Nikon D50 Review | 108 Data compared

The DPReview evaluation concludes that the Nikon D50 offers excellent value as an entry-level DSLR, highlighting its superb image quality, low high-ISO noise, and accurate 420-segment metering. Key advantages include snappy performance, a robust yet light build, SD card compatibility, and a built-in AF motor for older lenses. Conversely, the camera features a single command dial and lacks features like a top LCD backlight, mirror lock-up, and vertical grip, which limits its operational efficiency for advanced users. Further drawbacks include a slower 2.5 fps continuous shooting rate, less crisp default output with minor moiré, and encrypted white balance data in RAW files.

The Nikon D50 is a budget-friendly 6-megapixel digital SLR designed for families and beginning "shutterbugs" seeking a step up from point-and-shoot cameras. Its standout features include seven "worry-free" scene modes, such as a unique Child mode that enhances colors while maintaining natural skin tones, and a simplified AF-A autofocus system that automatically switches between stationary and moving subjects. Performance-wise, it offers a quick 0.6-second startup time and a respectable 2.5fps burst mode, while its improved image-processing algorithms provide better noise control at higher ISO settings and gentler highlight treatment than its pricier sibling, the D70s. Despite its solid build and excellent iTTL flash control, the D50 makes several concessions to reach its lower price point. Key cons include the removal of the depth-of-field preview, a top-panel LCD that lacks backlighting, and a single command dial that makes manual adjustments—like setting apertures—more cumbersome. Additionally, it uses SD/MMC media instead of the CompactFlash cards common in other Nikon DSLRs of that era, and its pentamirror viewfinder is noted for having lower magnification (0.75x) and a shorter eyepoint than some competitors. Are you...

The Nikon D50 is praised as a budget-friendly DSLR delivering exceptional, print-ready image quality, fast autofocus, and great high-ISO performance. A key advantage highlighted is its built-in autofocus motor, allowing compatibility with older AF lenses, while matrix metering and flash systems offer near-perfect automatic exposure. However, the D50 lacks a depth-of-field preview button, wireless flash control, and the ability to fine-tune white balance. Additionally, the Auto ISO feature operates in manual mode, which can disrupt user control, and the body is smaller compared to more advanced models.

Trusted Reviews identifies the Nikon D50 with the 18-55mm kit lens as an affordable, well-built, and ergonomic entry-level DSLR, offering impressive, near-instant startup speeds and excellent high-ISO noise control. The 5-point autofocus system provides accurate tracking performance, though the overall image sharpness is compromised by the included, underperforming 18-55mm kit lens, which fails to maximize the camera's sensor capability. While praised for its robust construction, the D50 lacks some of the advanced functionality and fine-tuning controls found on higher-end models like the D70, sometimes producing oversaturated default colors. The review concludes it is a user-friendly, capable camera for beginners, albeit one that is held back by its bundled optics.

The Nikon D50 is a 6.1-megapixel entry-level DSLR that stands out for its exceptional performance, value, and image quality. Its biggest pros include an incredibly fast and sensitive 5-area autofocus system that outperforms many pricier competitors in low light, a high-speed 1/500-sec flash sync ideal for outdoor fill flash, and a highly accurate 96% coverage viewfinder. Additionally, Nikon's internal sensor tweaks yield surprisingly low noise levels, granting the camera an "Excellent" image quality rating from ISO 200 all the way up to ISO 1600 for sharp 10×15-inch prints. Users transitioning from compact cameras will also appreciate its lighter weight, comfortable 2-inch LCD screen, and an outstanding battery life rated for 2,000 shots per charge. However, the camera has notable cons resulting from physical downsizing and cost-cutting measures. It sacrifices a front control dial, requiring a tedious button-and-dial combination to change apertures in manual mode, and omits an illuminated LCD data panel, removable screen cover, and the D70s' helpful on-demand viewfinder grid lines. Performance-wise, its burst speed is slower than its rivals at 2.5 frames per second, and shooting in RAW+JPEG...

