Nikon D50 - is it still worth buying one?

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

05/10/2007 08:31:48 PM · #1

I've been considering buying a dSLR for some time, and a couple of weeks ago I was asking advice regarding either a Nikon D80 or a Canon 400D - mainly due to concerns about the D80 being too big for my hands. Despite size problems, I cannot convince myself that I'll be happy with either the Canon 400D or Nikon D40X due to limitations in their features. At the same time I am having a hard time convincing myself that I want to spend the price of a D80 when there will still be the added expense of lenses etc.

Yesterday, when shopping for something else, I came across a Nikon D50 at what appears to be a really good price (I won't say how much as South African prices aren't the same as elsewhere). Now I was wondering just how out-dated that camera is in terms of picture quality, focusing capability etc. I am so tempted to buy it as a low-cost way to get a feel for a dSLR, knowing that I can buy any lens I want (unlike with the D40X) and know I will have something I can use if and when I upgrade. I will be grateful for any opinions as I understand the D50 is hard to come by, so I don't imagine I have much time to make a decision.

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF

05/10/2007 08:40:41 PM · #2

The Only lenses you cant get are ones that dont have their own drive motors.

If you dont own any Nikon Autofocus lenses already its not an actual issue. Theirs a huge selection of Nikon and Nikon Mount lenses that work full function on the D40/D40x.

Its only an issue to people who have owned nikons for years and 2/3 of their AF lenses dont have drive motors.

The D40 review first page has a side by side ont he D50 and D40 - DPReview

Message edited by author 2007-05-10 20:42:05.

shalrath

Nikon D200

05/10/2007 08:41:58 PM · #3

I still keep my D50 around, and it's still in use. The picture quality is excellent and although you'll get a lot more noise than something like the Canon at higher ISOs generally the image quality is similar.

The D50 is a VERY capable camera as is the Canon. In the end though, whichever camera feels best in your hands is probably the one you should get. If the D80 is too bulky then hold the 400D and the D50 side by side, take a pic.

The newer cameras of course have updated image processors and newer sensors, have a read around and compare the features of the cameras you're interested in, but make sure you decide whether or not these features are useful to YOU!

Anyhows, I'm sure someone else can give a much more informative response so I'll leave it there.

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

05/10/2007 08:44:48 PM · #4

Originally posted by RainMotorsports:

Unfortunately the lenses without motors seem to include most primes and I'm always reading about the 50 1.8 as such a useful low light lens. And the D50 I saw is less than half the price of the D40X. Sadly only 6mp, but I can't have it both ways.

junior_z

Sony DSLR-A700

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Sony/Minolta

05/10/2007 08:45:46 PM · #5

I think D50 is a very good camera. It's not like in a fashion world where seasons change with space speeds. I think cameras are capable of 5 to more years of competitive life. But make sure you buy a new one (not used).
In the end, lenses are more important than camera body!

Message edited by author 2007-05-10 20:46:21.

05/10/2007 08:48:03 PM · #6

Since you are going Nikon I think the D50 is a great place to start. Spend your money on good glass. I know most will agree. The mere fact that it fits your hands is like 80% of it right there. I like it better than the D40/x because of the reasons you mentioned. If it is a good buy I say go for it to get into a dSLR. It will have all the performance you will need for at least a year so you can start saving for your full frame Nikon :-P Oh and make sure one of the first lenses you get it the 50mm 1.8.

Good Luck

GO NIKON!

P.S Start with good glass!!!!!!!

Message edited by author 2007-05-10 20:51:27.

05/10/2007 09:00:09 PM · #7

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

I find it odd that there is a Nikkor 50mm 1.4 mounted to the D40 in its own review. All around view

Im looking aroudn but have found nothing to say it doesnt have its own motor.

Was looking at Nikon USA at the 1.4 and 1.8 versions let me continue to look.

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

05/10/2007 09:01:21 PM · #8

Originally posted by junior_z:

Yes it is a new camera. I wouldn't really consider buying used.

Strangely, until the last two weeks I've always assumed I would only buy the latest and I've always been on the lookout for something new. But now that I really feel I can't delay the decision any longer, I'm scared to spend as much as the latest models cost. But I have to do something - I keep putting off taking the photos I want to take because my Panasonic is a real noise machine and I'm having so much trouble getting photos accepted for stock because the image quality just isn't good enough. Ideally I would have liked more than 6mp, but if the D50 is good enough for stock, I'd rather have the extra money for glass.

Fisher Price Kid-Tough Digital

05/10/2007 09:02:22 PM · #9

3 other reasons why it's a good camera.

Bugzeye

05/10/2007 09:02:59 PM · #10

I agree with this 100% always get the best glass you can afford or even better save a little longer and by the next best glass. you will never regret it. ever.

Originally posted by thegrandwazoo:

P.S Start with good glass!!!!!!!

05/10/2007 09:05:51 PM · #11

Originally posted by RainMotorsports:

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

Unfortunately the lenses without motors seem to include most primes and I'm always reading about the 50 1.8 as such a useful low light lens. And the D50 I saw is less than half the price of the D40X. Sadly only 6mp, but I can't have it both ways.

I find it odd that there is a Nikkor 50mm 1.4 mounted to the D40 in its own review. All around view

Im looking aroudn but have found nothing to say it doesnt have its own motor.

Was looking at Nikon USA at the 1.4 and 1.8 versions let me continue to look.

All i could find is this chart. WHich would poitn to the fact the two primes are not AF-s and there for not AF compatible with the D40.

Odd dpreview chose to show it with a 50mm 1.4 Prime. Primes naturally dont provide the space for a motor and require a bit of a buldge for it.

