Nikon D50

P

Picollo

Messages
685
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi

I am thinking about buying a Nikon D50

Are these camera's still very good or would it be worth getting a newer model.

I have previousley had a Nikon D40, so not totally new to DSLR's

Thanks
Vicky
 
I loved my D50 - it was my first DSLR so I'm a bit biased..

Build wise I'd say it feels a bit more solid than the current entry level Nikons Pixel wise it's a bit on the low side but still fine unless you want to print really large or crop massively.

I only really used mine for landscapes when I first went digital but had some pleasing results even with the kit lens.

4387668351_6d6d50b5ac_b.jpg
 
Thats a lovely photo :)

Is the D50 compatable with all lenses, as I know that the D40 only takes certains lenses :(
 
Picollo said:
Hi

I am thinking about buying a Nikon D50

Are these camera's still very good or would it be worth getting a newer model.

I have previousley had a Nikon D40, so not totally new to DSLR's

Thanks
Vicky
Click to expand...

It depends why you want to change from your D40 I suppose :shrug:. The D50 is a slightly larger bodied camera, with a top LCD screen (nice touch), but still only the same sensor as the D40, although the rear LCD screen is probably not as good. It also has 5 AF sensors - 2 more than the D40 and a potentially very useful upgrade. Assuming that you could find a D50 for a lot less money than the modern alternatives, it might make sense :|.

On the other hand, the latest generation of Nikon DSLRs do have a lot to offer over the older models, especially if you shoot .jpgs and want to make use of the active D-lighting and other auto-processing options. What's more, they all have at least 11 AF points, 10MP sensors (for bigger images) and very high quality LCD screens.

In the end, it comes down to your budget, but personally I would go with the newer technology every time, where DSLR bodies are concerned, even if it means spending more for a D3000 (the new entry level Nikon), rather than the higher in the range, but older, D50.

Good luck with deciding ;)!
 
Picollo said:
Thats a lovely photo :)

Is the D50 compatable with all lenses, as I know that the D40 only takes certains lenses :(
Click to expand...

Somebody might correct me on this but I thought the Nikon D40 couldn't focus with some lenses as it didn't have a motor in the body. The D50 does.

One thing worth mentioning though is that it took SD cards (up to 2GB) but not the higher storage HCSD cards.
 
If you are looking for something abit older which has the AF motor built into the body the D50 will be great for the price. It might be worth looking for a D70/D70s though if you don't want to spend £300+ (D200 is still selling for close to £400).
 
The D50 is a fantastic little camera if you can find one for the right price.

I used to carry one as a backup to D200 bodies, and I very often preferred the D50 output (sharper, and better at higher ISOs)

A bug bear is that it only takes SD cards up to 2Gb.
 
I only really have a budget of a max of £250 and I have found one with an 18-70mm lens for £190.

I only want the camera to take general photos of my pets and days out etc, and maybe later to get into macro photos.

2GB card limit wouldn't be a problem with me
 
Picollo said:
Thats a lovely photo :)

Is the D50 compatable with all lenses, as I know that the D40 only takes certains lenses :(
Click to expand...

The D50 will AF with all Nikon AF fit lenses, it doesn't need AF-S ones.

I see the OP's getting it with the 18-70 lens, a fine combination IMO, the 18-70 is better than the 18-55 and at £190 for the kit, it's a steal (Mifsuds price would be around £370 - £199 for just the body).

I've got some great A3 prints from my D70 which is the same sensor in a slightly larger body.
 
D50 is superb. I often bemoaned the fact it only accepts cards up to to 2GB, but in actuial fact that is over 500 raw images....so is more than enough.That is a bargin indeed
 
Nod said:
The D50 will AF with all Nikon AF fit lenses, it doesn't need AF-S ones.

I see the OP's getting it with the 18-70 lens, a fine combination IMO, the 18-70 is better than the 18-55 and at £190 for the kit, it's a steal (Mifsuds price would be around £370 - £199 for just the body).

I've got some great A3 prints from my D70 which is the same sensor in a slightly larger body.
Click to expand...

I have just looked and the lens alone costs about £150 :clap:
 
And you won't regret it. The lens is stunning, and that 6mp sensor gives tack sharp resuts. :)
 
Ok cool

I have also been researching the following cameras

Olympus A420
Sony A200
Sony A230

What would you think of these compared to the Nikon D50?

