Posted on 03/22/2006 10:55:30 AM PST by rampage8
I about to purchase a digital SLR camera, and I was hoping to get some input from fellow Freepers. I've heard that Nikon makes the best DSLR's, but I can't really decide between the D50 and the D70s. They seem pretty similar from what I've read, but there is a $450 price difference.(I've also looked into the Canon Rebel, but I didn't like the body of the camera.) The price is important to me, but since I plan on owning this camera for years, it is not my biggest priority. I am more concerned with great shots, fast response, and ease of use.
I'm not a pro by any stretch, but I am completely frustrated with my point & shoot digital. By the time it decides to snap a picture, the moment is usually gone (especially with little kids!). I need something that actually takes the picture as soon as I press the button, so SLR is the only way to go. That's the main reason I want to switch, along with getting better close ups.
I basically just want to ask anyone who has either of these cameras: What made you chose the one you have? Are you happy with the camera and the images it produces? Is there any significant difference between the 2 models that makes one better than the other? Are you happy with the lens that came in the kit (18-70mm) or did you need to buy additional lenses? Any drawbacks?
Although I took a photography class about 5 years ago, I still get overwhelmed by all lingo in the reviews I've read. I just thought maybe some of you might be familiar with these two cameras and offer some insight.
My favorite review site.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/cameras_digpro.html
Right now, Canon is tops in low light photography. Fastes ISO and lowest noise. I have a Nikon F bought in 1968 that still works, and have bought half a dozen Coolpix cameras for myself and family. They are slow.
Heh - yeah - it does :~D
Good luck :~D It's not a bad little camera really.
I have a D70 and wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm sure the D50 is sweet, too. Never used a Canon. Here's a good setup to get started:
D70s or D50
50mm F1.8 (portraits)
Speedlight SB-800 (absolute must - commander mode rocks!)
Kit lens 18-70 (walking around)
70-300 (good outside at a soccer game)
Also, spend the $$$ for Nikon capture.
Get the Nikon and don't look back. If you understand SLRs, you'll have the flexibility to do just about anything.
I have the D70, and it's wonderful. No regrets. In fact, I've spent even more than the initial purchase price on additional lenses and peripherals. Also, if you use the Nikon photo file ("RAW" or .nef) for shooting, you'll get pictures with amazing quality.
Do you think I'll need the 55-200 mm lens in addition to the kit one? I love nice closeups and my kids are just getting started in sports, dance recitals, etc. I would just prefer to have one lens that does it all rather than lug around a couple of them, but whatever will get me the best shots is what I'll get.
The 55-200mm lens sounds like a great all-around lens. If that's the one that comes with the D50, I would say you're set. I like the 18-70 for those wide-angle shots and also use it for my walking-around lens. I also like the fixed 50mm for portrait shots and low-light shots when I don't want to use the flash. It can be stopped at F1.8 which is really fast! Start with the kit lens, but get ready for lens lust!
Have fun!!!!
Wait for Capture NX due out in May...
I'm happy with the D-50. I spent eight times more on lenses.
I didn't know there was an upgrade to Capture. Thanks for the info. BTW, when you buy the Nikon, you'll get a 30 day free trial. You might also like Nikon View which comes on the same install disk.
I probably should know, but what is Capture? Is it the software I'd use to touch up my pix once they're on my PC? If so, is it fairly easy to learn?
Yes, it's used to post process your pix. I don't have time or inclination to spend $600 bucks to buy, then learn photoshop. I have photoshop elements, about $70. Capture DX may (or not) be just the thing for photo processing Nikon pix. Dunno. I'll wait till May.
What's RAW format? It's what the sensor in the camera sees before your camera's computer gets ahold of it. If you have a good sized memory SD card (a gig sansdisk II is about $55 at costco) you can store over a hundred RAW pics plus a jpeg. The jpeg is flavored by your camera's computer, but the RAW file has everything the sensor picked up... soooo, if you want to post process the RAW file, you can do miracles with it even when the jpeg is kinda raunchy. It will not correct for serious over/under exposure, but color correction, sharpness, brightness, contrast, etc. can be manipulated. The D50 saves RAW pix.
That's what I use.
Oh, btw, I bought the D-50 without a lens. I have my collection of old auto-focus Nikon glass over the years, but the kit lenses aren't the finest. Check out these reviews on the 50 and 70...
http://www.estiasis.com/total_main.php?tid=22
http://www.estiasis.com/total_main.php?tid=9
...then check out the reviews on Nikkor lenses.
Capture is similar to Photoshop but I think it is easier to use and has some great features. A few features that I use all the time are:
- ev, exposure compensation value
- wb, white balance adjustment
- curve, change the color balances
- dee, find lost details in shadows
Example: I shot about 100 exposures of my daughter's soccer game. I realized later that I left the WB (white balance) on flourescent and all the pictures came out green! With Capture, I picked the white balance it should have been (daylight) and applied it to all the pictures. With one click, all the pictures were adjusted and amazingly accurate. (It could have been incandescent, I can't remember)
The other feature I couldn't live without is Digital DEE. Imagine you just shot a picture outside in full sunlight. The subject is exposed correctly, but the trees in the background are so dark, they look like deep shadows. Use DEE to automatically lighten up the details in the shadows without modifying the correctly exposed subject. You'll be amazed.
Capture is great. Photoshop is great. But each has features that the other doesn't.
Nikon View has the Transfer wizard to get the pictures off your camera and display them. You can organize them, tag the ones you want to keep/delete/modify, launch Capture, and easily view your shooting data.
One word of caution: DSLRs are great and I love my D70. But expect a learning curve, unless you shoot on Auto or the other presets. In my opinion, if you just want to use your DSLR as a point-and-shoot, buy a Coolpix and save some cash. If you really want to develop a hobby and learn about photography, buy the Nikon DSLR, put it on Manual mode, and experiment like crazy. I have both because sometimes I just want a quick picture and don't want to fool around with lenses, settings, etc. Get the books by Bryan Peterson and you will learn a great deal.
I, like the other posters, have spent more on accessories (incl. printers) than the original camera.
Hope this helps! It all depends on what you want to do. Sometimes I want to capture the moment and other times I want to be an artist.
Excellent advice!
Thank you both so much for all of your helpful input. I just placed my order for the D50. I decided to get the kit plus the 55-200 mm lens since I know I'm going to be at dance recitals and sporting events for the next few years. I'm really excited to get it and learn how to use all the features. I'll probably sign up for a photography class at the local university in town just to refresh my memory. Thanks again!!!
jtd
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