Need advice on upgrading from a Nikon D50

[teckert]

Thanks for all the input everyone! From all the great information, looks like I should concentrate on decent lenses for now to get the sports shots I want. Gee, really wanted the D90! Not within the budget for both camera and lenses though.

[GadgetRick]

Well, with the better glass, you'll capture more of what you want. Then, when money permits, you can upgrade to a D90 (or something else). Honestly, there seem to be a lot of low actuation D90s available out there for very good prices. I'd go that route as many people buy the D90 because it's the most expensive consumer camera in Nikon's lineup (or was) and find it's much more camera than they realized. Or they just shoot auto and wonder why they're not getting better shots than from their point and shoot. Then they sell it at a loss.

Keep your eyes open on the usual outlets.

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by GadgetRick

Well, with the better glass, you'll capture more of what you want. Then, when money permits, you can upgrade to a D90 (or something else). Honestly, there seem to be a lot of low actuation D90s available out there for very good prices. I'd go that route as many people buy the D90 because it's the most expensive consumer camera in Nikon's lineup (or was) and find it's much more camera than they realized. Or they just shoot auto and wonder why they're not getting better shots than from their point and shoot. Then they sell it at a loss.

Keep your eyes open on the usual outlets.

I have just changed from the D60 to D90 and bought it used. I have saved about $400 by going that route. Still under warranty etc. The reason for my change was a few fold. As mentioned, the CMOS vs CCD sensor does better at higher ISO, and in hockey arenas etc, I can get better pictures. Main reasons for my change:

I want better glass, but I am limited to what I purchase because of the lack of auto focus in body. If you look around, you can get used glass dirt cheap, but not AF-S. I have emailed a guy about a 50mm 1.8 who is selling it for $50 (hopefully he still has it). That is a lot less than I can find an AF-S for, so I will save in the long run.

Not an issue for your body, but I was limited to flash of 1/200 which was not fast enough. With the D90 I can go higher speed with Auto FP

Flash Commander

Exposure Bracketing (HDR)

More control buttons, less time in menus

Those are the main reasons, but CMOS, larger LCD, and a few other bells and whistles don't hurt either.