The Photo Review Australia evaluation describes the Nikon D50 as a highly capable, entry-level 6.1-megapixel DSLR targeting family and newcomer photographers, featuring a lighter body and SD card storage. It delivers excellent image quality with a 9.0/10 rating for ease of use, prioritizing straightforward functionality, such as a dedicated "Child" mode for punchy, direct-to-print photos. Key pros include the camera's high-quality output, robust 8.5/10 build, and economical entry into the Nikon system. Conversely, to achieve its lower price point, the D50 lacks some advanced features found in the D70s, resulting in fewer customisation options and a simplified interface that may limit more experienced users.

Arkady Shapoval’s review on Radojuva characterizes the 6.1-megapixel Nikon D50 as a durable, "unkillable" DSLR featuring a CCD sensor that produces punchy image quality similar to the D70 and D40. A significant advantage is the built-in autofocus "screwdriver" motor, which, combined with a 5-point Multi-CAM 900 system, allows compatibility with older, inexpensive AF lenses. However, the review highlights constraints such as a slow 2.5 frames-per-second burst rate, a small buffer that limits RAW shooting, and a low-resolution 2-inch display. Furthermore, the camera is limited by a minimum ISO of 200, restrictive Auto ISO settings, and a lack of metering with non-CPU manual lenses.

The Nikonians D50 review highlights the camera as a highly capable, budget-friendly entry-level DSLR that serves as an excellent gateway for photographers stepping up from point-and-shoot models. The core pros emphasized in the review include its excellent image quality, which matches the successful Nikon D70 but achieves lower noise levels at higher ISOs. Despite its affordable price tag and compact footprint, the camera surprises users with an exceptionally solid construction and smooth, precise control handling rather than a toy-like feel. Additionally, it features a built-in autofocus motor that maintains compatibility with older AF lenses and stands out for its remarkably quiet shutter operation. Conversely, the review notes specific cons and trade-offs that stem from its position as a lower-end model in Nikon's lineup. To lower manufacturing costs, the camera omits several advanced features found on its more expensive siblings. A major point of differentiation is its limited storage media compatibility; because it relies on different memory cards than high-end models like the D2 series, users face a lack of a seamless storage upgrade path. Advanced shooters may ultimately find the...

The Nikon D50 is praised as a robust, user-friendly entry-level DSLR offering exceptional value for beginners transitioning from compact cameras, featuring an intuitive 2-inch screen and five-point autofocus. It balances automated modes with manual overrides, alongside practical, budget-friendly features like SD card compatibility and a 1/500s flash sync speed. The Times However, the review notes that the D50's,, entry-level,, design necessitates the removal of advanced settings found in higher-end models, limiting granular control for experienced users. While designed for simplicity, this intentional reduction in features makes it less versatile for photographers requiring complex customization. The Times

The Nikon D50 stands out today for its 6.1MP CCD sensor, which delivers a unique color science characterized by warm, natural skin tones, deep blues and greens, and an organic, film-like highlight roll-off. Unlike later entry-level DSLRs, it features a built-in autofocus motor, allowing it to fully support and autofocus with vintage, budget-friendly Nikkor AF and AF-D screw-drive lenses. Furthermore, its RAW (NEF) files provide a surprising amount of dynamic range, allowing photographers to cleanly recover details from deep shadows and preserve highlights during editing. It also features a fast 1/500-second flash sync speed due to its hybrid electronic shutter, making it excellent for daylight fill-flash action shots. However, the camera shows its age with several technical limitations, most notably its low-light performance which caps out at a native ISO 1600 and produces highly visible grain. Because it was manufactured in 2005 before the advent of the SD-HC standard, it cannot accept modern SD cards and is strictly limited to older storage cards with a maximum capacity of 2GB. Photographers must also adapt to a slow 2.5 frames-per-second burst mode...