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Review: Nikon D50 digital SLR camera - I have splashed out on compact digital cameras from when they were just coming out to just last year and have been hugely disappointed with the results they produce compared to my old film SLRs. Compared to the 35mm film format, which is at its pinnacle with regards to picture quality, the digital camera is still catching up and this year in particular the pixel count for the compact digital has been climbing-per month!! So why did I decide to get the D50? I saw the pictures it produced and was amazed!! It was really a decision between the D50 and the D70 really (having had Nikon AF film SLRs already-most lenses are compatible!!). And you know what?For me, a keen but enthusiast-level photographer the D50 hits all the right buttons. Admittedly the D70 comes with a better lens in its kit but the 18-55mm lens included with the D50 isn't to be laughed at.It's compact and lightweight and gives images with more than enough punch.Plus it's approximately £240 cheaper than the D70!! The layout of the functions couldn't be simpler-there are dedicated buttons for bracketing, ISO settings, WB and play mode to view pictures. There is also the great option of deleting photos with a button rather than trawling through the menu. The D50 fits comfortably in your hand and is light without feeling cheap. If you can live without a depth of field preview button, no backlit display ( a bit of a pity but manageable), no LCD display cover (apply a protective sticker like I did) and of course the different lens, go for the D70. The D50 takes the smaller SD card for memory storage and I recommend amazon's 1 GB 66x bytestar SD card which has proven reliable and takes more than 300 fine 6MP images. Outstanding points for the D50- Almost immediate point and shootability once switched on; lightweight but robust; simple menu; accessible buttons; amazing battery life; excellent picture quality; great set of preset modes ie portrait,child,landscape,night and sport; amazing range of continuous shoot mode and rapid card-writing time. Whilst the built-in flash is more than adequate for everyday shots, I do recommend the Sigma or Nikon external flashes especially for indoor shots with 'bounced' light-the results are amazing. And last but not least, being a D-SLR, you can really invest in some quality lenses in future. You really can't go wrong with the D50!!--Oh and amazon's price was the cheapest all round last month when Nikon.co.uk had its £50 cashback offer! Tip- I think the black kit looks much more professional... | 
Digital Cameras
