HELP! Which SLR... NikonD50 or KM5D?

[buzzard86]

Hey gang -
I'm on the verge of what is an extremely large purchase for me, and I need your advice. I've narrowed my selection of DSLR down to the Nikon D50 and KonicaMinolta 5D. However, I can't decide which is better for me and I'm finding that the 5D's are becoming scarce now that KM is getting out of the camera business.

Can you steer me towards one or the other? I've played with both and think I could be happy with either one. I was actually leaning toward the KM5D as I can use the lenses I have from my 35mm Minolta SLR. However, Ritz just put the Nikon D50 on sale for $599 with lens! The KM would cost me $650 just for the body and $749 with lens.

I've got to make a decision soon as the sale price on the D50 won't last long and as I mentioned the KM5D's are becoming harder to find every day. I would GREATLY appreciate any info and opinions that you can share. Thanks a lot!

JIM

[famjad21]

Hi Jim,

I can't help much as I have never used either one. My brother has a D70 which gives great results. I see many people on the site using the D50 so I don't think you can go wrong with a Nikon.

One negative is that the D50 may use different storage media than you may have.

Frank

[SMcEvoy]

I'm thrilled with my D50 and I was looking at both the Minolta (because my original SLR lenses were compatible) and the Nikon. I went with the D50 because I could get it with 70-300mm D ED zoom for $400 less than body alone on the Minolta. Here in Canada anyway, the Minolta is tougher to find whereas everyone seems to carry and service the Nikon range. I think quality wise you'd be hard pressed to distinguish between the two - both excellent cameras. So boiled down - depends on what you're looking for and how much you want to spend. Have fun whichever one you get.

[curtbob]

If a 5D wasn't as scarce as hen's teeth, I'd opt for it. It has Anti-Shake built into the body whereas you have to buy certain lenses to get the comparable feature with the Nikon.

Sony is taking over the KM's DSLR production, so you wouldn't be stuck with an orphan just yet. You won't be at all if Sony's plans are successful. Only time will tell.

If you really want the 5D, go jump on it.

As for me, I'm gettin' a 20D.

[buzzard86]

Thanks a lot for all of the great info! I'm still on the fence but must admit that I'm leaning towards the Nikon D50 primarily due to price. Ritz Camera apparently does have the Minolta 5D in stock, but the body alone is about $700. They're currently selling a Nikon D50 with lens (albeit what I understand to be a very average lens) for $599. I like the feel of the D50 better... but would love the anti-shake that the 5D offers. Bottom line is that price will probably dicate the decision and I may have a Nikon in the bag at the end of this process.

Still haven't made the purchase yet so any additional comments would be welcome. I'll be sure to post with my decision.

Thanks again!
JIM

[SMcEvoy]

Jim, if it's any help, this was taken with the kit lens...

http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/s...cat=500&page=3

Straight out of the box and before I was used to any of the features. I did upgrade with the 70-300 zoom - but it's not anti-shake, and yes, there are times when it could be. But it still takes darned good shots too. This one is on an ISO 1600 from the far end of the rink at a hockey game - no tripod or monopod.

http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/s...cat=500&page=2

[buzzard86]

Wow, Suzan... great photo!!! Thanks for sharing. Do you happen to know anything about the Nikkor 28-80 lens that they include with this camera??? This is the combo that Ritz is selling for $599. I think the kit that you got is retailing now for $699.

JIM