Nikon boasts a great deal about the small size and light weight but these features may not have the advantages to professionals that they do for home users. The D50 saves only to SD (Secure Digital) cards, not to compact flash cards, and if images are saved in RAW (Nikon's NEF) format, Nikon Capture software is required but not included (cost $99.95).

We encourage professionals to also consider the Nikon D70s, which is of heartier stock, fits better in your hand and costs only a little more. The D70 has certainly proven itself well in use in the field and the D70s has the same body, sensor and processor. The Nikon D70, introduced just 15 months ago, has become be the most popular model on the market for youth sports photography.

We fully expect the Nikon D50 to be a big winner. It is predictably impressive that it can be sold for just $899 as an "outfit" including the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED lens.

Package Contents:

- Nikon D50 Digital SLR
- 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

* With zoom lens: 18-55mm f/3.5-4.56 ED AF-S DX lens
**With two lenses: 18-55mm f/3.5-4.56 ED AF-S DX lens and 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S DX

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Features:

• 6.1 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor (3,008 x 2,000-pixel)
• Advanced image processor
• Shutter speeds 30 sec. to 1/4,000 sec. Flash sync speed up to 1/500 sec.
• ISO 200 to 1600; automatic or manual setting
• Near-instant 0.2-second power-up, and short shutter release lag (response) time
ª Burst 2.5 fps for up to 137 frames
• Fast 5-area AF system
• Fast data transfer and recording to SD memory cards
• Digital Vari-Program modes make capturing the moment easier. The user selects from one of seven icons, i.e auto, portrait, landscape, child, sports, close up, and night portrait to let the camera do the figuring. For example, in "Child" mode it automatically adjusts several settings, including ISO, shutter speeds, and white balance for taking pictures of children
• Includes full range of manual controls as well as custom settings
• 3D Color Matrix Metering II ensures accurate exposure control in all types of lighting. Exposure evaluation detect highlights and shadows in the frame and compensate to help prevent inaccurate exposure.
• Image enhancement options optimize sharpening, tone (contrast), color, saturation or hue while using Auto Multi Program [P], Shutter-Priority Auto [S], Aperture-Priority Auto [A], or Manual [M] exposure modes to best match the picture taking situation. The easy to set choices include Normal, Vivid, Sharp, Soft, Direct print, Landscape or Custom optimization.
• Optimized exposure with a choice of three TTL (Through The Lens) exposure modes: 3D Color Matrix Metering II with 420-pixel RGB Sensor, variable Center-Weighted Meter, or choice of Spot Meters.
• Auto exposure bracketing helps achieve the exact results desired.
• Flash exposure compensation.
• Choice of three color modes to ensure best match manually.
• Intuitive and familiar operation with ergonomically designed and sensibly located buttons and controls, including the handy multi selector and mode dial.
• Quality optical viewfinder features diopter correction and information display.
• Large 2.0-inch LCD monitor located directly below the viewfinder
• Versatile LCD playback options include single image playback, thumbnail image playback (4 or 9 pictures at a time), zoom playback, slide show, histogram. automatic rotation for vertical shots
• LCD control panel on camera top makes it easy to confirm settings and camera status.
• Long-life rechargeable lithium-ion battery with power to shoot up to 2, 2,000 images on a single charge.
• Custom settings for shooting style or different picture taking conditions.
• Small Picture function for saving photos within the camera at the reduced sizes of 640x480, 320x240, or 160x120.
• Wireless remote control of the D50 can be achieved with the optional ML-L3 remote control.
• Simultaneous recording of compressed NEF (RAW) and JPEG
• Light and compact:
Dimensions: (W x H x D): 133 x 102 x 76mm (5.3 x 4.1 x 3.0 in.)
Weight: Approx. 540g (1 lb. 3 oz.) without battery.
• Small Picture function for saving photos within the camera at the reduced sizes of 640x480, 320x240, or 160x120.
• Simultaneous recording of compressed NEF (RAW) and JPEG image files
• Wireless remote control of the D50 can be achieved with the optional ML-L3 remote control.
• In-camera page setup for printing directly to any PictBridge compatible printer
• Light and compact:
Dimensions (W x H x D): 133 x 102 x 76mm (5.3 x 4.1 x 3.0 in.)
Weight: Approx. 540g (1 lb. 3 oz.) without battery.
• Intuitive and familiar operation with ergonomically designed and sensibly located buttons and controls, including the handy multi-selector and mode dial.
• Quality optical viewfinder features diopter correction and information display.
• Video out port.
• Built-in auto pop-up flash features exclusive i-TTL flash control, fast 1/500 sec. flash sync shutter speed, and coverage for lenses as wide as 18mm.
• Compatible with all AF Nikkor lenses
• Supports Nikon's Creative Lighting System when using a SB-800 and SB-600 Speedlight
• Includes Nikon's PictureProject software
• Vivid color and sharp details straight from the camera
• Compatible with Nikon Capture 4 (Ver. 4.3) (optional) which will probably be needed.