D50 question

[albey1]

hi everyone!! i am considering purchasing a D50 with a twin lens kit from this store http://www.ccccamerahouse.com.au/store/ ... roduct=855 for $1489- i think it is a good price

and i just have a couple of questions i hope you can answer, i am new to the dslr scene and as this will be my first dslr purchase,
1.what is this camera like for novice?
2. i am also considering the Canon 350D and the Pentax ist Ds/Dl, what would be the best choice?
i have read a couple of good reviews on the Nikon, but just getting confused with all the choice and different specs of these cameras

any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

[Nnnnsic]

I'm not entirely sure if that is a good deal or not, however the 70-300 is a G series lens so while it has a decent reach, the glass is soft and the lens is of a lesser quality, as is the 18-55 it comes with (the kit lens for the D50).

That said, informer has shown us that the 18-55 can get some good shots out.

1. A camera is a camera is a camera, even for a novice.

It really depends on where you think your level is.

SLR's are a learning curve for anyone.
If you're coming from an Advanced Point & Shoot, like the Coolpix 8800 or the like, you should, provided you've touched some of the manual settings, have some understanding of things like aperture and ISO and whatnot.
If you haven't, the learning curve is more than likely the same as people who haven't touch an SLR either.
If you've actually played with an SLR before, then essentially, while a good reading of the manual is always advised, it shouldn't be as hard to get down and dirty with the device.

That said, the D50 should be a bloody competent camera for a novice.

2. If you're considering a Canon 350D, you should really be considering a D70s instead of the D50. The D50 is moreso in the same range as what I'd imagine the 300D to be, not the 350D.

Between the Canon, Nikon, and Pentax offerings, ALL are capable cameras.
The problem with deciding between them is that a lot of people get muddled in the specs...

Please realise that between megapixels, these cameras are very similar, so for the most part, find one you're comfortable using.
You're going to be buying into a camera system, and once you're in it, you'll essentially have to buy glass entirely from that system.

Go to a local camera store or a mini-meet (if you're in Sydney) or another D70Users event (if you're not in Sydney and there's one running) and try out the cameras for yourself. You need to have a good feel for a camera.

I know people that can't stand the way a Nikon feels and I know that I'm not a big fan of the way either the Pentax's or Canon's feel. For me, the sub-20D offerings and the Pentax's feel too much like toys... they don't balance well in my hands.

Part of enjoying photography is having something you like the feel of in your hands.

Once you find a camera selection you're comfortable with, THEN you should look at the camera specs and lens system you feel you'll like most.

In my opinion, whilst I respect Pentax as a decent camera brand, I'd stay away from them.

Even though both Olympus and Konica-Minolta have some impressive camera offerings, Canon and Nikon lead the field when it comes to the amount of lenses you'll be able to find and play with so you should probably stick to either a Nikon or a Canon.

[gstark]

Leigh has said most of it, but this is the wrong kit.

Nikon are making a 55-200 lens especially for sale with this camera as the second lens in a kit; why are these people not offering you that lens? It should be about the same price, have better optical quality than the 70-300, but won't have quite the same reach.

But as Leigh has correctly pointed out, what is more important is how the various brands feel in your hands. Try each one out, in your hands. See which feels most comfortanble - for you.

Then move to the next step; all are capable of producing fine images, but the key factor in that equation becomes the operator.

And please put your location into your profile.

[birddog114]

As on DPR the D50 is compared with the Canon 350D not the D70s.
I'm sure DPR has a good writting about these two cameras, It worths to have a read on it.

[dooda]

Nikon and Canon feel very different. 350 feels plasticky and light. Some people like that as they feel more mobile. I don't really care because I'm a fit 200 pounder and the extra bit of weight means nothing.
What means something to me is things like where the on off switch is. I simply love the Nikon on/off switch, as well as the spot meter.

All things equal, both are capable of producing good pictures. I shot with the 300d for a few days and found things a little bit too saturated for my liking, otherwise I believe it is what makes you feel better. When you've made your choice read up on the other so that you know what you're talking about when entering brand flamewars.

[albey1]

ok thanks for the advice everyone

i thought for $1489 it was good value, especially when the cheapest price if seen with the single lens kit only is around the $1400 mark anyway, and being my first dslr, any lense with blow the shots ive been taking with my little P&S A75 canon out of the water!!


but ill be going into the store in the next couple of days to get a feel for it and maybe i can check out the 55-200mm lens

i also checked out DP's review on the D50 and was quite impressed with its performance compared to the Pentax which i have since gone off

[stubbsy]

While I agree with everything said above about the 70-300G, the price on offer is very good for the D50 since most other online retailers have D50 + kit for around the price here for D50 + kit + 70-300G so you're effectively getting the 70-300 G for around $50.

[Oneputt]

A good friend of mine has the Pentax and like the Nikon all of his old SLR lenses fit. He has also scoured all the Cash Converters stores and bought a whole heap of good lenses very cheaply. So don't rule out the Pentax.

