Sony or Nikon DSLR Camera?

I'm thinking about getting a new camera and came upon these two high rated cameras Sony - SLT-A65VK 24.3-Megapixel DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Zoom Lens and the Nikon - D3200 24.2-Megapixel Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm Zoom Lens but, I'm torn between the two. Any input on the two brands and the camera's individual performance would be greatly appreciated!

You have to ask yourself

Do I want a mature system, one that pros have been using since 1959 or one that has very few lens options and is made by a company that has only been making dSLR camera since 2005?

Once you decide, then visit a proper cameras shop and hold the camera in your hands and see which one you like the best

Sony may only have been in the SLR business since 2005, but they inherited the expertise of Minolta - who quietly introduced auto-indexing before Nikon and built the world's first multimode SLR.

All Sony DSLRs and SLTs are direct descendants of the world's first successful AF SLR - the Minolta (Maxxum) 7000. They're also better for video.

Find a dealer who'll let you handle both and make up your own mind.

You can't go wrong with the D3200.

Controversially the new Sony sensor is said to be noisier; that's only important for massive enlargements and very low light work. If you shoot RAW you'll control your own processing preferences in any case. The SLT system has plenty going for it. Take a look alongside a comparable Nikon or Canon. Go for one the latter two if you are on the pro route as it will save jumping ship later when you need specialist accessories.

Oh… And Minolta Autofocus lenses from the pre digital age will fit the Sony A Mount with those marked "G" being as good as anything ever made by Canon/Nikon. Sony has some really nice Ziess glass that fits the mount too.