Canon S2 IS or Nikon D50

[LeeLee08]

I was ready to purchase the Canon S2 IS, when a friend told me they had

purchased the NikonD50, for about only $200 more. I currently have the

Canon Powershot S50, which I am happy with, except for the zoom. I would

love to eventually get the D50, but was wondering what the learning curve

would be for the D50-for someone who has no slr experience, but would love

to eventually learn. Another friend has the D70, which is out of the price range

for now.My new husband and I love to travel and want something for mostly

our trips. Any suggestions-I don't want to buy the D50and have a hard time

with it. Thanks in advance.

[superakuma]

The nikon d50 IS a better camera if you take the time and learn all the features of an dSLR. You also have to take in to consideration that you will spend a lot more money later down the line if you buy the D50. You will want to buy more lense and other extra stuff. You said you will be traveling a lot, the D50 is also a bigger camera for you to lug around.

It all depends on your pesonal need. If you just want a good camera that takes great picture without buying anything else more and something simple, the Canon will be good enough. But if you are willing to learn and dont mind a bigger/heavier camera, I would say the Nikon D50.

I graduated from a super zoom PnS digital camera(fuji S5200) into the dSLR world. Even though my Pentax DS is bigger then my Fuji, I think the trade off is well worth it.

[montana500]

I had the same choice, I grabbed the S2 because I needed the versatility for media work. The video mode on the s2 is fantastic and good quality. The flexibility in terms ot zoom length is fantastic, and the flipout lcd is great. Also, the battery situation with the S2 is great. $ AA's that last a very long time. I needed the S2 for remote national park/forest work and it did the job very well. My only complaints would be a bit of noise at anything over iso 100, and even some good noise in shaded areas at ISO 50.



The D50 is going to give you very "clean" noise free photos. But with the stock lense you are going to have a very limited range compared to the S2. You will need to spend more money to getsomething with the S2's range. And then you have to deal with a proprietary battery which I honestly am not a big fan of. Most DSLR's have optional battery packs that allow AA's. The D50 does not have that.

After doing the comparisons I decided to start with the S2 and migrate to a DSLR later as prices come down, making the S2 my DLSR companion. It's just too much fun to use and ocne you learn the camera you can get fantastic results. Also, just so you know Canon is supposed to be annoucning an S3 on Tuesday, so I would wait for that.

[vwmom]

Canon is supposed to be annoucning an S3 on Tuesday

Where did you hear this?

[Compurocker]

Yeah I heard they are also announcing an A700 as well as some other stuff. Even if that is true it may be months before they are available right?

[Homer J.]

The S3IS is in the same place as the new Rebel XT and Pro2: not happening.

D50 orS2IS:

If youwant noise-free indoor pictures, RAW, likethe SLR veiwfinder,and need even more control over the camera, go with the D50

If you need small size, Don't need the indoor performance of a DSLR, and like to frame with a LCD or EVF, go with the S2IS.

[LeeLee08]

Thanks for your replies. I definitely want a good zoom and to be able to take

alot of good indoor pictures. My concern was never using an slr and how hard

it would be to grow into. My husband and travel alot, so we want to be able

to take lots of vacations pictures. I"m going to check the D50 price with the

kens kit andif we can swing it, we will.

[montana500]

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/re...ssage=17228184

[rjseeney]

Don't get too hung up on the proprietary battery. Yes they are more expensive, but you get alot of mileage out of each charge. I've gotten close to 1000 shots on one charge. There isn't a point and shoot digicam that can come close to the battery life of most DSLR cameras.

[Compurocker]

How do you know it is not happening Homer?