Nikon D50

The Nikon D50 was launched in June, 2005, and was in production for less than 18 months. It was Nikon's answer to Canon's 300D and 350D. It’s a very lightweight camera whilst having professional characteristics such as the ability to use the early generation of Nikon AF lenses which are screw-driven by a motor in the camera (i.e. backwards-compatible). Also, there is an LCD screen on the top plate. Both these features were abandoned when Nikon revised their entry-level cameras.

The D50 uses a CCD sensor. From 200 to 800 ISO there is no discernible noise and even the fastest setting of 1600 ISO is satisfactory. In-depth testing by the Images Resources website and the October 2005 "Hoshi Nabi" (Star Navigator) magazine indicated that the D50 achieved its low noise through exceptionally good performance at the sensor level. Testing by Roger Clark confirmed that the D50 had higher gain and lower noise than the D70 from which it had been derived as a lower cost alternative of less technical capability. Yet it turned out that the cheaper camera was in fact the better option. Tests of the D50 at all ISO levels indicated that it did offer low noise without loss of contrast or detail.

Even though I had more sophisticated and recent instruments available I would very often pick up the D50 for an outing or a project. It usually delivered decent pictures. It was super-light to carry around. If I damaged it, or someone snatched it, (neither happened) it would be easily and economically replaced. It really was a great camera to use.

The Nikon D50 was launched in June, 2005, and was in production for less than 18 months. It was Nikon's answer to Canon's 300D and 350D. It’s a very lightweight camera whilst having professional characteristics such as the ability to use the early generation of Nikon AF lenses which are screw-driven by a motor in the camera (i.e. backwards-compatible). Also, there is an LCD screen on the top plat…  (read more)