Nikon D100 vs Sony SLT-A65
- APS-C
- 24 megapixels
- Sony/Minolta Alpha
-
48
Overall -
23
Imaging -
47
Features -
72
Size -
1
Price
Nikon D100 vs Sony SLT-A65: a Complete Review and Comparison
Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
In this review, we are going to make a detailed comparison of two cameras that fall into different categories. While the first model we are looking at, Nikon D100 belongs to a Semi-Pro DSLR category, the other model, Nikon D100 is a Entry-Level DSLR camera. Both models feature different types of sensors. Thus, Nikon D100 comes with CCD sensor that has a resolution of 6.0 MP resolution, while our second compared model Sony SLT-A65 features a 24.0 MP CMOS sensor.
To get started, let’s take a look at some of the key features of Nikon D100 and Sony SLT-A65 and, after this, we can go on to our detailed comparison of these models.
Nikon D100 Key Features:
- 6.0 MP APS-C CCD sensor
- ISO 200 - 1600
- Image Stabilization: No
- ViewFinder: Yes
- 3.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- Built-in Wireless: No
- Dimensions: 144 x 116 x 81 mm
- Weight: 780 g
- Environmental Sealing: No
- Built-in GPS: No
- Replaced by Nikon D200. Compare
Sony SLT-A65 Key Features:
- 24.0 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- ISO 100 - 12800 (Expands to 25600)
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- 3″ Fully Articulated Screen
- ViewFinder: Yes
- 10.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- Video: 1920 x 1080 (60, 24 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30fps), 640 x 424 (29.97 fps)
- Built-in Wireless: Yes
- Dimensions: 132 x 97 x 81 mm
- Weight: 622 g
- Environmental Sealing: No
- Built-in GPS: Yes
- Replaced by Sony A68.
Nikon D100 was substituted by Nikon D200.
Be sure to check out some of our other overviews that may also interest you:
Nikon D100 vs. D200
Nikon D200 vs. Sony SLT-A65
Why is Nikon D100 a better choice than Sony SLT-A65
| Sensor Area | 367.35 mm2 vs 366.6 mm2 | 0.2% larger pixel area |
| Flash Range | 11 vs 10 | 1 better flash range |
What are the key reasons to pick Sony SLT-A65 over Nikon D100
| Wireless Connectivity | Eye-Fi Connected vs No | Better connectivity |
| Gps | Built-in vs No | Has GPS |
| Sensor Resolution | 24.0 MP vs 6.0 MP | 75% more pixels |
| Image Stabilization | Yes vs No | All lenses are stabilized |
| Continuous Shooting | 10 fps vs 3 fps | 7 fps faster |
| AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes vs No | Very handy for portraits |
| Screen Size | 3″ vs 1.8″ | 1.2" larger screen |
| Screen Type | Fully Articulated vs Fixed Type | Flexible shooting positions |
| Screen Resolution | 921k dots vs 118k dots | 87.2% higher resolution screen |
| Weight | 622 g vs 780 g | 158 g lighter |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.73 vs 0.53 | 0.2 better magnification |
Key PROs of Nikon D100 and Sony SLT-A65
| Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Electronic | Better framing and control |
| Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
| Built-In Flash | Yes | Yes | External flash available |
| Flash Sync Port | Yes | Yes | Port for Flash Sync |
Key CONs of Nikon D100 and Sony SLT-A65
| Touch Screen | No | No | No touch screen |
| Screen Resolution | 118k dots | 921k dots | Small screen resolution |
| Timelapse Recording | No | No | No timelapse recording |
| Environmental Sealing | No | No | No environmental sealing |
Nikon D100 vs Sony SLT-A65: Comparing Two Models By Physical Characteristics
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Nikon D100 and Sony SLT-A65 from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Sony SLT-A65 is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 158g less than the Nikon D100. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Comparing Nikon D100 and Sony SLT-A65 by the type of Sensor and Resolution
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Nikon D100 and Sony SLT-A65 any different in terms of sensor type?
In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Nikon D100 features a 6.0 MP APS-C sized CCD sensor . Sony SLT-A65, in its turn, comes with a 24.0 MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor and Bionz processor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Nikon D100 and Sony SLT-A65 by the size of their sensors.
Nikon D100 and Sony SLT-A65 are identical by this indicator, as each feature a sensor of the same size. Thus, both cameras will provide the same level of control in terms of the depth of field if you use them with the same focal length and aperture.
For Which Fields Of Photography Are Nikon D100 and Sony SLT-A65 Suitable?
