Nikon D100 vs Sony A58: A Deep Dive into Two APS-C DSLRs a Decade Apart

In the evolving world of DSLR photography, few comparisons offer as intriguing a contrast as the Nikon D100 and the Sony A58. These two cameras - separated by over a decade of technological advances - represent distinct eras in DSLR history. One is a pioneering early-2000s champion from Nikon’s stable, the other a feature-rich, mid-2010s Sony with a bold approach to sensor and autofocus design. Both share an APS-C sensor format but deliver vastly different experiences in terms of speed, image quality, and usability.

Having spent countless hours testing hundreds of cameras across genres, I’m excited to unpack the real-world capabilities of these two models for today’s photography enthusiasts and professionals. This comparison will fuse technical analysis with practical shooting insights, highlighting which camera suits different use cases and budgets.

Let’s usher in a chronological and thematic journey through sensor tech, handling, autofocus, image quality, and ultimately photographic application - peppered with side-by-side image samples and real-world impressions.

Body and Handling: Classic Solid vs Compact Lightweight

Right off the bat, the Nikon D100’s solid, somewhat chunky body contrasts with the more compact and lightweight Sony A58. The Nikon D100 sports a Mid-size SLR build measuring 144x116x81mm and weighing around 780g - a heft you quickly notice, especially if you shoot handheld for hours. It feels robust and reliable in your hands, with a reassuring grip designed for comfort, particularly during longer sessions.

Compare this with the Sony A58’s Compact SLR form factor, 129x95x78mm, tipping the scales at just 492g. The A58 embraces portability, making it a natural fit for travel and street photographers who value light carry weight.

Examining the control layouts, the Nikon D100 relies on traditional DSLR dials and buttons - sturdy but minimalist, with no illuminated controls or touchscreen. The Sony A58, though entry-level, offers a more modern approach including a tilting LCD and electronic viewfinder, featuring a much cleaner top plate and button arrangement for quicker access to shooting modes and custom functions.

In terms of ergonomics and interface, the Nikon feels like a classic workhorse - intuitive for those accustomed to pre-digital ergonomics - whereas the Sony leans into compact convenience, sacrificing some direct control for a simplified, user-friendly experience.

Sensor and Image Quality: From 6MP CCD to 20MP CMOS

At the core of any camera's photographic potential lies the sensor. The Nikon D100’s 6-megapixel APS-C CCD sensor (23.7×15.5 mm) harkens back to early DSLRs, delivering images sized at 3008×2000 pixels. This sensor offers respectable image quality for its time - with pleasing color depth and natural tones - especially when paired with Nikon’s extensive F-mount lens ecosystem. However, noise at higher ISO settings (above 400) can become quite intrusive.

In stark contrast, the Sony A58 features a 20.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor (23.2×15.4 mm), bringing a modern megapixel count and state-of-the-art sensor fabrication to the table. This CMOS sensor excels in its class, with an ISO range from 100 to a native 16,000 (boosted to 25,600) that permits much cleaner low-light images. The increased resolution is noticeable in landscape or studio portraits requiring cropping or large prints, providing greater detail retention.

A crucial addition is Sony’s use of sensor-based image stabilization, which wasn’t present in the Nikon D100 era. This stabilizer dramatically improves handheld shooting capabilities across many genres.

Autofocus Systems: The Evolution from Phase Detection to Hybrid AF

If focusing speed and accuracy are priorities, you’ll find a considerable leap from the Nikon D100’s autofocus to the Sony A58’s system.

The Nikon D100 employs an older phase detection AF system with no dedicated number of focus points officially detailed. It lacks advanced features like face or eye detection and does not support AF tracking. Autofocus precision relies heavily on contrast detection when using live view, which sadly does not exist on the D100, limiting practical use.

The Sony A58, however, is equipped with a 15-point phase detection AF system with 3 cross-type points and markedly supports face detection. Unlike the D100, the A58 offers continuous AF tracking, enhancing sports and wildlife photography by maintaining focus on moving subjects effectively. This capability was a gamechanger for mid-range DSLRs of its time.

Combined with a fast 8 fps burst shooting mode, the Sony A58 is far better suited to action photography than the D100’s slower 3 fps rate.

Viewfinder and LCD: Optical Classic vs Electronic Modernity

The Nikon D100 features a fixed 1.8" LCD screen with a resolution of just 118k dots - quite limited by modern standards - and a traditional optical pentaprism viewfinder covering about 95% of the frame with a 0.53x magnification. This optical viewfinder, while lacking in coverage, provides a bright and natural image with zero lag, favored for precise composition.