[gstark]

Just by way of contrats however, someone was selling a Pentax kit - two lenses too, IIRC - for just on $1K.

JB HiFi perhaps? Leigh will remember ...

[Nnnnsic]

Just by way of contrats however, someone was selling a Pentax kit - two lenses too, IIRC - for just on $1K.

JB HiFi perhaps? Leigh will remember ...

Not that I'd ever recommend listening to a salesperson from JB HiFi, but JB run the Pentax (which yes, should be thrown out of your head, but blame Dad because he's mentioned it) with a Sigma 18-50 for $997.

[gstark]

Just by way of contrats however, someone was selling a Pentax kit - two lenses too, IIRC - for just on $1K.

JB HiFi perhaps? Leigh will remember ...

Not that I'd ever recommend listening to a salesperson from JB HiFi, but JB run the Pentax (which yes, should be thrown out of your head, but blame Dad because he's mentioned it) with a Sigma 18-50 for $997.

Just keeping all the options open.

I'd have problems recommending the Pentax too, and I'd probably suggest replacing that kit lens with a can of Coke.

[Nnnnsic]

I'd have problems recommending the Pentax too, and I'd probably suggest replacing that kit lens with a can of Coke.

I knew there was something with Coke that the Mythbusters forgot to test...

[Luke Smith]

http://www.graysonline.com.au/ are auctioning off a bunch of Olympus E-300 kits at the moment, which should finish about the $1-1.1k mark, too.

Cheers,

Luke

[Nnnnsic]

The main problem with the Olympus' is the lack of range in the 4/3rd's system.

[gstark]

The main problem with the Olympus' is the lack of range in the 4/3rd's system.

And the smaller sensor size.

[albey1]

so will the 70-300mm lens still give me decent pictures, it actuallu doesnt say that it comes with the G lens or if its a Nikkon lens at all(i will find out)

i noticed that they have another 70-300mm http://www.ccccamerahouse.com.au/store/ ... roduct=678

is this lens any good? it also a far bit dearer in price

[MCWB]

For that price there's no way in hell it's the 70-300 ED. If it is, snap it up! The 70-300 G isn't a brilliant lens, but for the price you're paying for it in this kit, why not! Search around here for 70-300 G, it's quite possible to get good results out of it. The ED lens isn't a whole lot better, for that price you'd be better off checking my signature.

[informer]

Hi,

just thought I'd pop in to say hello. I have the D50 and boy have I got photos for you guys

I don't have a lot of time now to talk about the D50 and the 18-55 on my road trip, I'll just say that the experience with the camera has been exactly what I was after.
Life would have been easier had I gotten the second lenses (70-300) for closeups (especially of the half moon which according to my friend has only seen one 3 times in his life) but I didn't because I wasn't sure on the kind of photos I like taking (closeups? wide? action? etc etc). During my roadtrip I found myself taking a lot of landscape and closeup pictures. If I can limited my choices of future lenses to these 2 activities then I think I should be even happier with my pictures.

As for the OP's question, I wouldn't go for the Pentax mainly because its a little too small and doesn't feel right compared to the Nikon (felt complicated to me). The Canon is a good camera but I didn't like the plastic build of it and I didn't want to use CF cards. The D50 was the best option for me because it supports SD cards, was a brand new camera, good size and weight, and it was very user friendly. I didn't get the D70 because it felt a little too big for me (and heavier with the bigger and deeper lenses).

The D50 is a great dSLR camera, its one where you can pick it up quickly and shoot away. Its so simple, its unbelievable (this one was for the birddog dood ).

[albey1]

thanks for that informer, it sound like a good camera, ill be checking it out this weekend

i think ill be going with the Nikon, rather than the pentax or canon at this stage

[birddog114]

thanks for that informer, it sound like a good camera, ill be checking it out this weekend

i think ill be going with the Nikon, rather than the pentax or canon at this stage

albey1,
It's a good camera Nikon D50, at least I can see people are talking about it against the Canon 350D. It will stir up the DSLR market at the beginer level.
Don't count on the MP! but prepare and get your wallet full of cash ready

[JED]

Hi Albey1.

I'm very pleased with my d50 so far, not that I've had much opportunity to play with it yet as the occassionaly significant other had a slip with a meat cleaver and has done a lot of damage to her left hand as you would imagine.

If you haven't seen them already, I've posted a few pix here.

http://www.d70users.net/viewtopic.php?t=7397&highlight=
http://www.d70users.net/viewtopic.php?t=7017&highlight=

Also have a look at Informer's posts as he has done some good stuff too with the promise of more to come from his road trip.

I've found the d50 very comfortable, fast and intuitive to handle and worked nicely at a kids birthday party I was at recently. A friend has a 350D which I had a good play with before deciding on the d50. The pix it produces are great, but for me it didn't feel as substantial or as comfortable to use. It's a very subjective thing, one man's meat is other man's poison.

