[Lidawka]

Nikon D50 is looking like the best deal for me right now, and just need some pressure to go ahead and splurge on it, they can be had with the 18-55mm lens kit for $500-$550 and i have been wanting DSLR since they became available, not until recently has the price become more realistic considering my amateur level of photography, but the desire is there, and i just want more, my 2.0mp isnt cutting it aymore, and i have been holding off long enough.

comments from the pros and D50 users appreciated, thanks!

[abOfU9nJ]

Its certainly a good choice - but remember that when buying a DSLR you are not just buying a camera body, you are also buying into a particular lens system.

Check out the lenses on offer to decide if its the make for you.

[Gideleb]

I strongly recommend going to the shop and play around with the camera and also with other DSLR's just to get a good feeling. And as Chris said, look into the lense lineup, Nikon has a good lineup so there should be no problem, consider the 18-70mm Nikkor DX ED lense over the stock lense, it is more then brilliant and gives just a bit more range over the stock lense.

On a side note, why do you want a DSLR and not a more professional or just more up to date Point and Shoot?

[Antelpebabe]

I love my D50, easy to use and feels great to hold. The 18-55mm lens isn't the sharpest around, but it gets the job done. Check the link in my sig if you want to see some pics taken with my D50.

[marketheal]

On a side note, why do you want a DSLR and not a more professional or just more up to date Point and Shoot?

I have played around some, and i did like the weight/feel/grip of the d50,

for the price of some of the higher end point and shoot cameras, it seems like i mine as well jump to dslr, i like lense options, easier depth of field control, more options that despite not being able to take advantage of all of them just yet, i feel a dslr would be more future proof. In over my head? maybe... but i have seen a lot of pictures taken with both the d series nikons, and digital rebels... i want the same thing (i know the best camera wont make great pictures, its the person behind, but when (or if) i get to that level, i dont want excuses)

[uaodnabnjz]

*I* Think it's a great camera. The best? No. But for it's price I think it's great. One thing you might not like is there is no backlight on the top lcd display, but this is really a non-issue unless for some reason you shot 90% of your shots in the pitch black. It would be nice to be lighted like on the D70, but it's not that big of a deal.

Another thing is there is currently no battery grip with a shutter release on it for easy vertical shots. You can get battery grips without the shutter though.

Battery life is fantastic on it, and takes SD cards. You'll want to use 2GB max if you like reformatting with your camera instead of your PC. You can use a 4GB card (like me) but you cannot format it with the camera, 2GB is the max you can format with the camera.

If you get it, I highly recommened getting the Nikkor 50mm 1.8D. One of the best $100 you'll spend on the camera. One of the best low-budget telephoto lenses is the Sigma 70-300mm APO DG. It's about $200~, great lens for the money. Sure lots are better, but not at that price range.

Take a look at my photography gallery (website link in signature), I am pleased with the results I get considering I have a $100 telephoto lens, $60 zoom lens and a $100 prime.

You'll also have to get use to doing post processing with either the software that comes with your D50, Photoshop or other programs..

I think you'll enjoy it if you get it. Share pics when you do [thumbup]

Any specific questions about it, just ask. I've taken a lot of photos with it. MrWalker knows the camera well too

[Karensmith]

thanks, i enjoyed looking at your galley, animal/wildlife/outdoor photography is what i enjoy the most, and seeing yours makes me want to get to it even more.

im trying to hint to SO and family members that i want this cam for my birthday or something, otherwise i'll probably bite the bullet

you can be sure i'll be on here asking questions to learn what i can about it and best post processing tips and all that good stuff

[Gymnarnemia]

Just to mix it up a bit I'll thrown in my gallery pages - most of which were shot with the Canon 300D:

www.picturepunk.com

[anderriter]

Just to mix it up a bit I'll thrown in my gallery pages - most of which were shot with the Canon 300D:

www.picturepunk.com

i think you have a good eye too, nice gallery[thumbup]

[mensforyouthis]

Yeah, 300D is another camera you might want to look at. Also, the Olympus E-500. Both in same type of category as the D50.

[chinesemedicine]

Yeah, 300D is another camera you might want to look at. Also, the Olympus E-500. Both in same type of category as the D50.

Not 300D, the 350D is in the same cathegory as the D50.

[Tibaveriafark]

Have you considered other dslr like pentax *ist series, or even dslr like cameras, like the upcoming Fujifilm FinePix S6500fd. I've found out with my Fuji s5500 that 10x zoom is fine, but it lacks in low light performance. Maybe with max iso3200 this will help a bit.

Here's a preview:

http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/9015...nepix_s6500fd/

[evarekataVame]

Not 300D, the 350D is in the same cathegory as the D50.

sry, that's what I ment

[FUNALA]

Just saw this, thought I'd share: Pentax has a rebate form that's good for 100 dollars off the *istDL and a bunch of rebates on lenses as well http://www.pentaximaging.com/files/s...y2006_copy.pdf. That means you can get this camera with an 18-55mm lens for 400-450 bucks. And it is quite a quality camera. I was going to hold out for the k100D, but this really swayed me.

[frequensearules]

Just saw this, thought I'd share: Pentax has a rebate form that's good for 100 dollars off the *istDL and a bunch of rebates on lenses as well http://www.pentaximaging.com/files/s...y2006_copy.pdf. That means you can get this camera with an 18-55mm lens for 400-450 bucks. And it is quite a quality camera. I was going to hold out for the k100D, but this really swayed me.

Agreed. There were a few hot deals that allowed you to get it under $400.
Definitely the best deal on a DSLR now.
*ist DL should be comparable to the D50.