10.2-megapixel (CCD) DSLR Face-off!

The hottest buzz within the photography community right now is none other than of the latest DSLR cameras by Sony and Nikon, the A100 and D80 respectively. Right after we published the exclusive review of the Nikon D80, it became clear that it was only a matter of time before we lined the Sony A100 alongside the Nikon D80 for a Mexican standoff.

The 10.2-megapixel race has begun.

Any why not? Considering both cameras each have 10.2-megapixel sensors and are both aimed at beginners wanting to notch up the seriousness of photography, hence it is no surprise these two new kids on the block have been continuously brought up in numerous forum discussion groups. The single most urgent question however is which of the two is the best for first time DSLR buyers. Dilemmas for prospective buyers usually revolve around the specifications, but considering these two digital imaging units are almost virtually identical on paper, it's going to take more than just superficial comparisons to conclude which camera is best. For this definitive purpose, we took both cameras out for a mini field trip using equivalent lenses and compared the images side by side to determine which camera was more competent in the image quality department.

For the purpose of depth, we've gone on to touch on other attributes such as the anti-handshake technology in each camera and other information pertaining to the lenses and cost of ownership for the two cameras to better help you decide better which of these entry-level cameras is the best bang for the buck for you. Let's get the ball rolling by taking a quick scan at the cameras on the following two pages before we bring out the full fledged comparison in proper.