Nikon D50 review

I have been asked for a long time to review the Nikon D50. Behind provided by camera Nikon D50 body many thanks to Denis K.

Nikon D50 body review

Nikon D50 body review

The Nikon D50 is a very old camera, released back in early 2005. The camera from this review is more than 8 years old, which is a whole era by the standards of digital technology. Nikon D50 is a very interesting historical milestone in camera industry - this is the first and last Amateur Nikon Camera (as opposed to advanced amateur cameras) with an additional monochrome display and focusing motor. In the future, the entire range of amateur cameras, starting with the successor Nikon D50 - Nikon D40 and ending Nikon D5200devoid of monochrome display and focus motor. It would be very nice if in Nikon D40 only the display was removed, but the focus motor was left, then the younger line of Nikon cameras would have full compatibility with all autofocus lenses.

Example photo on the Nikon D50. BB Shadow

Shadows in the forest. Example photo on the Nikon D50. White balance 'Shadow'

If you ask why the Nikon D50 is not advanced amateur camera, then everything is simple here - the camera is cut in terms of its functionality. First of all, Nikon D50 lacks an additional selector - a dial under the index finger, which is responsible for controlling the aperture. Also Nikon D50 has no depth of field preview buttons and FN buttons, no monochrome display backlight and no protective cover for the main display. Of course, the Nikon D50 doesn't have very useful flash modes - remote external flash control and regime high speed sync... In general, Nikon D50 is something in between Nikon D70 и Nikon D40.

Example photo at D50

Example photo at D50

Nikon D50 uses ISO from 200 to 1600. In Nikon D50 it is possible to use auto ISO functionin the camera menu maximum sensitivity cannot be set ISO for this function, and the most short shutter speedwhich can be set in the menu auto ISO is only 1/125 of a second. Manually set only 4 ISO values: 200, 400, 800, 1600. The old Nikon D50 does not show the best results at high ISO values. I'd like to add - it's very bad that Nikon D50 and Nikon D40who cannot use ISO 100 is set to a minimum excerpt shutter 1/4000 second. Because of this trifle, it is not always convenient to work with fast lenses in good light. But the minimum excerpt flash sync is 1 / 500s - a very good feature of Nikon D50 cameras, D40, D70, D70s.

Example photo on Nikon D50

Wild grapes. Example photo on Nikon D50

Nikon D50 uses a 6MP sensor, which makes it possible to take pictures up to 3008 * 2000 pixels. 'Large'' pixels of old Nikon cameras first generation have their own unique charm. In general, based on the matrix installed in the Nikon D50, Nikon has released several cameras: Nikon D70, D70s, D40 and D50. It should be noted that the software imaging on these cameras is different, because cameras can give slightly different images, even with identical settings in the menu. But, as my practice shows, the image quality from these cameras is almost the same. Now cameras from this five can be used. for a very modest price. Nikon D100 although it has the same 6MP, but it uses a slightly different sensor to form the image (details in the review Nikon D100).

Example photo on Nikon D50

Under cover. Example photo on Nikon D50

Nikon D50 and Nikon D40 Are Nikon's slowest DLCs, they can shoot at a maximum of 2.5 frames per second. This speed has never been a problem for me. And here frame buffer the camera is small:

  • 4 RAW pictures with the shutdown function turned off, slow shutter noise reduction
  • 3 RAW images with slow shutter noise reduction enabled
  • 9 JPEG images with slow shutter noise reduction turned off
  • 7 JPEG image with long exposure noise reduction enabled
  • 4 RAW + JPEG shots with long exposure noise reduction turned off
  • 3 RAW + JPEG shots with slow shutter noise reduction enabled
  • 49 frames in format JPEG Basic s
  • in demo mode (without a memory card) 40 photos are always placed, which is typical for many Nikon cameras (isn't it strange?).

Frame buffer Nikon D50 is almost no different from models D70, D70s, D100, D40. As a result, Nikon D50 has practically the lowest performance among all the CZK Nikon.

Example photo on Nikon D50

Example photo on the Nikon D50. Spider on the web.

The Nikon D50 was first installed with a 420 pixel RGB sensor for metering exposure. The same sensor was then installed on a huge number of Nikon cameras. The list can be found in the section on Nikon camera metering methods. Amateur Nikon D50 is not able to work in semi-automatic modes with the old unchipped (manual) optics, only in the 'M' mode. The focusing system is the same as that of Nikon D70, D70s, D100, built on the basis of the module Multi-cam 900. 5 point focusing system the Nikon D50 is much more convenient than the 3-point Nikon D40, D60 и D40x.

