New member ready to make the jump to digital

[Tom]

Hi everyone. I'm a new member who is finally going to make the jump from film to digital. I am looking at buying my first digital camera which will either be a D50 or D70s.

I currently own a Nikon F4 with a 35-70 f2.8 D zoom, a 80-200 f2.8 D zoom and a 85mm f1.8 lens. I also use a Metz 45CL-4 flash unit.

Although I am an experienced amateur photographer, I know that I am going to have a steep learning curve as I get into digital photography. That's why I have joined this forum. I know I'll learn a lot here!

Tom

[sirhc55]

Welcome Tom - suggest the D70s over the D50, especially if you have been using an F4. Look forward to seeing some pics as soon as you get your camera

[Glen]

Tom, welcome Like sirhc55, I would suggest the D70s for the better lens and few bits and pieces which are worth the small extra dollars. All your lenses should work fine on either camera. Your flash will work but not to the full ability of a Nikon one (I-TTL). After 30 meaningful posts and posting an image you are eligible to buy at members prices from Birdddog 114. Hope you enjoy your stay

[mudder]

G'day Tom,
Already well armed with bits already, welcome to the digital environment... Lotsa cheap film Look forward to some pics

[yeocsa]

Hi everyone. I'm a new member who is finally going to make the jump from film to digital. I am looking at buying my first digital camera which will either be a D50 or D70s.

I currently own a Nikon F4 with a 35-70 f2.8 D zoom, a 80-200 f2.8 D zoom and a 85mm f1.8 lens. I also use a Metz 45CL-4 flash unit.

Although I am an experienced amateur photographer, I know that I am going to have a steep learning curve as I get into digital photography. That's why I have joined this forum. I know I'll learn a lot here!

Tom

Welcome Tom. Taking digital is even easier and much more fun than film.

regards,

Arthur

[Hudo]

Hi Tom,

I have a D70 and D70s and they have both been a great investment.... Welcome.

[Tom]

Thanks for the welcome!

I am looking forward to reading a few reviews before I decide between the D50 and D70s. The D50 seems the ideal camera for me to start with especially since I know nothing about post processing. The D70s has more advanced features such as white balance fine tuning, but from what I have read the D50 is better in some areas. Which leads me to think the D50 might suit me until I become proficient and then get the next model D70 or D100 or whatever. BTW I had a look at Maxwell's website and noticed the D70s body for $1499 but you can't buy the D50 body only. It only comes with the kit lens and this brings the price to $1599. Strange marketing!

Tom

[yeocsa]

Thanks for the welcome!

I am looking forward to reading a few reviews before I decide between the D50 and D70s. The D50 seems the ideal camera for me to start with especially since I know nothing about post processing. The D70s has more advanced features such as white balance fine tuning, but from what I have read the D50 is better in some areas. Which leads me to think the D50 might suit me until I become proficient and then get the next model D70 or D100 or whatever. BTW I had a look at Maxwell's website and noticed the D70s body for $1499 but you can't buy the D50 body only. It only comes with the kit lens and this brings the price to $1599. Strange marketing!

Tom

Hi Tom,

I would strongly recommend D70s. Your needs will outgrow D50 in no time. Your photographic skills and knowledge will grow expotentially as you can take lots of picture, review, re-take and improve.

regards,

arthur

[Matt. K]

I agree with the other posters Tom...You should buy the D70. You can use it in Auto until you become confident. I think you would regret buying the D50 after a short time.

[stubbsy]

Tom

Welcome from another Novocastrian.

The D50 lacks some features that the D70s has and if your a serious amateur (and I'm guessing you are based on your lenses etc) you'll outgrow the D50 sooner than you realise.

The price difference between the two is small plus the D50 uses different cards to the other Nikon DSLRs (which all use Compact Flash) so if you upgrade later you'll need to buy all new cards.

[Andoru]

Indeed, the D70 is the better option.

[birddog114]

Welcome Tom,
D70s is far better than the D50. Get the D70s, you'll be happy on the Stockton sand dunes and The Tin City with us soon.