I guess the D40 is marketed at people who wouldnt know a prime from a dime. People love to zoom lol.

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

05/10/2007 09:11:37 PM · #12

Originally posted by thegrandwazoo:

3 other reasons why it's a good camera.

I love those photos! I was really impressed overall with what I saw on the D50 page here. But it's probably more the photographers' skills than the camera. I wish I could produce anything half that good.

05/10/2007 09:16:28 PM · #13

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

Originally posted by thegrandwazoo:
3 other reasons why it's a good camera.

I love those photos! I was really impressed overall with what I saw on the D50 page here. But it's probably more the photographers' skills than the camera. I wish I could produce anything half that good.

Concept is one thing. But those images do show the technical abilities of the camera with good glass. :-)

05/10/2007 10:41:24 PM · #14

While these are nothing to write home about these are D50's with the kit lens. I like my D50. I am holding out for some great new technology before I invest in something big.

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

05/10/2007 10:52:30 PM · #15

I just noticed something about no mirror lock-up (hope I've got that right). How serious is that, especially for macros?

05/10/2007 10:54:58 PM · #16

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

I just noticed something about no mirror lock-up (hope I've got that right). How serious is that, especially for macros?

Mirror Lock Up if were on the same page is for cleaning the sensor and or other tasks.

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G

05/11/2007 11:56:54 AM · #17

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

I just noticed something about no mirror lock-up (hope I've got that right). How serious is that, especially for macros?

Mirror lock up is used for long exposures and even then you will be fine. It won't be needed for macros.

And the D50's mirror lock up is strictly for sensor cleaning.

bmartuch

Nikon D7200

05/11/2007 12:17:48 PM · #18

I've had my D50 for a little over a year now and I am very happy with it. I've never had any trouble with it (knock on wood).

thegrandwazoo is correct that the mirror lock up is for cleaning your sensor. It just gets the mirror out of the way. I use it quite often.

I know this can be done with all the Nikon cameras but I have bought some old manual lens' from Nikon film cameras at very reasonable prices. You still have to focus manually but it gives you a lot of variety.

The D80 is definitely a better camera but if the size is a problem, go with the D50.

kashi just bought one recently and I believe she really likes it. You could PM her.

kteach

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6

05/11/2007 12:29:32 PM · #19

I say buy it! I've had my D50 for over a year, and while it's not perfect, I'm very happy with it. I think you mentioned both stock and macros and I do both with mine. Especially if it is a good price and you like the way it feels in your hand, buy the camera, and some decent lenses. You'll learn what you like and don't like about the camera body and someday when you're ready to upgrade, you'll know just what you're looking for.

05/11/2007 01:14:19 PM · #20

And your stuff rocks with a D50 Melanie!

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

05/11/2007 07:30:31 PM · #21

Well I went to the shop (a computer shop, not a camera shop) that has the D50 today and they didn't even have a charged battery. When I complained the guy said he can charge a battery for me but it will take 16 hours so I must come back tomorrow. I told him I'll try and then went to see what I could find in another shop in the centre.

I looked at the D80 as well as the Canon 400D (they didn't have or seem to have a source of the D50). I must say after handling them, the Canon seems a much better fit for my hand than any Nikon except for the D40/X. Despite the fact that the D50 is half the price of the Canon, I'm considering getting the Canon after all. I really would prefer the extra megapixels, but I don't want a camera (D40X) that limits my choice of lenses as I don't have any confidence in my ability with manual focus.

I'll give it a few days now, but it's time I made a decision one way or another.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

05/11/2007 07:31:58 PM · #22

Canons are nice.

SamDoe1

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

05/11/2007 09:06:54 PM · #23

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

...I cannot convince myself that I'll be happy with either the Canon 400D or Nikon D40X due to limitations in their features...

May I ask what limitations you are referring to about the 400D as compared with the D80 or the 30D? Other than the build quality, the 400D is basically a mini-30D. It has the same focus sensor as the 30D and not to mention a worthless cleaning ability and sensor with more resolution. It is compatible with ALL EF and EF-S lenses currently available and is cheaper than the D80 and the 30D. I personally just went for the 350D because I couldn't justify the extra cost of the 400D at the time and I don't regret my decision at all. You can still find a few 350D's new out there at some online stores and maybe a few real stores too for a lot less than the 400D.

Message edited by author 2007-05-11 21:07:31.

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

05/11/2007 09:29:32 PM · #24

Originally posted by SamDoe1:

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:
...I cannot convince myself that I'll be happy with either the Canon 400D or Nikon D40X due to limitations in their features...

May I ask what limitations you are referring to about the 400D as compared with the D80 or the 30D? Other than the build quality, the 400D is basically a mini-30D. It has the same focus sensor as the 30D and not to mention a worthless cleaning ability and sensor with more resolution. It is compatible with ALL EF and EF-S lenses currently available and is cheaper than the D80 and the 30D. I personally just went for the 350D because I couldn't justify the extra cost of the 400D at the time and I don't regret my decision at all. You can still find a few 350D's new out there at some online stores and maybe a few real stores too for a lot less than the 400D.

I was a bit concerned about the lack of a spot meter and the fact that you need the flash for focus-assist light. Also the viewfinder isn't supposed to be as good as Nikon's. However, as I said earlier, having handled the cameras, I think there is a good chance I will be going for Canon after all. Probably the 400D though because I'd rather have the extra pixels and the larger screen. And if there's any chance at all that the anti-dust works... But the last certainly isn't the reason I'd make the choice, it would just be a bonus.