Example photo on Nikon D50

Autumn is not only weddings :) Sample photo on Nikon D50

Important notes on the Nikon D50:

  1. The Nikon D50 can use batteries from Nikon D100, D70, D70s, D80, D90, D200, D700, D300, D300sbut not vice versa.
  2. The camera has no image enhancement features such as A-Dlighting, aberration control, distortion control, vignetting control, HDR, etc. This is a problem for shooters in JPEG format. Of course, there is no video recording in such an old camera. I am writing about video shooting, since now many people are sure that if you have a SLR camera in your hands, then it should not just shoot video, but at least play guitar and download movies :)
  3. The central joystick of the camera does not have a central 'OK' button. The same inconvenience is observed in Nikon D80, D70, D70s.
  4. To switch between AF-S, AF-A и AF-C You need to pick your menu.
  5. The camera cannot shoot in RAW + JPEG Fine mode, but only RAW + JPEG Basic. Nikon D40, D70 have the same sore, D70s.
  6. Unlike Nikon D100, D70, D70s, the Nikon D50 has a Russian-language menu.
  7. Nikon D50 supports only cards SD up to 2 GB (SD 1.0). To write this review I had to buy a 2GB card :(
  8. The camera has a function bracketing exposure.
  9. RAW files do not have compression settings and only support 12-bit color depthwhile RAW is stored in compressed form.
  10. The camera can be controlled remotely using a simple remote control Nikon ML-L3.
  11. You can find the Nikon D50 in a silver case.
  12. In focus mode AF-C the camera is in focus priority and you can take a picture at any time only in manual focus mode.
  13. The Nikon D50 uses a 2-inch 130.000-pixel display, the same as the Nikon D70s. The display is really small and not suitable for viewing the footage.
  14. The camera from this view was made in Thailand. The build is not bad. First-generation cameras last a very long time and sometimes even 'unkillable'.
Example photo on Nikon D50

Color rendering. Example photo on Nikon D50

Sample Photos

Sample photos on Nikon D50

Sample photos on Nikon D50

Sample photos on Nikon D50

Sample photos on Nikon D50

Sample photos on Nikon D50

Sample photos on Nikon D50

You can download the original photos. at this link.

More examples of photos on the Nikon D50 can be found in the lens overview:

Personal experience

The camera often has serious white balance misses. When I was looking for a simple travel camera that I was not sorry to use in any environment, I settled on the Nikon D40 because of its light weight, 'normal' display and support for SDHC memory cards. One 32GB SDHC with Nikon D40 was enough for more than 2 weeks of travel. The Nikon D50, on the other hand, does not support capacious memory cards, has a small display and is heavier than the Nikon D40. Still, the Nikon D50 is a very pretty camera. Now it can be bought for only 150-200 USD, and for another 100 USD. to take Nikon 50mm f / 1.8D AF Nikkor and shoot for your pleasure. Due to the fact that older cameras such as the Nikon D50 have very little functionality and few of the different 'mind-boggling settings' found in modern digital control centers, these cameras are very interesting to use. When shooting, you pay more attention to the shot itself than to the camera settings.

Example photo on Nikon D50

In the woods. Example photo on Nikon D50

Prices for modern Nikon cameras in popular stores can look at this link.

Conclusions:

Nowadays, the Nikon D50 is a morally obsolete camera with very poor functionality. The camera attracts attention only focus motor and the presence of an additional display with quick setup of some parameters. A serious drawback is the small display and the small ISO sensitivity range. Well, there’s no reason to demand more from an old Nikon D50. In any case, even with the Nikon D50 you can get great pictures, because the main thing is to want to take pictures. I advise you to look at the page recommendations for choosing an amateur Nikon camera.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

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Comments: 217, on the topic: Review of Nikon D50

  • Andrew

    Maybe someone will be interested in how I use it for timelaps. This is my first DSLR, after going through a bunch of cameras, I left myself a Nikon D600 and D7000 and bought a D50 again. The camera is simple and takes 1000 frames from one battery charge. I bought it for time lapses. Since she does not have a timer, it got out so that it can be connected via USB to a laptop and she will throw all the pictures there. I used the Nikon Capture program (in my opinion), you can roll it from the rutracker. Now I also found a program for android and now you can put a tablet next to it with an IR transmitter (my samsung galaxy tab 3) and the camera takes pictures with a timer on the card. I use Sd mini 2gb memory card with an adapter. In raw, however, only 250 frames fit. But it takes up little space. If Nikon 600 is shot at 250 x 24 = 6 - 8 GB versus 2. The dynamic range is normal for light tasks.

