In shutter-priority and manual mode, the dial adjusts shutter speed. To set the aperture in manual mode, you must hold down an EV/aperture button next to the shutter release while spinning the dial. When you're using aperture-priority, the same dial adjusts the f-stop; in the programmed automatic exposure mode, it selects alternate shutter speed and aperture combinations that produce the same exposure. In the programmed, aperture-priority and shutter-priority modes, the EV button transforms the dial into an exposure-compensation control (±5EV in 1/2EV or 1/3EV steps).
Changes for the better include assigning the controls for switching between single shot, burst mode, self-timer and infrared remote to two different buttons. Single shot and burst options can be command-dialled in by pressing a button just left of the viewfinder window (the same location as on the D70s), while self-timer and remote functions are adjusted with a button on the handgrip that replaces the matrix/centre-weighted/spot-metering control found on this camera's higher-end sibling. It's no pain to use the menu system to set metering mode or bracketing options (which also get a dedicated key on the D70s), but we very much missed the depth-of-field button and top-panel LCD backlight. We took to carrying a penlight along on nighttime shoots while testing the D50.
Most of the other controls have the same convenient layout as on the D70s. The top panel houses a flip-up flash unit topped with an external flash hot shoe protected by a slide-off cover; there's also a mode dial with the traditional M/A/S/P choices and seven scene modes. These include the no-brainer Auto setting plus Landscape, Sports, Night Portrait, Portrait, Close-Up and Child, which replaces the Night Landscape mode found on the D70s.
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User reviews4
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Bradley Bell 10 August 2006
Good: I like the ergonomic features to the camera, it fits in your hands perfectly and is not too heavy and not too light!
Bad: 6 megapixels, could have gone up to 8, but no big deal!
Comment: It takes excellent pictures and was announced best digital photo for an SLR under £600!
As a professional photographer I would definitely give it a 9, it is simple, it has great well worked modes and takes excellent pictures!
Christopher Bradburn 7 June 2006
Good: Very fast start-up compared with compact digital cameras. Larger size makes it easy to use.
Bad: No memory card in kit. Hard to establish which flashgun to buy.
Comment: Good all-round camera, easy to use with enough dedicated buttons to find the features without diving into menus every 3 seconds. The write-ups say it is made of plastic but it doesn't feel like it. It feels very robust in use and well balanced in the hand.
Ruth Lacy 25 May 2006
Good: Ease of basic use, battery life, quality
Bad: Nikon's website
Comment: Better value than the D70
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