Nikon D50 Review

Overall Rating

Quality of construction
Handling
Results

Lots to learn, as there is a bewildering amount of symbols and icons to interpret
No light in external display

I bought a Nikon D50 digital SLR camera, partially because I'd seen the results from my brother's Nikon D100, and partially because I was disappointed by pictures I'd taken with My other cameras; a Nikon F401 Autofocus 35mm Film SLR, A Fuji Finepix 40i Digital compact, and a Sony P200 7.2MP digital compact.

The old Nikon 401 can produce good shots, but nowadays the instant review/delete facility of digital cameras makes getting decent photos so much easier than having to wait for results that might not satisfy! It has been left largely redundant, though its lenses and Flash unit can still be used with the D50 (a reason for not changing brand).

Regarding the two digital compacts I've had; the first one, A Fuji 40i, produced excellent images in the right conditions, but was lacking in others. At a wedding for instance, the outside close ups were great, but indoors shots were poor.

I upgraded to a Sony 7.2MP model, which again takes good photos in the right conditions, but can be caught off guard!

When swapping between the Sony and Nikon, it's easy to see which camera performs best, if you've experienced shutter lag i.e. a small time lapse between pressing the shutter button and the camera taking the photo, you will notice the Nikon performs very well in this aspect, responding almost instantly. The Sony is also pretty good for a compact in this regard, but not as good as the Nikon.

As with all SLR cameras, the D50 is of a substantial size and weight, but feels comfortable in use. There is a large learning curve involved if all of the cameras many modes/features are to be utilised for more creative results! Fortunately, point and shoot modes are available for those of less experience or when time does not allow.

I have much to learn, but I think I have made a good choice to learn with, and of the few hundred shots I've already taken there are certainly some to be proud of!

I think I made the right choice with the D50.