D50 jpegs vs p&s

Hi

I'm new to this forum - apologies if this question has been asked and answered before....

I'm thinking of getting myself a D50 and taking my photography more seriously. However I've a lot to learn yet which is why I would like a DSLR that I can put in 'auto mode' and take a good jpeg to start with, and then gradually learn more about the various functions of the camera, photography in general, RAW shooting + processing. I have heard from some people that point and shoot cameras take better 'out of the camera' shots than DSLR's - is this the case? Does anyone have any examples of unprocessed jpegs that I can look at?

many thanks for your help/advice.....

Read this post and the link with in it. It will explain alot. As I also am newtothisgame.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1034&message=17910461

Jeff

Plenty of samples of unprocessed jpgs on review sites including this one. D50 has larger photosites on CCD = better dynamic range plus much lower noise on higher ISO shots without the loss of detail (through in camera noise reduction) that you get on supposedly low noise P&s cams.

Regards,
David

I have had my D50 since Xmas. Took many earyly photos in Auto mode that were very good. Much better than my Fuji p&s. Don't have any examples to show, but you can't go wrong with the D50. Though you do have to put in some time to learn to properly use all of the benifits of a DSLR. And its easy to get frustrated when learning exposure, etc. I take many more bad pictures than good. But its getting better.

I think personally the only issue to consider is the size of the camera. The D50 is much bigger than a P&S, so there's much more to lug around. Other than that it'll take pictures out the box that beat everything except the top end P&S, which will match it at low ISO/easy shooting conditions. The other thing to be aware of is that you won't get a macro or long zoom etc without buying other lenses.

But it's a pleasure to shoot with and the learning is part of the fun

I moved from a good P&S to a D50 about 2 months ago and don't regret it for a second.

I was enchanted by the lure of the newly released Panasonic TZ1. Small form factor... 35 to 350 zoom etc. I purchased one three days ago at B&H Photo..knowing that they do not have a restocking fee. Tried many settings that evening. Shot away. I was not happy with the image quality. It was a great disappointment to me. The TZ1 went back to B&H the following morning. I immediately orderd the D50 with the kit lens (refurbished). It came yesterday. The size difference is very very signifcant...yes. But the images are just superb. For what I paid for the D50, it is one incredible value. Do I wish that it was the size of the TZ1? Of course. But the botom line is image quality...even at ISO 1600 images are just wonderful. The D50 is responsive. Fast and accurate low light AF..etc. etc. I have alot to learn, but from what I have already seen coming out of this camera..I am thrilled.

This is a hard issue to cover. The best advice I can give you is to really hold one in your hand. There are A LOT of tradeoffs for using a DSLR. I personally had both a P&S that gets a good portion of use. There are some other options. Does changing lens and swaping zooms and primes seem like something you really want? or do you just want a single "all around lens"? Keep in mind that lens of good quality will cost = or better of the body!

Really holding these monstrosities we call our DSLRs can be a bit large with most lens.

Thanks for all the posts everyone - very helpful.

I'm not too bothered about the size of DSLR's or the changing lenes - in fact that versatility is something I like the sound of. To begin with I was thinking about getting the D50 with the kit lens and either the nikon 55-200 or a third party 70-300 lens. Then I imagine I'll be on the slippery slope to constantly upgrading/expanding my len collection, and then upgrading the body etc. this could get very expensive very quickly!

The only thing I wanted to be sure of was that I could get good quality shots out of the camera (assuming I can actually take a good shot in the first place!), without having to become an expert on DSLR photography and processing over-night. I am keen to learn, I just didn't want to have to do it all in one go before i could even take the camera out of it's box and get shooting.

Thanks again. I think I will invest at the weekend... If there's anything else important that you think i should know about DSLR's or the D50 before I spend my hard earned cash then please feel free to let me know...