Just got my Nikon D50!! First SLR pics ever!

[torpid]

Originally posted by: LordSegan
Yes, I got the 50mm 1.8 in addition to the kit.

Smart move. :thumbsup: I don't even use my kit lens anymore, that's how much I love the 1.8. I love taking no-flash pictures indoors.

 

[Lucky]

"It's bokeh - shallow depth of field to emphasize the subject and blur the background"

Sorta. Bokeh really refers to whether (or not) the OOF portions of an image are visually pleasing.

 

[SKC]

What with all the d50 threads up here lately, I thought I'd just add on to this one instead of starting my own (LordSegan, hope you don't mind.. )

After a lot of research and thought, I also decided on the D50. Working with the 18-55mm kit lens right now; I'm currently saving for the Tokina 12-24mm super wide angle.

Suggestions for improvement are definitely welcome! The night shots were taken with a tripod. There's still some camera shake; I definitely have to work on this, but we all have to start somewhere, right?

daytime, from my apartment balcony:
daytime.jpg

night 1, .2s shutter speed:
exp_1.jpg

night 2, 5s shutter speed:
exp_5sec.jpg

I really like the effects of the different types of light on the long exposure.

The artifacts you see are effects of the image resizing; the original (~3mb) jpgs are quite clear.

Thoughts are appreciated!

 

[AndrewR]

Dang it! I was waffling on my new camera selection between the D50, D200, Canon 20D or Canon 30D, and now I see what the D50 is capable of with one of the lenses I would buy.

Seriously, though, this thread pushed me over the line, and I'm definitely getting the D50. I was thinking of going for a more expensive body, but I decided that since I can get the D50 with kit lens for under $600, that means I can afford two more lenses (Nikon ED zoom and the 50mm) plus a flash and a decent tripod for less than what I would have paid for the other bodies and a kit lens (especially the D200!).

Anyone have any info on what the biggest deficiencies of the D50 are? I've read the reviews, but I want to get some user opinions.

 

[SKC]

AndrewR - I think you're making the right decision. I was debating between D50/D70s and decided to go with the less expensive body, allowing me to splurge on better filters and lenses.

One of the resources I leaned on heavily in making my decision:
Ken Rockwell's review of the D50

It seems that the primary shortcoming of the D50 is easily accessible white balance fine tuning (lacks the second command dial that the D70/D200 have) and wireless strobe control, both of which may be remedied by "a few more button presses or external equipment." (per website). edit: it also lacks a depth of field preview button. Not a big deal to a beginner like me, but to each his own.

The links others have put up in this thread have also been immensely helpful; read through them for more info. Whichever camera you get, good luck! I'm very happy with my choice.

 

[rpl318]

Sweet camera! I'm planning on purchasing a DSLR soon and I'm pretty sure it's going to be a D50.

 

[PHiuR]

phiur's tip of the night. don't get a cheap tripod. get a STURDY tripod...often means >$100

 

[Huma]

After only a few weeks with my d50, I could probably stand to enjoy a few more things that the d70s offers like grid lines in the viewfinder and finer ISO control, but it's an amazing deal for an entry level dslr. The fact that you can just buy a higher end body 2 years down the road and use all your lenses with it makes it a great stepping stone.

In terms of image quality, the d50 is right up there with the d70, or rebel XT series. For the $600 I paid for my d50 kit, I couldn't be happier. Don't get sucked into the gear race though. The 18-55 kit lens is quite capable of a lot of great shots. (though I did buy an 18-70 for a bit more speed and range and better glass )

You can see some of my d50 photos here

 

[SKC]

PHiuR - any particular recommendations for tripods? I'm looking for something lightweight enough to travel with, still sturdy, and around that base price you mentioned (can't spend more at this point..)

thanks!

 

[mrSHEiK124]

AUGGGGGGH! I hate DSLR threads, now I'm going to have to buy that Digital Rebel XT

 

[CptObvious]

i got my d50 a couple days ago, with the 18-55mm lens and a 50mm f/1.8d prime. i've been slowly figuring out the features of the camera.

regarding the autofocus, when i set it on single area or dynamic area and try to focus on something outside the center area, sometimes it will go haywire (it won't stay still long enough for me to lock the focus). i have to set it on 'closest subject' and recompose the shot. just curious if anyone has a solution (or knows what i'm talking about).

 

[secretanchitman]

damn thats awesome quality!

congrats on your D50!

 

[Huma]

Originally posted by: CptObvious
i got my d50 a couple days ago, with the 18-55mm lens and a 50mm f/1.8d prime. i've been slowly figuring out the features of the camera.

regarding the autofocus, when i set it on single area or dynamic area and try to focus on something outside the center area, sometimes it will go haywire (it won't stay still long enough for me to lock the focus). i have to set it on 'closest subject' and recompose the shot. just curious if anyone has a solution (or knows what i'm talking about).

I keep it on dynamic area and use the control pad to select which zone I'm trying to focus on. You need to give it some contrast for it to lock on. If the area you want in focus isn't right on the zone, lock the focus by half-pressing the shutter, recompose your shot and then take it. Also, you can use the AF-L (autofocus-lock) button beside the thumbwheel to lock your exposure and/or focus as well.

 

[Doggiedog]

Nice pic. You might also want to try experimenting with the white balance too. I'm not too fond of the yellowy/orangish tint my 20D always seems to default to on auto white balance.

 

[montanafan]

Originally posted by: SKC
What with all the d50 threads up here lately, I thought I'd just add on to this one instead of starting my own (LordSegan, hope you don't mind.. )

After a lot of research and thought, I also decided on the D50. Working with the 18-55mm kit lens right now; I'm currently saving for the Tokina 12-24mm super wide angle.

Suggestions for improvement are definitely welcome! The night shots were taken with a tripod. There's still some camera shake; I definitely have to work on this, but we all have to start somewhere, right?

daytime, from my apartment balcony:
daytime.jpg

night 1, .2s shutter speed:
exp_1.jpg

night 2, 5s shutter speed:
exp_5sec.jpg

I really like the effects of the different types of light on the long exposure.

The artifacts you see are effects of the image resizing; the original (~3mb) jpgs are quite clear.

Thoughts are appreciated!

Nice night shots. Do you have a remote? That should eliminate the possibility of camera shake.

 

[SKC]

Originally posted by: montanafan

Nice night shots. Do you have a remote? That should eliminate the possibility of camera shake.

Thanks.. too bad the about the camera shake though. Remote's on its way from amazon. Looking forward to using it.