Thanks!
If you want the fastest start up time ... least amount of shutter lag ... way longer batter life ... potential for best quality pics ... etc, then you gotta go SLR. What you give up is LCD to frame shots, with a DSLR you have to use the viewfinder. You also give up size (SLR's are full size cameras and need to be to hold a wide range of lens sizes).
So if you have decided you want a DSLR, then I definitely reccomend the D50... especially at the price they are going for now a days. (www.beachcamera.com is an excellent place to purchase from, low prices and great service).
As far as lenses, the 18-55 and 55-200 are entry level lenses for sure. I have owned the 18-55 and found it to be a good lens. I upgraded to the Sigma 18-55 2.8 lens. It runs $400 from sigma4less.com and $500 from most other places. Its a sharper/faster lens versus the nikon 18-55. The 2.8 stands for its lowest aperature number, which is fixed throughout the zoom lenth. On some lenses as you zoom the number increases. Lenses that have a fixed low aperature number tend to be higher grade ... bigger and better made ... and more expensive. With the nikon 18-55 you will need to stop down to F8 or so to get nice and sharp shots... while with the 18-50 Sigma it is real sharp already at F4. All lenses have a sweet spot where the centerpoint of sharpness is at its peak, thats usually around F8 range if I remember correctly... but higher end lenses can take very sharp shots even at low F numbers (which means a bigger aperature.. ie more light taken in.. ie suited better for low light situations).
I dont really have a reccomendation as to go for the 18-55/55-200 combo or the sigma 18-55 2.8 ... you trade reach (ie zoom) for quality. 18-55 is the range that is typically used... and when I had a zoom lens (ive since sold it), I rarely had it on my camera.... the 18-55 stays on. If you want long range abilities to start you will want to go with the nikon combo. I have heard good things about the 55-200, for its price-range it performs well. You do get a better deal on it and the 18-55 lens when purchased with the kit lens, so that should be a factor in your decesion as well.
If you end up with the D50, let me know once you have it and I'll help you out with operation.
First of all great pics!
And second,
I am saving for the Nikon D50 right now and I wanted to get your opinion on it. My photog skills are at a beginner level, so would you recommend the D50 or is there a more entry level camera I should/could invest in? I want to buy the 18-55 and 55-200 lens to start, or is there a better lens for the money?
I know there is a photog forum, and any more questions I'll just e-mail directly, just wanted to slip this one in there!
Thanks Ryan,
Jason Gonzalez
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Take Care,
-Ryan Homsey
www.topnotchboas.com