Thanks, Vicky
 
sony a200 or sony a230 - a200 feels much, much better in hands.
don't know anything about oly.
I have a a200 and I love it :) . it's far better than d50 although it's not bad either. I had d100 and when I compared it to d50 , I liked the colors on d100 better, but both of them are old and slow.
 
The Sony A200 is super as well... get an 18-55 lens for it mind (NOT the stock 18-70)

Excellent per-pixel shapness - not as good at high ISO as the D50. Low ISO detail (ISO 100 or ISO200) is very good. Sony A230 is a bit nasty - dumbed down model - A200 is better in all aspects.

Can't comment on the Olympus!
 
Lovely, looking like the A200 gets the vote so far

Any comments of the Oly anyone? :) pretty please, as the web reviews look great!
 
Another vote for the D50 -(Can't comment on Sony or Olympus) - £150 with the excellent 18-70mm lens is an absolute bargain.

You will not be disappointed!
 
If that was me, I'd be buying the D50 for the 18-70mm lens alone, then, when ready for the next upgrade, sell the D50 body on, but KEEP the 18-70 lens!!!!
 
dinners said:
I loved my D50 - it was my first DSLR so I'm a bit biased..

Build wise I'd say it feels a bit more solid than the current entry level Nikons Pixel wise it's a bit on the low side but still fine unless you want to print really large or crop massively.

I only really used mine for landscapes when I first went digital but had some pleasing results even with the kit lens.

4387668351_6d6d50b5ac_b.jpg
Click to expand...

Great picture . . . just goes to show, its not expensive, fancy kit that takes good pictures:thumbs:
 
The D50 is a great little camera and some of my best shots were taken on it. My son now has it and the pictures he has taken are really sharp. My partner also has one and her pictures of wildlife with a 300mm zoom are amazing.
It also feels and looks better than the later D40's, D3000's etc.
 
Out of everything mentioned so far, the D50 with the 18-70 lens sounds like by far the best buy to me - the lens is worth £140 or so on it's own and is an absolute cracker, FAR better than the bunch of arse 18-70 that will come with any A200 you buy...
 
Nawty said:
Out of everything mentioned so far, the D50 with the 18-70 lens sounds like by far the best buy to me - the lens is worth £140 or so on it's own and is an absolute cracker, FAR better than the bunch of arse 18-70 that will come with any A200 you buy...
Click to expand...

have you compared them one on one ? + the usual kit lens for D50 was 18-55mm nonVR, which is half the price. still - very good lens.
 
Starastin said:
have you compared them one on one ? + the usual kit lens for D50 was 18-55mm nonVR, which is half the price. still - very good lens.
Click to expand...

I've had an A200 with the 18-70 and a D60/90 with the 18-50 VR, and the Nikon was FAR better than the Sony lens.

According to the ebay ad the D50 in question comes with the Nikon 18-70 which is as good, if not better, than the 18-50 VR.
 
The D50 is one of the best cameras ever at its price period, hard to fault in its day and it was so good it never needed a firmware upgrade. Its ability to use older lenses and its fantastic images which to be honest hardly need a PP are a huge plus factor. I would never ever sell mine. Did a prom arrival/candids etc this week and it nailed over 400 shots with a SB 800, still cant believe how well it performed. Its vivid setting produces punchy images and to be honest only need a little sharpen if at all. I also have a D200 but hardly ever use it, the d50 is THAT good! just my tuppence worth.
 
The 18-70 is too good to be a kit lens! :D
 
Another vote for the D50, my first DSLR i loved it and got some great pics with it, if you've been offered the D50 with the 18-70mm lens for £190 bite the persons hand off, failing that give me there details and i will :D the 18-70mm normally goes for £110-£130 on it's own.
 
grrrr.. it's an old camera !!! it's old !! :D .. it was my first also, but still - it's old, slow, probably a lot of dead pixels etc ! did I mention that it's old ?
 
:lol:OLD !!!!!!!! but soooooooo good !! when has a d50 ever let anyone down:thumbs:
 
Lol, I don't mind old....

I have seen some photos of it, and doesn't look in great condition TBH, has cracks and scratches all over the screen, which leads me to think how well has the lens been looked after? :(

Shame...
 
Picollo said:
Lol, I don't mind old....

I have seen some photos of it, and doesn't look in great condition TBH, has cracks and scratches all over the screen, which leads me to think how well has the lens been looked after? :(

Shame...
Click to expand...

cracks I would be very wary of...can't you physically look at it before buying?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top