NIKON CAMERAS!? Which is better? Nikon d50? or Nikon d3100?

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)

I have both cameras so I can give you an answer from having used both and not just looking at the specifications on a piece of paperp.People make the assumption that just because a newer camera has more megapixels then it must obviously be better. Not true. Both these camera have the same size sensors. There is only so much megapixels that can be squeezed into a sensor size before having diminishing returns and I must stay that is what these newer cameras are suffering from.the more features and more mp's that are crammed in, then the harder the processor has to work. My D50, which incidentally can not only use the older lenses but the new dx vr ones too, works great and consistently outperforms the d3100 every time, especially in low light. Don't be fooled by the megapixel count on a camera. I would choose a used D50 over a newer d3000 range Nikon every time. For all intents and purposes, these cameras are more than adequate and even better than most new ones.

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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.

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 is 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.

Yes. The quality of the images are directly related to the skill of the photographer using it. If you have skills? you will get great photos from any DSLR. If you don't? You will get ok photos from a DSLR. Are you aware that the D50 is a bit outdated? It was introduced in 2005 and replaced by the D40 in early 2007. Which was replaced by the D90 in 2008. THat was replaced by the D7000 in 2010.

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

I think you should go with Nikon D3100 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera

* 14.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor;

* 3-inch monitor with One-Touch Live View shooting and movie capture

* Full 1080p HD Cinematic Video with full-time autofocus and sound

* Easy-To-Use Nikon Guide Mode with intuitive controls and on-board assistance

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