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Nikon D50

By: Dave Etchells and Shawn Barnett

Nikon develops an "entry-level" SLR loaded with features for less than $750. (Body only)

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Page 2:D50 vs other Nikons

Review First Posted: 05/20/2005, Updated: 08/10/2005

D50 vs Other Nikons

Given all that's new and improved with the D50, I thought it would be helpful to readers to compare its features against those of the earlier D100, as well as against various other manufacturer's models. Here's the results of our (myself and news editor Mike Tomkins) poring through the spec sheets for the various cameras, as well as my own previous tests and reviews. The first table below compares the D50 with current and recent Nikon models in its price/performance range, while the table on the following page shows how it stacks up against various models by other manufacturers.

Nikon D50 vs other Nikon SLRs
Manufacturer
Nikon
Nikon
Nikon
Nikon
Model
D50
D70
D70s
D100
Imaging
System		 Sensor Manufacturer Sony Sony Sony Sony
Sensor Type CCD CCD CCD CCD
Color Filter Array RGB RGB RGB RGB
Total Megapixels
6.24
6.24
6.24
6.31
Effective Megapixels 6.1 6.1 6.1 6.1
Effective Sensor Size (mm)
23.7 x 15.6
23.7 x 15.6
23.7 x 15.6
23.7 x 15.6
Focal Length Multiplier (approx.)
1.5x
1.5x
1.5x
1.5x
Image Processor
Not stated
Not stated
Not stated
Not stated
Viewfinder
Type
Eye-level pentamirror
Eye-level pentamirror
Eye-level pentamirror
Eye-level pentaprism
Coverage
95%
95%
95%
95%
Magnification (-1 diopter with 50mm lens at infinity)
0.75x
0.75x
0.75x
0.8x
Eyepoint (mm)
18
18
18
20
Dioptric Adjustment Range (diopters)
-1.6 to +0.5
-1.6 to +0.5
-1.6 to +0.5
-2.0 to +1.0
Focusing Screen
B-type BriteView clear matte screen Mark V
B-type BriteView clear matte screen Mark V, with on-demand grid lines
B-type BriteView clear matte screen Mark V, with on-demand grid lines
B-type BriteView clear matte screen Mark II, with on-demand grid lines
Viewfinder
Info Display
5 focus area brackets/spot metering areas, center-weighted metering area, "no memory card" warning, battery status, focus confirmation, focus area/AF-area mode, AE lock indicator, FV lock indicator, shutter speed, aperture value, electronic analog exposure display, flash compensation indicator, exposure compensation indicator, Auto ISO indicator, number of exposures remaining/buffer space/preset WB recording indicator/exposure compensation value/flash compensation value/PC mode indicator, flash-ready indicator
5 focus area brackets/spot metering areas, center-weighted metering area, on-demand framing grid, focus confirmation, focus area/AF-area mode, AE/FV lock indicator, battery status, shutter speed, aperture value, electronic analog exposure display, flash compensation indicator, exposure compensation indicator, Auto ISO indicator, number of exposures remaining/buffer space/preset WB recording indicator/exposure compensation value/flash compensation value/PC mode indicator, flash-ready indicator
5 focus area brackets/spot metering areas, center-weighted metering area, on-demand framing grid, focus confirmation, focus area/AF-area mode, AE/FV lock indicator, battery status, shutter speed, aperture value, electronic analog exposure display, flash compensation indicator, exposure compensation indicator, Auto ISO indicator, number of exposures remaining/buffer space/preset WB recording indicator/exposure compensation value/flash compensation value/PC mode indicator, flash-ready indicator
5 focus area brackets/spot metering areas, center-weighted metering area, on-demand framing grid, focus confirmation, metering mode, AE/FV lock indicator, battery status, shutter speed, aperture value, electronic analog exposure display, exposure mode, flash compensation indicator, exposure compensation indicator, number of exposures remaining/buffer space/exposure compensation value/flash compensation value, flash-ready indicator
Depth of Field Preview
Not available
Enabled with depth-of-field preview button
Enabled with depth-of-field preview button
Enabled with depth-of-field preview button
Recording
System
Recording Media / Quantity / Slot Type
Secure Digital card
Type I or II CF card / Microdrive
Type I or II CF card / Microdrive
Type I or II CF card / Microdrive
Compatible File System
FAT 16 / FAT 32
FAT 16 / FAT 32
FAT 16 / FAT 32
FAT 16 / FAT 32
Recording Formats