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Nikon D100 and Sony SLT-A65 in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
| Photography Type | Nikon D100 | Sony SLT-A65 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait Photography |
|
|
| Street Photography |
|
|
| Sports Photography |
|
|
| Daily Photography |
|
|
| Landscape Photography |
|
|
Nikon D100 for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.5 mm) sensor
Disadvantages:
- You might not like Nikon skintone
- No Image Stabilization
Sony SLT-A65 for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (24 MP)
- Image Stabilization
- Face Detection Focusing
Disadvantages:
No Significant DisadvantagesNikon D100 for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Large APS-C(23.7 x 15.5 mm) sensor
Disadvantages:
- Big size (144 x 116 x 81 mm)
- No Image Stabilization
Sony SLT-A65 for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Fully Articulated Screen
- Image Stabilization
- Large APS-C(23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
Disadvantages:
- Big size (132 x 97 x 81 mm)
Nikon D100 for Sports Photography
Advantages:
- Big size (144 x 116 x 81 mm)
Disadvantages:
- Slow Continuous Shooting (3.0 fps)
- No Environmental Sealing
- Slow Max Shutter Speed (1/4000s)
- Bad Max Native ISO (1600)
Sony SLT-A65 for Sports Photography
Advantages:
- Big size (132 x 97 x 81 mm)
Disadvantages:
- Slow Continuous Shooting (10.0 fps)
- No Environmental Sealing
- Slow Max Shutter Speed (1/4000s)
- Smal Number of autofocus Points (15)
- Small Number of CrossFocus Points (3)
- Bad Low Light ISO (717)
- Small battery life (560 shots)
Nikon D100 for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.5 mm) sensor
- Built-in Flash
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
Disadvantages:
- Big weight (780 g)
- Big size (144 x 116 x 81 mm)
- Video is not available
Sony SLT-A65 for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- Built-in Flash
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Wireless Connectivity
- Video is available
Disadvantages:
- Big weight (622 g)
- Big size (132 x 97 x 81 mm)
Nikon D100 for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.5 mm) sensor
- Live View
- RAW Support
Disadvantages:
- Low resolution sensor (6 MP)
- No Environmental Sealing
- Bad Max Native ISO (1600)
Sony SLT-A65 for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (24 MP)
- Good Dynamic Range (12.6)
- Live View
- RAW Support
Disadvantages:
- No Environmental Sealing
- Bad Low Light ISO (717)
Comparison of Nikon D100 vs Sony SLT-A65: Final Verdict
Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Nikon D100 or Sony SLT-A65, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Nikon D100 and Sony SLT-A65 here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Sony SLT-A65 deserves a higher Total Score than the Nikon D100. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
Nikon D100 vs Sony SLT-A65 Table Of Technical Specs
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
| Nikon D100 | Sony SLT-A65 | |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Sony |
| Model | D100 | SLT-A65 |
| Announced | Jul 26, 2002 | Nov 15, 2011 |
| Body Type | Mid-size SLR | Compact SLR |
| Sensor | ||
| Sensor Type | CCD | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | APS-C | APS-C |
| Sensor Dimensions | 23.7 x 15.5 mm | 23.5 x 15.6 mm |
| Sensor Area | 367.35 mm2 | 366.60 mm2 |
| Sensor Resolution | 6.0 MP | 24.0 MP |
| Max Image Resolution | 3008 x 2000 | 6000 x 4000 |
| Max Native ISO | 1,600 | 12,800 |
| Max Boosted ISO | n/a | 25,600 |
| Min Native ISO | 200 | 100 |
| RAW Support |  |
|
| Lens | ||
| Manual Focus | |
|
| Lens Mount | Nikon F | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
| Number of Lenses | 287 | 141 |
| Focal Length Multiplier | 1.5x | 1.5x |
| Macro Focus Range | ||
| AutoFocus | ||
| AF Touch |  |
|
| AF Continuous | |
|
| AF Single | |
|
| AF Tracking | |
|
| AF Selective | |
|
| AF Center | |
|
| AF Multi Area | |
|
| AF Live View | |
|
| AF Face Detection | |
|
| AF Contrast Detection | |
|
| AF Phase Detection | |
|
| Number of Focus Points | n/a | 15 |
| Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | 3 |
| Screen | ||
| Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fully Articulated |
| Screen Size | 1.8″ | 3″ |
| Screen Resolution | 118k dots | 921k dots |
| Live View | |
|
| Touch Screen | |
|
| ViewFinder | ||
| ViewFinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Electronic |
| ViewFinder Resolution | 0k dots | 2,359k dots |
| ViewFinder Coverage | 95% | 100% |
| ViewFinder Magnification | 0.53 | 0.73 |
| Photography Features | ||
| Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | 30 s |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 s | 1/4000 s |
| Continuous Shooting | 3.0 fps | 10.0 fps |
| Shutter Priority | |
|
| Aperture Priority | |
|
| Manual Exposure Mode | |
|
| Exposure Compensation | |
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| Custom White Balance | |
|
| Image Stabilization | |
|
| Built-in Flash | |
|
| Flash Range | 11 | 10 |
| Flash Modes | Auto, Front curtain, Rear curtain, Red-Eye, Slow Sync | Auto, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless |
| External Flash | |
|
| AE Bracketing | |
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| WB Bracketing | |
|
| Exposure Modes | ||
| Multi-Segment | |
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| Average | |
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| Spot | |
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| Partial | |
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| AF-Area | |
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| Center Weighted | |
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| Video Features | ||
| Video Resolutions | n/a | 1920 x 1080 (60, 24 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30fps), 640 x 424 (29.97 fps) |
| Max Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | |
| Video Formats | n/a | MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264 |
| Microphone Port | |
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| Headphone Port | |
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| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless Connectivity | |
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| HDMI | |
|
| USB | USB 1.0 | USB 2.0 |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental Sealing | |
|
| Water Proof | |
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| Dust Proof | |
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| Shock Proof | |
|
| Crush Proof | |
|
| Freeze Proof | |
|
| Weight | 780 g | 622 g |
| Physical Dimensions | 144 x 116 x 81 mm | 132 x 97 x 81 mm |
| Battery Life | n/a | 560 shots |
| Battery Type | n/a | Battery Pack |
| Battery Model | n/a | NP-FM500H |
| Other Features | ||
| Self Timer | |
|
| Timelapse Recording | |
|
| GPS | Built-in | |
| Storage Type | Compact Flash (Type I or II) | SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
| Storage Slots | 1 | 1 |
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