This Nikon D50 review offers an unbiased review of this Nikon digital SLR camera, including lenses, body, autofocus, battery and more. Keep reading to see how the Nikon D50 SLR digital camera compares to other cameras in terms of memory, megapixels, price, etc.

The Nikon D50 is the smallest, lightest and easiest-to-use digital SLR Nikon camera to date.  The D50 is designed for the broadest range of consumers, from family memory-keepers to photo enthusiasts and amateur photographers who want to capture brilliant digital pictures with vibrant color and immaculate sharpness. The affordably priced D50 can make exceptional digital SLR photography a reality for everyone.  The cost for the D50 camera body alone usually runs about $700 and with an 18-55mm lens, the cost goes up to $876.  There is also a kit that comes with both the 18-55mm lens and a 55-200 lens for $1070.  Of all of the Nikon “D” cameras, the D50 is the most entry-level.

The D50 is a great combination of easy-to-use features and impeccable image quality. The seven Digital Vari-Program modes make capturing the moment easier than ever.  For example, the new "Child" mode assures that moms and dads don't have to be photography experts to capture the most vivid color and contrast when taking pictures of their children. The D50 also includes a full range of manual controls and custom settings, so users can grow with the camera, and advanced photo enthusiasts will find easily get the results they’re after with the D50 in their hands.

In addition to the awesome menu features, the D50 incorporates a 6.1 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor and a highly advanced image processing engine. 3D Color Matrix Metering II ensures accurate exposure control in all types of lighting situations by automatically comparing input from its frame-wide metering sensor to a large onboard database of over 30,000 scenes from actual photos. Newly developed exposure evaluation methods detect highlights and shadows in the frame, and compensate for them to help prevent inaccurate exposure. Shutter speed choices extend from 30 seconds to an action-stopping 1/4,000 second. High-speed flash sync speeds up to 1/500 second makes great fill flash photography possible and the i-TTL flash technology makes it automatic.

The D50 goes from power on to ready to shoot in an imperceptible 0.2 seconds. The shutter responds almost instantly, minimizing 'shutter-lag' and eliminating the frustration experienced with many consumer cameras. Continuous shooting at 2.5 pictures per second can be maintained for a burst of up to 137 pictures, so if you’re looking to do action photography, the D50 is one to keep on your list. Pictures you take on the D50 are instantly processed and recorded to an SD (Secure Digital) memory card and can be easily transfered to your computer via a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface.

The compact, lightweight design of the D50 makes it easy to carry the it with you anywhere. Its smart design and easily accessible controls provide handling efficiency and ease of operation, helping bring the fun back to picture taking. The plain-language menus are displayed clearly on the large 2.0-inch LCD screen, and intuitive help menus are available for on-the-spot reference. A high capacity, rechargeable lithium-ion battery delivers the power to shoot up to 2,000 images on a single charge.

The image quality of the D50 is excellent overall.  Some of the best results were at higher ISOs, even outperforming the D100 at IOS 1600.  One potential issue is the lack of shutter release control when the D50s auto focus points are over a subject that doesn’t have enough contrast to allow the D50 to autofocus.  The D50 takes great photos with little noise and nice color saturation.

The D50 is a great choice when it comes to digital SLRs and is highly recommended for its flexibility and ability to grow with you are you develop as a photographer.

Recommended: Yes.

Nikon D50 Features:

- 6.1 megapixel CCD delivering a maximum image resolution of 3008 x 2000 pixels.

- 1/500 flash sync, 1/4,000 second top shutter speed.

- SLR design with true, TTL optical viewfinder.

- 2.0 inch 130,000 pixel TFT LCD with adjustable brightness.

- Polycarbonate body over a metal frame for strength with low weight.

-  Interchangeable F mount lens design accommodates a wide range of Nikkor lenses,  

  type D and type G recommended. 1.5x multiplier applies to focal length.

- Body supports both mechanically-coupled and all-electronic AF-S lenses.

-  Program, Digital Vari-Program (Scene), Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Manual 

  exposure modes.

-  New 3D color matrix metering II exposure system, integrating 420-segment RGB white

  balance sensor.

- AF system offers single and continuous servo modes, as well as new Auto Selection  - - (AF-A) mode, in addition to manual focus.

- TTL flash exposure metering in three modes (with the SB-800 or SB-600 flash units).

- ISO 200 - 1,600 exposure range.

- White balance has auto, six manual modes, and preset option.

- Three color modes, plus contrast, saturation, hue, and sharpness adjustments.

- Built in, five-mode popup flash.

- External flash hot shoe.

- Continuous shooting, Auto Exposure Bracketing, and Self-Timer modes.

- JPEG, RAW (NEF) and JPEG + RAW (NEF) file formats.

- Uses SD memory cards.

- USB cable for computer connection.

- Five-area AutoFocus.

- Included CD-ROM loaded with PictureProject software.

- NTSC Video cable for connection to TV. 

Related Article: Digital Camera Terms >>