Stupid ??????

Tyson · Dec 1, 2006

I have been looking through the galleries here and was wondering, can I get pro looking photos from a Nikon D-50? Some of the photos displayed seem to be realy realy good. Can a simple D-50 produce that kind of image or will I need to grow with a more expensive camrea as I learn? I know these questions have been asked over and over but I just don't have the time to read months of forum posts. Also would it be uncommon to have shadow a pro photographer? My goal is to be able to take scenic shots of stuff like lighthouses, rivers and lakes, ocean waves and few portrits for friends. I don't want to buy 6 cameras to get to one that is right. That darn D-50 seems to be the best price for beginers but on the other hand I learn pretty fast. Should I consider a D80? Is it the lens that makes the picture? I post one other question and got some great responces, I guess this time I am realy asking should I try running before I walk?

Mr Avid · Dec 1, 2006

Im not one of the ones posting those pro looking pictures...but I find myself asking the same question. Thus far I honestly haven't taken a shot that I thought I needed more camera to make it better. I still have lots to learn and a higher end camera or lens isn't going to nutralize those short comings. So Im saving the money until I'm more satisfied with own skills, and knowledge.
Lighting, composition, aperture shutter speed....these are all things I can work on (and need to work on) with my exsisting equipment.

Arch · Dec 1, 2006

Take a look at any of my photos here.... can you tell i shoot with a D50?... if the answer is no, then you have nothing to worry about if your considering buying one.

It really isnt the camera that makes you produce a good standard of pictures... its what you can learn and put into action that helps you achieve the results you want... at some stage, sure you might want to upgrade... but i feel i can still achieve the photos i want with my current equipment, so if you want to get on the ladder of DSLR's the D50 is a great choice.

To save you time iv linked to a few of my threads below.

http://thephotoforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=56984

http://thephotoforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49491

http://thephotoforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=46973

http://thephotoforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45414

fmw · Dec 1, 2006

There is nothing simple about a D50. It is a sophisticated and high performance DSLR. It has the capacity to make the same images any other DSLR can. Yes, you can buy more resolution but the D50 has enough really to do about anything a DSLR can do. Even doubling the resolution would be a subtle difference and only in certain circumstances.

Hint. It is the lenses that make the important differences in image quality. Lenses that fit Nikon DSLR's fit the D50 just like they do the D2X.

JIP · Dec 1, 2006

If you already have a D-50 great you should stick with it 6mp is a good resolution sensor you should as was previously shown be able to get excellent pics from a 6mp sensor. However, if you are choosing between the 2 and can afford the D-80 you should definately consider the step up but again, if you already have the D-50 the only reason to buy a new body would be mabye if you are a pro and need multiple bodies for a backup.

Big Mike · Dec 1, 2006

My goal is to be able to take scenic shots of stuff like lighthouses, rivers and lakes, ocean waves and few portrits for friends.

As the others have said...it's not the camera, it's the photographer. So practice, practice, practice. A better camera will not make you a better photographer...nor will a better lens (but a better lens will help more than a better body).

If you don't already have one...get a tripod. Not only will it help to make great shots (especially landscapes etc.)...but the use of a tripod may help you to slow down and think about your shots as you take them...rather than just point & shoot.

Another thing to work on...might be your post processing skills. Just as good photographers back in the day had good darkroom skills...good photographers today , often have good Photoshop skills.

cosmonaut · Dec 1, 2006

It's not just the camera, you can make great picture with a 30 year old SLR. But post processing is as important as the original image. PhotoShop techniques is a must is you really want stunning pictures. Even photographers years ago had ways of manipulating negatives and slides. Listen to Big Mike and you can't go wrong.
Cosmo

THORHAMMER · Dec 2, 2006

I totally agree!!!!

cameras dont take pictures !! people do !!!

I took these shots with a sony dsc-w1, 4 year old point and shoot.

noone believes me cause of the clarity, and range in them

but ill admit I had filters, and a tripod, extender, and was using the manual controls to the engineering limit. but for petes sake the thing fits in my shirt pocket...

http://www.uniqimage.com/gallery/Fgallery5-9.jpg

http://www.uniqimage.com/gallery/Fgallery5-10.jpg

http://www.uniqimage.com/gallery/Fgallery1-8.jpg

http://www.uniqimage.com/gallery/Fgallery1-9.jpg

http://www.uniqimage.com/gallery/Fgallery5-5.jpg

http://www.uniqimage.com/gallery/Fgallery5-6.jpg

http://www.uniqimage.com/gallery/Fgallery5-8.jpg

Big Mike is Right.
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fmw · Dec 2, 2006

So is Thorhammer. Nice images from a simple camera.

Alex_B · Dec 2, 2006

cosmonaut said:
Even photographers years ago had ways of manipulating negatives and slides.

Errm, I thought they still have

benhasajeep · Dec 2, 2006

It takes more than a camera to take a pro quality shot.

Even average lenses can take a great shot. For landscapes a D-50 will be more than fine. Even the Pentax's and D Rebel. Don't get caught up in the pixel game. For normal sized prints and especialy online galleries. The "beginner" DSLR's sold today are more than enough!!

If you have a limited budget. Get a D-50 or similar, a good a lens as you can afford. And a stable tripod. But the important part is to use the camera. Learn it. Take chances and experiment. If a shot doesn't work. Delete it! Simple as that. Try and copy some shots you see and like. The more you use it, the more making adjustments becomes natural.

Michael Humle · Dec 2, 2006

THORHAMMER...Your images are awsome!

THORHAMMER · Dec 2, 2006

thanks !! I appreciate it..

and dont think im trying to brag or anything,

just use what you got until youve used it all up and have to move upward..

thats what im saying

DocFrankenstein · Dec 2, 2006

If those are your subject, I wouldn't even buy an SLR. I'd get a... something smaller. You'll carry it around with you much more often.

On the other hand if you're going to shoot sports or suddently decide that you need five frames per second, then even a D50 isn't good engough for you.