I looked at the dpreview site and could see what you meant by the differences in color modes. Hadn't played with that feature on my D70. Re the "child" setting, do you mean the new autofocus mode which switches between single and continous focus automatically? How does that work in practice?

I wonder whether the two bodies and controls are similar enough that I wouldn't have to make a mental adjustment when I switched back and forth. The SD card vs compact flash card alone wouldn't be a big problem, although I'm not sure what the difference is.

I'm not sure how important the enhanced highlights feature would be, since we're using these for reference photos rather than for standalone works of art. Definitely something to think about, though. I had heard of the D50 but wasn't sure what it was. Thanks!

Child setting
 

I like the idea of the child setting putting the camera in continuous focus mode, however, the setting I'm talking about is one of the numerous little icons on the dial on top of the camera that puts the camera either in full automatic, aperture priority, shutter priority, full manual, or one of several "special" modes. Each of those modes simply programs the camera with a series of settings to maximize the ability to shoot those types of pictures. Here's what Nikon says about the programmed settings:

7 Digital Vari-Programs: The next evolution of Nikon's scene-optimized Digital Vari-Program modes produces great results for the intended shot, while freeing you to concentrate on the moment. New Child mode makes it easier to take memorable pictures of the children with the right amount of vivid color and contrast straight from the camera. Choose from Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Child, Close Up, Sports, or Night Portrait.

I think the body styles of the two cameras are sufficiently similar that you would not have difficulty switching. The D50 is a bit simpler.

Molly and Leslie, I would love to get together after my show opens on Sept. 16th, and try out the camera. This information is so helpful to me, because the good digitals are not cheap, in fact I will have to sell a couple of paintings before I can afford to make this investment.

Alex

Molly,
thank you so much for taking the time to write so detailed comments about the camera. My Nikon coolpix just broke and now I have no more doubts about what I will buy!
Ilaria

I just wanted to add that I also have the D50 and I love it! Its made my work so much easier. I had an old Coolpix before, and then a Canon. There is so much more color information as well as detail with this camera.

I just bought a Nikon D50 on Molly's recommendation and I'm having the time of my life! Thanks, Molly. Since this is my first digital camera it'll probably take me a while to find out all the things I can do with it, but so far I can say the spot metering is comparable to what I used to be able to do on my manual camera, in a fraction of the time--and that's saying a lot.

Alex

Gosh, i've heard so much about D50, and now i have Alex as a living satisfied customer of it!
Now i don't know how to decide between this baby, and Canon D350 model which boasts excellent quality pictures and higher megapixels than D50. Has anyone done a comparison between the both? :(

Check this link:
 

Hi Marcus,

There is an in depth review and comparison at this link - note that there are many pages. : Nikon D50

Molly, you should contact Nikon and tell them how you're converting the art world, one portraitist at a time! Maybe they'll use you in a commercial? ;)
Seriously, though, I am sold. Next camera is going to be the D50, because I do trust your folks' judgement on this matter.

I agree with Brenda. A pretty face and a hot camera - i'm seeing a new up-and-coming "AMERICAN ART IDOL"...kekeke :D