Nikon D50 Camera

Molly Sherrick Phifer · 08-24-2005, 09:15 PM

Attached are some of the photos I've take with the D50. I have also posted one closeup so you can see the resolution I'm getting.

Garth Herrick · 08-24-2005, 09:32 PM

Hi Molly,

That is an impressive new camera. It is interesting to see how Nikon has evolved in the last three years since I got my D-100. I suppose mine is the grandparent to your D-50, and is now out of production. I have been more than satisfied with it, accumulating about 90,000 shots with it so far! Probably, the image quality is even better on your D-50. I understand there is a better method of highlight rendering than what my old Nikon produces. That alone is wonderful!

Nice shots by the way! I gather you are using the mode III sRGB color space setting, which I hear is the new default setting. I have an older version of this setting too, but typically have been using the mode II Adobe RGB (1998) setting, for its wider color gamut range.

So when can I drive over to behold your new D-50 marvel?

Garth

Brenda Ellis · 08-24-2005, 11:21 PM

Molly, these must be your children (or you've found a family with remarkably similar features to your own.) Just wanted to say, handsome family!
Thank you for the info on the camera. You've saved me a lot of shopping and hand-wringing of my own when I'm ready to make that SLR leap!

Lisa Ober · 08-25-2005, 12:38 AM

Beatuiful, Molly! Great post. Let me also thank you for your input into my recent camera purchase. I ended up with the Canon version which I am thrilled with but it sure was close. Very tough choice that I agonized over for weeks. It came down to a few more megapixels and the fact I could use my older 35mm lenses (from my old Canon) with the new one-teh real kicker for me since lenses are not cheap. You are so right about your comparisons above. You know your stuff. I don't think one can go wrong with either the Nikon or the Canon. Both of these cameras produce better results than a 35mm. Digital has come a long way.

Molly Sherrick Phifer · 08-25-2005, 08:08 AM

Hi Garth!

You're sure welcome to come out to the country for a visit anytime, but since there isn't much to see way out here other than the camera (I haven't produced enough work of note to interest anyone , then how about if I come visit your studio and bring the camera along?

Brenda,

Thanks for the complements on the kids! These are only three of five, and the others are just as good looking (if I do say so myself). I wish I looked more like them. I have this somewhat cursed attribute of looking far better in photos than I do in real life.

Lisa,

I am so glad you got your new camera and are happy with it. These Digital SLRs are truly amazing, and if anyone hasn't inspected the results of one yet, they're in for a huge treat. It isn't all about resolution, either. The color and values are much more lifelike (though I wouldn't rely solely on these photos anyway) and the software for manipulating the depth of shadows is fantastic and easy to use. Viewed on a good computer monitor, the photo images are almost like working from life. A great thing when painting wiggly, giggly kids (my personal favorite).

Alexandra Tyng · 08-26-2005, 07:51 AM

Hi Molly,

Thanks so much for your very informative post! I am just in the process of looking at digital cameras and the information you laid out so clearly will really help. I have two Canons, a very old 35mm and a newer non-digital Rebel. The thing that interested me the most was your point about the light meter reading. I've held onto my totally manual camera for so long because I am able to set the light meter myself. As far as I am concerned, my Rebel is too automatic in a mindless sort of way, though it is easy and convenient.

I would also like to see your new camera, which reminds me that we were talking about getting together. Let's do it soon. Maybe when our kids are back in school?

Alex

Leslie Ficcaglia · 08-27-2005, 02:47 PM

I've had the Nikon D70 for a few months now and am awed by its capabilities. It has so many features that I will probably never use them all, but I'm considering buying a second body so I'll have one in reserve if this one ever needs repair. I have four standard Nikons - a 5005 which needs work, two N60's and an N75 - so I already had the lenses although I did buy a telephoto - 70 to 300 - for the D70. However, I get frustrated because each of those standard SLRs has a slightly different way of operating, and when you're going for those grab shots of active kids you need to be on automatic mode in your own head to take full advantage of what's happening in front of you. That's hard if you're readjusting to another camera.

What are the differences between the D50 and D70? The photos you posted were just gorgeous, so I can see that the optics are superb. Looks like you have some perfect home-grown models, too.

One thing I found when I was trying to photograph candid shots of circus performers practicing in a dark big top was that putting the camera on Auto ISO allowed it to adjust so I didn't have to second-guess exposure. I'm wondering if that was the best way to go but it seemed to work under those circumstances.

I'm less than an hour from Philadelphia myself. Maybe we should all get together for a camera session...