I'd say D90 if your friend is looking for a camera to grow into that still provides the assistance of auto-modes. This is probably the "modest" upgrade, and has video if thats something your friend is interested in.
D300 if your friend is really looking to learn the in-camera variables of photography - in my opinion one of the best cameras to learn on. If you're friends willing to deal with a little learning curve (no auto-mode for different types of shots) this would probably be my choice. And beats the D90 for image quality.
As an upgrade from D50, D90 absolutely. The D300 is a better camera in many ways (I have one), but it's big and heavy and the image quality is no different from the D50.
ronfronberg wrote:
The bigger question is how much money does the person want/have to spend?
I wish I could answer that important question. When speaking about my addiction and wanting to go Full Frame, of course it was easy advice to give cause it was my money: Go for it!
But the difference I know that they might not have appreciated was the level of glass I would now want with the D700. But I digress...
The D300 would be overkill and out of budget, I will begin looking for a deal, probably on a D90.
Thanks again! Boy sure more help than on the Can0n forum hehe. KIDDING!