Is the Nikon D50 a good value entry level SLR? Are there better cameras for similar money?

Answer 1

Like the others have said, the D50 is a great camera and excellent value for money. For about the same price, you can get the Pentax K100D and K110D, or the Olympus E500. I prefer the Nikon D50 out of that group for the following reasons:
* It's an equal or better all-around camera
* You have a much wider selection of lenses
* You have a much better upgrade path (lenses, bodies, and accessories)
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For about $100 more than a D50, you can get a Nikon D70s or a Canon 350D. The prices of these two models have been severely reduced since the recent announcement of replacement models (the Nikon D80 for $1000, and the Canon 400D for $800). Due to these price cuts, the D70s and the 350D are currently better value for money than a D50... but it's only worth spending the $100 extra if you need the added features that those models offer. If you don't need those extra features, by all means stick with the D50!
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Whatever camera you get, you'll also have to chose a lens. The kit-lens with the D50 is the 18-55mm zoom, also by Nikon. This is a budget model, and I've heard a few complaints about it.
If you can spare the extra cash, please consider the Nikon 18-70mm instead. For about $150 more than the 18-55mm, this lens gives you extra reach and noticibly better image quality.
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You can read reviews for all of these cameras at
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/default.asp?view=alpha and
http://www.steves-digicams.com/hardware_reviews.html
For internet shopping (in the USA), I like these places:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com
http://www.beachcamera.com
http://www.ritzcamera.com/

Answer 2

I like the Nikon D50 and I think it is an excellent value for your purposes. It has a few "consumer friendly" automatic modes, but still offers total photographic control when you are ready to take charge. Get a "decent" lens, such as their Nikkor AF-S 18-70 f/3.5-4.5G ED DX lens and not the "kit" lens. This pair will cost you less than $1,000 and you will be very happy with it. If you want more lenses for the same money, you can get this camera with two "kit" lenses that are decent, but not as good for the long haul as the one I mentioned. When you are ready to add lenses, the sky is the limit with Nikon. Get a 1 GB memory card, such as the Sandisk "Ultra" for decent write speed. You can get these in the $30 range. An "Extreme" is faster, but I doubt anyone would notice the difference except a pro.

Someone else wil undoubtedly recommend a similar Canon camera and I will not dispute that choice. I know Nikons and someone else knows Canons. Both are excellent cameras and you will never outgrow their system offerings.

Answer 3

The Nikon D50 is an excellent choice. However, a word of warning. Usually, the kit lenses that come with an entry level dSLR are NOT good. You would be better off buying the D50 as the body only, without the kit lens and purchasing a decent lens seperately. Get one of their standard zoom lenses.

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/nikon/d50-review/index.shtml
http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=588195/search=Nikkor

Answer 4

D50 is an excellent choice, though Canon Rebel XT (400D) just came out and is good as well. Which is better is a matter of personal preference, but check this site out to see image examples from Nikon D50:

http://www.pbase.com/cameras/nikon/d50

TO decide, I would read some reviews at www.dpreview.com and then hold both cameras in my hand and see which one fits better/has more intuitive controls. Note that 400D just came out and thus may have a better image quality than D50. Also, whatever you do, wait until Photokina (major photo conference) starts on Sept 26. New cameras will be announced then and it'be a crime to buy anything just two weeks beforehand :)..Good luck!

Answer 5

Yep the D50 is a very good camera ... but the old Dynax by Minolta is also a good deal .... plus you can get the extra cards for Micro photography... i got a Dynax 7000i for £50,00 and it came with a 35-100 / F2.8 zoom lens.!!..
The good thing about Nikon cameras is that you can use "old" manual lenses on them .!... Also take a look at a Cannon T90 , its a bit old but a soding good camara...some Pro's still use them.

Answer 6

everyone entry level digital DSLR's are decent, but like the previus answer, there are some "kit" lenses that suck.

Canon Xt/Xti - 18-55 with plastic mount
Nikon D50 - 18-55 with plastic mount
Sony Alpha - 18-70 with plastic mount
Nikon D80 - 18-55 with plastic mount

I do not like plastic mount on lenses....

Better choices
Pentax *ist DL/K100d/K10d - 18-55 with metal mount
Olympus Evolt E500 - 1 or 2 lenses with both metal mounts
Nikon D70s - 18-70 with metal mount

Answer 7

I think the best digital SLR is the Canon EOS. It has automatic settings for beginners, and more professional levels once you get more daring. The quality is excellent and you will be amazed at how fast it focuses and shoots, even with the flash.