Manage updates with the Download AppNikon D50 (Body Only)
Manufacturer: Nikon Inc. Part number: 25216
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- 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.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 05/22/2013 |
CNET editors' review
Nikon D50 (Body Only) price range: $1,299.90
- Reviewed by: David D. Busch
- Edited by: Aimee Baldridge
- Reviewed on: 08/28/2005
- Released on: 06/20/2005
The good: Strong performance; excellent image quality; low visual noise; simple modes for neophytes; robust burst mode.
The 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.
The bottom line: 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 reviews
-
-
Exceptional dSLR for a very reasonable price
by gbona on February 21, 2006
Pros: Image quality, simple to use, size and form factor, etc
Cons: Haven't found one yet
Summary: I purchased my D50 with Nikon's exceptional 18-200mm VR lens in January. I took it with me to Maui and shot over 1000 images in various lighting conditions. This ...
Summary: I purchased my D50 with Nikon's exceptional 18-200mm VR lens in January. I took it with me to Maui and shot over 1000 images in various lighting conditions. This camera with the exceptional VR lens proved to be the perfect combination for me. This camera has everything I will ever need for my amateur use. For landscape and portrait photography it is an excellent choice. I can quickly adjust EV compensation, Apeture or Shutter speed. I do not care about fine tuning White Balance because I shoot RAW, and I adjust white balance any way I want from software. Having used my father in law's D70 before, I can say that this camera easily measures up to the D70 for much less money. I do not miss the flash synch mode, because I never use it and the depth of field preview is not important, because I KNOW how much DOF I get after just a couple of test shots with different apetures. The D50 is also smaller and lighter than the D70.
All in all, this camera is by far the best I ever owned, and I am looking forward to years of happy shooting. Excellent job, Nikon!4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Great Entry Level DSLR.
by scotieb on October 31, 2006
Pros: You can go manual but have the auto settings just in case
Cons: needs to be more rugged
Summary: Pros:
The D50 was my first DSLR. I love the camrea. I started a photography business with it and is currently my back up camera. It accepts most of the ...Summary: Pros:
The D50 was my first DSLR. I love the camrea. I started a photography business with it and is currently my back up camera. It accepts most of the higher level accessories such as the SB-800. I know shoot with a D200.
This is a great starter camera for those who wants to learn how to use and understand DSLR. You have your four basic manual settings but also all the auto settings just in case you are lazy or in a bind.
The battery life is great. With one battery, I can shoot about 1000 pics. This is a plus since I do sport photography.
Cons:
I really can't think of any cons. As I meantioned, it accepts most of the Nikon accessories line and with the new D80 that just came out, the price on this bad boy should be dropping.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
I can't take a bad picture!
by roblarosa on June 5, 2006
Pros: Economical camera that takes high quality photos and is compatible with my Nikon N80 lenses.
Cons: No depth of field preview.
Summary: The Nikon D50. I can't find anything bad about this camera. I consider myself an advanced enthusiast and up until recently I strictly used film cameras. I was skeptical ...
Summary: The Nikon D50. I can't find anything bad about this camera. I consider myself an advanced enthusiast and up until recently I strictly used film cameras. I was skeptical about entering the digital photography world because I equated digital photography with less quality. When I finally decided to "go digital" I had to find a camera that had a good balance between quality and an economical price. I did much research and really looked closely at the Nikon D50. I was worried that because of the D50's inexpensive asking price that I would be sacrificing quality. I couldn't be more wrong. The photos that I have taken so far have left me breathless. Each photo is very vibrant and sharp with no noticeable noise even at the higher ISO's.
Another bonus is that I can use my old Nikon lenses! Woo-hoo!
I thought "this is too good to be true" and started looking for situations where I thought the camera would take bad pictures. I used low-light, mixed light, and countless other bad situations and I couldn't get this camera to take a bad picture. I even took a picture of my dog at a distance of 15 in total darkness using only the built-in pop-up flash. The picture was a little blurry but that was due mainly to my hands shaking and the awkward squat I was in to get down to his level.
I am a pretty big stickler for quality and I'm sure there are people who are even bigger sticklers than I am that may be able to find some shortcomings of this camera. Personally, I have found none. The Nikon D50 was one of the few items I have ever bought where I went in somewhat skeptical and wound up being pleased more than I could imagine. It's one of my best purchases ever.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
The D50 is GR8!!
by Mikes1Joker on June 24, 2009
Pros: I like the AF Mode, it has made taking great pictures Easy. Also the D-50 has a lot of the same features as the D-70,and its cheeper.
