NIKON CAMERAS? Which is better? Nikon d50? Or Nikon d3100?

My cousin is going to give me his nikon d50 because he got a new camera. Before i heard the news, i was orginally planning to get a nikon d3100, (i heard great reviews and the price was not that expensive) but since i'm going to get the d50, i don't know if i should get the d3100. This camera has been something i've been waiting for like a month. Is it worth getting it? Or should i just stick to the d50?

Nikon d50 is already a good cam. Just spend your money on a new lens if you want.

Your comparing a 2010 honda civic to a 2000 Mercedes benz…

The D50 was a great camera five years ago, and a very good one now. However the newer D3100 would probably be better.

Nikon D50 is a very good dslr few years ago and still a good one for now. Well, if you only need it for hobby or not so serious photography activities, it may still suffice your need. However, if you're thinking in the long-run perspective, Nikon D3100 will be better. It's equipped with latest technology and yes, it's not that expensive. It's even coming with a 18-55mm VR Lens. Anyway, you forget to state one important factor that keeps me wondering "Will your cousin give it for free?" Let's say that he will give it for free, why would you need to buy another one? You'd be better to save the money for a new Nikon camera launched in 1-2 years from now. But if you have to purchase it at approximately the same price, go for Nikon D3100.

If you were picking one to buy, all things being equal, I'd get the D3100. But where you are getting a FREE D50, there's no reason to get the D3100.In fact, the D50 has one huge advantage over the D3100, and that is a built in focus motor. This means it can use every Nikon autofocus lens ever made. The D3100 can only use newer AF-S lenses with built-in motors. This will save you a ton of money in building up your lens arsenal.

Ahh, the d50, I started on one of those a few years ago. Compared to the d3100… Hmm. The D50 is much more comfortable to hold, has a top lcd and will work with any AF lens, not just the af-s lenses. On the con side, the viewfinder is not that big and the autofocus system with it's 5 rather large points is not that good.

Looking from a photographic point of view, you learn to get it right with a d50. There's less room for error there than in the current cameras. Add that it has bracketing.

D3100 is the better camera but a free d50 is certainly worth considering in my opinion.

They're both great but the D3100 has a few more megapixels (same image quality), higher ISO range with less noise, video with auto focus and a few other features.

Here's a post called 'Buying a DSLR, what's important, megapixels, features, brand and which one to buy - http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2009/03/which-dslr-to-buy.html

Good luck! The site has many more tutorials, tips, reviews and guides!

I would consider Nikon D50 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera

6.1-megapixel sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints
Compatible with AF and DX Nikkor lenses; kit includes 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor lens
Continuous shooting at 2.5 frames per second for bursts of up to 137 pictures
2.0-inch LCD display; 7 scene modes, including new Child mode
Stores images on SD cards; powered by Lithium-ion battery (battery and Quick Charger supplied)