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(More customer reviews)First of all, I must admit that this is only my third digital camera, and first digital SLR. But it isn't my first SLR ... I have used a Canon Elan IIE for a number of years, and trust me, that camera is no slouch.
But enough about me ... the D50 is the real star of the show! I have had the camera (along with the standard lens included with the kit) and so far I am extremely happy. I purchased it just in time to capture some photos of my new neice, and my family swears that the pictures that I was just casually snapping at the hospital look like they are professional portaits. Granted, some of my family members ... well, their necks are pretty tan, if you know what I mean, but you get the point. The camera has a slew of modes that are ideally suited to your subject (portraits, action, etc etc), and they do a great job of making all of the fine adjustments that improve the overall quality of the photo for the non-experts. But this camera has varying levels of automation to where you would practically require a photography degree to get your picture. My skills are somewhere in between, but trust me, if you are an absolutely beginner, in 5 minutes you can be taking photos that are 99% of the quality that a pro with a $5000 setup would take. Now you might need to snap a few dozen shots to get just one that is amazing, but that is what is just wonderful about digital cameras. And with a huge, super sharp LCD preview window, you can see in an instant if you have a decent shot, and if not, delete it and try again!
The camera takes the small "big-toenail" SD memory cards, which is a departure from what you will typically see in a digital SLR. I personally like the smaller size; otherwise, I don't believe there is a significant difference. If you pick up one major point from this review ... READ THIS !!!! I initially tried shooting with some SD memory that I had been using in my MP3 player. It worked fine, but if shooting a series of rapid shots, it would take the camera what seemed like a couple of seconds to write to the memory. That is typical with all of the digital SLRs that I have read about ... you get maybe a dozen high-speed shots, and then the camera sort of "bogs down". And most of the time that is fine. But this camera takes advantage of the slightly more expensive "pro" SD memory, which can be written to at extremely high speeds. Because of this, the camera can take an unprecendented number of shots (I believe 137 according to Nikon)!!! Folks, that is amazing, let me tell you. You can just hold the button down and fire away, and capture all of the high-speed action that you can imagine. No more excuses for missing that perfect action shot. Sure, you aren't going to require this feature very often, but it is nice to have, just in case. And even with normal shots, the high-speed memory seems to work much quicker than normal memory.
The camera can save files in three different size (resolution) levels, three different JPEG quality levels, and the complete uncompressed RAW format. I've been shooting using the medium resolution and medium JPEG quality, and the photos look sharper than my old Canon 35mm SLR. You could easily print out 8 x 10 photos and they would look perfect even at the medium quality setting; poster size would look fine at the high quality setting.
The rechargeable battery that is included is simply amazing - I believe they rate it for 2000 shots, and I believe it. It would be VERY diffult to drain this battery in a single day, even with numerous flashes and auto-focusing shots.
The fast auto-focus, very user-friendly menus, flexibility with all Nikon lenses, and near-pro quality at a price that the weekend-photo-warrior consumer can afford, I don't see how you can go wrong with this camera.
Happy photographing!
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Nikon D50 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera with 28-80mm f3.3-5.6G AF Nikkor Zoom LensThe Nikon D50 is a photographer's digital dream come true. Combining Nikon's advanced SLR technology with the simplicity that many point-and-shoot digital camera uses have come to expect, the D50 offers a wide array of features that will satisfy both the weekend picture taker as well as the serious photographer who is looking for an affordable digital SLR solution.For starters, the D50 features a new 6.1 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor and a highly advanced image processing engine that team together to create truly faithful image files of up to resolutions of 3008 x 2000 pixels. Continuous shooting at 2.5 frames per second can be maintained for bursts of up to 137 pictures, making action photography a reality. Pictures are instantly processed and recorded to the photographer's compact SD memory card (not included). A Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface supports faster transfer of images when connected to a compatible computer.With the D50, your shutter speed choices extend from 30 seconds to 1/4,000 second. An automated high-speed flash sync speed up to 1/500 second makes high-quality fill flash photography possible, and you also have the option of manually controlling the bulb setting for long exposures. Auto ISO maximizes available light by automatically setting ISO-equivalent sensitivity across the available range of 200 to 1600, but photographers also have the option to set the ISO sensitivity manually for greater control.Best of all, the D50 allows you to use any one of Nikon's professional-grade AF and DX Nikkor lenses. The AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-80mm f3.3-5.6G that's included with the D50 features one aspherical lens element with a high-performance Nikon Super Integrated Coating that delivers superior color reproduction while minimizing ghost and flare. A rounded diaphragm opening with seven blades makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural, and the aspherical lens element minimizes distortion, especially at the periphery area, for superior optical performance. Compact and lightweight with a comfortable, well-balanced feel, this wide angle-to-portrait zoom lens is ideal for travel landscapes, scenics, and general family photography.Approaching Point-and-Shoot Simplicity For those who want professional-quality images but without having to think about the settings, the D50's scene-optimized Digital Vari-Program modes simplifies the picture-taking process and frees you to concentrate on capturing those special moments. Selecting one of the seven easily distinguishable icons from the handy exposure mode dial optimizes otherwise complex settings and produces consistently remarkable results. The Child Mode, for instance, makes it easier to take memorable pictures of the little ones complete with ideal vivid color and contrast -- ready to print beautifully without the fuss of later adjustments at the computer. Other modes include Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Child, Close Up, Sports, and Night Portrait. Among the many features that make the Nikon D50 an exceptional digital SLR choice are:
2.0 inch 130,000 pixel TFT LCD with adjustable brightness
Supports JPEG, RAW (NEF) and JPEG + RAW (NEF) file formats
Lightweight but strong polycarbonate body over a metal frame
Built in, five-mode popup flash and external flash hot shoe
Included CD-ROM loaded with PictureProject software
The compact, lightweight design of the D50 makes it easy to carry on any outing, and the camera's on-screen menus present clear and helpful user information in plain language on a large 2.0-inch LCD monitor. The high-capacity rechargeable lithium-ion battery helps extend mobility and convenience by delivering the power to shoot up to 2,000 images on a single charge. In short, the D50 delivers the professional-level quality of an SLR of this class but with many of the convenient automatic features that can make photography so fun.What's in the Box Camera body, rechargeable Li-ion battery EN-EL3, quick charger MH-18a, video cable, USB cable UC-E4, strap, body cap, eyepiece cap DK-5, rubber eyecup DK-20, accessory shoe cover, PictureProject CD-ROM; 28-80mm lens: lens, LC-52 snap-on front lens cap, and rear lens cap.
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