Apart from the lens the cameras are remarkably similar in appearance and feel. Controls are slightly different and the D70 has the edge in ease of use. However, in image quality, after allowances are made for the slightly better lens in the D70, there is not a lot to choose between the two. The D50 seems to have the advantage in terms of picture noise, being comfortably useable up to ISO1600.

There is nothing about the feel and operation of the D50 that suggests that corners have been cut in the electronics or mechanics of the camera. All functions are smooth and well damped. The camera feels balanced in the hand. Operation is lightning fast with no hint of shutter or start-up lag. Focus is fast and accurate even in low contrast lighting. The focus assistance lamp works brilliantly in the dark, even up to a distance of metres.

The D50 uses a rechargeable battery with a exemplary capacity and it uses SD memory cards, unlike the D70, which uses CF.

There are rumours that although the D70s and the D50 are both 6.1mp cameras that their sensors are different and the difference favours the D50. This poses an interesting question for the photographer who already has Nikon lenses in the film kit - D50 or D70s? Save $400 and use the money to buy better optics?

Like this: This is another quality Nikon camera that feels well made and robust. It is larger and heavier than the competition but sits in the hand so well that the weight and bulk are not an issue. Output quality is outstanding.

Dislike that: The kit lens works well enough but it doesn't inspire confidence because of its light weight and plastic materials. It is obviously a lens made down to a price whereas there is nothing about the camera body that suggests penny saving by using cheap materials or manufacturing.

Parting shot: The obvious competitor for the Nikon D50 is the Canon EOS 350D. The Canon is $300 dearer, actually feels like a cheaper camera in its construction, but it does have an 8mp sensor. However Canon also supply a cheap and uninspiring kit lens. This is a decision made easier if the buyer already has lenses for one or the other system, in which case there is no contest. But for those starting from scratch it is a hard one.

The Pentax *istDS and Olympus E300 are in the same price range and should be considered. The Pentax is another 6mp camera whereas the Olympus is 8mp, but has the disadvantage of using a unique lens type and an expensive one at that.

THERE ARE SAMPLE IMAGES FROM THE NIKON D50 IN THE GALLERY, TAKEN WITH THE TAMRON 18~200MM AF XR DiII ZOOM >>