    • Andrew

      I also wanted to add, I found the DSLR Dashboard prog for androd (free) and so, with it you can connect to the camera and shoot timelaps via a USB cable. With new cameras, you can watch liveview directly on the big screen of a tablet or phone and control the camera. Convenient for macro photography. It's nice to make old devices with modern technology :)

      • Alexander

        When connecting the D50 to a smartphone, can I watch LiveView?

        • Arkady Shapoval

          You can not.

  • Diselkaka

    More recently, in the secondary market I bought this camera and immediately fell in love with it. Honestly, I did not expect such amazing shots from her! I admit I could not believe my eyes when I saw super high-quality pictures! I think this is due to the CCD matrix and the bold pixel. I am very sorry that this camera is discontinued!

  • anonym

    I have a d50 since September 2006, I rent a lot. I'm going to take the D7100, but I’ll leave the d50 I’ve never let down.

  • ira

    Guys wash! I want to buy it for a start! Is it worth it?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      better than the Nikon D80, not particularly expensive, but there will be more joy with it)

  • Igor

    I'm going to buy a D50, although I have a D5100. Need a second camera, and also attracts a screwdriver and bold pixels. The question arose: is it possible to remove the card on the D50 and RAV, rearrange the card on the D5100 and convert the picture to Jeep. At D5100, this program helps a lot.

  • anonym

    The device is interesting. I bought the other day, it showed itself better in the manual mode. There is a good function: on the display, when the image is displayed, the flash zones flash. One drawback, autofocus does not work well, it’s better to work with such a camera slowly.

  • Victor

    The other day I bought a d50-ku for 500 rubles. I repaired for 2500 rubles a pofotal at ISO 800 and was stunned by the quality: there is no noise! sharpness - razor! and colors! After my 3200th humor, the manufacturers did not understand the camera for 10 years, but it shoots better than modern ones! in short, then only obscene words addressed to modern manufacturers ...

    • Ruslan

      ccd matrix d50 gives a very juicy picture. The quality of the photo for printing photos up to A4 is simply amazing. and this camera has been letting me down for almost 10 years and has never failed (I just removed the rubber band under my thumb and the blanking plate on the side. even when I buy something new I will leave it to myself as an artifact as a keepsake.

  • Valery A.

    Igor from 22.11.2014/50/5100, did you buy the D50? What are the impressions? I am facing the same dilemma: 55> 200. I also read that on budget zooms like 50-XNUMX, the XNUMX's picture is better.

  • Jury

    I had this for 2 years. what to say, by modern standards the camera is hopelessly outdated. what bothered me especially was autofocus. very primitive, JVI small, dark, autofocus zones are large, what the camera focused on - it will be clear only when viewed on a computer. almost nothing is visible on the camera screen. the pictures are juicy - yes, but they cannot be called sharp. DD is small. there are "nishtyaks" in the form of an additional screen, a screwdriver, a flash sync extension 1/500, but they are not able to cover its shortcomings.

  • Sergei

    is there a video shooting in this camera, but I can’t find it in any way

    • Arkady Shapoval

      D50 video does not shoot

  • Vyacheslav

    I bought it today - for 2000r - two thousand!) In the whale kit - everything works) I have a d800 - but I couldn't resist got it for the price of a battery ... I tried it on fixes 24 \ 2.8 and 35 \ 2.0D - it works gorgeous ... the colors are beautiful ... the matrix is ​​current I had to clean it of dust ... I will indulge in - take it for walks with a fix - d800 ush is painfully hard (

    • Valery A.

      I bought this unit yesterday, with 37K mileage, for 5tr. I saw my comment here exactly (!) A year ago. I noticed that D50 - as a reduced copy of D200, is very similar! The functionality, of course, is poorer, but you can shoot for your own pleasure. I took it from behind a screwdriver and a matrix, for walking on a fine day, I think that's the thing.

    • anonym

      at what, Yaroslavl?

