Digital Camera Home > Digital Camera Reviews > Nikon Digital Cameras > Nikon D50

Nikon D50 By: Dave Etchells and Shawn Barnett Nikon develops an "entry-level" SLR loaded with features for less than $750. (Body only) Select a topic Reference: Datasheet D50 Sample Images D50 Imatest Results --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. D50 vs other Nikons 3. D50 vs Competing Models 4. User Report 5. Features Overview 6. Design 7. Viewfinder 8. Optics 9. Exposure 10. Flash 11. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 12. Operation & User Interface 13. Camera Menus 14. Image Storage & Interface 15. Video & Power 16. Included Software 17. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on D50 Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Included Software>> Page 15:Video & Power Review First Posted: 05/20/2005, Updated: 08/10/2005

Video Out

US and Japanese models of the Nikon D50 come with an NTSC video cable for connection to a television set or VCR (European models come with the appropriate PAL cable). The camera's video timing can be switched back and forth between NTSC or PAL via a menu option. Any and all screens visible on the rear panel LCD are also visible through the video port.

 

Power

The Nikon D50 uses Nikon's EN-EL3 lithium-ion battery pack or an optional AC adapter for power. An indicator on the status display panel lets you know approximately how much battery power is left.

I didn't have access to the external AC adapter when testing the D50, so wasn't able to conduct my usual direct measurements of power consumption. - And battery life on a d-SLR will also vary greatly depending on the lens used and how much the focus motor has to operate.

In the manual, Nikon themselves offer the following characterizations of the D50's battery life:

Example 1 - 2000 Shots
Zoom Nikkor AF-S DX 18–55 mm f/3.5–5.6G lens; continuous shooting mode; continuous-servo autofocus; image quality set to JPEG Basic; image size set to M; shutter speed 1/250s; shutter-release pressed half way for three seconds and focus cycled from infinity to minimum range three times with each shot; after six shots, monitor turned on for five seconds and then turned off; cycle repeated once exposure meters have turned off.

Example 2 - 400 Shots
AF-S DX 18–55 mm f/3.5–5.6G lens; single-frame shooting mode; single-servo autofocus; image quality set to JPEG Normal; image size set to L; shutter speed 1/250s; shutter-release pressed half way for five seconds and focus cycled from infinity to minimum range once with each shot; built-in Speedlight fired at full power with every other shot; AF-assist illuminator lights when Speedlight is used; cycle repeated once exposure meters have turned off; camera turned off for one second with every ten shots.

My own experience seemed to thoroughly support Nikon's battery life claims. The D50/EN-EL3 combination seemed to offer really excellent battery life, as I could shoot literally hundreds of photos without draining the battery. Casual users almost certainly won't need a second, spare battery. If you plan really long shooting days or plan to shoot in cold weather (which can greatly reduce battery capacity), you may want to pick up a second battery to use as a spare.

 

In the Box

Included in the box with the D50's body box are the following items: 

• Nikon D50 body with body cap.
• Neck strap.
• Eyepiece cap.
• Quick Charger with AC power cord.
• Video cable.
• USB cable.
• EN-EL3 Li-ion battery.
• Software CD-ROM.
• Instruction Manual.
• Quickstart guide.
• Registration kit. 

 

mp = 1; cb_border = 2;