What's the difference between a Nikon D50, and the current models D60, D80, D300?

Question

I don't know much about cameras. I know how to take pictures, but other than that.. I own a D50 I bought a couple of years ago. It's quite decent. Last night I ordered a new lens (18-200mm f/3.5-5.6), which I can't wait to get and start shooting. I couldn't afford it, but I've been wanting a new lens for years now. I ditched my kit lens and have been shooting with a 50mm portrait lens for the past year.

I've been thinking about upgrading my camera. How would my pictures improve if I were to get a D60, D80 or even a D300?

Also, since the D80 is a couple of years old now, are they going to release a newer model to replace it?

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

Here are all four compared

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_...

You will really enjoy the 18-200 mm VR lens.

My guess is that once you try out the D300 in your favorite camera store, you will wait until you can afford the difference in cost .. it is a seriously excellent camera

Answer 2

ooops.. don't know if the 18-200 will auto focus on your D50? The D50 focusing motor is in the body and the 18-200 focusing motor is in the lens. Better double check before you go further.

Answer 3

depending on what kind of photography you do, your pictures might not turn out any better, even with a pricey d300. If you shoot mostly in well lit situations, you'd find it hard to see a huge difference in your pics. The biggest difference in these new bodies from Sony, Nikon, Canon and such is how clean the pics look in low light at high ISO.

Of course it's more complicated than that, but it's a big issue for wedding and indoor sports photogs. Spend the money on some fine glass, like a fast prime for low light (like a 85mm f1.4) and a good zoom. If you are happy with your pics, stick with what you have, only better bodies are coming down the pipe anyway.

I'm sure there are some new d300 owners kicking themselves wishing they could afford a D3 Nikon, only to have the D700 announced. Still a big chunk of change, but a lot cheaper.