Sony’s A58 eschews the optical viewfinder in favor of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 1440k dots resolution, covering 100% of the frame at 0.65x magnification. The benefits here are obvious - real-time exposure preview, histograms, and focus peaking immediately visible in the viewfinder, which really enhances manual focusing and exposure accuracy.

The A58’s tilting 2.7" LCD with 460k dots further adds shooting versatility, a boon for awkward angles or video recording, completely absent on the fixed screen Nikon.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Nikon D100 screen back Sony A58 front Sony A58 screen back

Nikon’s F-mount lens system supporting the D100 is a beast in terms of sheer breadth and quality. With over 300 lenses available, including some legendary manual focus optics, the F mount remains one of the most extensive and cost-effective ecosystems - especially for portrait and landscape photographers who prize optics versatility.

Sony’s A58 employs the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount with about 143 lenses available. Although much smaller than Nikon’s pool, this selection has steadily grown and includes native Sony lenses alongside adapted third-party options. Compatibility with modern image-stabilized lenses helps leverage the sensor-based stabilizer effectively.

If lens variety and future-proofing are critical, Nikon’s ecosystem offers unmatched legacy support; however, Sony’s selection suffices for most enthusiasts and shines with modern optics designed for DSLR and mirrorless hybrids.

Battery Life and Storage

One of the more understated yet crucial day-to-day factors is battery endurance and media compatibility.

The Nikon D100 does not have standardized battery life specs readily available but uses early-generation lithium-ion batteries, generally shorter-lasting (~500 shots per charge typical for early DSLRs). Storage is handled by Compact Flash cards (Type I or II) - robust but now largely obsolete outside professional gear.

Sony A58, by contrast, boasts impressive stamina with up to 690 shots per charge, using the NP-FM500H battery - a feature I personally tested with consistent reliability during extended shooting sessions. Storage employs versatile SD, SDHC, SDXC, and Memory Stick Pro Duo cards, offering better compatibility, faster file transfers, and more affordable media options.

Video and Connectivity: A Modern Contender vs None

While the Nikon D100 lacks any video recording capability entirely, the Sony A58 delivers Full HD 1080p video at various frame rates (MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264 codecs). This puts the A58 in a sweet spot for hybrid shooters wanting basic but quality video performance without investing in a dedicated camcorder.

The A58’s USB 2.0, HDMI out, and microphone port give further support for workflow integration and improved audio capture - features the Nikon lacks across the board.

Neither model offers Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or GPS, although the A58 supports Eye-Fi SD card wireless connectivity, which, while niche and dated, was once a valuable wireless solution.

Genre-Specific Performance: Tailoring Choices by Photography Style

To make sense of these specs in practical terms, let’s break down how each camera performs across major photography disciplines.

Portrait Photography

The Nikon D100’s lower resolution and older sensor technology produce soft and natural skin tones with minimal post-processing needed. Its F-mount lens lineup offers access to classic Nikon primes delivering smooth bokeh. However, the lack of autofocus face/eye detection means framing and focusing require more skill and manual adjustment.

Sony A58’s greater resolution captures fine detail and texture better. Face detection autofocus simplifies portraiture workflows, and sensor stabilization helps steady handheld shots in low light. For portraitists wanting speed with modern conveniences, A58 is a step up.

Landscape Photography

Resolution matters in landscapes, and here the Sony pushes ahead with its 20.1MP sensor giving extra room to crop or print large. Dynamic range on the A58 also exceeds the D100’s CCD sensor by a notable margin, capturing more highlight and shadow detail under challenging lighting.

However, the Nikon’s rugged, solid build - albeit without weather sealing - offers good stability for tripod work. Its broad lens selection includes expert-level ultra-wide and tilt-shift lenses beloved by landscape specialists.

Wildlife Photography

With the Nikon D100 limited to 3 fps continuous shooting and basic autofocus, fast-moving wildlife is hard to capture reliably. The absence of AF tracking further hinders performance.

The Sony A58 shines in this genre with its 8 fps burst mode and continuous autofocus tracking system, allowing photographers to lock onto chaotic wildlife action with higher keeper rates. The lighter body also encourages extended handheld shooting during long expeditions.

