On Thu, 20 Jul 2006 19:14:43 -0400, Harry Krause
wrote:

Reginald P. Smithers III wrote:
JohnH wrote:
On Thu, 20 Jul 2006 13:08:53 -0400, "Reginald P. Smithers III"
wrote:

Wayne.B wrote:
On Thu, 20 Jul 2006 10:17:59 -0400, Harry Krause
wrote:

Nikon will soon announce a new consumer digital SLR with a 10.2mp
sensor, probably an addition to the D70-S line with a couple of new
features.
I've been thinking about getting something like a D50 or D70 even
though they violate my "no pricey cameras on boats" rule. Any ideas
on how they compare, or whether or not this new D70-S model is worth
waiting for?

Wayne,

All I have to say is DON'T DO IT. JUST SAY NO!

I purchased a Canon Sure Shot for my son and daughter away at school,
then I moved up to a D50 for my wife's birthday. Of course, we started
off slowly with the two standard lens combo pack, a 18-55mm zoom and a
55-200mm zoom, consumer grade lens. Then we needed to have the 18-200mm
zoom, so we would have a one lens that would work 90% of the time.
Since this is on backorder till hell freezes over, I ordered the
70-200mm F2.8 professional lens for those time when I really needed a
"fast" lens and the 50mm F1.8 for low light when I really didn't want to
use a flash, and don't get me started on the SB800 Speedlight, Tripod
and Monopod. Now, I am trying to justify a Nikon D200 for myself, so my
wife won't have to share her D50.

Whatever you do, don't get started, I am sure you are saying, I know I
can control myself, but that is what they all said. Trust me on this,
don't get started. The D50 and the D70's are nothing more than "Gateway
Cameras".
You will absolutely love the D200, and be kicking yourself in the butt for
not getting it in the first place!

I wish I'd known you were going to get the 70-200mm VR lens. I like mine,
but it's not something I'd want to carry on a cruise ship, or even on the
PocoLoco. It *is* a great lens, but I'm thinking that the 18-200mm might be
more practical.

You *need* the SB800. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
--
******************************************
***** Have a Spectacular Day! *****
******************************************

John
JohnH,

If I end up getting a D200, I will be glad MY WIFE has the D50, I will
enjoy MY D200 and I won't have to share. grin.

The SB800 and the 50MM F1.8 came in the mail today from B&H, so I have a
new learning curve with the SB800.

On a serious note, the camera really has been a reason for both my wife
and I to get out and enjoy walking along the river, in the mountains or
the local park. When I am looking to frame a photo, I see things I
missed on my walks before. It really is a healthy hobby.

But that 70-200 is one hell of monster lens, the reason I did buy it is
if I get a teleconverter for bird watching you need the F2.8 because you
lose two fstops with the teleconverter.




I'd go with a fast prime tele lens for bird photographs. Odds are,
you're going to use that zoom at its longest FL for that purpose. The
prime would do a better job and be more manageable.

The big lens has two advantages, vibration resistance (VR) which really
works, and the f2.8 lens. It comes with its own mount, so a tripod or
monopod make setup and 'management' quite easy. The nice thing about the
D200 is that there is enough detail to make blow ups quite easy. Check out
some of the bird pictures I've posted 'over there', you'll see what I mean.
--
******************************************
***** Have a Spectacular Day! *****
******************************************

John