Which camera?

[inkista]

Originally Posted by kellogs

... I did actually mean that I cannot find a prime 50mm with autofocus.

What the previous poster said. There are two AF-S 50mm primes in the Nikon lineup for you to choose from, one of which is only $200.

Now, if you want affordable autofocusing 28/1.8, 85/1.8, or 100/2 lenses, that's another issue, and a good reason to go for Canon (or upgrade to a D90 or D7000).

I wanted to choose canon when i set out with photography but my husband bought me a nikon and I made it work.

Ah, yes, I know the feeling. A car ago, I wanted a Honda del Sol, but got a good deal on a Mazda MX-3 instead, and ended up discovering that I should've just bit the bullet and gotten what I wanted, because every time I got behind the wheel of my perfectly good MX-3, I resented that it wasn't the car I'd wanted. That's why I just bought the damn Mini Cooper this time around.

In this case, I'd say go with your gut, and go ahead and swap bodies (since it's unlikely you'll want to swap back if you're still hankering after a Canon after all this time), but I'd also say wait until the month is out, and all the product announcements have happened. The new cameras are going to be announced in late September, and are likely to be on sale about a month later. It might change the landscape for you, either with new or used cameras.

Also, a word of caution. The things that make me jealous of Nikon shooters would include features like their speedlight system (Canon's isn't far behind these days, but is missing a few of the extra gracenotes), trap focus, their superb pro wide-angle lenses, having the 35/1.8 for crop bodies, more than three shots per AEB set for HDR, the ability to program EXIF for non-CPU lenses, and a full-frame prosumer that's an all-rounder, rather than a studio/landscape-specific camera. Make sure none of those features is vital to what you do and what you shoot before you make the jump.

My recommendation, though, would not be to go for a new camera, but a used one, unless you have to have the latest greatest sensor features (HD video, etc.). I'd go for a used 40D or 50D for the most bang for your buck. They go for about the same as a new dRebel, but have much more advanced ergonomics and shooting feature sets. The other possibility is (if you have an out-of-warranty Canon Powershot you want to pitch into the trash (or can find a broken one on eBay/craigslist/garage sale), take advantage of the Canon Loyalty Program, and get a refurbed camera at an additional discount. Last time I looked, the 60D was priced at $640 (body), $840 (kitted with EF-S 18-135 IS) on the CLP. The refurb prices on both are about $160 higher. You'll only get a 90-day warranty, but unlike a new camera, it will have been thoroughly inspected by Canon Service. Some of us have better luck with Canon factory refurbs than we do with new cameras.

[kellogs]

the moon, as far as I am aware the 50mm AF works on nikon camera just not certain models. The D5000 being one of them. It would be manual only.

[TheMoons678]

Originally Posted by kellogs

the moon, as far as I am aware the 50mm AF works on nikon camera just not certain models. The D5000 being one of them. It would be manual only.

The D5000 does not have an internal motor, and must rely on the motor of a lens. All AF-S lenses have their own motor (like your 18-55mm AF-S, or 55-200mm AF-S)

The AF-S 50mm 1.8G has its own motor and will autofocus on the D5000. (this lens is fairly new, so most of what you have read about the D5000 not having a 50mm lens is outdated).

The 50mm 1.8 AF or AF-D do not have their own motor, and cannot autofocus on D5000.


http://www.photozone.de/nikon_ff/631-nikkorafs5018ff

On the left is the $100 1.8D, on the right is the $200 1.8G

[kellogs]

well thank you so much for that information moon, i didnt realize it was outdated info i'd been reading.