RAW (NEF), JPEG
RAW (NEF), JPEG
RAW (NEF), JPEG
RAW (NEF), JPEG
Maximum Resolution
3008 x 2000
3008 x 2000
3008 x 2000
3008 x 2000
Reduced Resolutions (JPEG only)
2256 x 1496; 1504 x 1000
2240 x 1488; 1504 x 1000
2240 x 1488; 1504 x 1000
2240 x 1488; 1504 x 1000
RAW + JPEG Recording
Yes, basic JPEG only
Yes, basic JPEG only
Yes, basic JPEG only
No
Color Space &
White Balance
User-Selectable Color Space
Yes
sRGB (two variants) + Adobe RGB
Yes
sRGB (two variants) + Adobe RGB
Yes
sRGB (two variants) + Adobe RGB
Yes
sRGB (two variants) + Adobe RGB
Processing Parameters
(Contrast, Sharpness, Saturation, Color Tone) / # of Increments
7 options each for sharpness and contrast, 3 options for saturation. 7-step hue adjustment. Digital vari-programs preset various processing parameters as well, and color space III boosts saturation somewhat, particularly in greens.
7 options each for sharpness and contrast, 3 options for saturation. 7-step hue adjustment. Digital vari-programs preset various processing parameters as well, and color space III boosts saturation somewhat, particularly in greens.
7 options each for sharpness and contrast, 3 options for saturation. 7-step hue adjustment. Digital vari-programs preset various processing parameters as well, and color space III boosts saturation somewhat, particularly in greens.
5 options for sharpening, 6 for contrast, 7 for hue, none for saturation. Second sRGB color space boosts saturation somewhat.
Preset WB settings
6 (Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash)
6 (Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash)
6 (Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash)
6 (Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash)
Manual Color Temperature Setting Range
(No Kelvin option, but very broad Preset WB range)
(No Kelvin option, but very broad Preset WB range)
(No Kelvin option, but very broad Preset WB range)
(No Kelvin option, but very broad Preset WB range)
WB Adjustment Range
Not available
±3 steps in 1-step increments
10 mireds per step
±3 steps in 1-step increments
10 mireds per step
±3 steps in 1-step increments
10 mireds per step
Autofocus
System
Type
TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM900 autofocus module
TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM900 autofocus module
TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM900 autofocus module
TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM900 autofocus module
# of Focusing Points (Focusing Point Type)
5 points
5 points
5 points
5 points
Superimposed Focus Point Display Yes Yes Yes Yes
AF Working Range
EV -1 ~ 19 (ISO 100)
EV -1 ~ 19 (ISO 100)
EV -1 ~ 19 (ISO 100)
EV -1 ~ 19 (ISO 100)
AF-assist Beam
Bright incandescent lamp, (Range approx. 3.0 m, 9.8 ft, depending on lens.) Not dependent on flash setting.
Bright incandescent lamp, (Range approx. 3.0 m, 9.8 ft, depending on lens.) Not dependent on flash setting.
Bright incandescent lamp, (Range approx. 3.0 m, 9.8 ft, depending on lens.) Not dependent on flash setting.
Bright incandescent lamp, (Range approx. 3.0 m, 9.8 ft, depending on lens.) Not dependent on flash setting.
One-shot AF
Available in all modes
Available in all modes
Available in all modes
Available in all modes
AI Servo (Tracking) AF
Available in all modes
(D50 adds AF-A mode, for auto selection of one-shot or tracking AF, compared to D70/D70s).
Available in all modes
Available in all modes (D70s adds all-area search priority function, compared to D70).
Available in all modes
AI Focus AF
Slightly different, but closest-subject focus priority available in all modes
Slightly different, but closest-subject focus priority available in all modes
Slightly different, but closest-subject focus priority available in all modes
Slightly different, but closest-subject focus priority available in all modes
Exposure
Control
Shooting Modes
11 - Program, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, Manual, Auto, Portrait, Landcape, Close up, Sports, Child, Night Portrait.
11 - Program, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, Manual, Auto, Portrait, Landcape, Close up, Sports, Night Landscape, Night Portrait.
11 - Program, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, Manual, Auto, Portrait, Landcape, Close up, Sports, Night Landscape, Night Portrait.
4 - Program, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, manual mode.
Metering Zones
420
1,005