Cons: My wife uses it too...LOL
Summary: This camera has made taking great pictures easy,even for you wife, so dont be supprised when she says can I borrow you canera?
The autofocus Same as D70 and ...Summary: This camera has made taking great pictures easy,even for you wife, so dont be supprised when she says can I borrow you canera?
The autofocus Same as D70 and D70s and adds a new AF-A mode. The AF-A mode automatically selects between AF-S (normal AF) and AF-C (continuous AF).
Metering is 420 segment color 3D matrix, center-weighted and spot. Rated down to LV 0, same as D70 and D70s.
Mechanical and electronic like the D70 and D70s. B, 30 - 1/4,000. The manual says 1/2 and 1/3 stops, I forget if the D70 can go in half stops or just thirds. No big deal.
Flash is Built-in, i-TTL, GN 15/49 (m/ft @ ISO 200; 11/36 @ ISO 100), same as D70s. Same numerous and excellent sync modes as D70 and D70s.
Weight is Light not a neck killer 19 oz. (540 g) stripped without battery, monitor cover, lens, body cap, strap or memory card.
I love this camer, I do weddings and famley portraits and its made my life a lot easyer THANKS NIKON... -
Great Camera For The Money
by tansyd on April 26, 2008
Pros: Picture Qualiy, Ease of Use
Cons: 2.5 Frames per second not fast enough for sports
Summary: I have been using this camera for 2years and I don't have any real complaints. If you are looking for a good easy to use SLR this is the ...
Summary: I have been using this camera for 2years and I don't have any real complaints. If you are looking for a good easy to use SLR this is the one.
-
Simple, fast, quality pictures
by HHI_CPA on July 5, 2007
Pros: Super-fast frame rate, multiple image settings, SLR lens interchangeability
Cons: A little bulky for a digital camera
Summary: We got this camera after the birth of our first child and have been very impressed with its speed, ease of use and picture quality. It came with an 18-55 ...
Summary: We got this camera after the birth of our first child and have been very impressed with its speed, ease of use and picture quality. It came with an 18-55 mm lens, which is a good range for close-up and medium-range shots. It has multiple image settings (child, low light, sport, etc.) that can be dialed up whenever needed. The frame rate (6 pics per second) is great for trying to capture the moment when your child actually looks at the camera and smiles. Just hold down the shutter button, and the camera blitzes through 6 pics per second in good light. You can delete the extraneous photos later.
The only drawback I can see to this camera is the bulky size. This is not a cute, little digital camera. It is an offshoot of professional-grade SLR cameras and uses SLR lenses like you see professional photographers using at sporting events. It doesn't travel particularly well even with a camera case because of its awkward shape, and it looks intimidating even though everything except the zoom is automatic. Once you get past the complicated look of the camera, it is just as easy to use as a point-and-click digital camera. It simply offers a greater variety of features, and you sacrifice portability for those features.
I would recommend this camera to anyone with young kids or who is tired of missing great photo opportunities because their camera takes too long to start up or take a picture. Our previous camera was a Kodak C340, which took about 30 sec to turn on and 3-5 sec to actually take a photo once the shutter button was pressed. I cannot imagine how many of our best photos would have been missed if not for the Nikon. -
Awesome! Totally awesome!
by skellener on March 11, 2007
Pros: Does everything I need!
Cons: none that I can think of
Summary: Great camera!
Summary: Great camera!
-
Great camera for the price
by stepnjump on October 28, 2006
Pros: Great image quality, amazing in-hand feel
Cons: Not enough quick menu options (available through the top LCD display) available, doesn't provide as many 'manual' settings compared to the cheaper feel D-80
Summary: So far, this has been an amazing camera for our family.
We are far from being professional photographers. It's very easy to figure out but we wish it had ...Summary: So far, this has been an amazing camera for our family.
We are far from being professional photographers. It's very easy to figure out but we wish it had more 'manual' features available.
The first shots we took, were pictures of our children in JPEG format at maximum resolution in the Costco parking lot, just after buying the camera.
The prints (from the same store) came out simply stunning on a 12x18 print paper enlargement.
