Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with dslr and D50

Which DSLR would you pick?

ddaavviidd — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:59:43 -0800

I need to choose between buying a used Nikon D50 and a used Canon Rebel XT. I would like to hear about your experience with any of these fine cameras. Both cameras pretty much have the same specs, and I can get them at the same price ( about $400 CAD), both come with the 18-55 kit lense, the Nikon also have a dx nikor 55-200 F4,5-5,6 and the canon comes with a sigma 70-300 F4,0-5,6. I will use this camera both inside and outside, and I don't plan to print huge posters. I'm not doing sport photography, mostly landscape and people. I was also looking at new Nikon D60, but they are still over $500 and I can't afford that right now.

I'd like to hear about your experience with these cameras. I'm leaning towards the D50 for its larger lcd, but I heard the XT does a better job for inside shots. I don't own lenses, so I'm not sold to any brand. Anything I should be aware of to help my choice? I've done lots of photography before, using manual settings and all, but always with point-and-shoot cameras.

Best lens for low-light photography with a Nikon D50?

inatizzy — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:54:46 -0800

What is the best lens to use with a Nikon D50 for low-light situations where the subjects are moving? I would like to photograph people at swing dances, which are usually low-light settings and the people tend to move fast.

A friend has gotten some really amazing shots using a Canon EOS 30D with a fixed 28mm lens. (exposures were typically lasting .005-.01 seconds, f 1.8 or 2.) No blurring, beautiful colors. Really just gorgeous portraits of people having a good time, like a freeze-frame in the middle of their dance, and just enough blurring in the background to bring the viewer's focus to the subject.

I have a Nikon D50 and this friend has told me Nikons are not as good as Canons in low-light situations. But I don't really want to invest a lot of money in a whole new body *and* lens.

Is there a lens for the D50 that could accomplish this? (And that would be not-too-expensive? I'm happy to buy used.) In case it matters, right now I have the Nikon 18-200mm lens, which has been fine for everyday shooting but doesn't do as well in really low light. I might be willing to sell this lens to put the money towards the low-light one. (esp if the low-light one could also be used for more general settings like outdoors in the afternoon.)

thanks for your advice! :)

Hit me with your best (Nikon) shot

humuhumu — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 00:37:06 -0800

Nikon owners: persuade me...! brand new Nikon D40 (kit lens) or refurbished D50 (1 yr warranty, kit lens) or 2nd hand D70s? Ah yes, it's the old 'which DSLR' conundrum... Currently: Sony H2 - love it, but want to move on up.

The D40 (and D40x) has superb reviews but the manual focus issue on non AF-S lenses worries me. Superb in low-light though. The D50 had great reviews when it came out but I've got the impression it's been left behind by newer models. The D70 gets great write-ups for its age. I've read all the articles, looked at all the photos and the specs, handled each, know all the good and badb bits, and I'm just stuck.

Most use: children, partic indoors; people; the odd bit of scenery. I do want to add lenses as time goes on but the budget just ain't there atm.

So I'm left with emotional persuasion. Owners of any of these, make your most impassioned pleas for your own cameras, please! Show me your best shots, gush and criticise, and convince me one way or ther other...

Help me pick out a D50?

dance — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 00:28:46 -0800

I'd love some help choosing a specific D50...please! Hi there, I'm keen to buy a Nikon D50 in time for a holiday in a week. There are a couple on eBay UK at the moment, and I'd love some advice if anyone has the time or inclination.

Specifically I'd like to know if what I'm looking at is good value for money, or if it's not.

These (I think) are all the D50s on eBay at the moment

and I am specifically interested in:

this one, from an Edinburgh photography shop, comes with two lenses (18-55 + 55-200) but priced at a massive(?) £530 inc p&p. Ends in a few hours

this one, from a seller who hasn't sold much at all, seems like it has the same two lenses as the above. currently at £265.00 but there are two days to go. p&p £15. Would I even get it in time though...

Any suggestions would be more than welcome. I'm going to sell my Nikon Coolpix 4500 to raise part of the funds.