Nikon D50

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D50 Prices

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Manual Control Options
While the D50 is styled as an introductory DSLR, it offers extensive manual controls. Aperture, shutter speed, focus, ISO, white balance, flash output, and image parameters are all controllable. These controls, and easy access to them, are a very important distinction between DSLRs and fixed-lens digital cameras. It's typical to see compromises in the manual controls on smaller cameras, but they are fundamental to getting quality images in difficult conditions, and to learning the craft of photography.

Focus
Auto Focus (4.0)
The Nikon D50 offers three autofocus modes. Single-servo mode focuses once when the shutter release is pressed halfway. Continuous mode focuses as long as the shutter release is pressed, and Auto mode switches between the two other modes, based on whether the subject is still or in motion.

The D50's autofocus is a bit faster than some competitors, and it is fairly sensitive in low light. Though it took some searching, the D50 focused on objects that were barely visible in the viewfinder. Since the autofocus system is based on contrast, that’s not something to count on, but it indicates a level of performance that I haven't seen in many inexpensive cameras. The camera also has an autofocus assist light, which speeds up focus considerably. In situations where it isn't appropriate to shine a light on the subject, the assist lamp can be disengaged.

Five autofocus sensors is pretty much a minimum for a DSLR, and the D50 has five. They're spread across the frame, so they're significantly more usable than the three sensors on the Pentax *ist DL or the Olympus E-300. It's worth considering whether the seven sensors on the Canon Rebel XT offer a useful advantage over the D50's five; for some users, it may be the crucial difference.

Manual Focus (7.5)
The Nikon D50 offers a manual focus mode, and the viewfinder is clear and sharp. Focus snaps in nicely – though not if the battery is removed from the camera.

The kit lens does not offer manual override of autofocus, a convenient feature that other Nikon lenses do, and that the Pentax *ist DL body offers with its line of compatible glass.

The D50 lacks a depth of field preview, a significant omission for a camera that may be used to shoot macros, landscape, and other carefully-composed images. It's possible to check the image on the LCD, but that's a good bit slower and less accurate than the preview that many cameras, including the Nikon D70 and D70s, offer.

ISO (7.5)
The D50 offers ISO ratings from 200 to 1600 in full stops. 1600 is a common high end limit; however, recently more cameras are beginning to include ISO 3200 options, as well as an ISO 100 setting. The D50's noise scores are very good, so one big use for ISO 100 – avoiding noise – isn't such a pressing need. Of course, the ISO 100 setting can also be an aid to photographers looking for more control over aperture.