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Nikon D50

By Aimee Baldridge, CNET.com on 05 May 2005

Performance and features that rival those of more expensive digital SLR cameras make the 6-megapixel Nikon D50 one of the best entry-level options.

User rating:9.3
  • Good: Strong performance • Excellent image quality • Low visual noise • Simple modes for neophytes • Robust burst mode
  • Bad: Simplified controls sometimes clumsy to use • Small viewfinder • No depth-of-field preview • Only one set of custom parameters • Raw-file editing/control software costs extra
  • Specs: Digital SLR • 6.1 megapixels • 3 x • Secure Digital Card • See more specifications
  • RRP: AU$1,599.00
Entering Nikon's digital SLR lineup at the low end, the Nikon D50 will compete against the more affordable models from other manufacturers, including the Olympus E-300, and the Pentax *ist DS. Nikon designed this 6-megapixel SLR to be a family camera, making it very compact and lightweight and endowing it with a range of automatic shooting modes and features. Yes, there's even a Child mode for new-parent photographers.

Upside: Nikon balances the D50's seven automatic-shooting modes with a good basic set of manual controls. For dSLR neophytes, there's on-camera help that you can access on the D50's big, 2-inch LCD. Despite its mainstream consumer focus, the D50 still offers some more sophisticated features, including iTTL external flash support, custom settings, and a raw-plus-JPEG mode. Nikon is promising outstanding battery life and lightning-fast shooting, including a 2.5fps JPEG burst mode that will capture as many as 137 photos before taking a breath. The company is also touting the exposure and colour accuracy of its 3D Color Matrix Metering II system.

Downside: Advanced photographers will have to purchase Nikon's Capture 4.0 raw-file-processing software separately, although the company includes PictureProject, a more mainstream image-editing, -organising, and -sharing program.

Outlook: The Nikon D50 has a RRP of AU$1,599 with an AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18mm-to-55mm f/3.5-to-f/5.6G ED lens. At current pricing, it represents good value, and it will appeal to first time dSLR buyers.

Topics: digital, nikon, camera, slr, dslr, d50, still, mode

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Comments (19)

  • Westhenewsguy gave a review on 26/10/2009 07:50 Report abuse

    • Good: I purchased my D50 in 2005. I am a professional news reporter and my cameras go everywhere with me. This one was so durable, predictible, easy to use and user friendly, I bought a second in 2007. I finally began noticing excess shutter noise in Oct. 09 that my tech says is a sign of wear. I usually shoot an average of 75-100 shots per assignment, and would not be surprised if it has several huundred thousand shutter clicks. It still works, but looking to upgrade.
    • Bad: I also have 2 Canon Rebels. The oldest Canon is two years older than the Nikon and seems tougher.

    I cannot decide on Canon Rebels or Nikon D5000/D3000/D90. Leaning toward D5000, but afraid the menu might be a challenge compared to D50.
    Overall, the D50 has been a durable pro and a great value.

  • Cinaed gave 10/10 on 18/07/2008 14:21 Report abuse

    • Good: Ease of use this a very flexible camera and produces great pics at any of the selectable relolutions. I have addedan aftermarket battery pack and that helps with the rgonimics a really solid unit now
    • Bad: none with the camera I bought the twin lens kit had a problem with the 28-200mm AFSDX lens nto working in AF apart form that no other issues just usdede a new VR lens on it and it works just fine

    Owned it for 5 years still have abevy of manual Nikon SLRS. This is the best DSLR I have ever used shame about the fact ift dosn't have a depth of field previw, but I can live with that I will be definatly bying the D80 to complement the D50

  • camera accessories gave 7/10 on 17/05/2008 21:31 Report abuse

    • Good: Great results in photography.
      Simple features.
      Good speed and low voice from many other cameras.
    • Bad: View finder is too small.
      Not for professional use.

    Good quality camera with great features. Nikon D series are all good. I use these all series cameras. Simple and easy to use with hard stylish body.

