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Overall camera rating: * * * - -
Nikon D50

Nikon D50


A 6 MP DSLR with a CCD sensor. It was posiitoned as a more affordable alternative to the D70.
  • Donpnz and AJB like this

Product Photos


Attached Image: 25216_D50_front.png Attached Image: 25216_D50_back.png Attached Image: 25216_D50_frontleft.png Attached Image: 25216_D50_frontright.png Attached Image: 25216_D50_sideleft.png Attached Image: 25216_D50_sideright.png

GENERAL:  
List Price (USA): $760
In Production: No
Launch Date: April 2005
Successor: Nikon D40x
IMAGE CAPTURE:  
Megapixels: 6.1
Format: DX (APS-C)
Sensor Type: CCD
Max. Resolution (pixels): 3008 x 2000
Low-Pass Filter: Yes
Sensor Dimensions (mm): 23.7 x 15.6
Min. ISO: 200
Max. ISO: 1600
ISO Adjustment Steps: 1EV
Still File Formats: JPEG, 12-bit RAW
Dust Removal Support: No
Shooting Modes: Full Auto, Program (P), Aperture Priority (A), Shutter Priority (S), Manual (M), Bulb (B), Scene
Additional Features: Custom Picture Control
PERFORMANCE:  
Minimum Shutter Speed (s): 30
Maximum Shutter Speed (s): 1/4000
Max. Burst (FPS): 2.5
Release Modes: Single-Frame, Continuous, Self-Timer, Delayed Remote, Quick-Response Remote
VIEWFINDER & LCD:  
LCD Screen Size ("): 2.0
LCD Screen Resolution (dots): 130,000
Electronic Level/Horizon: No
Live View Mode: No
Viewfinder Type: Pentamirror
Viewfinder Magnification (x): 0.75
Viewfinder Frame Coverage (%): 95
METERING:  
Metering Sensor: 420 pixel RGB sensor 3D COlor Matrix
Auto Metering Modes: Matrix, Center-Weighted, Spot
Meter Operating Range (EV): 0 to 20
Exposure Compensation Range (EV): -5 to 5
Exposure Compensation Steps: 1EV, 1/2EV, 1/3EV
Auto Bracking Frames: 3
Auto Bracketing Modes: Exposure
AUTOFOCUS:  
Primary AF Type: Phase Detect Autofocus
AF Sensor: Multi-CAM900
AF Modes: Single-Servo AF, Dynamic Area AF
AF Points: 5
AF Operating Range (EV): -1 to 19
Screwdrive AF Support: Yes
Live View Autofocus: N/A
VIDEO:  
Movie Mode: No
Built-In Microphone: N/A
FLASH:  
Built-In Flash: Yes
Flash Sync Speed (s): 1/500
Supported Flash Modes: Red-Eye Reduction, Slow-Speed Sync, Rear-Curtain Sync, Fill Flash
Hotshoe: Yes
BODY:  
Mount Type: Nikon F Mount
Number of Media Slots: 1
Compatible Card Types: SD
Width (mm): 133
Height (mm): 102
Depth (mm): 76
Weight (g): 540
Connectivity: Universal Hotshoe, USB 2, Remote Terminal
Battery Grip: No
Battery Model: EN-EL3
Power Adapter Support: Yes
Weather Sealing: No
Included Accessories: Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3
Quick Charger MH-18a
Video Cable
USB Cable UC-E4
Strap, Body cap
Eyepiece Cap DK-5
Rubber Eyecup DK-20
Accessory shoe cover
PictureProject CD-ROM
Please use the area below for camera reviews only. Comments on others' reviews and off-topic posts will be deleted.


2 Reviews

It's been a happy marriage!

    • AJB likes this
Marcus Rowland
Feb 24 2017 05:48 PM

I got one of these second-hand about ten years ago and have used it ever since. I should begin by saying that I very rarely print pictures, I'm mostly using it for on-line work, so I don't need anything with higher resolution. I also like the fact that it's relatively expendable - with current resale price well under a hundred pounds it won't break the bank if I drop it in a canal or something.

 

Pros are that it's reliable and fairly rugged, the two batteries I have are still working well and hold charge, and it supports older AF lenses with the focusing motor in the body rather than the lens - the lens I use most is a 28-300mm Tamron of that type - as well as more modern motor-in-lens designs. There are some real bargains around in older lenses, and it can take full advantage.

 

The main cons are relatively low resolution, the lack of a self-cleaning sensor, and the lack of live preview. The maximum memory card size is also a little small by modern standards, 2GB or a "mere" 576 shots. Finally, it won't use a cable remote control or work under computer control, which means it's difficult to use it for time lapse work etc.

 

Despite its age I feel no great urge to change - but at some point I may buy something more modern and get the D50 modified for infra-red. It's supposed to be a good platform for that. For now it's working well for most of what I want to do.

 

Having said that, it probably isn't the best Nikon for someone starting from scratch today, but it might be a good choice for someone who's starting out with older lenses or doing things on a budget, and has stood the passage of time much better than its contemporary the D70, where there are common problems with card slots etc.

    • Rhetty and AJB like this