Which would you choose? Between 3 digitals

[Sejanus.Aelianus]

I went for the G1. My G2 has the best electronic finder I've come across. If I had to strip down to the minimum, this would be my 'obvious' choice. However, my 'standard' lens for the G2 is the Olympus 45-150, which I find rather nice...

 

[jsrockit]

Panasonic G1 w/14-45mm (would add 20/1.7 and Flash) for sure. The SLR is too old and and the Nikon P&S is too lame.

 

[wblynch]

One nice thing about the D-50 is it can use the early Nikon auto focus lenses that depend on the motor in the body. D-40/60/80/3100/5100 don't.

Also, although it's been nearly 4 years since I used it, I think the D-50 has a focus confirmation indicator on manual focus which the G1 doesn't.

 

[Al Patterson]

I voted for the P7100, as I'm looking to upgrade my old Sony compact, and the P7100 covers 28-200 in 35 terms, while my Sony and the Canon G12 only go out to 140ish.

 

[seakayaker1]

Voted for the G1.

I own the GF1 and as someone else mentioned the options to use adaptors and existing lens stock is abundant.

GF1 with VC Nokton 50/1.5

 

[intheviewfinder]

I cannot comment on the G1 having never handled one.

The P7100 I only handled in the store and it seemed versatile enough - it has a good zoom range. But that's about all I can say about it.

The D50 I'm familiar with. The last one was made in November 2006 so it's pretty long in the tooth. It can get noisy, even at 400. The one I use in the studio is relegated to documenting light setups (especially reflective ones). We generally just shoot in JPG Fine. Our D50 is old and the white balance is off. BTW white balance on this camera using RAW is proprietary so you'll need to use Nikon software to correct it. Who knows what kind of age problems the one you purchase will have. I'd try to find a D70.

The lens you mentioned is not the lens that came with the D50 camera but the D70 kit lens. It's okay but barrel rolls at the wide end up against the stop (back off just a bit) and it pin cushions at the long end. BTW this is pretty typical of all of Nikon's consumer grade zooms and at 8x12 prints it is not too noticeable (especially by grandparent's and such). I always found I wanted a little more reach. The 16-85mm, though still has similar drawbacks, is a nice compromise.

You might want to consider one of those crossover DSLR cameras. I'm not sure what they're called; it is DSLR-like but has a single zoom on it (i.e. non-interchangeable lens).

--Rich

 

[Speedfreak]

Nikon D50 w/18-70mm (would add 35/1.8 and SB flash)
Panasonic G1 w/14-45mm (would add 20/1.7 and Flash)
Nikon P7100 (Built in lens and would add SB flash)

A P&S would be a worthwile addition to my film gear. None of the cameras you mentioned would replace it though.

 

[Ruhayat]

None of the above. The newer m4/3 cameras better the old G1 in so many ways. I'd rather pick up a G3 instead if you want a VF built-in, or either a Pen Mini (nicer JPEG colours) or Panasonic GF3 (faster AF) if you want the ultimate small size.

 

[Archlich]

Take the D50 and pretend you are shooting with the R-D1. Same sensor, after all, and the R-D1 seems never be "too old" here on RFF...

 

[krötenblender]

Also voted for the G1, although I would prefer an Olympus-Body because of the build in IS.

 

[wblynch]

Amusing how the film guys brag and delight when they pick up a "new" camera from the 1970's or before and the digital guys slam a 3 year old camera as "too old".

Just kind of a funny observation, that's all....

 

[Ruhayat]

If the OP already had a 3 year old camera that wouldn't be a problem, because old digital cameras don't get obsolete. But if he's thinking of buying an old digital camera now, there are other better options close in price. That's all we're saying.

 

[Johann Espiritu]

I'd opt for the M4/3 option as well. After my wife appropriated my GF1 (and got my daughter the EPL3), I still went out and bought a third body (OM-D). All three are great to use. The Panny 20/1.7 is a gem.

Here's a sample with the 20mm:


Tailed by The Johann Espiritu™, on Flickr

Another one, but using an adapter and mounting a Nokton 35/1.2:


Mavis + Elian by The Johann Espiritu™, on Flickr

There are a few more in my Flickr too.

 

[Cron]

for me - Panasonic G1 mft!

I'm very happy with my GF1 and now also with the new GX1, both offer really good picture quality up to 400iso.
Additional the GX1 has very nice high iso output.

 

[Archlich]

Amusing how the film guys brag and delight when they pick up a "new" camera from the 1970's or before and the digital guys slam a 3 year old camera as "too old".

Just kind of a funny observation, that's all....

A 1950 Leica IIIf shoots the same cassette as the Nikon F6 from 2004 does.

Does a 2004 digital camera shoots with the same sensor of a camera released in 2012?

 

[user237428934]

D50? 6MP and stone age sensor? I don't get it.

 

[jazzwave]

Vote for:
Nikon D40x (or D3100) w/18-70mm (would add 35/1.8 and SB flash)

 

[mdarnton]

I would never own a camera that didn't have a real viewfinder. Crummy windows that show only a small percentage of what you're getting, or holding cameras up like bidding paddles for photos doesn't work for me at all. Thus, D50, but with a couple of decent, fast primes, not a slow zoom.

 

[jmooney]

Hi Again All,

Thanks so much for your thoughts and input. After considering all your comments and some thinking on my own I wound ordering a D60 and 35/1.8. I may add the zoom later for she cases but I like my narrow DOF and fast lenses.

In the end the viewfinder and fast lens won out for me. I went to a store and tried several of the G cams and just couldn't get used to the EVF.

Thom Hogan helped a bit too. In his review of the D60 he called it probably as close to a digital FM2 as well see and the FM/FE series are favorites of mine so that helped too.

Thanks again for all the advice and interesting discussion!

Jim

 

[wblynch]

Nice choice