  • jjfabien gave 9/10 on 26/01/2008 06:37 Report abuse

    Excellent camera. I had it for a year now and the noise ratio is extremely low. Even when you shoot at 1600 ISO the noise is very acceptable. It's an excellent camera. I still do not understand why Nikon has dropped the production so quick and never issued any firmware update despite a strong request from consumers.

  • David Cozijn gave 8/10 on 24/05/2007 14:30 Report abuse

    • Good: Easy range of shooting options and even on Automatic it shoots some most impressive photograhs.
    • Bad: No shake control that I can use, at 82 a tripod is essential!!

    Best SLR I have ever seen or used!!

  • theNEWT gave 9/10 on 04/12/2006 15:33 Report abuse

    I have been shooting in a semi-professional manner for the last 20+ years and have always used Nikon, hence I have an assortment of Nikon lenses. Naturally then it would make sense to purchase a Nikon digital body. Not one to jump into new technology before time I opted for the sensibly priced Nikon D50 and am so very glad I did. I only ever shoot aperture/shutter priority or manual, so I can't comment on the program modes. The camera works brilliantly. It has taken me some time to get used to altering the aperture on the camera rather than on the lens and that still bugs me as I'm used to the older AI lenses with the aperture ring on the lens...preferred method IMO. I still use my old AI lenses, except there is no metering, hence I guess the exposure and then check the LCD display and histogram for blowout. Otherwise I use the modern auto lenses when needed. The camera sits very well in hand, although I have added an aftermarket battery extension which has further improved the grip. A small viewfinder is a bit of a negative but I've become used to it and it no longer bothers me. Hardly a negative thing to say about the camera, certainly nothing that would ever stop me buying another one. 6.1 MP is more than enough, gives first class A4 prints and uses less memory than **** MP cameras. Bigger blowups still look excellent IMO and really you could produce poster size without problem. Very strong build, mine bounces across the seat of my dusty 4WD on outback trips and has not missed a beat. First class camera, one to be proud to own...Buy IT!

  • Happy Shutter Bug in OZ gave 1/10 on 31/03/2006 10:03 Report abuse

    Definately keeping this one!

    I recently purchased the D50 kit from camera house for $999 when they had their special offer! (Major bargain!) I love the clarity and speed of this little beauty! Light and easy to use! My photo's are testament to how good this camera is, I've had comments from others thinking shots were professionally done! Very Happy!

  • Sumeet Lal gave 1/10 on 03/10/2005 09:58 Report abuse

    Excellent DSLR

    I am new to DSLR photography and just bought a Nikon D50 with standard 18-55 kit lens (which is fairly good and light in weight to carry) and a Sigma 18-200 (slightly heavier over 400gms and produces vibrant and sharp images at lower ranges of the focal length). The choice for over-lapping the focal length of the two lenses was based on not changing the lenses too often. For all family holidays and field trips I use the Sigma (leaving behind kit lens) and for every day use, parties and functions I use the kit lens. Thus avoiding dust build up by changing lenses too often and packing heavy equipment.

    The results for 4x6 or 5x7 images, which is normally 98% of my prints, are exciting and clean and do not require any pre processing in Photoshop CS (yes; not even cropping for the print ratio 1:1.5). The low light photographs are amazing even a usable 1600 ISO. I love this camera against other dig cam (Panasonic FZ3 - good up to 4x6 prints - requires cropping for 1:1.5 in Photoshop) that I previously bought and still use as a secondary camera when I am not in the mood to pack larger & heavier D50.

  • A Purnell gave 1/10 on 02/10/2005 17:58 Report abuse

    I just a great compact camera!

    Uncomplicated and easy to use.

  • aj gave 1/10 on 07/08/2005 22:46 Report abuse

    Nikon D50 Superb Clarity without the Noise

    This Camera is an upgarde from my Nikon F60 film version. I paid under $1300 CA. The ease of use and the speed of this beauty makes it a dream camera. I love the 2 inch LCD and the ability to use any previous Nikon lens ever built. The battery never drains!!!
    The shutter speed is incredible so you never miss the perfect shot. Photographs are brilliant with true vivid colour reproduction. Using the Sony CCD that is incorporated in more expensive Nikons surely is the key. I'm keeping mine!!!!!!

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