Nikon D50 DSLR Camera Body, Black {6.1MP}

Nikon D50: The 6MP CCD DSLR That Made SLR Simple

The Nikon D50 pairs a 6.0MP APS-C CCD sensor with a Nikon F mount body built for photographers moving up from point-and-shoot cameras without wanting to wrestle a menu system. It shoots at 2.5 fps, a modest clip that suits deliberate shooting over run-and-gun bursts, and its shutter runs from 30 sec to 1/4000 sec, giving room for both long exposure work and daylight action.

The optical pentamirror viewfinder covers 95% of the frame at 0.75x magnification, a straightforward window for composing that doesn't rely on a rear screen. That 2-inch, 130,000-dot LCD is for review only, since there's no live view, which keeps the shooting experience anchored to the finder the way SLR shooters expect. ISO runs 200 to 1600, native territory for this CCD sensor, and exposure compensation goes to ±5 EV in 1/2 or 1/3 stops for fine-tuning tricky light.

A pop-up flash with 11m range handles fill duty, and the hot shoe accepts external flash units for portrait and event work needing more punch. Aperture and shutter priority modes are both onboard, along with full manual focus control, so the D50 covers the core exposure modes a photographer learning the craft actually uses. RAW capture is included alongside three JPEG quality tiers, giving a workflow choice between speed and post-processing latitude. At 620g, it's a body you carry all day without complaint.

Who It's For

Photographers stepping up from compact cameras find a straightforward path here: aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual sit alongside RAW capture for learning exposure without a steep menu curve. Landscape shooters get a 30 sec minimum shutter speed for long exposures and a 3:2 sensor at 6.0MP suited to large prints at moderate sizes. Family and event photographers benefit from the built-in 11m pop-up flash plus hot-shoe compatibility for external units, and the 2.5 fps burst rate is enough for casual action like kids or gatherings. Anyone building a Nikon F mount kit also gains a body that pairs with the broader Nikon lens lineup through native compatibility.

Key Features

• 6.0MP APS-C CCD sensor with 1.5x crop factor
• Optical pentamirror viewfinder, 95% coverage at 0.75x magnification
• Shutter speed 30 sec to 1/4000 sec for long exposure and daylight action
• 2.5 fps burst rate for deliberate single-frame shooting
• ISO 200–1600 native range with ±5 EV exposure compensation
• Aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual exposure modes
• Pop-up flash with 11m range plus hot shoe for external flash
• RAW capture plus three JPEG quality tiers

FAQ

What sensor does the D50 use?

A 6.0MP APS-C CCD sensor with a 1.5x crop factor. It captures in three JPEG quality levels or RAW, giving you flexibility between fast card write times and post-processing latitude.

Is the D50 good for learning manual exposure?

Yes. It has full manual mode, aperture priority, and shutter priority, plus exposure compensation out to ±5 EV in 1/2 or 1/3 stop increments. The optical viewfinder and straightforward menu are built for deliberate shooting without overwhelming options.

Can you use the D50 for fast action or sports?

Not its strong suit. The 2.5 fps burst rate suits deliberate shooting more than run-and-gun work. The shutter does reach 1/4000 sec for daylight action, but the camera is designed for photographers who frame one shot at a time.

What's the viewfinder like on the D50?

It's an optical pentamirror covering 95% of the frame at 0.75x magnification. It's a straightforward window for composing without the battery drain of live view, which keeps you anchored to the finder the way SLR shooters expect.

Does it have a rear screen?

Yes, a 2-inch LCD with 130,000 dots for review only. There's no live view, so the screen is for checking your shots after you take them, not for composing on.

What flash options are available?

There's a pop-up flash with an 11m range for fill work, and a hot shoe for external flash units like Speedlights for portrait and event shooting that needs more punch.

How heavy is the D50?

620g body only, making it comfortable to carry all day without complaint.