      • Vyacheslav

        Yes, this is Yaroslavl - I compared d50 and d7100 in combat conditions at high ISO ... almost parity in noise even taking into account the downsize of the latter up to 6MP ... try to please yourself where 50 is where 7100 (ISO 800)

        • BB

          D50 did not hold in hands.
          But just recently we filmed with a friend in the same conditions - D90 and D7100: ISO 1250 on the first gives about the same noise as Iso 2000 on the second. This is about intra-camera JPEG, with noise reduction in the 'Normal' mode. We came to the conclusion that on the D90 the maximum working Iso can be considered 1600, and on the D7100 - 2500, if higher, the nature of the noise changes, color spots appear, the color rendition is distorted.

          • Vyacheslav

            I had a year d90 - in the shadows, noise and posterization from ISO 800 is already strongly noticeable d50 in my opinion is better - I tried many cameras and up to d7000, in general, all the time I regretted selling d40 (((so when the case turned up - I ran at 7 am for d50M)) 6MP SSD - according to the ratio of color and noise - the best ... among the SDS and up to the 7000 series, but the color of the norms became more and more current in 7100 - and this is far from 2 thousand rubles)

            I took this old man in a pair to d800 for commercial filming - the customer does not see the difference vabshche - after processing in the same style between the cameras -) it is clear that you can not always afford it in professional work - but even so ...

            Another example with d50.

        • R'RёS,R ° F "RёR№

          Upper on the D50 and lower D7100, right?

  • Vladimir

    Tell me please…. On d50 there is a function to raise the mirror, when activated, the mirror rises to clean the matrix. But here's the problem, sometimes, when shooting, the shutter freezes (without preliminary activation of the specified function) and when the shutter button is pressed all the way down, a triple shutter shot occurs, as a result, the photo is not recorded on the memory card. The next time you press (by the way, focusing works) again - the shutter freezes and to lower it you need to press the shutter button again all the way, as a result, again a triple click of the shutter and no photo. What is the problem?

    • Ivan

      By the way, the next time you press the shutter shot, it won’t record without preliminary function? Or does the matrix rise?

      • Vladimir

        Ivan, is it possible for a more specific question?

  • Oleg

    Wonderful camera. I own it for 11 years, even the native battery holds for a long time, but it is outdated morally and functionally, but it removes well, especially on fixes.

    • anonym

      The same story. A lightweight, compact device, and did not look for a replacement. Working with the d50 is a real pleasure)

  • anonym

    And where can I buy an SD card on it, I sowed an old 2GB one somewhere, but there aren’t any in the stores.

    • KalekseyG

      look at online flea markets in your region, they sell a lot

    • Robert

      2 gb works for me sdhc

  • Robert

    Dear experts, do not tell me:
    I have a Nikon d50 should I switch to Sony a200 - they just offer it for a small amount, or is it Nikon after all
    and also on nikon there is 35-80 mm version 1 - if I take 18-55 and 55-200 it will be fine

    • KalekseyG

      And what is the point of changing to this Sonya? What do you get? If you shoot portraits during the day, you will lose the flash by 1/500, with 1/4000 not matched. Himself for her took the D40.

      • Robert

        it turns out they are on the idea of ​​a camera of the same level, despite Sony's 10.2 mpx

        • KalekseyG

          Yes, better save up for a serious device. Or fix take light.

    • Pastor

      I would not change. If only as a second camera for the sake of interest for comparison. The Nikon 18-55BR2 will be a great lens. Sharp, small in size and wide angle will be.

      • Robert

        thank you

  • anonym

    Connoisseurs, tell me please, does it make sense to buy a Nikon Speedlight SB-50DX flash to this camera?

    • Jury

      Don't take this junk for the D50 - better get the SB-300 or SB-400.

  • Diana

    please advise a lens for portraiture on this camera, several options are better
    I will be very grateful

    • KalekseyG

      Yes, like Arkady has articles about IT, you can read.

  • Vlad

    The camera is nice, the design is practically not outdated. Classic. Photos, ate to increase by 50 percent. Give sharpenes - we will get modern nikon - soap dishes for at least 25 thousand. The battery keeps the camera in standby mode, I don't know ... Six months! There is a camera for itself and forgot where the charger is. I took a few shots and snapped it again, and I don't think whether it is empty or not. Now my plastic is gone. The batteries are weak, too much hung on the cameras. And this one is heavy and knocked down, comfortable. It's a pity, time passes, but raw is almost two jpegs.

  • Maksim

    I have had this camera for over 10 years. Only positive impressions. If I buy a new one, the D50 will remain as a true friend.

