3 Newbie Questions

[Chris Messineo]

I am definitely a novice when it comes to still photography.

My current camera is a Minolta SRT101 (circa 1970). It still works great, but I think I am due for a new camera. I am especially interested in a new camera because I want to work on my compositions and hopefully that will translate into making me a better filmmaker.

After much research I am thinking of getting the Nikon D50. Here is a link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

Question #1 - Any opinions on the Nikon D50 as a good camera for a beginner?

Question #2 - Any recommendations on books I should read to help learn or is the best teacher practice?

Finally, when it comes to lenses, the numbers and such make my brain brain hurt. I intend to eventually get a 35 adapter for my HVX because I love the look of the 35 adapters. So here is the question.

Question #3 - Can you use the same lenses with the Nikon that you use with the 35 Adapters?

Thanks a lot,

Chris

[Slice]

The d50 is a nice camera. Its seems to have a little better picture than the D70. Although it doesn't have as much manual control.

Read the manual and check out some on-line forums. Practice is everything.

Yes Nikon lenses work with 35 adapters. Its just a question of what mount the adapter uses. I know the G35 works with Nikon. And remember, when picking out lens try to get the lowest fstop possible. Helps allot in lowlight .

[Chris Messineo]

Thanks for the feedback.

One more question. I can get this camera with two different lenses (both are the same price).

Which would you choose:

18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 G

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...Fencoding=UTF8

or

28-80mm F/3.3-5.6 G

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...Fencoding=UTF8

Thanks,

Chris

[scharky]

18-55 most definetly. You will find that on a d-slr, a 28-80 is not a practical lens to have, especially when it is your only lens. I"m not saying that I like 28-80 lenses, I have a nice 28-80 2.8 tokina, but if that is your only lens you'll be in trouble. It's basically the equivalent of walking around with the field of view of a 42-120mm lens.

[Chris Messineo]

scharky,

Thanks a lot. I just ordered the camera with the 18-55mm lens.

Chris

[Jay Rodriguez]

Hey Chris, that's the camera that I bought.

[Slice]

Glad I could help.