Thanks everybody for your help on my last question. I'm still thinking about the Sony H5 or the Canon S3, but now I'm throwing the Nikon D50 into the mix. I know DSLRs are better cameras, but I need to decide if it is worth it for me to spend the extra money.

Anyway, here is one of a bazillion questions I have. One reason why I want to upgrade from my current Canon A95 is that I want more than 3x optical zoom. The H5 and S3 have 12x. I'm completely confused about lenses. What kind of lens do I need to get the equivalent of at least 12x zoom from the Nikon 50D?

Or what is a good lens for a beginner? Ritz Camera has the D50 packaged with the 28-80mm F/3.3-5.6 G lens. Is that good? I've tried to ask at Ritz, but I need someone who can explain it to me like I'm a six year old, LOL.

Thanks again!

Megan

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Megan, I can't offer expert advice, as I am SUCH a newbie when it comes to photography but I can tell you ... if you are even considering an SLR .. DOOO ITTTT
You won't be disappointed and if I can use one, anyone can!

see not much help

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Dani B.

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Megan you will need an additional SLR lens that is at least up to 200mm to get the eqivelent zoom. What could be termed a problem with DSLR's is that you often need at least 2 if not 3 lenses to have the same range as a prosumer might have. Lenses arent cheap so you have to consider that when you are purchasing the camera. 28mm to 80mm is fairly limited so you would need the additional lens 55mm - 200mm for the D50 to get the zoom your after at least (stretch to a 300mm if you can). And if you wanted a wide angle lens you would have to buy another one. Having said all that if you can afford a DSLR and all the accoutrements buy it lol - dont forget to also factor in the price of a bag, spare batteries, more cards and possibly an external speedlight and lens filters ( liek a UV to protect teh lens)

HTH

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Like danib said, I'm no pro...but I can take photos that pass as pro with my D50!!! Tee-hee. I am seriously in love with this thing! Goes like this: I'd get DH and DD out of the house if there were a fire...and then my camera. Get it if you can afford it. I've yet to learn all there is to know, but I can see a tremendous change for the better in my photos!

Love my Rebel, photo's are awesome with it! I mostly use the lens that came with it untill I can afford to buy a better one.No shutter lag with the DSLR when you press the button it snaps right away allowing you to take pics that you might miss with a reg digital camera.

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I agree. I love my Canon Rebel! I mostly use the lens that came with it but I also have a lens that is a 28-300 lens that is great. The drawback with the bigger lenses is that the camera is heavy and bulky so I'll only use it for certain things. Right now the Rebel has a $100 rebate on it so you can pick it up for about $640.00. I think that is a great price for such an awesome camera.

Hi.. just to let you know.. that 28-80 lens is not very good.. that's the problem with DSLR's... sure, they body itself can be had for around $450.. but then, there are the lenses. If you just want an ok lens.. that 28-80 will do you ok. You can also just go with the "kit" lens a 17-55.. but realize you will get pictures that are often "soft" and suffer from aberations (purple fringing) and distortion at the edges.

Sharp lenses are expensive.. be prepared to spend up to $700 for good lenses like 17-35 or 17-55 2.8.. zooms such as 70-200 VR run over $1400...

I would highly recommend you look into the S2 a bit more.. for around $300.. you get a solid camera with a 10x zoom and IS... the swivel LCD will make you a true believer... when you are ready, you can then move up to DSLR and use teh S2 as a great backup.