[Gray]

Hi Tom,

as a amateur photographer myself, I am extreamly happy with my D70 purchase, I'd also strongly recommend the D70S

Cheers,

Gray

[redline]

welcome Tom,
do you have any exp with photoshop or printing. its quite different from film workflow, esp storage and printingg.

[gstark]

Tom,

Welcome.

As others have pointed out, the D70 should be your choice at this point. You won't be likely to outgrow it for some time, and its quality is up there.

The fine tuning capabilities that the D50 lacks (in comparison with the D70) will become a point of frustration for you in a very short time, and that won't be good for you.

[ElRonno]

Welcome Tom!

[Geoff]

WElcome Tom!
I too look forward to some of your posts when you get your new D70s...yes that's right, the D70s

[robboh]

Good to have you on board Tom.
As everyone else has said, the D70 is probably the better option for you.

Cheers
Rob

[Tom]

welcome Tom,
do you have any exp with photoshop or printing. its quite different from film workflow, esp storage and printingg.

I have no experience with Photoshop. I have Photoshop Elements 2 on my computer which I am learning but it doesn't handle RAW. As I get more proficient I will have to upgrade to Elements 3 or Photoshop CS, probably the later.

There is a lot to learn but I'm looking forward to it!

Tom

[birddog114]

welcome Tom,
do you have any exp with photoshop or printing. its quite different from film workflow, esp storage and printingg.

I have no experience with Photoshop. I have Photoshop Elements 2 on my computer which I am learning but it doesn't handle RAW. As I get more proficient I will have to upgrade to Elements 3 or Photoshop CS, probably the later.

There is a lot to learn but I'm looking forward to it!

Tom

Tom,
I'm not an expert in PSE but I read a post from a member recently and he said RAW can be worked in PSE.

[jethro]

Tom! get with the program get a D70 and learn from the best pack of guys and gals in this fine land. they are cheeky, brash and full of ....... plentyl of ideas.
jethro

[Tom]

Tom,
I'm not an expert in PSE but I read a post from a member recently and he said RAW can be worked in PSE.

I hope you are right. I am only learning but I thought I read somewhere that Elements 2 didn't but the new Elements 3 did. I will soon find out!

Tom

[robboh]

Tom,
I'm not an expert in PSE but I read a post from a member recently and he said RAW can be worked in PSE.

I hope you are right. I am only learning but I thought I read somewhere that Elements 2 didn't but the new Elements 3 did. I will soon find out!

Tom,

As far as I remember, yes you are right. PSE2 didnt support ACR, but PSE3 does.

Rob.

[Andoru]

Not to mention that the D50 lacks DOF-preview button. Nikon what were you thinking? In my books, a camera is not a full-fledged SLR without this function.

[the foto fanatic]

Tom,
I'm not an expert in PSE but I read a post from a member recently and he said RAW can be worked in PSE.

I hope you are right. I am only learning but I thought I read somewhere that Elements 2 didn't but the new Elements 3 did. I will soon find out!

Tom

Yes, you can open RAW files in PSE2. But you can't use the latest ACR file (ACR 3.1 from memory), you have to use ACR 2.

[gstark]

Not to mention that the D50 lacks DOF-preview button. Nikon what were you thinking? In my books, a camera is not a full-fledged SLR without this function.

Not really an issue; it's virtually unusable on a D70 anyway.

[Andoru]

How so if I may ask? I haven't handled the DOF button on the D70 before.

[gstark]

How so if I may ask? I haven't handled the DOF button on the D70 before.

The viewfinder on the D70 is smallish, and darkish.

The DoF preview button makes it darkish-er

As the viewfinder gets darker, it (obviously) becomes more difficult to see the subject matter, and thus it becomes more difficult to accurately assess the scene for the effect that you're trying to achieve.

It's probably easier and quicker to just dash of three or four shots, modifying your exposure for each one to permit greater (or lesser) DoF, and then choose your image in PP.