The kit you're looking at seems like pretty good value on the surface, particularly if the 70-300 is a nikon lens. May not be such good value if it isn't, plus there is the gap in the coverage between 55 and 70 which doesn't seem all that important now, but Murphy's law will dictate that that gap will become a source of frustration down the track.

I got mine off ebay for around $1300 (single lens). I have since picked up the companion 55-200 but haven't had a chance to play with it yet due to the accident.

The chase is half the fun. Enjoy.

Cheers, John D

[birddog114]

I got mine off ebay for around $1300 (single lens). I have since picked up the companion 55-200 but haven't had a chance to play with it yet due to the accident.

The chase is half the fun. Enjoy.

Cheers, John D

Albey1,
The current's price of the D50 + 18-55 with 12 months local warranty from Nikon/ Maxwell is $1340.00.
If you can, don't bother the 70-300G or 55-200G, save up for something better which you'll find your needs down the track.
Pls. do shop around well, you may find a treasure.

[gstark]

John,

As and when, I'll be interested to see your results with the 55-200.

[informer]

thanks for that informer, it sound like a good camera, ill be checking it out this weekend

i think ill be going with the Nikon, rather than the pentax or canon at this stage

No problem. Do check out JED's photos. His pictures comes with experience whereas I'm still a dSLR beginner. I think the D50 effectiveness will no doubt show with better lenses and techniques.

[JED]

John,

As and when, I'll be interested to see your results with the 55-200.

Yes, Gary, I'm itching to see what I can do with it, just have to be patient for now.

Cheers, John D

[albey1]

thanks for the advice everyone

what would be a good value telephoto lens to get with the D50 if the 70- 300mmG lens isnt all that great?

ill be taking the camera to the MOTOGP in October, but in not that sure if a 200mm with be enough(yes i really am a novice at this )

thanks

[birddog114]

thanks for the advice everyone

what would be a good value telephoto lens to get with the D50 if the 70- 300mmG lens isnt all that great?

ill be taking the camera to the MOTOGP in October, but in not that sure if a 200mm with be enough(yes i really am a novice at this )

thanks

Abey1,
Look at some other old threads at F1GP in Mel early this year, mostly people had their recommendation in those.
My suggestion is the 80-400VR

[gstark]

thanks for the advice everyone

what would be a good value telephoto lens to get with the D50 if the 70- 300mmG lens isnt all that great?

ill be taking the camera to the MOTOGP in October, but in not that sure if a 200mm with be enough(yes i really am a novice at this )

thanks

Abey1,
Look at some other old threads at F1GP in Mel early this year, mostly people had their recommendation in those.
My suggestion is the 80-400VR

While the 80-400 woulkd certainly work, the viewing conditions at Philip Island are very different from Albert Park.

I've not been to a race at the Island, but I suspect that it's more open, and with closer viewing points than Albert Park offers. If that's the case, and if the budget stretches that far, the 70-200VR would absolutely be the way to go. Otherwise, the 80-400VR is less expensive but somewhat more flexible because of its extended reach.

[OzzieGirl]

albey1- I was also in your position a couple of weeks ago, having to decide between the D70s, D50 and 350D for my first DSLR. After much research and a play with the D70, i decided to purchase the Nikon D50.

The D70 took great photos, but I found it to be a little big/heavy for me. The D50 is a more suitable size, feels well balanced and is easy to use. Build quality of the Nikon camera's felt more solid than the Canon 350D and the colours looked more precise. The low noise levels were also a big selling point on the D50.

As recommended in some of the reviews, I upgraded to the 18-70mm D70s lens. I'm very happy with this camera/lens combo.

I strongly suggest trying out all of the cameras that you are considering and compare photo quality, specs and feel of each.

[gstark]

Hi Ozziegirl; welcome.

The D70 took great photos, but I found it to be a little big/heavy for me. The D50 is a more suitable size, feels well balanced and is easy to use.

This is pretty much in line with my expectations - the D50 will appeal slightly more to those for whom the D70 feels a little bit too big or heavy. And I think Nikon are pretty close to the mark in making a body to target that market segment.

As recommended in some of the reviews, I upgraded to the 18-70mm D70s lens. I'm very happy with this camera/lens combo.

Excellent choice.

You might like to put your location into your profile; it's a great help for others when there's a need to help you, and it's essential should you wish to avail yourself of the members' sections and benefits of our forums.

But otherwise, relax and enjoy your stay, and make sure that you're having fun.

[albey1]

hi again,

ended up going into the camerastore today to try out the D50 and a few other DSLR's

i bought the D50 with the twin lens kit 18-55mm and 70-300g lens(dont get it until next week though- no stock left!) it felt really good in my hands and it is a good size to- perfect for a novice like myself!)

i tried the Canon 350d, and like a few people say it is a bit to small

Cant wait to start using it now, im sure that i have made a good choice in choosing Nikon!!- its taken me almost 7 months to decide

thanks for your advice and comments everyone!!

[informer]

Good choice albey1!

I've just came back from a road trip so have taken a number of pictures. Will let you know when my blog is done.