Thinking about upgrading - Opinions?

[medicjch]

I've currently got a Nikon D50 and I'm currently wondering if I should maybe look at a D5100 (Gotta stay with Nikon because of my lens). My only real complaint about my D50 is that I can't see my manual mode settings when it is dark. I would really like to be able to see my settings on the screen like the D5100. What do you think? Worth upgrading? Any additional features to be gained? Thanks for any help.

 

[GrillMouster]

I still break out the D50 occassionally. It's great. I used to have a tiny little LED flashlight keychain that I used at night if I wanted to see the top panel (for those who never owned a D50, it doesn't have a backlight for the panel). I no longer have that keychain, but I just see the settings though the viewfinder or use my smartphone as a flashlight for the top panel. It hasn't been a noticeable problem for me.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

First of all I don't shoot Nikon, but I just upgraded my primary Pentax DSLR from a K10D (introduced 2006) to the K5. The 5100 and the K5 share the same sensor, while I can't speak to the individual camera, I will say that the new camera is like night and day compared to the old. The technology advancements are incredible. The lowlight ISO capability made all my lenses a stop or two faster. The ability to individually adjust the fine autofocus for every lens (up to 20) on the Pentax, in-camera HDR, video, etc. That's not to say my K10's (of which I own two) aren't great cameras and produce great images, but as I said, the advancements since 2006 (your camera was introduced in 2005) have blown me away. I would not have said that prior to receiving and using the new camera. I thought it would be incremental, but I was wrong. The ability of the camera far outweighs my capability! It was a much steeper learning curve than I anticipated. If you owned a D90, I probably would say wait awhile but since you are using 6 year old technology I would consider upgrading.

 

[My2Girls66]

Keep in mind that the D50 has a built in focus motor. The D5100 doesn't and won't autofocus non-AF-S lenses. If all your lenses are AF-S then you won't have a problem, if they aren't you would have to manually focus them. I also have a D50(well, DD has it now) and used a small flashlight to light up the top display.

 

[medicjch]

Thanks for the replies so far.

 

[medicjch]

I'd also like a new lens.....I've currently got a Tamron AF 28-300MM F/3.5-6.3 XR (hoping to keep it for the new body) and while it is good for just about everything there are some times I feel I could do better. I'm mainly thinking about closer pictures of the kids and some on ride photos. I know I probably need something with a lower f number, but that is about it. Any suggestions?

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I'd also like a new lens.....I've currently got a Tamron AF 28-300MM F/3.5-6.3 XR (hoping to keep it for the new body) and while it is good for just about everything there are some times I feel I could do better. I'm mainly thinking about closer pictures of the kids and some on ride photos. I know I probably need something with a lower f number, but that is about it. Any suggestions?

I'm a little confused by your terminology of "closer pictures of the kids and some on ride photos". What is it you are trying to capture that your current lens cannot? I would first look at my current batch of images EXIF's to see what focal lengths I use the most. Then I would decide whether I'm looking for a prime or zoom lens. Here is an example of what I'm talking about. Because of what I shoot most (nighttime auto racing), I determined I needed some lowlight zoom lenses in focal lengths from 24-300. After determining my budget and to get to where I wanted to be I decided on the following, Sigma 28-70 f2.8, 70-200 f2.8 and a 100-300 f4. My next lens purchase involved one for taking images inside the dark rides at WDW. After some research I decided on the Sigma 30 f1.4. Then came the new camera body. The first thing I determined is what I thought I needed and then developed a road map to get there.

 

[medicjch]

I'm a little confused by your terminology of "closer pictures of the kids and some on ride photos". What is it you are trying to capture that your current lens cannot? I would first look at my current batch of images EXIF's to see what focal lengths I use the most. Then I would decide whether I'm looking for a prime or zoom lens. Here is an example of what I'm talking about. Because of what I shoot most (nighttime auto racing), I determined I needed some lowlight zoom lenses in focal lengths from 24-300. After determining my budget and to get to where I wanted to be I decided on the following, Sigma 28-70 f2.8, 70-200 f2.8 and a 100-300 f4. My next lens purchase involved one for taking images inside the dark rides at WDW. After some research I decided on the Sigma 30 f1.4. Then came the new camera body. The first thing I determined is what I thought I needed and then developed a road map to get there.

Oh man that sounds like work! Seriously though, that is a really good idea. When I have a few minutes I will look at that data. Are you using the Sigma 30 f1.4 for the dark rides? That is one of the things I definitely want to do. As far as my comment on the kids.....well, I'm not really sure what I meant. I know I want a lens to use in low light situations.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Oh man that sounds like work! Seriously though, that is a really good idea. When I have a few minutes I will look at that data. Are you using the Sigma 30 f1.4 for the dark rides? That is one of the things I definitely want to do. As far as my comment on the kids.....well, I'm not really sure what I meant. I know I want a lens to use in low light situations.

I purchased the Sigma 30, a few months back for a shoot I was doing with the intention of also using it for the dark rides on our upcoming trip (46 days away!!). Using it with the new camera body was a steeper learning curve than I anticipated. I had forgotten how thin the depth of field is a 1.4 (with our film slr we had a 50mm 1.4). And yes it is a little work, but it will serve you well and hopefully prevent you from spending extra money.

 

[theduck619]

I purchased the Sigma 30, a few months back for a shoot I was doing with the intention of also using it for the dark rides on our upcoming trip (46 days away!!). Using it with the new camera body was a steeper learning curve than I anticipated. I had forgotten how thin the depth of field is a 1.4 (with our film slr we had a 50mm 1.4). And yes it is a little work, but it will serve you well and hopefully prevent you from spending extra money.

We are heading down in 43 days! I am looking forward to trying your advice you gave to the OP.

 

[My2Girls66]

The 35mm 1.8 for lowlight situations. Its around $200.

 

[medicjch]

Keep in mind that the D50 has a built in focus motor. The D5100 doesn't and won't autofocus non-AF-S lenses. If all your lenses are AF-S then you won't have a problem, if they aren't you would have to manually focus them. I also have a D50(well, DD has it now) and used a small flashlight to light up the top display.

I finally figured out what you were talking about and my lens is a "screw" lens, so you are correct that the 5100 will not autofocus it. That's a problem for me, so I guess I'm looking at not only a new body, but 2 new lenses. Good thing is that I think I have someone that wants my D50. I really like my 28-300 as a walk around lens because it has served me well over the years so I'm thinking about just getting another one and then the 30 or 35mm 1.4 (or 1.8) I can't remember what I looked at the other day.........anyway what brand would anyone recommend? I've been happy with the Tamron and since they are relatively half the cost of a Nikon lens, then it would make sense to stay with that brand, but if the Nikon (or any other lens) is clearly better then I'm not afraid of looking at them. I don't want to overspend, but I don't mind paying for quality.

 

[My2Girls66]

Have you compared the D90 and the D5100? I am wondering if buying a D90 body and being able to use your existing lens(if you like it, that is) would be more cost effective? Even with buying the Nikon 35mm 1.8 or the Sigma 30mm. Just a thought.

 

[medicjch]

Have you compared the D90 and the D5100? I am wondering if buying a D90 body and being able to use your existing lens(if you like it, that is) would be more cost effective? Even with buying the Nikon 35mm 1.8 or the Sigma 30mm. Just a thought.

I didn't think about that, I will have to look into it. There were some features on the 5100 that I liked, I'll have to see if the 90 has them. Thanks.