Replacement for Nikon D50

[mattyn1]

Hi All
Am thinking of getting back into some photgraphy on a purely hobby level, and have a Nikon D50 with two Nikon lenses, 18-55, and 55-200.

With the Mrs asking what i want for Xmas, I am wondering whether I would have much benefit form upgrading to say the D3100. Any thoughts on this, or even other makes?

Will my lenses with the D50 work with the D3100?

I guess i am after some basic advice. I want to shoot landscapes, portrait for the kids growing up, and some sport.

Thaks in advance.

[james_tigerwoods]

These may help:

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

The D3100 is a great little camera - just don't expect much from the Video shooting - ETA - Video is good, it just DOESN'T auto focus once you start recording video.

[rxtx]

The D3100 doesn't have an autofocus screw like your D50 has, so unless your lenses are of the AF-S variety then they won't be able to autofocus on the D3100.

Other than that, it's a newer camera and everything will be improved over the D50.

[Gad-Westy]

I suppose the first thing to ask is what you don't like about the D50?

[Simpo Two]

Ow

[james_tigerwoods]

D'oh - That's the main thing I forgot...

The D3100 doesn't have a motor for lenses so, as above, check they're AF-S. I think the D50 requires AF-S lenses, so you should be ok.

Get the kit 18-55 though, it's better than the original - although, if it was me, I'd get rid and get the better and faster 18-70 (as a basic lens that is) which is what I've done.

[rxtx]

james_tigerwoods said:

I think the D50 requires AF-S lenses

It doesn't, it has a screw

[mattyn1]

Gad-Westy said:

I suppose the first thing to ask is what you don't like about the D50?

I am just looking to see if it is worth upgrading. I like the D50 a lot!!!

[Simpo Two]

mattyn1 said:

I am just looking to see if it is worth upgrading. I like the D50 a lot!!!

Then keep it and try a 10-20mm or a macro lens for new areas to explore. That will make much more difference than a new body.

[mattyn1]

Thanks for taking the time to answer the post.

Made a mistake when I started this thread from work.I have a DX 18-55 AF-S Nikkor lens, and a 70-300 AF Nikkor lens.
I don't want it for video.

The 3100 is about £300, is there a marked improvement in quality going from a 6.1 to a 14MP.

[mattyn1]

Simpo Two said:

Then keep it and try a 10-20mm or a macro lens for new areas to explore. That will make much more difference than a new body.

I like that idea - thanks for the idea - will look into it.

[Flip Martian]

I went from a D70 to a D3000 about 2 years ago. Didn't regret it for a second - you benefit from a familiar interface and an increase in features and image quality from several more years of R & D. Same thing I imagine would hold true for you going to a 3100 (assuming the 3100 is as good as the 3000 of course).

[andy-xr]

Go for the D7000. I know it's a jump up in price, but it is worth it

[james_tigerwoods]

I had a D40 and loved it and really wanted it back, but it was unrepairable.

The D3100 is brilliant and is a great replacement camera - the quality improvement is massive over the D40 and does everything I could want it to in a "simple" uncomplicated camera.

Go to comet, pick one up and try it - then buyer it cheaper everywhere else

[Simpo Two]

Sure, new bodies are better in terms of high ISO performance and Mp but these are not essential for most photos IMHO. But currently you can't take ultra-wide angle or photograph a ladybird.

Ideally get a new body AND new lenses; just choose the priority. Get the 14Mp body and your images in most circumstances will, I suspect, look the same but just chopped up into more dots...

[mattyn1]

Thats great advice thank you.

As I don't have a flash gun, or much in the way of filters, I might go that way where xmas pressies are concerned - and see how I get on. Maybe change the body and lens in the new year if I do take to it as I feel now.

There are some gadgets on ebay such as Wide angle/telephoto attachements for the 52mm Nikon lens - they screw onto the end. Are these any good or a waste of money - they don't seem very expensive.

[rxtx]

Avoid those.

[Gad-Westy]

The wide angle adaptor I used was useless. The only thing that I did like in terms of clip-on lens attachments was a Raynox 150 Macro adaptor. Worked really well with a telephoto lens.

[mattyn1]

Received and understood.

Many thanks

[Simpo Two]

Yep, a good flash gun would be a very good toy for the box - suggest Nikon SB600 or newer SB700. Best to avoid cheap Chinkychunko stuff if you can.