CameraReview
CompareCamerasLensesAction CamerasGuides
Nikon D50
28
SCORE
Nikon · DSLR · 6 MP · APS-C

Nikon D50

General 28Optics 34Features and Benefits 10Storage and Battery 51
From $198 — 2 offers
KEY FACTS
BrandNikon
ModelD50
Released2005
Announcement date20/04/2005
Camera typeDSLR

General 28

Brand
Nikon
Model
D50
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2005
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
20/04/2005
Camera type
DSLR
Camera size
133 x 102 x 76 mm
Camera weight
620 g

Optics 34

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
6 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
3008 x 2000
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CCD
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
16 x 24
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-C
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
2.5 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Nikon F DX
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Nikon Image processing engine
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:2
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
20030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
16003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
20030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
16003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
3044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
400080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
50300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
No
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder dots
N/A
Read our notes on optics

The Nikon D50 scores 28/100 in our evaluation. Launched on April 20, 2005, this DSLR camera entered the market with a price tag of $1000. Measuring 133 x 102 x 76mm and weighing 620g, or 1.37lbs, it is a reasonably compact and lightweight option.

However, considering today’s market, the Nikon D50 falls short in terms of modern specifications. Given its age and score, there are more advanced options available to consumers. While it was a solid choice in 2005, it may not be the best option for current photography needs.

Nikon D50 Overview and Optics

The Nikon D50 optics score is 34/100. With 6 megapixels, a shooting speed of 2.5, and a CCD sensor, the camera has basic specifications. The Nikon Image processing engine powers the camera, and its DXOMARK sensor score is 55. The APS-C sensor size and Nikon F DX lens mount are standard features for this camera.

Comparing these specifications to current market standards, the Nikon D50 falls behind. Modern cameras offer higher megapixels, faster shooting speeds, and advanced sensor types. Additionally, the lack of image stabilization and a 3:2 aspect ratio limit the D50’s potential in various shooting scenarios.

Considering the optics, the Nikon D50 is an entry-level camera that may not meet the demands of today’s photography enthusiasts. Its scores and specifications reflect its limitations in comparison to the advanced options available in the market.

Nikon D50 Video Performance

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
No
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
N/A
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
N/A
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
N/A
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
No
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
N/A
Read our notes on nikon d50 video performance

The Nikon D50 lacks video capabilities. This camera only captures still images, not videos.

Nikon D50 Features and Benefits 10

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
Yes
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
No
Screen type
LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size
2"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
1300001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
No
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
No
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Yes
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
No
Read our notes on nikon d50 features and benefits

The Nikon D50 feature score stands at a mere 10/100. The camera possesses a 2-inch screen with a resolution of 130,000 dots, which is significantly lower than current market standards. Furthermore, the Nikon D50 lacks modern enhancements such as a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, and Bluetooth capabilities.

However, it does include WIFI connectivity, allowing users to transfer photos without the need for cables. Despite this advantage, the Nikon D50’s features fall short when compared to contemporary cameras.

The Nikon D50’s limited features make it less appealing to today’s photographers, who expect more advanced technology and convenience. As a result, potential buyers should consider other options with better features to meet their photography needs.

Nikon D50 Storage and Battery 51

Memory card
SD
Dual memory card slots
No
Battery type
EN-EL3
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
2000 shots1505000
USB charging
No
Read our notes on nikon d50 storage and battery

The Nikon D50 scores 51/100 in the storage and battery category. It has a single memory card slot that accepts SD cards, providing adequate but limited storage options. The battery life, with 2000 shots per charge, is quite impressive for a camera of its age. The D50 uses an EN-EL3 battery type, which is reliable and durable. However, it lacks USB charging capabilities, making it less convenient for on-the-go charging.

Given the advancements in today’s camera market, the Nikon D50’s storage and battery specifications are modest. While the battery life is a strong point, the absence of USB charging and limited memory card options may deter modern photographers. The D50 remains a solid choice for casual users, but those seeking cutting-edge features may want to explore newer models.