PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS - NEW PRODUCTS

Nikon D50

Nikon takes digital photography to new levels with a D-SLR camera that's smaller, lighter, easier to use and more affordable than ever.
Seeing really is believing with the Nikon D50.

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation has raised the stakes in the digital camera market with the launch of its D50 entry level interchangeable-lens digital SLR model.

Designed to make it easier than ever to enjoy outstanding digital SLR picture quality easily and instantly, the D50 combines Nikon's patented digital and photographic performance with the compelling optical performance of its Nikkor interchangeable lenses. The result means the D50 delivers expanded shooting options only available in a quality digital SLR camera, making exceptional digital SLR photography a reality for everyone.

Scene optimization
A range of new features lend the D50 ‘best in class’ status. Nikon has enhanced and simplified its scene-optimized Digital Vari-Program to improve picture taking and free the photographer to concentrate on capturing the true essence of special moments.

With simplicity a key theme of the D50, the user is offered a selection of seven easily distinguishable icons from an exposure mode dial to help optimize otherwise complex settings, reinforced by ISO-equivalent sensitivity to produce consistent, compelling results.

Child’s play
A useful new addition is ‘Child’ mode, which makes it easier to take memorable pictures of kids - complete with ideal vivid color and contrast - ready to print without fussy adjustments on the computer.

For the more advanced or adventurous, full manual exposure control allows the user to be as creative as they want with their picture compositions.At the heart of the D50 sit a new 6.1 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor and a highly advanced image processing engine. Coupled together, they create incredibly faithful, manageable image files which can be enlarged significantly, making it easier to take and store more great pictures.

The combination of these means users get consistent results, even in conditions that present a challenge for other digital cameras, such as light-coloured subjects or long exposure shots.

Ready to shoot
Unlike many other digital SLR models, the Nikon D50 is ready to shoot within a fraction of a second (0.2 seconds) of the power being turned on. In addition, the shutter's release lag time is also minimized for near-instant response, addressing one of the most common frustrations experienced by digital photographers.

When required, the D50 is capable of maintaining continuous shooting at 2.5 frames per second for bursts of up to 137† pictures, making action photography a reality. Pictures are instantly processed and recorded to the photographer's compact SD (Secure Digital) memory card, with a new USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface included to support faster image transfer when connected to a compatible computer.

Choice of shutter speeds
The D50’s choice of shutter speed extends from 30 sec. to an action-stopping 1/4,000 sec. A high-speed flash sync speed of up to 1/500 sec. makes great fill flash photography possible; Nikon technology makes it automatic and a bulb setting is also included for long exposures.

The shutter is designed to ensure fast curtain action for consistent operation and accurate, predictable results, even at high speed settings. AUTO ISO maximizes available light by automatically setting ISO-equivalent sensitivity across the available range of 200 to 1600. The D50 also allows users to set ISO sensitivity manually, enabling greater personal control.

Award winning AutoFocus
The D50’s 5-area autofocus system inherits Nikon's proven cross-type center sensor, broad frame coverage, and class-leading low light detection found only in the award-winning Nikon D70. This means it delivers even greater AF precision with fast, more consistent subject acquisition and improved focus tracking. The new system adopts AF-A mode for smooth automated operation that switches between AF-S (single-servo autofocus) and AF-C (continuous-servo autofocus) depending on the movement of the subject in the framed shot. An AF-assist illuminator is also included, which helps maximize performance when shooting in low lighting conditions.

Great colour guaranteed
The D50 produces consistently natural colouration by measuring the entire frame of the shot and matching white balance to the light source. Advanced auto white balance handles most lighting situations, but additional options include a flexible choice of six specific manual settings, white balance bracketing for added creative choice of results, as well as a preset option for using a grey or white object as a calibrating reference under mixed lighting conditions.

Nikon's new 3D Colour Matrix Metering II feature ensures accurate exposure control in most lighting situations by automatically comparing input from its frame-wide 420-pixel sensor for each scene to a comprehensive onboard database of over 30,000 scenes from real-life photographic situations.

Let there be light
Professionals and amateurs alike rely on Nikon's exclusive light metering technologies that produce ideal exposures instantly. Newly developed exposure evaluation methods detect highlights and shadows in the frame, and compensate for them to help minimize under- or over-exposure by comparing the lighting pattern of the frame with the onboard database of scenes, thus enhancing performance for more accurate and consistent exposures.

Interchangeable lenses
One of the keys to a user’s enjoyment of Nikon’s digital SLR equipment is the creative potential afforded by having interchangeable lenses. The new D50 offers seamless compatibility with Nikon's extensive family of high-performance AF Nikkor lenses, as well as the expanding family of dedicated digital DX Nikkor lenses, providing superb color reproduction, razor-sharp image clarity and fast, accurate autofocus performance.

