Nikon D50 Digital Camera Review

by Patrick Singleton
Published on September 21, 2005

Navigation
Intro	Testing / Performance
Physical Tour	Components
Design / Layout	Modes
Control Options	Image Parameters
Connectivity / Extras	Overall Impressions
Conclusion	Specs / Ratings
Photo Gallery

 

Likes

- Excellent handling of noise - Produces sharp images (even with the kit lens) - Fast 1/500 X-sync speed - Can use pop-up flash as “master” trigger - +/- 5 EV compensation range is far more versatile than competing models - Autofocus does well in low light - Long enduring battery - Solid build quality - Small and light

Dislikes

- No depth of field preview - 200-1600 ISO range (in full stops) is limited compared to competition - Limited white balance options - Default colors were vibrant but inaccurate - Only one jog dial for exposure settings - Uses SD cards, so it's not compatible with media other Nikon DSLRs use

Conclusion
The Nikon D50 is a bridge camera, meant to snag users who are on the fence, deciding between a high-end “SLR-like” camera and a low-end DSLR. Here's the case for the D50: it has a larger sensor than most “SLR-like” cameras, leading to richer images with more dynamic range and less noise. This will surely provide a much better 6 megapixel image than you would get from a smaller sensor. The camera contains a deep set of manual controls that are easily accessible and well organized. Nikon also included a full set of image parameters and selectable color modes to expand image control in-camera.

While the D50 comes with a significantly limited lens, it accepts Nikon optics – a product line that combines quality and breadth. The camera will also accept Nikon dedicated flashes, a very flexible and capable lighting system that can be controlled wirelessly by the camera’s pop-up unit or with an SB800 applied to the hot shoe. In short, the D50 is versatile while also being extremely expandable and adaptable. Users looking for an introductory DSLR to help learn the craft and produce work while they go will not be able to find a better alternative for under $800.

While the gap between the D50 and the D70s is substantial, the advantages of the D70s probably will not be worth $300 to most new DSLR users – they provide very comparable introductions to SLR photography. On the other hand, the D50, even for $300 less than the D70, probably won’t be attractive to the low-budget professional looking for a backup body. The single control dial, the incompatible media, and the lack of a depth of field preview, among other limitations, would really tend to grate on someone shooting with it day after day.