ProductCritic: Nikon D50 Reviews

PC Mag (100)

For photographers yearning to get their hands on an entry-level D-SLR, the D50 is the best choice. It’s simply a delightful camera to shoot with.

Digital Camera Magazine (100)

However what is most impressive about the D50 is the supreme image quality the shots are bright and stand out. It maybe made of plastic but its really solid and excellent for the money.

Megapixel.net (95)

Positives: Excellent image quality.Excellent metering. Reasonably priced. All the basic modes plus scene modes. Good build quality. Fast to start and shoot. Fast AF. USB 2.0 Hi-Speed. Negatives: No back light on control panel. Single Command Dial. No grid lines on viewfinder.

Digital Photography Review (95)

I’m quite happy to give the D50 our highest rating, Highly Recommended, there’s little to dislike and for anyone looking for an affordable digital SLR it has to be seriously considered. My only advice would be to research lenses and decide if you want to go with the Kit or spend a little more on a slightly better lens.

Imaging Resource (93)

Bottom line, the Nikon D50 is just an excellent match for the aforementioned “family photographer,” or for anyone wanting exceptional value in an entry-level digital SLR. This is a camera that will get you started in the world of d-SLRs at an affordable price, but one that will also give you plenty of room to grow over the years, as your skills mature.

ModSynergy.com (92)

I like the Nikon D50 a lot. I am satisfied with my purchase and have no regrets in spending over a thousand dollars on this camera. All in all the Nikon D50 will surely bring lots of people more within reach into the world of DSLR photography.

PhotographyREVIEW (91)

The Nikon D50 lives up to its promises and is a quality camera inside and out. I am a control freak and giving up some control for the sake of automation had me worried. Needless to say, the results speak for themselves and I am very impressed. And I wouldn’t hesitate to buy the D50 for a travel or vacation camera.

Pocket-lint (90)

The D50 represents an ideal D-SLR for those first time D-SLR buyers on a more modest budget. Image quality, handling, responsiveness and key features strike an excellent balance, and while the D50 lacks some of the more advanced bits of the D70s, it is no slouch and so should be at the top of – or at the very least – near the very the top of your list if your in the market for such a camera.

Good Gear Guide (90)

The Nikon D50 is a bargain in the under $2000 range with image quality comparable to 8 megapixel models, brilliant battery life and a reasonable set of features.

DPexpert (90)

This is a decision made easier if the buyer already has lenses for one or the other system, in which case there is no contest. But for those starting from scratch it is a hard one.

Photography Blog (90)

Ultimately the Nikon D50 provides almost everything that most photographers need in a camera (digital or otherwise), whilst delivering great ease of use and very impressive image quality. Highly recommended if you are looking to buy your first digital SLR camera.

Digital Camera Resource Page (90)

Trying to decide between the D50 and the Rebel XT? First, if you have a sizable investment in lenses I’d just stick with the manufacturer of said lenses. Just starting out? Then it becomes more difficult. While the Rebel wins in terms of resolution and features, I much prefer the design of the D50. Both perform very well and each takes high quality photos, though the photographer matters more than the camera, in my opinion. You can’t really go wrong with either camera, so it comes down to personal preference.

Shutterbug (88)

Both novices and some photo enthusiasts will love the Nikon D50 for its versatility, speed, and reliability. Others will gladly pay extra for the larger D70s in order to get slightly more rugged construction and specific extra features that they consider essential. There’s really no wrong decision but the D50 clearly offers maximum value for the money. On the other hand, the D70s is more of a serious shooter’s camera that will expand to meet new needs and pay dividends for a willingness to experiment with additional capabilities.

ePhotoZine (85)

I found it a little difficult to get used to the smaller size and weight of the D50, but found the controls well laid out. The size and weight of the camera can be seen as both a positive and a negative point, depending on the user. Both viewfinder and rear LCD display are clear and bright. The kit lens supplied was the 18-55mm and gave good results. I was impressed by the quality of the camera; I expected a lot less for an entry level DSLR.

Computer Shopper (83)

The D50 feels solid and expensive, with an exemplary build and finish. It’s easy to use and takes superb photos even before you have mastered the full gamut of controls.

Digital Camera Info (81)

While the gap between the D50 and the D70s is substantial, the advantages of the D70s probably will not be worth $300 to most new DSLR users – they provide very comparable introductions to SLR photography.

Computer Buyer (80)

Nikon’s D50 is a budget-friendly SLR. It doesn’t have the highest resolution, but it’s great to use.

vnunet.com (80)

If you want more control over your images than your digital compact currently allows, or simply want to take more professional pictures, then the D50 delivers on all counts.

ThinkCamera (80)

I like this camera more than I expected to, given that it is an entry-level offering and my normal workhorse is a D2X, which is hardly a fair comparison. It is easy to use as an SLR, giving good control and produces good quality images. In any case, most of my dislikes were generally solved using the options provided within the menu

Maximum PC (80)

With a mirror lock-up feature, and a better viewfinder, this would be a Kick Ass camera, without a doubt.

Let's Go Digital (80)

All in all the Nikon D50 is an excellent digital SLR camera. Ideal for those who have outgrown their compact camera or for those who want to take their first steps into digital photography. The Nikon D50 may be a so-called entry level model; nevertheless it offers the user almost everything.

bythom.com (80)

An excellent choice for the amateur photographer, with some surprising abilities.

Trusted Reviews (80)

The D50 kit is a mixed bag. On the one hand it is a truly affordable, easy-to-use digital SLR that offers an entry point into the huge Nikon system. It is well designed, well made and performs admirably. On the other hand it has a sub-par lens and some problems with image quality.

MacAddict (80)

The bottom line. If you’re looking to jump into digital SLR photography, the D50 is a good place to begin the leap

Steve's Digicams (80)

The D50 is a worthy competitor in the dSLR market. It is more responsive and flexible than the Canon Digital Rebel, but its performance lags the Nikon D70 and Canon’s Digital Rebel XT, and it falls 2-megapixels short of the XT’s 8-megapixel resolution.

CNET (76)

Performance and features that rival those of more expensive digital SLR cameras make the 6-megapixel Nikon D50 one of the best entry-level options.

About (70)

I like this camera, but would not recommend it to anyone who enjoys using manual controls due to the difficulties adjusting camera settings while taking photos. For these photographers, there are other cameras that are easier to use.

For photographers who are looking for the advantage of digital SLR but don’t want to use all the manual settings, this is a fantastic camera.

Business Week (70)

Excellent entry-level SLR; pros and serious amateurs should consider splurging on a higher-end lens.