Nikon D50

Picture Quality / Size Options (8.0)
The Nikon D50 records images in three resolutions: Large is 3008 x 2000 pixels, Medium is 2256 x 1496 pixels, and Small is 1504 x 1000. The D50 also offers four quality settings: first, a RAW mode called NEF, which is the highest quality and produces a proprietary format that must be converted on a computer for use with other programs, and then three types of JPEGs, which are progressively lower in quality, but smaller and universally compatible. The JPEG levels are: Fine, for enlargement and printing; Norm, for snapshot printing and use on a computer; and Basic, for emailing and posting on web pages. NEF files can only be shot at full resolution, but the JPEG quality levels are available at every resolution.

Three resolutions and three quality settings may seem limiting to users moving up from compact cameras, but Nikon offers the same choices on the D70, apparently feeling that DSLR users won't be interested in shooting really tiny images. Playback mode allows the option of saving low resolution copies of images, which may be convenient to users itching to email their shots.

The D50 offers the option of shooting NEF and a basic JPEG simultaneously, which can make it easier to review images on a computer. Basic JPEGs take about 10 percent as much space as NEFs. Shooting two formats simultaneously will chew up some storage space, but not all that much more than shooting NEFs alone.

Picture Effects Mode (8.0)
The D50 does not offer black-and-white shooting or other special effects. The image optimization controls, covered in the Image Parameters section, offer some capacity to manipulate images, but are more suited to naturalistic effects rather than special effects. Nikon's PicturePackage software can create monochromatic images, and many users will probably prefer to add effects on a computer, where there are many options, rather than shoot them in the camera.

Image Parameters - Through the image optimization menu, the D50 offers control over saturation, color space, hue, contrast, and sharpness. The controls are a bit buried, though: they are accessed by creating a custom optimization mode. The controls have a significant effect on images. Saturation can be set to high, low, and neutral. Hue can be set three steps up or down from neutral. Contrast and sharpening both offer five steps. There are three color space settings, and three saturation settings.

(For a more elaborate analysis of the D50’s available parameters, reference the testing section of the review).