Would love your advice

BubblePixel · Nov 29, 2005

Hi to all!

I'm photography lover but a newbie.
My old Minolta Dimage S414 just died on me so I'm thinking of taking it a step up with an SLR!

I feel silly saying that but I'm so used to looking at the lcd when taking pictures, I wonder how fast I'll get used to putting my eye in the hole... I know, not very professional... :blulsh2:

So far, I'm looking at either the Canon RebelXT or the Nikon D50.
But I'd like your advice before I buy.

I Take lots of pics of kids, closeups and movement, so I'd like a fast shutter speed. I also love doing macro pics.

I hear that the D50 has a poor lens, what's your opinion on that?
I'm going to the shop on Saturday to try them out! I don't have the budget to buy spare lenses for now, so I need something good right off the bat.

Thanks for any advice you have for me! :hail:

JJL77 · Nov 29, 2005

I am by no means a pro but from everything I've read the Nikon D50 is the way to go. It even outshines it's older brother the D70 in picture noise at high ISO. Go to dpreview.com and read the reviews. I'm buying the D50 for sure after Christmas. Also the Rebel is priced higher and with the money I'll be saving I'll buy a second lens (zoom). Don't get me wrong it's a win win situation with either camera but I'm buying the D50.
p.s. I've been researching this for about 3 weeks. There's a lot of info out there just spend some time and read.

BubblePixel · Nov 30, 2005

Thanks for the reply JJL77!

I've spent the last week reasearching it also! It's very interresting... Have you held it already? Can't wait to go try it out! I guess what will decide is wich one feels better in my small hands. I have to buy one ASAP, even it I'll put a part of it on my CC... I'm going bazerk without a camera... especially at xmas time with the kids! hehe!!

Let's keep in touch!

JJL77 · Nov 30, 2005

Actually, I havn't had a chance to hold the camera yet. For me, how it feels isn't that big of a deal. How it fits my photography needs as fas as performance is what matters to me. Anyway, let me know which one you deside on and how it is. Are you going to buy it with the kits lens or buy something better?

BubblePixel · Nov 30, 2005

I'll start with the Kit and see how it goes from there... and then, maybe I'll ask Santa to bring me a new lens...

jstuedle · Nov 30, 2005

I all honesty, the 300, 350, D50, or D70 are all good cameras. How it "feels" IS a big deal. If it "feels" right, if it "feels" natural, if the controls are where they should be, if it fits your hands instinctively, then that is the camera that will suit you the best. I like Nikons, more because they "feel" as natural in my hands today, as they did 35 years ago. After you have had your camera a while, you will see what I refer to. Today's DSLR's from either Canon or Nikon are all good. It's the "feel" that makes a difference for me.

BubblePixel · Dec 1, 2005

Thanks for your comment jstuedle!
I can't wait to go "feel" it...

I'll let you know! :thumbup:

BubblePixel · Dec 3, 2005

Well, I went and tried them!
And eventhough the Canon is a little smaller and fits better in my hand, I prefer the Nikon overall...

Thanks for all the advice... I'll probably go get it on Wednesday!!
I can't wait!! I feel like a little kid at xmas time!! LOL!!

Kent Frost · Dec 3, 2005

JJL77 said:
I am by no means a pro but from everything I've read the Nikon D50 is the way to go. It even outshines it's older brother the D70 in picture noise at high ISO.

That's true, but so does the Rebel XT vs the First D Rebel. Plus, in favor of the XT, it has 8MP over Nikon's 6MP. The higher ISOs are also handled much better than it's predecessor, and conversions to BW are terrific, much better than the first Rebel.

wburychka · Dec 5, 2005

I have a Rebel XT. Also a 20D. Also lenses ranging (in price) from the Canon 50mm F1.8 to the Canon 500mm F4L. If it were me--and knowing what I know--I would be inclined to go with the Nikon D50 with the newly announced (don't know if it's shipping yet) 18-200mm VR lens. But that's because I'm not big on changing lenses more often than necessary. That lens, with VR (Vibration Reduction...Canon's version is called IS--Image Stabilization), would be the ultimate all-purpose lens.

Another idea might be the Konica-Minolta Maxxum 5D. This is available at really good prices and features KM's camera-based "anti-shake" (see VR and IS above). That feature, which has received excellent reviews, essentially makes any lens a stabilized lens. With that camera, you could get a Tamron or Sigma 18-200 zoom for around $400 (US) or less.

Consider everything, because what you do after buying the camera (buy lenses, flashes, etc.) may commit you to a brand for a long time.

Best of luck.
Bill