1,005
10
Metering Modes
1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II with 420-segment RGB sensor. (2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8mm dia. circle in center of frame. (3) Spot: Meters 3.5 mm dia. circle (about 2.5% of frame) centered on active focus area.
1) 3D Color Matrix Metering with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor. (2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, 10, or 13 mm dia. circle in center of frame. (3) Spot: Meters 2.3 mm dia. circle (about 1% of frame) centered on active focus area.
1) 3D Color Matrix Metering with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor. (2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, 10, or 13 mm dia. circle in center of frame. (3) Spot: Meters 2.3 mm dia. circle (about 1% of frame) centered on active focus area.
1) 3D Matrix Metering with 10-segment SPD. (2) Center-Weighted: Weight of 60% given to 8 mm dia. circle in center of frame. (3) Spot Metering: Meters 3.0 mm dia. circle (about 2% of frame) centered on active focus area.
Metering System Working Range
1) EV 0 ~ 20 (3D color matrix or center-weighted metering)
2) EV 2 ~ 20 (spot metering)
(ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F)
1) EV 0 ~ 20 (3D color matrix or center-weighted metering)
2) EV 2 ~ 20 (spot metering)
(ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F)
1) EV 0 ~ 20 (3D color matrix or center-weighted metering)
2) EV 2 ~ 20 (spot metering)
(ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F)
1) Matrix Metering: EV 0 ~ 21; 2) Center-Weighted Metering: EV 0 ~ 21; 3) Spot Metering: EV 3 ~21 (at normal temperature, ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens)
ISO Range / Extended
200 ~ 1600 / --
200 ~ 1600 / --
200 ~ 1600 / --
200 ~ 1600 / 3200, 6400
Exposure Compensation
+/- 5EV in 1/2 or 1/3EV increments
+/- 5EV in 1/2 or 1/3EV increments
+/- 5EV in 1/2 or 1/3EV increments
+/- 5EV in 1/2 or 1/3EV increments
Automatic Exposure Bracketing
3 shots, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV steps
2 or 3 shots, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV steps
2 or 3 shots, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV steps
2 or 3 shots, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV steps
Shutter Speeds,
Frame Rate, Shutter Lag
Shutter Type
Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter
Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter
Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter
Electronically controlled mechanical
Shutter Speed Range
1/4000 ~ 30 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb
1/8000 ~ 30 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb
1/8000 ~ 30 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb
1/4000 ~ 30 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb
Maximum Frames Per Second / Buffer depth
2.47 fps / 16 frames (JPEG large/fine)
2.92 fps / 21 frames (JPEG large/fine)
3.05 fps / 15 frames (JPEG large/fine)
2.88 fps / 6 frames (JPEG large/fine)
Shutter lag, full AF (sec.)
0.27
0.34 - 0.49
0.29 - 0.32
0.15
Shutter lag, prefocus (sec.)
0.114
0.124
0.106
0.100
Startup time (sec.)
~0.25
~ Zero
~0.4
0.63
Flash
Built-in Flash / Guide Number at ISO 100.
Yes (12 meters / 39 feet)
Yes (12 meters / 39 feet)
Yes (12 meters / 39 feet)
Yes (12.7 meters / 42 feet)
Max flash x-sync speed. (sec.)
1/500 (!)
1/500 (!)
1/500 (!)
1/180
Flash Exposure Compensation
-3 to +1 EV, 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps
-3 to +1 EV, 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps
-3 to +1 EV, 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps
-3 to +1 EV, 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps
Slow-sync flash
1st or 2nd curtain
1st or 2nd curtain
1st or 2nd curtain
1st or 2nd curtain
PC Sync Terminal
Hot shoe only
Hot shoe only
Hot shoe only
Hot shoe only
Nikon Advanced Wireless Lighting support Only with attached SB-800 flash or SU-800 wireless controller Camera can act as wireless controller Camera can act as wireless controller n/a
Playback
System
LCD Size / Pixel Count
2.0 in LCD / 130,000 pixels
1.8 in LCD / 130,000 pixels
2.0 in LCD / 130,000 pixels
1.8 in LCD / 118,000 pixels
Enlarged Playback / Scroll
1.1 - 4.7x in 10 steps / Yes
1.1 - 4.7x in 10 steps / Yes
1.1 - 4.7x in 10 steps / Yes
1.1 - 9x in 10 steps / Yes
LCD Monitor Brightness Adjustment Range
5 steps
5 steps
5 steps
5 steps