Great looks
The compact, lightweight design of the Nikon D50 makes it easy to carry, while its body contours and accessible controls make it efficient and easy to operate. Redesigned on-screen menus on the D50’s large 2-inch LCD monitor present clear, helpful user information in easy to understand language, reinforced by intuitive help dialogs linked to respective menu selections for on-the-spot reference. The high-capacity rechargeable lithium-ion battery delivers enough power to shoot up to 2,000 images†† on a single charge.

For the entry-level user, the D50 is an outstanding performer right across the board.

It boasts diverse playback options, versatile custom settings, a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface for easy connectivity, direct printing to any PictBridge compatible printer with in-camera page setup, and Nikon's complimentary PictureProject software that will extend anyone’s photographic experience with easy image transfers, effective image organization and editing, creative page layout design, plus printing and sharing.

The entire package is rounded off by Nikon's powerful Total Imaging System, including high-quality AF and DX Nikkor lenses and SB-800 and SB-600 Speedlights, which enable Nikon's Creative Lighting System.

Together they make the D50 the perfect introduction to digital SLR photography.
Sales release schedule: Nikon Corporation will launch the D50 worldwide in June 2005.

Note: Specifications, design, product name and standard accessories may differ by country or area.

Nikon D50 SILVER

Nikon D50

Major Features of the Nikon D50

Vivid color and sharp details straight from the camera
• New 6.1 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD imaging sensor that produces 3,008 x 2,000-pixel images with accurate color, high resolution and sharp details for great pictures capable of significant enlargement, or cropping for creative effect. File sizes remain manageable, making it easier to take and store more great pictures.
• Advanced digital image processor that marks a further evolution of analog and digital processing and pre-conditioning technologies, producing images that are ready to print straight from the camera. Image quality is optimized, including auto white balance, auto tone and color control, and real-time processes diminish digital noise to produce beautiful long exposure shots.
• 3D Color Matrix Metering II ensures accurate exposure control and white balance.

Instant, precise response
• Near-instant 0.2-second power-up, and quick shutter response.
• Continuous shooting at 2.5 frames per second for continuous bursts of up to 137 pictures† without having to wait for the camera to record the images to the SD memory card.
• Fast 5-area AF system with predictive focus tracking and Lock-on™ delivers greater precision with fast, more consistent subject acquisition and improved focus tracking to capture the action as it happens. Automatic AF-assist illuminator helps ensure top AF performance in dark situations.
• Fast shutter speed with a range from 30 to 1/4,000 sec.
• Fast flash sync shutter speeds up to 1/500 sec. for great fill-effects under brighter light and back-lighted conditions.
• Fast data transfer and recording to SD memory cards keeps the D50 ready to shoot whenever a special moment presents itself.

Accurate automated and manual control for predictable results
• Seven Digital Vari-Program selections for automatic adjustment of settings necessary to produce incredible digital photographs, including ISO-equivalent sensitivity, white balance, sharpening, tone (contrast), color, saturation and hue for crisp and vivid results that match the intended shot. Selections include Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close up, and Night Portrait.
• Image enhancement options provide versatile 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 help match picture taking situations. The easy-to-set choices include Normal, Vivid, Sharp, Soft, Direct print, Landscape or Custom optimization.
• Automatic control over ISO-equivalent sensitivity from ISO 200 to 1600; can also be set manually.
• To maximize performance throughout the infinite range of potential picture scenes, D50 provides a choice of three TTL (Through The Lens) exposure modes: 3D Color Matrix Metering II for quick changing conditions, Center-Weighted for strong backlighting and more personal control, and Spot Meters that give you total control of exposure when you have lots of time to set up the shot.
• Auto exposure bracketing helps achieve the exact results desired.
• Flash exposure compensation.
• A choice of three color modes ensures the best match for the shot when operating the camera manually.
Mode Ia: Renders natural-looking skin tones out of the camera. (sRGB)
Mode II: Realizes a wider color range suited for processing or retouching. (Adobe RGB)
Mode IIIa: Renders vivid landscape and flora colors out of the camera. (sRGB)
• Simultaneous recording of Compressed RAW (NEF) and JPEG image files for the same shot helps by providing a smaller JPEG image file that can be quickly sent via email, along with a Compressed RAW (NEF) file for more creative flexibility to enhance pictures using Nikon PictureProject or Nikon Capture software.

