hey,
i'm a beginner to photography and i was deciding on a d50 or d40.

d40 is lightweight, easy to use, cheap, etc however, it can only autofocus on af-s lenses

d50 i heard is compatible with all lenses. for long term use and upgradability, between these TWO cameras which do u suggest.

i'd appreciate if u don't suggest other than this two if it's more expensive. budget is RM2500+-.

PS: d50 is about 2 years old right?

D50
D40
Comparisons

Here are the reviews by a person who actually shoots more than worry about lab performance. And owns practically half the line of dSLRs xD

D50 plusses
great metering
ability to use all lenses
top LCD

D40 plusses
full RGB histogram to set exposure correctly
light
cheap
great LCD
great menu system

note: the new lenses are go good that it obseletes the old ones. Nikon will probably replace the old lenses with AF-S soon if its really that great.

I'd buy the D40 and not worry about the D50 since digital technology moves VERY fast. A cheap new camera is better than an expensive old one.

You would consider Full RGB histogram reading a plus? I would worry about you suffering to focus under 3 tight AF-points, that is more practical.

does the d40 kit lens hv autofocus motor?

of cos its a plus. it allows me to actually use the histogram and not just have a single channel for show.

i always use the center so it wouldn't worry me. Maybe 10% of the time left/right. <5% up/down. I use focus lock to compose.

yes... any lens with AFS on it has motor

thanks for the input..
heh, read about this ken rockwell guy..yeah...and ppl on this forums (some say) he's biased. anywyas, i'll give it a read.

btw, i'm also looking at the 350D. i'm 6feet1 and yes, i have big hands. i was quite afraid of the 350D coz of it's small grip.

however, i'm planning on REPLACING it with the bg-e3 (which can accomodate 2 baterry packs) and ofc giving me a bigger hand grip.

this however would push the price of the camera to roughly RM3200. worht the 3200? (i get 350D kit, extra battery, and baterry grip)

No use ... the BG-E3 does nothing to improve your grip as well. What you NEED is a EOS 30D with a GRIP!

Well that is so cool!

and i need a big stack of cash for me to get a grip on the 30D hahahahh

Someone over at PM is selling a under warranty 30D + grip + 4 ori batts for RM3500.
Perhaps u can have a look.

over at PM... i dunno what's pm... hmmm... photo ... ok.. i'll check it i reckon photo section.
sounds good
thanks

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Added on March 25, 2007, 12:44 amahhaha
i'm a noob..i duno wha'ts PM..

a guy over PRIVATE message?
send me his nickname then..

This post has been edited by miraged: Mar 25 2007, 12:44 AM

photomalaysia perhaps?

i am a newbie in dslr. just bought my d40 not too long ago.

swdpite the claims of non compantible lens except the AFS series.. i agree.. but seriously... unless u plan to get legacy lens, then d40 is out.

but look at it this way... new afs lens are hese..

AFS 55-200 around Rm7++
AFS 18-135 around Rm850 to rm100 depending on seller..

so what the bid deal on lens compatability? all the super zoom is kinda affordable.

only restrictions are those prime lens and some good non afs lens..
also no bat grip.

BUT... pairing a super cool high end non afs onto d40??? it's only a 3 point focus cam, 6 megapx... it will not act like dx2 or d200... only chasing d80... remember d40 is an entry level cam... what you compose is more important.. dont ya think?

by the time u are getting serious... then up to d80 or d200 lah... or canon..

it all depends on how far u willing to stretch your wallet.. cos canon 350d can take all canon lens...

you can always get the impreza.. or you can put a turbo in kancil... but the expereince and satisfaction will of owning either one is never the same.

So how many MP u want? 20? 30? 6 is MUCH more than enough unless u plan u print billboards (which of course, i'm guessing u won't). Most people (that i know anyway) dun even print anymore! O.o

Then again, U want 200 point focus? Good luck selecting thru all that points. Sure, 5 points is nice.. but is it really needed for the extra money u pay?

Of course, a prime lens is nice to have. But i think i'll prefer zoom lenses since prime lenses can get irritating (too much or too little zoom). I've used the 18-55mm zoom nikkor and it works great. Y bother with a prime lens (unless u really, absolutely need it)?

^ errr.... why u attacking him ar? he's supporting the d40. he's asking not to get a uber camera if ur needs dont' warrant it. O_o

anwyays wifi_one, i do agree with ya!
350D is not far off in terms of price. i think right now they're priced the same. so yeah, i guess it's the end of the road for me. d40.... 3 point not an UP point for me. (350D has 7)

Was in the same boat a little while ago, but I chose the D50 for many reasons other's have stated. 4 reasons I chose D50 over D40 was:

1) cheaper...yes...it's cheaper than D40 here
2) Bigger body
3) No need to worry about lens compatibility. Some of the best primes are old and IF only.
4) Top LCD

my friend is unloading his D50 at a reasonable price, you might wanna check the garage sale for that

did you not complete primary school?
you must be the biggest idiot to even suggest 200 focus point and we all know mega pixels aint the matter..

my point is people and reviews pointing out the lens compatability with non afs/.. thus confusing potential buyers with no experience to deem this product unsuitable and limited capabilities. isn't that a fact?

potential new buyers with limited experience will always think rational.. what can i equip with my limited purchase? it's normal.. that's human behaviour... squeezing more from less...

so chill out..

i'm sorry.. dunno what got into me that day.. sorry man..

=) anyway, whats ur choice? =P

no worries...

let's share what we know .. at least we can provide a platform for those who wants to venture into dslr and are choosing based on thier findings bout incompatability, pricing and usage...

most importantly.. pricing and usage are the most important for first time users like me....

wifi_one where did u bought your d40?
fotokem? and how much is it? bag tripod sd 1gb?

i think it's good that buyers know that there's such an issue.

too bad if they're confused. it's an information worth mentioning however it doesn't limit the usage since you can get many other AF-S / AF-I lens to use on it.

heck you can still use AF lens, it'll work fine. just no auto-focus.