  • Lana

    Arkady, hello!
    Help me figure it out - will the Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f / 1.8D lens work in autofocus mode on the D50?
    I want to return to it, the mileage is only 7500, and a motor flew in the whale lens. I want a budget 50-k, but the information from the sellers is contradictory about the full-fledged operation of this lens on the D50, it’s too old the camera)

    • KalekseyG

      There will be any autofocus version, with and without a motor. The d50 has its own motor, because af lenses work.

    • AL

      Will work great. I myself have a D50 and 50mm 1.8D. What kind of mediocrity sellers are there? )))
      “Old” in the concept of a camera is the definition of marketers. There are only workers and non-workers :)

      • Vania

        Well, Nikon's not only marketers. "New" af-p lenses, as I understand it, do not autofocus on "old" cameras. Moreover, the threshold of "novelty" of the camera is in the region of 2013, or rather offhand I do not remember.
        It is, as it were, quite working, but not quite.

      • anonym

        That is, you have such a lens working with all its functionality and autofocus? Sellers are just trash, boys who haven't even heard of the D50 ...
        Thanks for the help!

        • Denis

          boys are never antique dealers

  • Anna

    Hey. Today I acquired such a camera with my hands. Question about the memory card, I have a Transcent SDHC 4 GB card. Do not know if the same will fit, only 2 GB ???

    • Anna

      My 4GB card did not fit

    • KalekseyG

      No. Only up to 2GB. One of the fat cons D50

      • KalekseyG

        In the sense of no more than 2GB, 2 limit.

  • Alexey

    This camera only works with memory cards no more than 2GB

    • Robert

      Sd card ra 4 gb, only sd not sdhc, those do not work, at the very same kgb sd

  • Alexander

    Hello! Please tell me what the problem is: there is a D50 camera, I wanted to put an autofocus lens (I used a manual lens before) and noticed that the aperture is set only with the maximum number for the selected FR (i.e., at FR 28 mm - 3,5; at 80 mm - 6). Thank you in advance.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Good day. Which lens? The maximum open aperture for zoom lenses with variable aperture always depends on the focal length.

      • Alexander

        Sigma 28-80, f3,5 / 5,6 Makro lens. The problem is that in manual mode, I can not adjust the aperture to any value other than the minimum on the selected FR.

        • Arkady Shapoval

          Most likely this is due to the fact that the lens is from a third-party manufacturer. There is incompatibility, for example, including that at 80mm the maximum aperture is F / 6, not F / 5.6. Also specify in the aperture priority mode (mode A) to set other aperture values ​​is obtained?

          • Alexander

            I tried, in mode A the same

            • Arkady Shapoval

              This means the incompatibility of a third-party lens. It happens.

              • Alexander

                Thanks for the answer. Will have to use as is

  • Varya

    I can not choose between Sony a390 cameras and Nikon d50 + Nikkor 18-55 mm. Tell me which is better

  • Vladimir

    Good afternoon, Arkady. I am pleased to read your articles and reviews, I am very glad that they are written in simple language, accessible for a beginner and not particularly overloaded with terms. I actually have a question for you and the owners of Nikon D50, are there any extraneous sounds in the camera, such as a screw dangling somewhere in the bowels? after a fall, it does not turn on at all and does not show a single symbol on any display ... Who could you recommend for repair? Thank you very much for any help ..

    • Vitali

      I have such a sound, it resembles a ball rolling, I don’t remember who I don’t know whether it is true or not. I was explained that this is a gyroscope, so the camera determines whether it is vertical or horizontal, this answer calmed me and now I don’t worry about this sound d50 I have more than 10 years

      • Valery A.

        Mine has a barely audible knock during longitudinal rocking (around the axis of the lens), probably a part of the shutter or mirror. He shook d200, something similar, d3000 - the same with lateral swing. Surprised by the assumption of a gyroscope, it is unlikely that it is there, because its effect does not manifest itself in any way, in cameras with displaying information on the base. the display, starting from d3000, when turning vertically, the inscriptions also rotate, the p7000 culpix has the function of showing the level on the screen at all, while the d50 does not. More about sounds, I have an 18-55 ED II (not VR), with obvious traces of autopsy (perhaps with a can opener), it rattles when you just lower your hand with a photo down, but the picture is sharp throughout the field, contrasting, saturated colors (it's not about setting up piccha control), the best whale that I have.

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