He wants to take pro quality photos that are sharp; that's what he told me.

I had a D50, a D80, and own a D300 which is my backup camera.

There are several models between the D50 and D300; I don't know which ones to suggest for him.

What do you suggest that I can recommend to him?

I'd think of good glass first. Almost any body with decent noise will do. With that in mind I'd probably go with the D5100.

Len

Visit my Nikonians gallery.

Good point; I tend to think of the camera before the glass. I will discuss this with him. Thank you.

Every single of them will do as requested. It's far more a matter of skill at using the camera than which one. Seriously, for producing pin-sharp images, this is the priority list:

1) skill using the AF system
2) skills ensuring that the exposure is good while discounting motion (both subject and camera motion)
3) compositional skills to render the intended subject well while discounting the irrelevant foreground/background
4) post processing and printing skills
5) capabilities of the lens
6) sharpness of the lens

I forget the next three or four

10) choice of camera

I'm willing to have a discussion on the relative priority of 1-4, but I demonstrate that 5-10 are irrelevant on a regular basis by using top-grade equipment and botching up 1-4.

He wants to have "pro quality" images - and the most relevant component of that term is "professional."

_____
Brian... a bicoastal Nikonian and Team Member

My gallery is online. Comments and critique welcomed any time!

Since this is first SLR, I decided to give him my Nikon D80 and see how he does. I found the D80 easier to use than the D50.

I failed to mention that he is a teenager; he might lose interest in a few weeks. I want to encourage him, and so a new camera seemed like a good idea. Now, after reading these replies, I decided to give him my D80 that I no longer use or need, and buy a good lens.

So far this has cost me nothing; now for a lens or two.

He said he wants photograph animals which requires expensive equipment that I have no intention of buying. However, he might like a long lens; I found this one:

Tamron
Used
Zoom Telephoto AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF

and this one:

Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G

Both are used, not much difference in price; both near to $100.00. The Tamron would allow a close focus; is it better glass than the Nikon?

Which one do you suggest, the Nikon or the Tamron

I also will give him a Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX

This will be more than he expects, he will be thrilled, and it's not costing me much. Although I sorta feel like a drug dealer giving out the first few hits for free. As we know, photography is an expensive addiction. The lad has no idea the path he is starting on. Maybe I should tell him to take up something else.

I have been using the Nikon 55-300mm zoom. It has done a good job for me.

I gave him my D80 and bought some inexpensive lenses to get him started. I didn't want to spend more until I see his interest grow.

Thank you for the suggestion of the 55-300, this might be a good next lens for him.