Nikon

Nikon D50 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens Kit

4.0 (253 reviews)
2.0 inch19 inch

The camera that taught a generation to shoot — the Nikon D50 kit delivers genuine DSLR quality and Nikkor optics in an approachable, proven package.

$198.00*
In Stock on Amazon.com
View on Amazon

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 04, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

Affiliate Disclosure: Studio Supplies may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This helps support our editorial team.

Notice a mistake? Let Us Know

Overview

The Nikon D50 with its 18-55mm kit lens represents the kind of accessible, competent DSLR that gave a generation of photographers their first real exposure to the craft. Designed for photographers stepping up from point-and-shoot cameras, it brings the core Nikon DSLR experience — optical viewfinder, interchangeable Nikkor glass, manual exposure control — into a body that doesn't punish the learning curve. In daylight, the 6.1-megapixel APS-C sensor renders color with the warm, natural palette Nikon became known for, and the included 18-55mm ED zoom covers enough focal range for portraits, environmental shots, and everyday documentation without constantly swapping glass.

The D50 body is compact and light enough that a full day of shooting doesn't become a physical endurance test, and the control layout is logical for a photographer building muscle memory for exposure adjustment. The 2.5 fps burst capability and deep buffer make it more capable at events than its entry-level positioning suggests, and SD card storage keeps workflow straightforward. The 2.0-inch LCD is the most dated element by today's standards, but the optical viewfinder remains a genuine strength — bright, clear, and actually useful for composing in direct sunlight where a small LCD would be invisible. For anyone entering the Nikon F-mount system, learning manual exposure, or building a secondary film-style shooting kit, the D50 is a foundational camera that still delivers honest, film-like results.

Key Features

Stores images on SD cards , powered by Lithium ion battery (battery and Quick Charger supplied)

2.0 inch LCD display , 7 scene modes, including new Child mode

Compatible with AF and DX Nikkor lenses , kit includes 18 to 55 millimeter f3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor lens

6.1 megapixel sensor captures enough detail for photo quality 14 x 19 inch prints

Continuous shooting at 2.5 frames per second for bursts of up to 137 pictures

6.1-megapixel sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints

Compatible with AF and DX Nikkor lenses; kit includes 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor lens

Continuous shooting at 2.5 frames per second for bursts of up to 137 pictures

2.0-inch LCD display; 7 scene modes, including new Child mode

Stores images on SD cards; powered by Lithium-ion battery (battery and Quick Charger supplied)

Specifications

Sensor Resolution
6.1 megapixels
Maximum Print Size
14 x 19 inches
Lens Included
18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor lens
Lens Compatibility
AF and DX Nikkor lenses
Continuous Shooting Speed
2.5 frames per second
Maximum Burst Capacity
137 pictures
LCD Display Size
2.0 inches
Scene Modes
7 (including Child mode)
Storage Media
SD cards
Battery Type
Lithium-ion

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • The 6.1MP APS-C sensor produces clean, film-like images in good light with natural subject separation — well-suited to portrait and family photography where technical quality meets approachable simplicity.
  • AF-S drive in the kit lens ensures quiet, accurate autofocus during portrait sessions without relying on the camera body's focus motor.
  • A 2.5 fps burst rate with 137-frame buffer handles event and candid photography without hitting a wall during fast-moving moments.
  • SD card storage means media is cheap, universally available, and easy to manage in any workflow.
  • Seven scene modes, including a dedicated Child mode, make it genuinely usable for photographers still developing their manual exposure skills without sacrificing creative control.

👎 Cons

  • The 2.0-inch LCD is small and low-resolution by modern standards — reviewing images on location to check critical focus or exposure is difficult in bright light.
  • No in-body autofocus motor means older AF Nikkor lenses (without AF-S) won't autofocus, limiting affordable used-lens compatibility for photographers building out a kit.
  • ISO tops out at 1600 with no auto-ISO floor control, and noise becomes significant above ISO 800 — low-light event shooting will require flash or fast primes.
  • The f/3.5-5.6 kit lens is slow enough that indoor or evening shooting without flash becomes a constant exposure compromise.
  • USB 2.0 Hi-Speed tethering is functional but slow by current standards — large-volume shooting sessions are better served by pulling the SD card directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

6.1 megapixels is enough to produce photo-quality prints up to 14x19 inches — so for standard portrait, event, and family photography, the output is entirely usable. The sensor performs best at its base ISO of 200 in good light; the APS-C size gives natural background separation at normal portrait distances with the kit lens wide open.
For a walk-around or first DSLR kit lens, 18-55mm covers the practical range well — 18mm on an APS-C sensor gives you a 27mm equivalent for environmental shots, while 55mm (82mm equivalent) is a workable short portrait focal length. The f/3.5-5.6 aperture range is modest in low light, but the ED glass element helps control chromatic aberration across the zoom range.
The D50 uses Nikon's F-mount and is compatible with AF Nikkor and DX Nikkor lenses. Note that the D50 does not have an in-body focus motor, so it requires AF-S (Silent Wave Motor) lenses for autofocus — older AF lenses without a built-in motor will mount but only focus manually.
At 2.5 frames per second with a buffer of up to 137 frames, the D50 can sustain a burst through most event moments — a child blowing out birthday candles, a wedding processional, youth sports action at moderate speed. It won't keep up with a pro sports shooter's needs, but for general event work the buffer depth is genuinely useful.
The D50 stores images on SD cards, which remain universally available and inexpensive. There are no proprietary formats to hunt for — any standard SD card works, though Class 10 or UHS-I cards will help keep up with burst shooting.