Nikon D50, need inputs. :)

[Wynngd]

Guys,

I'm planning to but Nikon D50 but before I get 1, Can you give me your comments in this camera. Pros and cons. because I already have enough money to buy one. just need your inputs so I can decide if I will buy one or continue saving for Canon digital Rebel XT.

I'm also wandering why Nikon drop their prices of up to US$474 dollars. Is it because they already sell thier SLR to Sony?

Really appreciate any reply.

Thanks alot,
Wynn

[RTaylor]

Just so you realize, the D50 cost more than that $474.
You probably saw it on online but thats just the camera body.
Cant do a thing with that This is true with all DSLR's
You need to also buy a lens which is a $200-300 hundred extra depending on which lens you choose.
It only comes with one battery. You should always have a second battery should your first one go in the middle of being out taking pics. Thats another $45 give or take.
Then you need 1gig Sandisk Ultra II Secure Digital SD Memory Card Retail at least 2.
You can get them cheap at zipzoomfly.com and they dont charge shipping.

Then you at least need a UV filter to place on the lens more to protect it from scratching which will eventually happen no matter how careful. Its cheaper to replace a $25-$45 screw on filter than it is to replace a $300 lens
Eek you're probably saying, more expensive than $500

If you do end up getting the D50, I wouldnt go with the kit lens which is the lens they sell it with, thats only 18-55mm which isnt much at zoom at all. The 28-80 is a bit better but if you like zooming then you might want to go with the 28-200 lens and saves you from changes lenses a lot at about $300
Changing lenses a lot to get closer will happen more than you realize if you get the 18-55.
So thats why I suggest the 28-800.
I have the 18-70 and 70-300 and I realized I changed the 18-70 to the 70-300 a lot just to get 100-200 zoom. Changing lenses while outside gets you dust on your sensor and dust on your picture
So I went out and bought the 28-200 and now use it 90% of the time and hardly ever change lenses.

Just make sure that when you buy a lens, dont buy the cheaper priced one that says its imported, ALWAYS buy the one that says USA. Thats because Nikon doesnt give warrenties on what they call grey market imports.
Hope this is helpful. I learned some of this from a friend before I bought my D70 back in August 2004 and it helped tremendously, so if I can help someone else then thats a good thing

So add this all together
D50 at $500
28-200 lens $300
extra Nikon EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Battery Pack $39.99
And SD Cards, you are looking at $800-$1000

I just noticed Adorama.com has a deal for the D50 with the
2 Lens Kit, with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G, & 55-200mm f/4-5.6G, ED AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor Lenses Cost $795


http://www.adorama.com/INKD50K2.htm...0&item_no=1

So both are basically the same price except if you just buy the body and then buy the 28-200 you get just about the same zoom but you dont have to change your lenses to get it. I would bet with 18-55 if you are outside getting scenery, you would always want to change to the 55-200 and later back again.
Hope this is all helpful.
Ruth

[Wynngd]

Thanks alot Ruth for your reply! It really helps me alot thinking.

I guess the same goes when I buy Digital Rebel XT. Maybe I will buy the basics first. The D50, 28-200mm lens and 1 gig mempry. then to follow the rest of the stuffs.

Thanks alot again its a big help for me. However, functionality and quality of pictures which is better D50 or 350D?

[RTaylor]

Check this out

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/comp...n_d50&show=all


Canon 350D is more expensive.
Pretty much the same functions. They both get fantastic pictures once you learn how to use a DSLR

Glad I could help

[SMcEvoy]

I've had my D50 for 7 months now and love it. I returned the 55-200 my hubby had bought and swapped up to the 70-300 D ED lens and it's just great. The 18-55 kit lens takes super shots too. e.g. http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/s...cat=500&page=4 (taken on program mode).

I don't find myself swapping lenses too much unless I want to shoot wildlife or birds hiding in the distant trees. The 18-55 usually does a super job for my landscapes.

Whether you go Canon or Nikon, the big thing is that they are both DSLR and both will take really good pictures.

I used a high speed Kingston card and have never had a problem with it. Response is super fast and it was a lot cheaper than the SanDisk ones at the time.

The other gadget that I absolutely love and that's only about $25 CDN is the wireless remote that you can get to go with it. http://thecamerastore.com/ProductDet...roductID=31334 It works superbly with the tripod and comes in a little pouch that attaches to your camera strap so you don't lose it.

So good luck whatever you decide.

[Wynngd]

Thanks alot Suzan and Ruth,

I already have my decision already. I will continue my original plan and buy my first SLR mid this year. I'll buy the 350D. Really appreciate your inputs.

[BEBO]

I am new to the site and also just pruchased a D50 Nikon. I hava an N75 Nikon with a Tamron 28-300 lens. I was told that that lens was compatible with the digital when I was ready to buy up. Any suggestions out there to assist me with the transition? I put the 18-55 kit lens on the N75 and the 28-300 on the D50. This makes sense to me, but I am flying by the seat of my pants. Am I in good shape, lens wise??

What compensation should I be making? I was told that the Tamron becomes a 50-450 on the digital camera. Is that correct?

Thanks everyone

Barb

[RTaylor]

1.5 time 28 = 42
1.5 times 300 = 450

so your mm equivelant would be 42-450

I know that the Tamron 28-300 works on the D70, D100 and D200 because I have a friend who has used all three with it.

I'm assuming it works with the D50 as well

For any lens you buy for Nikon Digital, just times it by 1.5 and you will get the true wide angle or zoom

[BEBO]

Thank you Ruth for your help. For everyone - I'm sure this has been quoted before, but for everyone this is my favorite

So much there is to catch,
And the years so short,
That there is scarce time to snatch
Pen, palette, or aught,
And to seize some shape we can see,
That others may keep
Its moment of mystery,
Then go to our sleep.

Lord Dunsany

With the help of this site I hope to match my passion with expertise. Wonderful place to turn.

Barb

[RTaylor]

You're welcome Barb
What beautiful words, I have not heard them before.
Thanks for sharing them.
Glad you used the word passion.
To me, photography isnt a hobby, for me its my passion. Its the passion that keeps us learning and become better each year and see the beauty in every corner you turn