I also really appreciate the sturdiness of this camera and the in-hand feel it provides. Contrary to the D-80, the D-50 has a great 'quality' feel to it. Also when you press the shutter button, it totally feels sturdy. It's like a little brick!
The buttons around the preview screen are flat and nice contrary to the D-80 where they are small and round.
Though it's only a 6 Mega pixels camera, the shutter speed of 1/8000 secs is a must-have to capture our children in the action while running.
Too bad Nikon compromised their manufacturing quality (as well as slower flash & shutter speeds)in the subsequent D-80 model. Some of the features seemed to be very interesting but the in-hand feel is totally off the charts compared to this one.
I uploaded a few pictures at:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/marchessaultlimoges/album?.dir=/2cc8scd&.src=ph&.tok=phq9buFBn.MyoaL9
They will be updated as time allows.
I wish Nikon had kept the same body and made it a 10 mega pixels. Maybe the D-200 has it all? It will probably be the next one I will try when I can afford it. -
If you want quick, clear performance, by this camera!
by rinren on October 9, 2006
Pros: Turns on and ready to take pictures instantly, quick focus and 2.8 pictures per second without a flash.
Cons: Managing 1000's of pictures you will take with this camera. Get Picasa for free and have fun
Summary: The Nikon D50 turns on instantly so you don't miss a moment. We had a point and shot camera that took 10 seconds to turn on and focus so ...
Summary: The Nikon D50 turns on instantly so you don't miss a moment. We had a point and shot camera that took 10 seconds to turn on and focus so we missed many pictures with our newborn, now we don't miss anything. I would recommend upgrading the lens to at least the Nikon 18-135mm or if you have the extra $$ the Nikon 18-200 VR lens but the package lens works very well in it's zoom range.
We had a family gathering when we tried to take pictures of the Grand Parents and all 6 Grand Children with 1 infant and 1 toddler. My father in law said "hurry up and take the picture" I said "I already took 30" and we caught the perfect picture of everyone smiling. -
Excellent value for money
by dutchie2 on July 31, 2006
Pros: Lens interchangeability
Cons: Did not find any
Summary: I already owned Nikon N50 and Nikon Pronea bodies with a couple of Nikon lenses. Nikon quality and ability to use my Nikon lenses also on this digital body made ...
Summary: I already owned Nikon N50 and Nikon Pronea bodies with a couple of Nikon lenses. Nikon quality and ability to use my Nikon lenses also on this digital body made the choice and purchase easy. Unless you really need the extras on the D70 body, the D50 one is the right choice. If it ain't a Nikon it's only a copy!
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Nikon Inc.
- Part number: 25216
- Description: The D50 is the ideal introduction to Digital SLR photography, with a wide range of Automatic features to make great photographs easily. Whatever you shoot there is a Digital Vari Program that sets up the camera for the best exposure. Just select the mode dial and the D50 takes care of the rest. It's small, it's light, it fits snugly in your hands and delivers clear, sharp results with extra possibilities of control and creativity. The 6.1 megapixel DX CCD image sensor produces exceptionally vivid and detailed high-resolution images - ideal for enlargements. Continuous shooting at 2.5 frames per second combined with shutter speeds of up to 1/4000 sec and Flash Sync Speed of 1/500 sec. The high-energy rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery EN-EL3 delivers the power to shoot up to 2, 000 images on a single charge and is supplied with a new and smaller battery charger MH-18a. A large, bright 2-inch LCD screen makes it easy to preview images and also displays an easy-to-understand, color-coded menu. A handy 'Help' button brings up a straightforward explanation of the features. 7 Digital Vari-Program Modes that automatically optimize the camera settings to produce great results in any condition. Selections include Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Close-up, Night Portrait and the new Child Mode which enhances the color of young skin tones. There's also a full manual mode for users who want to stay in complete creative control. Ensures accurate and optimum exposure control in all types of lighting conditions. Its new technology detects highlights and shadows and compensates for them to prevent under or over exposure. An advanced 5-area autofocus system with predictive focus tracking and Lock-on delivers greater precision and improved focus tracking to clearly capture the action. The automatic AF-assist illuminator helps to maintain focus in low-light conditions. Images can be printed without a computer, quickly and easily to any PictBridge compatible printer.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Product Type Digital camera - SLR
