Camera Labs

I really like the older Nikon D50 and D70 images. While these cameras only give a 6.1mp resolution, the kind of image is appealing to me. I would not buy a D70 because of all the problems they had, and I cannot afford a new D70s body. However, Beach Camera has refurbished D50s for under $400. I’d really like to get some input on this – even general impressions and hearsay would be welcome.

_________________
BrianS
D50, 70-300mm VR, 50mm f/1.8

Hmmm, Brian: Why would you want something else with a Oly E510 in your hands? You know I'm a Nikon fanboy, but that seems to me not the wisest of paths...

_________________
Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

I've had nothing but frustration with the E510, and Oly service (it's a long drawn out nightmare). The E510 isn't a bad camera, I just fell for a lot of false hype that surrounded it. Now, I'd like to concentrate more on getting a type of image I like. My old Canon A620 gave me a more robust (for lack of a better term) image than the E510. Sensors from that era (about 2 yrs. back) have a more apealing quality to me.

_________________
BrianS
D50, 70-300mm VR, 50mm f/1.8

So are you saying that the 510 you have is in some way faulty to be getting these sub standard images?

_________________
Canon 40D - EFS 17-85mm IS - EF 50mm 1.8 II - EF 70-200mm f.4 L - Speedlite 580EX II - GF Lightsphere Cloud - S.I.L.K 300DX PRO Tripod - Manfrotto 679 monopod - LOWEPRO Trekkar Backback - Adobe CS3 -

That's sad to hear, Brian! Could you post some pics and explanations of what you dislike?

_________________
Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

Guys, thanks for the E510 concern, but I'm doing my best to put that behind me and move on to better things. My concern is whether there are serious things about the D50 I should consider. thanks

_________________
BrianS
D50, 70-300mm VR, 50mm f/1.8

The D50 was a good camera, but it's getting on now in DSLR terms, so I'd be looking for a very good price on one... The D40 is obviously a contender if you want a 6mpixel Nikon DSLR, but the advantage of the D50 is autofocus with all lenses...

Thanks Gordon, I hand't considered the D40, with a bigger higher resolution LCD -- it's only about $500 new. However, I assume you are saying that the D40 only has autofocus with some lenses (DX?). If so, that could be a problem.

Just curious: are all these Nikon 6.1mp sensors (D50, D70, D40) the same, and are they made by Sony. The images are very similar to the 7.1mp images in Canon's A series...

_________________
BrianS
D50, 70-300mm VR, 50mm f/1.8

Hi Brian, DX has nothing to do with AF - it means the lens is corrected for the smaller frame size of a DX format sensor - ie what you'll find in all Nikon DSLRs apart from the latets full-frame D3.

As for AF, the D40 and D40x don't have a built-in focusing motor, which emans they'll only autofocus when fitted with a lens which features a built-in focusing motor - Nikon labels these models as AF-S. The annoying thing is the lack of Nikkor fixed focal length lenses with built-in focusing motors. So these will only manually focus on the D40 and D40x.

As for the sensors, yup, it's the same one in the D50, D40 and D70(s), but like all DSLR sensors it's much physically bigger than the one in a point and shoot camera, which allows much lower noise and higher dynamic range.

Ah ha, I've noticed the majority of Nikon zoom lenses are AF-S, and as you said, the primes are not. While I'll probably go with a zoom, it's nice to know that compatability exists with the D50.

Well, I haven't heard any real disparaging words about the D50, so I'm inclined to lean that way (over the D40). The hundred dollars saved can go towards a better lens (which is a whole different thread).

One last thing, If the referbished D50 has a factory warranty (I have to check), is there any reason to think it's not like new?

_________________
BrianS
D50, 70-300mm VR, 50mm f/1.8

Just adding my 2 cents.

Why not sell your E-510 if your not happy with it? then maybe you could consider either buying a newer model or buying as you say the D50 and then get yourself a few nice lenses as a plus?..

Jay.

Yes, Jay, I am considering that.

_________________
BrianS
D50, 70-300mm VR, 50mm f/1.8

I agree with Jay1. Pick up a new D50 body and a couple lenses, like say a 50mm f/1.8 and something like an 18-135mm for all around purposes(seeing as how the 18-200mm runs at like $800) or even an 18-70mm then whenever you pickup some more cash go out for the 70-300mm/maybe even with VR.

_________________
Canon EOS 5D + 50mm f/1.8

http://flickr.com/photos/nathan_ward

You're reading my mind Nathan. I am comparing the 70-300 VR and the 80-200 VR. The 70-300 is $250 less and looks very good in Gordon's review. I was going to bring it up in another thread, but; if I'm interpreting the tests right, the 80-200 has more barrel distortion than the 70-300 and not much else to justify the extra cost.

_________________
BrianS
D50, 70-300mm VR, 50mm f/1.8

You're right there brian.

I wouldnt pay that extra $250 for the 18-200 either.

I'd go with the 70-300mm and if you have enough left over maybe get a 50mm for general purpose use. Or anything else that takes your fancy

keep us updated

Jay