Intuitive handling and operating ease
• 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.
• New large 2.0-inch LCD monitor located directly below the viewfinder displays the large fonts of the easy-to-view, easy-to-understand menu design, and the intuitive help system dialogs that make understanding camera settings easy.
• Versatile LCD playback options include Single image playback, Thumbnail image playback (4 or 9 pictures at a time), Zoom playback, Slide show, easy Histogram indication for determining highlights and shadow values, and Highlight point displays for even quicker highlight information, with automatic image 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 2,000 images†† on a single charge.
• Custom Settings for personalizing camera operation to match the individual's shooting style, or different picture taking conditions.
• Wireless remote control of the D50 is available with the optional ML-L3 remote control.

Easy image handling
• New Small Picture function for saving photos within the camera at the reduced sizes of 640x480, 320x240, or 160x120 for Internet use - either for mail attachments or placement on web pages.
• In-camera page setup support makes it easy to print directly from the D50 to any PictBridge compatible printer via the supplied USB cable.
• Up to 36 alphanumeric characters can be entered in each image's EXIF header (file information) for personalized identification when images are viewed on a computer.
• Video connector and supplied video cable makes it easy to connect the D50 directly to a television for playing slideshows or viewing individual images

Creative and versatile system components
• High-quality Nikkor lenses: The unrivalled performance of AF, AF-S and DX Nikkor lenses greatly expands creative possibilities.
• 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.
• Supports Nikon's Creative Lighting System when using a SB-800 and SB-600 Speedlight mounted on the ISO flash shoe for additional on camera flash output in large rooms, or for longer distance shooting situations. Also allows off-camera multiple flash lighting with iTTL Technology with SB-800 and SB-600.
• Integrated Nikon Software Solutions:
Nikon Capture 4 (Ver. 4.3) with Capture Control is an optional software that provides a comprehensive image processing and remote camera control package that supports all Nikon NEF††† (RAW), TIFF and JPEG data. Among other features, the package offers Image Dust Off sensor dust and particle shade removal control, D-Lighting for scene-specific automatic dodge and burn control, the LCH editor, plus a wide selection of high-precision tools that extend every opportunity to perform effective image processing in-computer while creating the idealized archive file.

PictureProject is Nikon's versatile software that extends the enjoyment of photography into your computer. Simplified image transfer helps move images easily from camera to computer, where PictureProject's intuitive interface lets photographers effectively organize and edit, apply selected effects, design album page layouts, or share their images. Adding to the fun, a complimentary copy is included with the purchase of any Nikon digital camera. The combination of direct printing with Pictbridge technology and in-computer PictureProject technology empowers users with great picture performance. Optional Plug-in software can be added to PictureProject for added creativity. Plug-in software that will prove useful to any photographer includes nik Color Efex Pro filters and Muvee –software that enables you to prepare very creative slide show presentations with special effects, music added and more.

† Using JPEG NORMAL - Large settings, and a SanDisk Ultra II SD Card (256MB). The number of continuous shots possible in a single burst may be fewer depending on the type of SD card used.

†† 2,000 images per charge achieved under following test conditions:
Fully charged EN-EL3 battery; temperature of 20°C (68°F); Zoom-Nikkor AF-S DX 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G SG IF ED lens; continuous shooting mode; continuous-servo autofocus; image quality set to JPEG BASIC; image size set to Medium; shutter speed 1/250 sec.; shutter release pressed halfway for three seconds and focus cycled from infinity to minimum range three times with each shot; monitor turned on for five seconds after six shots and then turned off; cycle repeated once exposure meters have turned off.

††† NEF images taken with the D50 require Nikon Capture 4 (Ver. 4.3) or later.
Specifications

Type of Camera Single-lens reflex digital camera

Effective Pixels 6.1 million

Image Sensor RGB CCD, 23.7 x 15.6mm; total pixels: 6.24 million

Image Size (pixels) 3,008 x 2,000 [L], 2,256 x 1,496 [M], 1,504 x 1,000 [S]

Sensitivity 200 to 1600 (ISO equivalent) in steps of 1 EV

Storage Media SD Memory Card

Storage System Compressed NEF (RAW): 12-bit compression,
JPEG: JPEG baseline-compliant

File System Exif 2.21, Compliant DCF 2.0 and DPOF

Storage (Number of frames per 256MB SD Memory card, image size L)
RAW approx. 33, FINE approx. 70
NORMAL approx. 137
BASIC approx. 258, RAW & BASIC approx. 29

White Balance Auto (TTL white balance with 420-pixel RGB sensor), six manual modes, preset white balance, white balance bracketing possible

LCD Monitor 2.0-in., 130,000-dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD
with brightness adjustment

Playback Function 1 frame: Thumbnail (4 or 9 segments); Magnifying playback; Slide show; Histogram indication; Highlight point display; Auto image rotation

Delete Function Card format, All frames delete, Selected frames delete

Video Output Can be selected from NTSC and PAL

Interface USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed)

Text Input Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available with LCD monitor and multi-selector; stored in Exif header

