[LDfan]

I'm trying to research a decent entry level DSLR but from what I've read the D50/70 don't have the ability to use a shutter release cable? Is this true? I find this kind of odd for a SLR camera. Otherwise I may have to get a digital Rebel.

thanks,
Jeff

[Man-Fai Wong]

The D50 and D70 don't have actual cable release option, but you can use an IR remote to trigger the shutter. If you do go for a remote, you might want to check out Pogo's personal universal remote instead of going w/ the Nikon branded remote, which is quite weak in IR range. I never got around to it myself, but many others have had no problems w/ using the Pogo remote (or some other universal remote) -- one co-worker of mine went that route for his D70.

Too bad I can't have that inexpensive option for the D200 though...

[LDfan]

Interesting. How does this remote work? Do you basically set the camera to Bulb then click the remote?

Jeff

[Man-Fai Wong]

You just click the remote (period). If you need this for bulb mode, you might need to do some more digging to find out how it'd work for that. I'll see if my coworker knows.

[Rob Gillespie]

In Bulb mode I think it works for one-click for open, another click to close the shutter. Simple.

[brentl]

Oh, the D70 allows both a wired and remote option for a release, while the D50 only offers remote release.

I'm with you, I'm trying to decide which one to get, and I'm having a hard time deciding. I won't be making any money with this, it will be purely for fun, but the 18-70 on the d70 is almost enough for me to spend the extra $$ The feature set isn't tha much better, but the stock lens is better.

Brent

[Man-Fai Wong]

Brent,

You must be thinking of the D70s, not original D70, w/ a wired remote option. I had forgotten that the D70s has that option.

I would suggest giving both D50 and D70/D70s a hands-on try before choosing. You can always buy the 18-70 DX lens separately, if that's what you want on a D50.

_Man_

[brentl]

Thanks, you're right.

The 70 fills up my hand nicely, just like my old 35MM stuff with motor drive attached. While the 50 feels just as well made, it is quite a bit smaller.

The accessories catalog for the 70 is much larger than the 50 too.

Brent

[Rob Gillespie]

Consider the 50 if:

You don't already have a collection of Compact Flash Cards
You're never going to buy a Nikon flashgun (D50 must use the more expensive SB-800 for wireless flash)
If you don't mind the slightly more clunky ergonomics (2nd command dial on the 70 is invaluable, I find)
If you want better JPGs straight out of the camera (the 70 generally needs some post work on most shots but you can minimise this).

[Man-Fai Wong]

For anyone interested in these Nikon DSLRs, you might also want to check out this page of useful links gathered primarily from first-hand user experiences.

_Man_