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.
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Cinaed
18/07/2008, 02:21 PM
rating
10/10
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
Pros: 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
Cons: 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
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camera accessories
17/05/2008, 09:31 PM
rating
7/10
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.
Pros: Great results in photography.
Simple features.
Good speed and low voice from many other cameras.
Cons: View finder is too small.
Not for professional use.
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jjfabien
26/01/2008, 06:37 AM
rating
9/10
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.
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David Cozijn
24/05/2007, 02:30 PM
rating
8/10
Best SLR I have ever seen or used!!
Pros: Easy range of shooting options and even on Automatic it shoots some most impressive photograhs.
Cons: No shake control that I can use, at 82 a tripod is essential!!
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theNEWT
04/12/2006, 03:33 PM
rating
9/10
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!
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Happy Shutter Bug in OZ
31/03/2006, 10:03 AM
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!
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Sumeet Lal
03/10/2005, 09:58 AM
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.
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A Purnell
02/10/2005, 05:58 PM
I just a great compact camera!
Uncomplicated and easy to use.
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aj
07/08/2005, 10:46 PM
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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bandi
03/08/2005, 03:17 PM
Excellent Buy
i dont know where those people have been shopping, but someone must have seen them coming from a mile away!, i paid $1490 from camerahouse(Sydney) with the 18-55 and 70-300mm lenes, plus ill be getting another 70-300mm lens from Nikon through there redemption bonus! why ro through all the h****le of buying overseas when the bargains are right here in OZ! you just have to look
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