Nikon D50

[handicap18]

Its got nothing to do with batter life. I has everything to do with the way SLR's capture the image (film or digital). No dSLR's have the option of using the display as a view finder like you find on point and shoot digital cameras.

Look though the front of the camera with the lens off. The mirror you see is the shutter. That mirror reflects the image from the lens up to another mirror which is what you see in the view finder. When you take a picture the shutter is released to let the light be captured on the film or digital camers processor (or what ever they use). That is why the view finder goes black when you take a picture. The mirror lifts up and the image is taken.

 

[handicap18]

You'll have to use a fast shutter. Something probably above 400. Set the ISO higher as well. Its been a long time since I've taken pictures of fireworks with my old N70. I remember using a tripod. But with my point and shoot digital I set it to the fast motion option and it took fairly decent pictures.

You can do a search on the internet or find a photography book at your local bookstore. Any aperture or shutter settings will pretty much be the same for all SLR's. They should mention (even if its for film) which speed film they used. I would probably start the ISO at 400 or 800.

 

[AZ JazzyJ]

Bright lights behind the subject can usually be overcome by either spot metering on the foreground subject and/or using a fill flash with the built in flash on the D50. I would suggest that you try to set up something at home and practice with the camera and settings to see which results you like the best. You'll gain confidence and have a better understanding of your camera before you get to the parks when you are trying to make the picture count.

Jeff

 

[Ratpack]

Anyone ever use this flash? Will it work with the D50? Worth the price? I know, too many questions, but I am fairly new to the real world of photography.

Flash

 

[Scottwdw]

I'd recommend the Nikon SB-600 which will work with your D50 in iTTL mode. It's more expensive but feel it's well worth the money. Click on the link for more information

Nikon SB-600 Review

 

[AZ JazzyJ]

I use the Nikon SB-800 and I've been VERY happy with it. It's a little more than the SB-600 so you need to decide what your budget is and what kind of features you are looking for. The SunPak will work but may not have the automated settings that the Nikon flash units have. Again, kind of depends on the type of flash work you are trying to do.


Jeff

 

[Ratpack]

Really just looking for more flash range at this point and perhaps a little more control over the flash. I really don't enough about how to use them to say what else. That is why I am looking at cheaper ones. I can learn on them to see if I really need to spend more money for a better one.

 

[Charade]

I doubt that will Sunpak flash will work with the D50 in any mode BUT manual.

If you're looking to save some money take a look at the Sigma flash or the SB-600. The Sigma is 100 percent compatible with the D70 and D50.

http://www.sigma4less.com/sess/utn;...F+500+DG+Super+for+Nikon+AF+=28SGEF500SUNI=29

I know they're 3-4 times the price of that Sunpak but you really have no other choices in a fully automatic (with wireless capability) flash.

 

[handicap18]

If you get anything but the SB-600 or SB-800 you will have to do all the settings on your own. The camera wont set them for you. With the 600 & 800 on the D50 when you use a zoom lens the flash will adjust as you zoom in and out with the lens. They will also adjust based on where the lens focuses on and what the F Stops are set at. The other flashes you have to do that yourself.

You can get an SB-600 for a very good price on E-Bay. About $180 with shipping depending on the seller.

If you spent the money on the D50, don't skimp on the flash to save a few dollars. Get the SB-600 and save yourself a lot of headaches down the road. Otherwise you might not enjoy flash photography with your new D50.

 

[Ratpack]

You are all probably right. The moment I had a cheaper flash I would want the better one for the increased capabilities. So, with that in mind, what advantages does the SB800 have over the SB600? The price would indicate alot.

 

[Scottwdw]

So, with that in mind, what advantages does the SB800 have over the SB600? The price would indicate alot.

The review I linked in a previous message has a comparison between the two flashes. I decided on the SB-600 and will pick up a bouncer for the one option I feel it lacks.

In this thread, you can see a couple of pictures I took using the SB-600 over the holidays.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=983200

 

[Ratpack]

I am trying to use the RAW image mode on my D50 and the Nikon Capture software to see if it is something I would like to purchase. I have the camera set and can see the images when I open the SD card, but the Capture program says it is not a supported file type. I am using the trial version of the software. Is there something I have not set correctly? Help please!

 

[Charade]

if you want, you can email the file. I have the latest version of Capture (full version) and I'll see if it opens it.

email to charde-63@comcast.net (remove the dash).

 

[Ratpack]

Thanks, but I found a newer version of the trial and it opens them fine. But one question though, where did you purchase the software from? I see you can get the unlock code off the website, but if I do get it I want a disk so I can use it on different computers, I have a desktop and a laptop.

 

[Charade]

check your PM

 

[trampslady]

Good morning all. I'm just about to purchase (may wait until after the big PMA show in February) a Nikon d50 with a 18-70 lens, and I'm leaning toward the 55-200 for a second lens--the price is right and the size is nice.

What size do you guys usually tote around?

I only want to carry one lens to avoid changes and dust problems. We frequent WDW often and stay for several days at a time. It's just hubby and I, and I love photography. Used to use a Canon Elan until hubby talked me into a Kodak digital. Nice size, but I miss the flexibility of SLR. Looking forward to nice Disney photos!

 

[ndelaware]

Nikon has a new 18-200mmVR lens that is either out or ready to be shipped to the stores any day. This would eliminate having to change lenses at all.

 

[trampslady]

Yes, I've seen it. From what I understand it's a tough one to find right now, and the cost is between $800 and $900. I suspect the price will drop a little bit once initial demand is met; however, I'm not positive that I want just one lens period. And, if I spend that $$, I won't purchase another for a while.

I'm doing my brother's wedding in October, and I need the 18-70 and possibly a 50/1.8 for that.

 

[ndelaware]

Ok, how about the D50 kit that comes with the 18-55 and the 55-200 lenses included for about $850. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...588&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation BTW, I believe the D50 comes with the 18-55mm DX Zoom Nikkor or the 28-80mm F/3.3-5.6G Lens. The D70 kit comes with the 18-70mm DX Zoom Nikkor Lens.

 

[trampslady]

I've priced the d50 with the 18-70 (my understanding is that it's a better lens than the 18-55) and the 55-200 for 939.00 with Cameta Camera.

Still, if I go with this package, which lens would you tote to WDW? I have always enjoyed telephoto work, so I'm not sure how happy I will be with the 18-70 as a walk around lens.