zerodk's Full Review: Nikon D50 Digital Camera with 18-55mm Lens
Before going on to the review, a key in whether or not this camera is right for you is whether you need an SLR. I've owned several digital cameras before. I love my Olympus C-3040 when I bought it a few years back for great automatic function and the ability to control some things manually. I'm less fond of the small Casio because it is lacking some essential photo functions but its advantage lies in small size and ability to capture decent pictures in bright light. Those are good cameras for what they are designed for but I'm now at a point of my photographic career that I need something that has
- "no" lag time when I snap pictures (something I hate the most on my Olympus)
- ability to add accessories – external flash, lens, etc
- wider range of manual control while still easy to take pictures when you pick it up without resorting to the manual
- quick start up time
- metered flash so the subjects do not get blown out by the flash
- low cost
After some researching, an SLR is the only kind that fits the criteria. All tend to have quick start up time, virtually no lag when snapping pictures and the camera storing them, and the widest range of controls one would need. Cost of entry is significantly higher but with the introduction of the new range of low end models, they are becoming very affordable. Accessories can be expensive too but at least a lot can be reused in future upgrades. However, you do lose the ability to take shots with the LCD screen (they still has one but only for reviewing the pictures after) so you can rely on the viewfinder (with people who don’t know much about SLR, that may seem like a step back….more on that in a bit) and you will be carrying significant bulk and weight (especially with the optional lens and flashes).
If those advantages suit you and the disadvantages don’t turn you off, please read on.
Among its peers, Nikon D50 is a relatively new entry into the market, only available for about 6 months. I picked mine up around July last year and it has made a strong impression on me. After playing around with it and taking it to Europe on a trip with me, I have the following observations.
The picture quality is simply stunning. I have printed a quite a few pictures at 8x12 and they looked spectacular. I also have taken some indoor shots with flash with a bunch of people and unbeknownst to me, it was printed out (on a B&W laser) on just plain white paper and the quality is still very nice. The only thing I don't like is that the AutoFocus sometimes hunt a bit before finding the focus point but it's not to the point that it is annoying.
The included lens in the kit is pretty basic at 18-55mm but does pretty everything you ask it to. The plastic construction seems a bit cheap (except for the metal mount) but a sturdier construction also means added bulk and weight. The range is also a bit smaller than the one included in the D70/D70s kit but if you are like me, neither has enough range (more of that later). Another lens is also designed for the D50 – 55-200mm zoom lens. Again, more on that later. Both lens are digital lens so the aperture to controlled in camera - one less thing to worry about
Operations tend to be on the user friendly side. There are preset modes for shooting under different conditions and even the auto mode. However, I find the auto mode is good for the non-sophisticated user only because in the indoor conditions, the flash almost always pops up and you get the dreaded harsh “flash” on the pictures. There are slow and rear flash modes to compensate for this and they are available in other modes. I find that I tend to leave the camera to A or P mode. People seems to make a big deal with the lack of DOP button but after coming off other digital cameras, I find I can easily compensate for it but snapping the picture and looking at the LCD screen. It is crude but it works for me.
Ease of travel is certainly not a strong point. Depending on the lens you carry, it can weigh quite a bit. On my travel to Europe, I had a snug fit camera bag and an optional 28-200mm Nikkor lens. It provides a good range even though it is a bit lacking at Wide Angle but it is very reasonably priced. It also minimize the frequency of lens changes that is required if different focal lengths are desired. I now need a 12-24mm WA and a macro lens to have pretty much the whole range covered but they are both quite expensive so they will have to wait. There is a kit accessory lens available with the range 55-200mm so it complements with the kit lens; however, you do have to change lens if you vary focal lengths. I prefer the one lens does everything approach because it is far easier, involves carrying less items, and avoid introducing dust onto sensor.
Dust is something you pretty can’t avoid if you do any lens changes so I’d recommend a good sensor cleaning kit as well. I’d recommend against sending the camera into Nikon for dust removal because I have heard the techs sometimes introduce more dust to the sensor. You are much better off learning how to do it properly. The product I use is called SensorSwipe and it works great.
Before purchasing the D50, I was also considering the Canon Rebel EOS 350D because they have similar target market. However, despite the higher resolution it offers (8M) and the backlight availability, I simply didn’t like the feel of the camera. The handle is smaller and tighter to the lens so while I don’t have “thick” fingers, they are quite compressed and I don’t feel I have a good comfortable grip. Also, the unit I was testing wasn’t able to focus properly so I wasn’t too impressed with it. The D50 uses SD care while the 350D uses CF; you may wish to go with the brand that can use your existing card. I personally feel that the SD is substantially smaller than CF that SD will win out eventually. Plus, you can use SD in a lot more other gadgets (PDAs, Camcorder, etc) than CF.
If you are thinking of either the D50 or the 350D, I don’t think you can go wrong with either camera; if you have old lens of either brand, the decision is pretty easy. The rest of the competition also has some interesting products but they tend to lack some significant feature while costing about the same. What it comes down to is which camera you physically like and which brand of camera lens you prefer. This way, you can upgrade your camera in the future without paying for more accessories. I’m very happy with my purchase and if I was to do it all over again, I may consider buying the body only and purchasing the lens separately; however, since I may not be buying the wide angle lens any time soon, the extra wide angle on the kit lens does come in handy
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 899 This Camera is a Good Choice if You Want Something... Flexible Enough for Enthusiasts
6.1-megapixel sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints Compatible with AF and DX Nikkor lenses; kit includes 18-55mm f3.5-5...More at Amazon Marketplace
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