Yesterday I brought home my very first DSLR camera. Someone at work had a used one up for sale and I jumped on the opportunity. Even though it’s an older model, it still has enough features to get me started.
Behold, the 5-year old Nikon D50. The set I picked up included two lenses (18-55mm and 55-200mm), external flash, filters, and a bag. It was lightly used by the previous owner (~1400 shots total) and is in very good shape.
When I got it home last night, I decided to take a couple test shots. My cat seemed to be the perfect subject.
The next subject that seemed fitting was the figure display. Rin went first, followed by Lena. I also started playing with the RAW mode and the post processing features in Photoshop Elements. It’ll take some time, but I’ll get better at it!
Today I had the opportunity to take the camera out for more testing. Microsoft has a team that participates in the Dragon Boat races in Charlotte every year and today was one of the practices. I learned that the increased shot rate really lends itself to my bad habit of taking a ton of pictures. I took well over 200 shots today and learned quite a bit about how the camera handles. The lack of a VR lens didn’t impact me too badly, but it was interesting learning how to shoot without any stabilization again.
It was a gorgeous day at the lake. The ducks and fish were out in force looking for anyone who will feed them. Conveniently, there was a dispenser nearby containing pellets for for 25 cents.
It’s amazing how close the ducks will get to people here. There’s no fear whatsoever!
The refresh cycle of the camera is great and really allowed me to get some decent action shots. Even though it may not be as quick as some of the newer models, 2-3FPS is still good enough for me. I don’t think the SX10 would have been able to get either of these!
Even at the long end of the 200mm zoom lens, the pictures came out very clear. Not bad for an old model that only shoots at 6MP. I look forward to playing with the camera more. Look forward to more photo shoots over the next few weeks. I may line up some figures and do some more with the Dollfies!
How Do You Figure? 
Haha! I also got my first DSLR just a few months ago — and used, from a co-worker too, to boot!
Nice! If it had been used for only 1400 shots then it’s as good as new even! I’m sure you’ll enjoy that DSLR, you can do great photography with them and they’re tons of fun. ^^
That’s what I thought too. I’ve been doing a lot of reading about the camera and how other people have theirs set up. Will be a good learning experience and probably lead itself to other (expensive) purchases later on…
I had a lot a photos done on some 20+ year old stuff and outright bought a Sony Alpha 900 new and here comes the art.
I took almost 2200 images in the 9 months since I got it and 1400 s hardly anything to a DSLR. Have fun!
I know what you mean! I talked to a couple folks before buying the camera and the reply was always the same. At 1400 shots, it’s practically brand new! I’ve had it for about two weeks now and I’ve racked up about 700 shots. Most serious photographers will shoot 1400 in one day. 🙂