system. Lenses, speedlites, accessories, and assorted items to convince you the item is essential to your pursuit of perfection are all included. While you research the camera be sure to notice the fringe essentials, they will add up to a considerable amount of money. Spend wisely and enjoy whatever you choose.

JudyD Loc: Florida

Thank you David. Is one easier to use than the other?

MtnMan Loc: ID

The Sony sensors are bigger and better. I believe Sony programming better too.

That said I dumped my NEX 7 for a D5300 and my other camera is a D800. The reason was I couldn't abide going back and forth between the designs and I have a much better inventory of Nikon lenses.

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

May I toss in a pitch for the Sony a6300. Tho, some $300 more costly, it does have some advantageous features. Such as many more phase detection and contrast detection focusing points. But the sensor dimensions and pixel count are the same. I gather there are more user-defined pre-sets possible (to suit your scene fancy).

MtnMan Loc: ID

JudyD wrote:

Thank you David. Is one easier to use than the other?

You'll find the one you use the most easier to use.

IMHO my NEX 7 had better programming and software features than my Nikon but the buttons and dials didn't work for me. I believe the a6000 is the direct follow on to the NEX7.

Don L G

Sony are grate but think about the Nikon lines system scents F mount

azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.

JudyD wrote:

I'm looking to purchase a new camera for my upcoming trip and I need help. My last camera I purchased was a number of years ago, it was a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F717. It was top of the line when purchased. I'm tossing around the Sony A6000 or 7A verses the Nikon 1 J5. Any feed back on these two? Thanks for your thoughts.
Judy

Judy, I had (still have) the same camera, which sports a magnificent lens! I switched to Nikon, but was not really happy, and then I came back to Sony. If you liked the quality of images on the F717, you are spoiled as to the lens/sensor combination. I heartily recommend the Sony RX-10 for you. Whether you go with the second or third generation, you will have a far more robust sensor/processor combination, and the lens system will be as good or better than the F717. Trying to find that quality with a removable lens system will cost you far more than necessary. I have tried a lot (Nex7, RX-10, OlympusME5) and I always seem to feel that the RX-10 ends up with the best images!

gypsy02 Loc: Indiana

I too had the Sony 717 and loved it. Such sharp photos! I have been very happy with other Sony's too and recently purchased the new Sony Cyber Shot RX10M3 for a trip. It's a bridge so you don't have to bother changing lenses. It goes from 24-600 mm. Loved it on our recent trip to Alaska - it performed well and was easy to use. It's larger and heavier than the A6000, but always ready for any type of shot.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

JudyD wrote:

Thank you David. Is one easier to use than the other?

Consider renting and shooting each. You will be able to decide for yourself. Cameras are getting more technical every day. A camera is simply a computer you attach to the end of a lens to enable you to capture an invisible item. Specify how you want that item recorded and you will have your photograph. "Easier" is subjective and only you can determine that. Good luck in making your choice.

le boecere

JudyD wrote:

I'm looking to purchase a new camera for my upcoming trip and I need help. My last camera I purchased was a number of years ago, it was a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F717. It was top of the line when purchased. I'm tossing around the Sony A6000 or 7A verses the Nikon 1 J5. Any feed back on these two? Thanks for your thoughts.
Judy

1-1/2 years ago, I purchased a Sony with APS-C sensor ~ both Sony & Zeiss lenses (a6000). Have several thousand images with that camera.

Last May I replaced my Canon pocket-camera with a Sony RX100III (1" sensor ~ Zeiss label on the lens).

The larger a6000 is:

Easier for me to operate.

Faster for me to operate (candid shots)

Seems to capture more acceptable images.

Significantly better in low light.

Gives me many choices of lens.

The smaller RX100III (1" sensor) has 3 times the number of clicks on the shutter (vs. the a6000) since purchase, simply because it's always with me, tends to be less threatening to others, and makes fine images for internet use.

On a June trip to the Front Range of the Rockies I took both cameras, and very glad I did ~ however, if I were to be limited to only 1 camera for a trip, I'd take a hard look at the RX10II or III.

_Van

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

JudyD wrote:

I'm looking to purchase a new camera for my upcoming trip and I need help. My last camera I purchased was a number of years ago, it was a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F717. It was top of the line when purchased. I'm tossing around the Sony A6000 or 7A verses the Nikon 1 J5. Any feed back on these two? Thanks for your thoughts.
Judy

I have the a6000. The IQ is good. However, there are no e-mount long zooms and it is not great for BIFS. If that is not an issue for you, then you should be happy with it. The menu can be confusing. If you go to the Sony e-mount forums on DP Review, you can find 'work arounds' for the above problems. Some work better than others.

I like my Nikon D5100 better, but unfortunately, it is too heavy for me to hold for a long time.

Impressionist

The Sony a6000 has become my work horse. Fits in my Tacoma cup holder always ready to go. If you were happy with the results gotten with your Cyber-shot, you won't be disappointed staying with Sony. The newer a6300 has gotten rave reviews and should be considered. Go with the best available at the time, it will last for years.

repleo Loc: Boston

JudyD wrote:

I'm looking to purchase a new camera for my upcoming trip and I need help. My last camera I purchased was a number of years ago, it was a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F717. It was top of the line when purchased. I'm tossing around the Sony A6000 or 7A verses the Nikon 1 J5. Any feed back on these two? Thanks for your thoughts.
Judy

Definitely go with one of the Sony's. They have the strongest commitment to the mirrorless format. For my money, I would go with the A6000 body and the 18-105mm F4.0 G lens. It is heavier and bigger than the kit lens but a great combination.