Nikon camera reccomendations?

[OJTheAviator]

My family has a Nikon D50 with 4 or 5 lenses that I use to take pictures and do stop motion. The camera is still working well, but it is missing several features that I see on newer models such as video recording, live view for stop motion, and the ability to use an SD card bigger than 2gb. Is there a Nikon that has those features and the features of the D50 like autofocus, but is under $700-$800? What is the best camera for that price range?

[19_blackie_73]

I'd recommend you a D5300/5500/5600, depending on the deals you get. Solid choices, work really well for me and the d50 lenses should work on the d5300 and up

 

Maybe if you get a really good deal you could get even a d7x00 body in that price range, consider used too

[OJTheAviator]

4 minutes ago, 19_blackie_73 said:

I'd recommend you a D5300/5500/5600, depending on the deals you get. Solid choices, work really well for me and the d50 lenses should work on the d5300

I was looking at those, they seem great, autofocus is the one thing (I was reading that the D50 was one of the only entry-level Nikons with autofocus). So they don't come with autofocus? That's the one thing that would be great to have.

[19_blackie_73]

1 minute ago, Computers_And_Tech_Is_Cool said:

I was looking at those, they seem great, autofocus is the one thing (I was reading that the D50 was one of the only entry-level cameras with autofocus). So they don't come with autofocus? That's the one thing that would be great to have.

They of course come with af, there's probably no body out there right now that doesn't have af.

[OJTheAviator]

2 minutes ago, 19_blackie_73 said:

They of course come with af, there's probably no body out there right now that doesn't have af.

Oh great! Thanks for the info!

[19_blackie_73]

1 minute ago, Computers_And_Tech_Is_Cool said:

Oh great! Thanks for the info!

No problem

he only thing that the 5xxx series doesn't have is a integrated focus motor as the standard has moved forward to lenses include the motor not the body. Though thats only a problem if you have a really really old lens collection, it's probably since 2000 or even more that the lenses include the focus motor

[cc143]

I don't know what lenses you have, but to be on the safe side, do NOT buy a d5x00 or d3x00 camera, because if you have a d50 it is likely you also have lenses without an in body AF motor, if not, it would still be useful to have a body with an in body AF motor since you can get some very nice older nikkor lenses. 

 

Your budget would be enough for a used d7200 or even some of Nikon's Full frame models, I'm sure you could find a d800 for that sort of money, which has a 36mp Full frame sensor and would be better than a d3x00 or d5x00 series, with the exception of features like wifi or a touchscreen, which to be honest, it still depends on which entry level nikon you buy.  Or failing that a d600 or even d610 could probably be found in ebay for that sort of money.

 

If you want list the lenses you have here, we may be able to tell you if you will lose AF functionality with any of them. 

[OJTheAviator]

11 minutes ago, cc143 said:

I don't know what lenses you have, but to be on the safe side, do NOT buy a d5x00 or d3x00 camera, because if you have a d50 it is likely you also have lenses without an in body AF motor, if not, it would still be useful to have a body with an in body AF motor since you can get some very nice older nikkor lenses. 

 

Your budget would be enough for a used d7200 or even some of Nikon's Full frame models, I'm sure you could find a d800 for that sort of money, which has a 36mp Full frame sensor and would be better than a d3x00 or d5x00 series, with the exception of features like wifi or a touchscreen, which to be honest, it still depends on which entry level nikon you buy.  Or failing that a d600 or even d610 could probably be found in ebay for that sort of money.

 

If you want list the lenses you have here, we may be able to tell you if you will lose AF functionality with any of them. 

3 of the lenses I have are Nikon brand with AF-S on them, the other is a Tamaron (it seems to be this one) that seems to be autofocus, so I should be good to go.

[cc143]

3 minutes ago, Computers_And_Tech_Is_Cool said:

3 of the lenses I have are Nikon brand with AF-S on them, the other is a Tamaron (it seems to be this one) that seems to be autofocus, so I should be good to go.

Be that as it may, I would still personally go with one of the cameras I mentioned above given your budget. You obviously know how to use a camera if you've been using the d50 for all this time, so I see no reason why you should go with an entry level. A d800 might indeed be overkill, but the d7200 is great little camera, it isn't even that old. 

[OJTheAviator]

Thanks everyone, I have some great things to look at now!

[xQubeZx]

A used D7200 would be a nice choice imo