Nikon D50 Upgrade Suggestions

[AJRitz]

I have a Nikon D50 that I've been using for the last several years. I really like it - it's comfortable in my hand, I like the images, and I've got a small collection of lenses I like. But it has one flaw in particular that's starting to drive me batty - its SD slot will not work with SDHC cards, so it's limited to a 2GB capacity and can't even "see" the higher capacity cards. So I'm thinking that it's about time for an incremental upgrade.

I'm not skilled enough to need a pro-level camera, and I don't want to spend that much anyway. My primary criteria for this upgrade are:
1. Use SD cards, and support SDHC
2. Fully compatible with all of my current lenses (Tamron 28mm-80mm; Tamron 70mm-300mm; Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18mm-55mm)

The rest of the likely "upgrades" - better autofocus zoning, better image processor, higher resolution, faster multishot, video capability -- all of those things are really just gravy. The problem is that, with Nikon's model numbering system, I can't figure out which camera is the direct upgrade for the D50. I don't even necessarily need a "current" model. I'm happy to save some money and buy used. It's the feature set that I'm trying to nail down.

 

[Gdad]

Pretty sure the D50 had a focus motor so I would say it evolved along the D80/D90/D7000 path. I don't know if you need a focus motor or not with the Tamron lenses you have though.

I've seen some good deals on used D90's around.

 

[ukcatfan]

I am no Nikon expert, but I believe your Tamron lenses use the in body autofocus instead of in the lens autofocus. If so, then none of the entry level models will AF those lenses. I believe you would have to go to the D7000 to get that.

 

[AJRitz]

I am no Nikon expert, but I believe your Tamron lenses use the in body autofocus instead of in the lens autofocus. If so, then none of the entry level models will AF those lenses. I believe you would have to go to the D7000 to get that.

That's what I was afraid of.

 

[My2Girls66]

The D80 and D90 both have a focus motor in the body. If you want a better deal and don't mind not getting the latest(D7000) then the D90 is the way to go. I had a D50, upgraded 3 years ago to the D80 so my DD could have my D50 to take to college-I just bought her a bunch of 2GB cards.

 

[zackiedawg]

I'd agree on the D90 recommendation. It's around 2 years old, and even occasionally found new at excellent prices. The sensor is a fairly recent and very capable Sony 12MP sensor that was shared in the Sony A500 & Pentax KX. It has the upgraded manual control body, top LCD, weatherproofing, in-body motor, etc so it is in direct line with your D50. If you want to stick with current lenses and just upgrade the body to newer spec, the D90 is a solid upgrade from your D50. If you can afford it, the D7000 is a very high-spec camera also worth consideration, but for a lot more money.

 

[Experiment_626]

I'd agree on the D90 recommendation. [SNIP] It has the upgraded manual control body, top LCD, weatherproofing, in-body motor, etc so it is in direct line with your D50.

I'd agree with most of this -- the D90 is an excellent camera and a great upgrade from the D50. However, it is not weather-sealed. Pretty much everything else zackiedawg said applies, though.

Scott

 

[zackiedawg]

Oops then - I had thought it had the light weatherproofing. My mistake.

 

[Pooh2]

I just upgraded my D60 to a D90. I got the 90 (body only) at Hunts for $799.
Love being able to use my older autofocus lens again!

 

[jennyleettu]

I just upgraded my D60 to a D90. I got the 90 (body only) at Hunts for $799.
Love being able to use my older autofocus lens again!

I just upgraded my D60 to a D90 also and I'm loving it!!

 

[Phil'sFrontier]

I just upgraded from a D80 to a D7000. I am really happy with it. Love things like the auto focus performance, 6fps, and the mild weather sealed body.