Automatic Rotation for Vertical Shots
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Other Features
Computer Connection
Yes, PTP-compliant (v2.0 standard, v2.0 speed)
Yes, PTP-compliant (v2.0 standard, v1.1 speed)
Yes, PTP-compliant (v2.0 standard, v1.1 speed)
Yes, USB 1.1
Direct Printing (PictBridge-compliant printers)
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Menu Languages
13 (Japanese, German, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Russian, Korean, Italian, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Dutch, Swedish)
10 (Japanese, German, English, Spanish, French, Korean, Italian, Simplified Chinese, Dutch, Swedish)
10 (Japanese, German, English, Spanish, French, Korean, Italian, Simplified Chinese, Dutch, Swedish)
5 (Japanese, German, English, Spanish, French)
Camera Default Reset
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Custom Functions (Quantity / Settings)
Yes (6 / 20)
Yes (9 / 25)
Yes (9 / 25)
Yes (24)
Remote Control
Optional IR
Optional IR
Optional, compatible with MC-DC1 or ML-L3
Optional, 10-pin remote terminal available in optional Multi Function Battery Pack
Info LCD Panel / Illumination
Yes / No
Yes / Yes (dedicated button)
Yes / Yes (dedicated button)
Yes / Yes (dedicated button)
Number of Command Dials
1
2
2
2
Ultrasonic CCD dust-removal function
No
No
No
No
Body Structure
Body Cover/Chassis
Largely Plastic
Largely Plastic
Largely Plastic
Plastic / Metal
Power System
Battery Compatibility
EN-EL3
CR2 pack is an added-cost accessory
EN-EL3,
CR2 pack
(3 cells)
EN-EL3,
EN-EL3a
(Ships with EN-EL3a, 1500 mAh vs 1400 mAh for EN-EL3)
CR2 pack is an added-cost accessory
EN-EL3
Rated Shooting Capacity at 20C/68F
100% AE: 2000
50% Flash: 400
100% AE: 2000
50% Flash: 400
100% AE: 2500
50% Flash: 500
100% AE: 1600
50% Flash: 370
Dimensions & Weight
Dimensions (WxHxD, mm)
133 x 102 x 76
140 x 111 x 78
140 x 111 x 78
144 x 116 x 80.5
Weight (body only)
540 g / 19 oz.
595 g / 21 oz.
600 g / 21 oz.
700 g / 24.7 oz.
Operational
Environment
Operating Temperature Range
0 ~ 40C / 32 ~ 104F
0 ~ 40C / 32 ~ 104F
0 ~ 40C / 32 ~ 104F
0 ~ 40C / 32 ~ 104F
Operating Humidity Range
< 85%
< 85%
< 85%
< 85%
Kit Lens
Focal length/aperture
18-55mm
f/3.5-5.6G ED
18-70mm
f/3.5-4.5G ED
18-70mm
f/3.5-4.5G ED
-
Lens Compatibility
Lens Mount / Compatibility
  1. DX Nikkor: All functions supported;
  2. Type G- or D-AF Nikkor: All functions supported;
  3. Micro Nikkor 85mm F2.8D: All functions supported except some exposure modes;
  4. Other AF Nikkor (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR;
  5. AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR and autofocus;
  6. Non-CPU: Can be used in exposure mode M, but exposure meter does not function; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster.
  7. IX Nikkor Lenses cannot be used.
  1. DX Nikkor: All functions supported;
  2. Type G- or D-AF Nikkor: All functions supported;
  3. Micro Nikkor 85mm F2.8D: All functions supported except some exposure modes;
  4. Other AF Nikkor (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR;
  5. AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR and autofocus;
  6. Non-CPU: Can be used in exposure mode M, but exposure meter does not function; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster.
  7. IX Nikkor Lenses cannot be used.
  1. DX Nikkor: All functions supported;
  2. Type G- or D-AF Nikkor: All functions supported;
  3. Micro Nikkor 85mm F2.8D: All functions supported except some exposure modes;
  4. Other AF Nikkor (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR;
  5. AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR and autofocus;
  6. Non-CPU: Can be used in exposure mode M, but exposure meter does not function; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster.
  7. IX Nikkor Lenses cannot be used.
  1. DX Nikkor: All functions supported;
  2. Type G- or D-AF Nikkor: All functions supported;
  3. Micro Nikkor 85mm F2.8D: All functions supported except some exposure modes;
  4. Other AF Nikkor (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR;
  5. AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR and autofocus;
  6. Non-CPU: Can be used in exposure mode M, but exposure meter does not function; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster.
  7. IX Nikkor Lenses cannot be used.

 

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