Sports Photography

Similar to wildlife, the D100’s autofocus and frame rate lag behind - 3 fps simply won’t satisfy most sports shooters covering fast action.

The A58’s improved autofocus points and burst speed give it a competitive edge here, especially in well-lit conditions. Despite noisy AF in dim lighting, it is a more practical choice for dynamic sports capture.

Street Photography

For candid street snaps, portability and discretion are key. The Sony A58, being smaller and lighter, plus equipped with a silent electronic viewfinder mode, makes it more discreet. Its faster autofocus lets you capture fleeting moments with ease.

The Nikon D100, though bulkier, offers an optical viewfinder free from electronic lag, favored by some for a more natural shooting experience. But overall, for quick urban shooting, A58 is more nimble.

Macro Photography

Neither camera sports dedicated macro features such as focus bracketing or stacking, but Nikon’s plethora of compatible macro lenses makes it a traditional choice for detail-focused shoots.

The Sony’s sensor stabilization aids handheld macro shots, while the flick-friendly live view autofocus helps hone focus more precisely on close subjects - no contest for focus speed and stability in this category.

Night and Astro Photography

Sony’s higher native ISO ceiling and improved noise control make it far better suited for night sky photography. The ability to preview exposures in the EVF and adjust on the fly is invaluable for astrophotographers.

The Nikon D100 can struggle beyond ISO 400, resulting in grain and noisy shadows, while also lacking any live view or electronic exposure preview to refine settings easily.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera features environmental sealing, waterproofing, or sensor dust proofing. Both are vulnerable to harsh elements.

That said, the Nikon D100’s more robust DSLR chassis instills confidence for semi-professional use in controlled environments. The Sony A58’s lighter construction is optimized for casual to mid-level user durability, with plastics replacing metal die-cast parts to reduce weight.

Price-to-Performance: Value for Your Dollar

Rough market prices place the Nikon D100 well below $200, reflecting its legacy status and limited modern utility. The Sony A58, at circa $650, is a budget-friendly entry-level DSLR with modern features and image quality still relevant today.

If your budget is strictly under $200 and you value classic Nikon glass and natural color rendition, the D100 can be a nostalgic pick or a secondary camera.

For enthusiasts requiring better autofocus, image stabilization, video capture, and image resolution, the Sony A58 - though aged now - delivers significantly better performance and future usability.

User Interface and Experience: Workflow and Menu Design

While the Nikon D100's interface is minimalistic and lacks customization, it sticks to standard Nikon menus with quick access to exposure modes and function keys. However, limited screen info and absence of live view restrict creative experimentation in the field.

Sony’s menu system on the A58 is more comprehensive, featuring intuitive navigation and quick toggles for stabilization, video, and AF modes. The LCD’s tilting design enhances ergonomic shooting and helps in composing tricky angles.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

If you love the tactile feel of classic DSLRs, shoot primarily portraits or landscapes in daylight, and already own Nikon F lenses, the Nikon D100 remains a worthwhile collector’s piece or supplementary camera. It’s ideal for students of DSLR history and Nikon enthusiasts with a keen eye for natural color and manual-focus workflows.

For the majority seeking an affordable, versatile APS-C DSLR capable in autofocus, image stabilization, and video, the Sony A58 is a far more compelling choice. Its flexible feature set suits hobbyists and part-time professionals shooting wildlife, sports, street, and casual video alike. The higher resolution sensor and better ISO performance make it relevant even years after launch.

Both cameras offer a window into DSLR development: the D100 as a pioneer of digital SLR imaging, the A58 as a bridge to mirrorless-style convenience in a traditional DSLR shell. Your decision hinges on whether you prioritize classic DSLR charm or modern imaging versatility.

Concluding Thoughts

Comparing these two APS-C DSLRs - the Nikon D100 and the Sony A58 - is like juxtaposing photographic past and near-present. The Nvidia D100 reminds us of the technical boundaries early DSLRs faced yet also the timeless value of legendary lenses and optical viewfinders. The Sony A58, conversely, demonstrates DSLR evolution through improved sensor design, autofocus, and video features.

I hope this thorough comparison - based on longterm hands-on testing and technical evaluation - helps you weigh your options thoughtfully. Whether you value the understated reliability of an early DSLR or want a capable entry-level APS-C DSLR ready for diverse shooting demands, knowing the strengths and limitations of these cameras empowers better photography decisions.

Happy shooting!

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• Nikon D100 screen back Sony A58 front Sony A58 screen back