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Beginner Camera Reccomendation

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xero404

Member
Since many people on this forum have infinitely more experience than I i need some advice. Of course i used the search function and tried my own educated guess but i'm still lost.

So recently I've been on the search for my first DSLR(from a Sony Cybershot P&S) however I've stumbled on two deals.

Nikon d50: I've come across a used d50 with 9800 actuations, bag, 18-70mm lense lens , Bogen Tripod and 2gb SD card. 400

the other is the new Canon XSI: i have 12% off coupon from reward zone making it 899-12%.

i had my heart set on the XSI and held one yesterday at best buy, but my friend with a d50 said i don't need to spend that much money on my first body.
Looking just specs the XSI is great but after borrowing the d50 for a weekend if took some awesome photos with it and might not need the bells and whistles of a new camera. However the Nikon lens does not have VR but hte XSI kit lens does.

i have many SD and SDHC cards from other electronics so i didn't try to think about any other cameras.
 
the XSi is a better camera than the D50, yes. but it's also in a higher price bracket. from the looks of it you can either get a full Nikon D50 kit, or a Canon 450D body+lens kit. the 18-70mm might not have IS, but it is 18-70mm instead of 18-55mm, and focuses faster with instant manual override compared to the 18-55mm IS.

I have a Nikon D50, and love it. It's a surprisingly none-crippled entry-level body; that is it has the top LCD display, shares batteries with the D70/D80/D200/D300, and has the crucial in-camera autofocus motor for full Nikon AF compatibility.

how much for each of the two options? considering the camera bodies, the Canon is better. considering the lenses, the Nikon 18-70mm is a more upmarket lens than the Canon 18-55mm. if both options are the same price, then I would get the Nikon kit. but even if you do get the Canon body+lens combo, you'll still be taking some pretty sweet pictures.
 
oh damn i forgot the most important part. the nikon is used and is 400. i do have enough money for the xsi, its just that i don't think i have the skills to even use that camera to its full potential (prolly the d50 too lol). I just wanted to know which camera would be the best investment for my skills.

i've borrowed my friend's d50 and its feel is awesome. the xti felt a bit funny where the trigger was but the xsi fixed all that.

thanks for the reccomendation guys! hopefully i can decide soon and take some pictures!
 
Originally posted by: soydios
the XSi is a better camera than the D50, yes. but it's also in a higher price bracket. from the looks of it you can either get a full Nikon D50 kit, or a Canon 450D body+lens kit. the 18-70mm might not have IS, but it is 18-70mm instead of 18-55mm, and focuses faster with instant manual override compared to the 18-55mm IS.

I have a Nikon D50, and love it. It's a surprisingly none-crippled entry-level body; that is it has the top LCD display, shares batteries with the D70/D80/D200/D300, and has the crucial in-camera autofocus motor for full Nikon AF compatibility.

how much for each of the two options? considering the camera bodies, the Canon is better. considering the lenses, the Nikon 18-70mm is a more upmarket lens than the Canon 18-55mm. if both options are the same price, then I would get the Nikon kit. but even if you do get the Canon body+lens combo, you'll still be taking some pretty sweet pictures.
Click to expand...

With the exception of actually having the camera, that pretty much sums up my views 🙂

You'll take photos with either camera that for most people's intents and purposes will look identical.
 
The used D50 deal you mentioned is a far, far better deal.

The Nikkor 18-70mm is a great lens; in good used condition, worth about $175 by itself. 2GB cards are cheap; about $10. Without knowing what model Bogen tripod, I would conservatively guess it's worth about $35 (could be worth more). Again, without knowing what model bag, I would guess it's worth $10 (could be worth more).

$175 + $10 + $10 + $35 = $230. So you're netting a D50 body for $170, which is roughly 50% of its market value. In essence, you can buy the D50 with 18-70mm/accessories, use it for a year while you familiarize yourself with DSLRs (learning your limitations and the camera's limitations), and sell it a year from now for about the same amount you paid for it (maybe more, depending on how much the D50 depreciates in a year; Nikon lenses hold their value well).

Who wouldn't want a free camera rental for a year? In a years time, the XSi will be much cheaper, Nikon will have new consumer cameras out (D90), and you'll be better informed to make a higher-end camera purchase.
 
Originally posted by: jpeyton
The used D50 deal you mentioned is a far, far better deal.

The Nikkor 18-70mm is a great lens; in good used condition, worth about $175 by itself. 2GB cards are cheap; about $10. Without knowing what model Bogen tripod, I would conservatively guess it's worth about $35 (could be worth more). Again, without knowing what model bag, I would guess it's worth $10 (could be worth more).

$175 + $10 + $10 + $35 = $230. So you're netting a D50 body for $170, which is roughly 50% of its market value. In essence, you can buy the D50 with 18-70mm/accessories, use it for a year while you familiarize yourself with DSLRs (learning your limitations and the camera's limitations), and sell it a year from now for about the same amount you paid for it (maybe more, depending on how much the D50 depreciates in a year; Nikon lenses hold their value well).

Who wouldn't want a free camera rental for a year? In a years time, the XSi will be much cheaper, Nikon will have new consumer cameras out (D90), and you'll be better informed to make a higher-end camera purchase.
Click to expand...

what he said. and the D50 will probably hold it's value even more if you can find the right buyer given it
 
And if you don't end up buying that D50, send the seller my way 😉 I'll take it if you don't.
 
Fixed links: Bag and Tripod

The bag is probably still worth about $10, but that tripod is probably worth $50. Deal got even better.
 
i got impatient and i sent the money already. Thanks for the awesome advice on my decision, hopefully you'll be sing my pics soon! now, back to reading more technique posts! Randomlinh i love your favorite pics!
 
Originally posted by: xero404
a challenger appears.... i think this is a pretty good deal. but i already paid for the d50.
Nikon D80 w/two zoom lens... - $800 (Southern California area buyers only)
Click to expand...
That's not really a challenger; I still think the D50 deal is better.

Nikkor 55-200mm ~ $100 (it has fallen since the VR version came out for the same price)
Tamron 18-200mm ~ $200

That nets you a D80 for $500, which is just slightly below its current market value of $550. Nothing like the discount, or the bang-for-the-buck you got with the D50.
 
many people have already covered the technical differences and money savings between the two platforms; you have already mentioned how the xti felt funny, and the D50 felt awesome. How the camera feels in your hands and how "logical" the operation is, will also have alot to do with how much you use it and how well it performs. As you've already pulled the trigger on the Nikon, the point is moot, but for others who are also looking at their first platforms, get to a camera store that have the cameras you are interested in, put the different cameras on the counter and play with both of them. See which one feels the most comfortable, natural, and easiest to use/change settings.

good luck and welcome to the dslr world.........................you've already lost your soul, so might as well enjoy the ride lol.
 
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