- Resolution 6.1 megapixels
- Optical Sensor Type CCD
- Total Pixels 6,240,000 pixels
- Effective Sensor Resolution 6,100,000 pixels
- Optical Sensor Size 15.6 x 23.7mm
- Auto Focus TTL phase detection
- Auto Focus Points (Zones) Qty 5
- Image Recording Format JPEG,
RAW - AV Interfaces Composite video/audio
Exposure & White Balance
- Light Sensitivity ISO 200-1600
- Exposure Metering 3D color matrix II,
Center-weighted,
Spot - Exposure Modes I-TTL program flash,
Bulb,
Program,
Automatic,
Shutter-priority,
Manual,
Aperture-priority - Shooting Programs Sports mode,
Close-up,
Night portrait,
Children,
Portrait mode,
Landscape - White Balance Automatic,
Presets,
Custom - Max Shutter Speed 1/4000 sec
- Min Shutter Speed 30 sec
- Exposure Compensation ±5 EV range, in 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps
- Auto Exposure Bracketing 3 steps in 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps
- White Balance Bracketing Yes
- X-sync Speed 1/500 sec
- Exposure Range EV 0-20 ( ISO 100 )
Lens System
- Lens System Mounting Nikon F
Camera Flash
- Camera Flash Pop-up flash
- Guide Number (m / ISO 100) 11
- Flash Modes Rear curtain sync,
Fill-in mode,
Auto mode,
Flash OFF mode,
Red-eye reduction - Features AF illuminator,
Flash +/- compensation Additional Features
- Continuous Shooting Speed 2.5 frames per second
- Self Timer Delay 2 - 20 sec
- Flash Terminal Hot shoe
- Status LCD Display Information Photo quality,
Photos remaining,
Picture resolution,
Exposure compensation,
Aperture,
Shutter speed,
Frame counter,
Memory card status,
Autofocus mode,
Battery condition,
Flash mode,
Program,
Remote control indicator,
Metering mode,
White balance indicators,
Self-timer mode,
Red-eye reduction,
Film speed - Additional Features Display brightness control,
AF lock,
DPOF support,
Depth-of-field preview button,
AE lock,
Auto power save,
Histogram display,
PictBridge support,
USB 2.0 compatibility,
Direct print Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type Optical - Eye-level mirror pentaprism
- Field Coverage 95%
- Magnification 0.75x
- Viewfinder Frames Autofocus frame
- Viewfinder Information Flash charge completion,
AE lock,
AF-in-focus,
Metering system,
Frame counter,
Exposure compensation,
Shutter speed,
Aperture Display
- Type 2 in LCD display
- Display Features Built-in
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Composite video output,
1 x USB Software
- Software Drivers & Utilities,
Nikon PictureProject System Requirements for PC Connection
- Operating System Support MS Windows ME,
MS Windows 98 SE,
MS Windows 98,
MS Windows XP,
MS Windows 2000,
Apple Mac OS X 10.1.5 or later - Peripheral Devices USB port,
SVGA monitor,
CD-ROM drive - System Requirements Details MacOS X 10.1.5 or later - 64 MB - 60 MB,
Windows 98/98SE/2000/ME/XP - 64 MB - 60 MB Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Shoulder strap,
Battery charger,
Body cap,
Eyepiece cover,
Video cable,
USB cable Battery
- Supported Battery Nikon EN-EL3
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Memory / Storage
- Memory Card Slot SD card
- Supported Memory Cards SD Memory Card
- Image Storage 3008 x 2000,
2256 x 1496,
1504 x 1000 Dimensions & Weight
- Width 5.2 in
- Depth 3 in
- Height 4 in
- Weight 1.1 lbs
Product series
-
Manufacturer: Nikon Inc.
Specs: SLR,
6.1 megapixels,
3 x,
27 - 82.5mm F/3.5,
15.6 x 23.7mm,
CCD -
Manufacturer: Nikon Inc.
Specs: SLR,
6.1 megapixels,
15.6 x 23.7mm,
CCD
Accessories
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Nikon Inc. products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Nikon Inc.
- Address:
1300 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, NY 11747-3064 - Phone: 1-631-547-4200
%20-%20Compare%20prices,%20reviews,%20user%20opinions%20-%20Shopper.com&srcUrl=http://shopper.cnet.com/digital-cameras/nikon-d50-body-only/4014-6501_9-31344594.html&x_breadcrumb=6451:6501&x_arw_bkts=MAD:first_impression){kind=small}