Compatible Lenses 1) DX Nikkor: All functions supported
2) Type G or D AF Nikkor: All functions supported 3) Micro Nikkor 85 mm F2.8D: All functions supported except autofocus and some exposure modes 4) Other AF Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering II.
5) AI-P Nikkor : All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering II and autofocus.
6) Non-CPU : Can be used in exposure mode M, but exposure meter does not function; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster Note: IX Nikkor lenses can not be used

Picture Angle Equivalent in 35mm [135] format is approx. 1.5 times lens focal length

Viewfinder Fixed eye-level penta-Dach-mirror type; built-in diopter adjustment (-1.6 to +0.5m-1)

Eyepoint 18mm (-1.0m-1)

Focusing Screen Type-B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark V with superimposed focus brackets

Viewfinder Frame Coverage: Approx. 95%

Viewfinder Magnification Approx. 0.75x with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0m-1

Viewfinder Information Focus indications, AE/FV lock indicator, Shutter speed,
Aperture value, Exposure/Exposure compensation indicator,
Flash output level compensation, Exposure compensation,
Number of remaining exposures, Flash ready indicator

Autofocus TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM900 autofocus
module with AF-assist illuminator (approx. 0.5m to 3.0m)
Detection range: EV -1 to +19
(ISO 100 equivalent, at normal temperature: 20°C)

Lens Servo 1) Autofocus (AF-A): Auto-Servo AF; camera automatically chooses single-servo AF (AF-S) or continuous servo AF (AF-C); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status
2) AF-S
3) AF-C
4) Manual focus (M)

Focus Area Can be selected from 5 focus areas

AF Area Mode 1) Single Area AF, 2) Dynamic Area AF,
3) Closest Subject Priority Dynamic Area AF

Focus Lock Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway
(single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button

Exposure Metering System TTL full-aperture exposure metering system
(1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II with 420-pixel RGB sensor
(2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% (8mm dia. circle)
(3) Spot: Meters 3.5mm dia. circle (about 2.5% of frame)
centered on active focus area

Exposure Metering Range 1) EV 0 to 20 (3D Color Matrix or center-weighted metering)
2) EV 2 to 20 (spot metering) (ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, 20°C)

Exposure Modes Digital Vari-Program (Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports,
Close up, Night portrait),
Programmed Auto [P] with flexible program; Shutter-Priority Auto [S]; Aperture Priority Auto [A]; Manual [M]

Exposure Compensation ±5 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV

Auto Exposure Lock Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button

Auto Exposure Bracketing Three frames ±2 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 steps

Shooting Modes 1) Single frame shooting mode
2) Continuous shooting mode: approx. 2.5 frames per second
3) Self-timer mode
4) Delayed remote mode: 2 sec. delay
5) Quick–response remote mode

Shutter Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter, 30 to 1/4000 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb

Sync Contact X-contact only; flash synchronization at up to 1/500 sec.

Flash Control 1) TTL: TTL flash control by 420-pixel RGB sensor
Built-in Speedlight: i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash or standard i-TTL flash (spot metering) SB-800 or 600: i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash or standard i-TTL flash (spot metering)
2) Auto aperture: Available with SB-800 with CPU lens
3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800,
80DX, 28DX, 28, 27, and 22s
4) Distance-priority manual available with SB-800

Flash Sync Mode 1) Front-curtain Sync (normal sync), 2) Red-eye Reduction,
3) Red-eye Reduction with Slow Sync, 4) Slow Sync,
5) Rear-curtain Sync

Built-in Speedlight Auto, Portrait, Child, Close-up, Night portrait: auto flash with
auto pop-up [P], [S], [A], [M]: manual pop-up with button release Guide number (ISO 200/ISO 100, m): approx. 15/11 (manual full 17/12)

Flash Compensation -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV

Accessory Shoe Standard ISO hot-shoe contact with safety lock provided

Self-timer Electronically controlled timer of 2 to 20 seconds duration

Remote Control Wireless Remote Controller ML-L3 (optional)

Power Source One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3, AC Adapter EH-5 (optional)

Tripod Socket 1/4 in. (ISO1222)

Dimensions (W x H x D) Approx. 133 x 102 x 76mm

Weight Approx. 540g without battery, memory card, or body cap

Supplied Accessories* 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

Optional Accessories Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3, Multi Charger MH-19,
Quick Charger MH-18a, AC Adapter EH-5, Speedlight SB-800/600, Eyepiece Magnifier DG-2, Angle Finder DR-6, Nikon Capture 4 (Ver.4.3) Software, Wireless Remote Control ML-L3, Semi-Soft Case CF-D50

*Supplied accessories may differ in each country or area

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PRODUCT www.europe-nikon.com