[GfK]

If I was going to go down the DSLR route (which I probably will sometime very soon), I would go for either a D50 or a 20D as I've heard good things about both.

The D50 is way cheaper than the 20D so, money situation being as it is, that's the one I see myself going for. But what am I missing out on by getting something more affordable? Would I end up regretting buying a D50 within a few months? Should I wait longer til I can afford a 20D?

Thoughts......? What would you go for if you were dipping your toe into the world of DSLR for the first time? Doesn't have to be either of the above.

[Warspite]

I dont think you could really equate the D50 with a 20D, from what I have read the D50 tends to be a good camera but does have less features than either the D70 or 350D upwards.

[GfK]

Originally Posted by Warspite

I dont think you could really equate the D50 with a 20D, from what I have read the D50 tends to be a good camera but does have less features than either the D70 or 350D upwards.

Well I wasn't really after a comparison of the two - as you said it isn't really a fair comparison, maybe I could have chosen my words better. The main point I'm getting at, is should I jump in at a more 'entry level' (if you like) DSLR, or sell a few vital organs and get something of a higher spec.

[SammyC]

Well I don't think you'd need any more than a 20D but its a case of what does the D50 miss out on that you'll miss.

If you can afford a 20D that'll be the best optin obviously. But then don't forget you'll need to buy lenses too, so maybe a D50 with a couple of good lenses would be a better option. They'll also fit that D200 when you buy it later!

[Dave]

I would say buy a s/h D70 or 20D instead of new D50....that way you get best of both worlds....right price & function. I believe you wil get better deals on D70 due to D70s plus D200 being released. The 30D doesn't seem it will have many people upgrading from 20D.

[Warspite]

Sorry - my misunderstanding

I think whatever you get you will from that point be planning your next step, so its a case of start off with as good a body as you can afford (within reason).
As Sammy says - glass is a very important consideration that is probably more important than the body in many cases.

The first thing I think you really need to decide is which path you take, do you go Canon, or do you choose Nikon.

[mfwild13]

Bodies will come and go but lenses are likely to be with you for much longer. I am looking at a body upgrade after a year but there are three of my lenses which I can't ever see me replacing.

I would personally look at the D70 or 350D as a starting point and then add a quality lens or two sooner rather than spending more on the body at this stage.

Mark

[SammyC]

Yes, the accessories, if you like, are the bits that cost just as much and last longer. Just look at any of the sigs in this thread!

[CT]

All I can tell you is that I waited and waited before going the DSLR route, until I felt that the DSLR was a true replacement for it's film counterpart in terms of image quality. The 10D was probably that camera, and at a sensible price point, but I waited that bit longer and finally took the plunge with the 20D. I've never regretted the purchase or been disappointed with the 20D in any way - it's not lacking any features which are a serious bar to you tackling any photographic subject, unless you really need to go out in a thunder storm. I found the user interfaces very well thought out and easy to use intuitively. At the price it will be available with the launch of the 30D, it's serious value for money.

That's not to say the Nikon equivalent wouldn't be equally as good, I recommend the 20D, because it's what I know, but I was a Nikon user for many years, and don't feel any brand loyalty to either marque.

[markgray]

I have just recently bought my D50 (upgraded from a Fuji s7000), i have been very impressed with it, but if money was no object i would probably have gone for the D200.

But now i have the nikon i am going to save and get some really nice lenses and then i can upgrade to a new body in a year or 2.

to be honest we cant make ur mind up for you , as there are pro's and con's to both Nikon and Canon , whether that be price , compatability or it just dont fit in ur hand.....
the only real advice is to get hold of both types and test em out, its best if you have a m8 with one, but failing that go to jessops or somewhere where u can get ' hands on '

then , depending on what type of lenses and price bracket you want to tollerate make a choice,

either camera will be a great leap forward in flexability over a psudo dslr or compact, and either will cost as much to make into an ' outfit ' that will cover all the types of picture you want to take,

i do however feel ( and i'm a Nikon user ) that buying a D50 over the 20D would be a sort of mistake, however good the D50 is , its still the enrty level aimed at tempting the high end compact user, the 20D would be the better choice of the two, but there are lots of new camera's out there , and a D70 or D70s would be a better choice, but its still down to how each one will feel in the hand

just my thoughts

MyPix

[noah]

i'd put forward another vote for a secondhand d70, you can upgrade the firmware and it becomes almost identical to the d70s, it has a few more features and was for some time nikons contender to the 20d.

i have a d70 and i'm very pleased with it, if you can afford it the 20d is a better camera, but the difference is not massive.

i like to think im not too biased as i still shoot film on a canon occasionally and would happily own a 20d.

[Ally]

I'm currently in a love affair with my 20d ! if you need a high iso then the 20d is the one i think the D50 sounds like a good camera and like everybody has said a D50 and some good lenses that will attach to your new D200, so if you've got the money get a 20d if not get your self a D50 and some good lenses. Ally

[SammyC]

I think the advantage of the Nikons is that they all have the same crop factor (I think) so there's no need to worry about full frame sensor compatibility later on.

[ASH]

Just be careful going down the second hand route, unless you know the history of the camera. If it's been heavily used you could have it a few months and then the shutter packs in. I know it's not likely to happen and I don't won't to be a scare monger but it's something to consider.

[Dave]

Good advice.....I bought mine s/h from a reputable guy on a forum I used to frequent. You could always put a WTD Ad up in the classified here & tempt someone to sell