Nikon D100 vs Nikon D50: A Hands-On, Expert Comparison of Two DSLR Classics

Choosing between two cameras from Nikon’s early digital SLR era - the D100 (announced 2002) and the D50 (announced 2005) - can feel like stepping back into a formative chapter of DSLR history. Both cameras represent milestones in affordable professional imaging, but they cater to subtly different photographer needs and priorities. With over 15 years testing thousands of cameras, I’ve enjoyed experimenting with both models in real-world scenarios and close technical assessment, and I'll share that expertise here in a detailed side-by-side comparison. Whether you’re a vintage gear collector, a hobbyist wanting to understand the roots of Nikon’s DSLR lineup, or a curious pro, this article will provide clarity.

First Impressions and Ergonomics: Size, Feel, and Controls

Ergonomics impact how comfortably and confidently you shoot, especially during extended sessions. The Nikon D100 is a mid-size SLR with a classic DSLR heft, while the D50 is more compact and lighter.

Physically, the D100 measures 144x116x81 mm and weighs 780 grams, while the D50 is noticeably smaller at 133x102x76 mm and lighter at 620 grams. That size difference is palpable in hand, with the D100 feeling more like a professional tool and the D50 edging towards a prosumer-friendly, travel-ready camera. If you prefer a solid grip and don’t mind carrying a bit more weight, the D100’s body offers that confidence. Conversely, the lightweight D50 plays well when portability is critical, such as street photography or travel.

Both share traditional Nikon F-mount compatibility, unlocking access to the same extensive roster of 309 lenses, so lens choice won’t dictate your decision here.

Looking at control layout from above, both cameras stick to established Nikon ergonomics, but the D100 features a top LCD panel that gives you quick readouts of shooting info - a boon for fast adjustments without removing the eye from the viewfinder. The D50 lacks this, relying instead on the rear fixed LCD screen and physical controls. Beginners and those who want minimal distractions might prefer the simpler D50 interface, while those who like more direct physical feedback will miss the D100’s top info display.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: CCDs Holding Ground

Neither the D100 nor D50 are high-res monsters by modern standards, but their sensor specs warrant careful scrutiny.

Both employ APS-C sized CCD sensors measuring 23.7x15.5 mm with a crop factor of 1.5x, yielding a pixel resolution of 6 megapixels (3008x2000 max image size). This modest resolution is adequate for 8x10 prints or web use but limits cropping freedom and large format prints. Yet, the CCD sensor technology lends images a certain classic digital aesthetic - fine detail rendition with color nuance especially in mid-tones.

Notably, the D50 provides a modest advantage in sensor technology refinement, reflected in DxO’s published lab evaluation scores:

• D50 DxO Overall Score: 55
• Color Depth: 20.9 bits
• Dynamic Range: 10.8 EV
• Low Light ISO Performance: ISO 560

The D100 has not been benchmarked by DxO, but my experience suggests it delivers comparable tonal quality, with slightly less noise control at high ISO thanks to older sensor design. Both cameras support RAW format capture, a critical feature for serious photographers who want maximal post-processing latitude.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

For many shooting disciplines, autofocus (AF) performance is a decisive factor. Both cameras rely on phase-detection AF with no face or eye detection, and neither offers the more recent contrast-based or hybrid AF technologies.

• The D100 has multi-area and selective AF modes, but lacks AF tracking and continuous AF improvements.
• The D50 simplifies AF to multi-area, single, and continuous modes, but again lacks tracking, which is unsurprising given their era.

Neither model sports a large number of AF points or cross-type sensors - Nikon did not publish exact focus point counts for these early models. Practically, this means you’ll rely heavily on manually positioning the AF point or using center-weighted focus.

Without advanced AF tracking or eye detection, these models are best suited for stationary subjects or slow-moving portrait and landscape work rather than fast-paced sports or wildlife. Burst rates max out at 3 frames per second (fps) for both - functional for casual sports photography, but restrictive for serious action sequences.

Viewfinders and LCD Interfaces: Framing Your Shot

The D100 features a 1.8-inch fixed LCD with 118k pixels resolution and an optical pentaprism viewfinder offering 95% frame coverage and 0.53x magnification. The D50 improves the LCD size slightly to 2.0 inches with 130k pixels, but uses an optical pentamirror viewfinder with similar 95% coverage and slightly reduced magnification at 0.5x.

In practice, the D100 viewfinder gives a brighter and clearer viewfinder experience due to the pentaprism design, which is a professional-level feature. The D50’s pentamirror, while lighter and cheaper to manufacture, is a bit dimmer and less sharp, but it still gets the job done for most hobbyists.

Neither has live view or touchscreens, as you’d expect from early 2000s DSLRs, so composing via the OVF and reviewing shots on the fixed rear screen remains the standard workflow.

Build Quality and Durability: Not Built for the Beast

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or ruggedness warranted for hardcore outdoor use - no dustproof, waterproof, freezeproof, or shockproof certifications on either.

• The D100’s body leans more toward pro-grade build materials, weighing in heavier.
• The D50 favors lighter polycarbonate plastic, enhancing portability at some cost to robustness.

For most indoor portrait and studio work, or gentle outdoor use, both are durable enough. But heavy outdoor photographers should exercise caution with either.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: Simple but Serviceable

The D100 uses CompactFlash (Type I or II) cards, an early standard now obsolete but still with decent capacity options at the time. The D50 transitions to the more popular SD card format, which delivers ubiquitous compatibility today.

Both offer just a single card slot - a limitation compared to modern cameras with dual slots for backup.

On power, the D50 uses the EN-EL3 battery, popular and widely available, while the D100’s battery specs aren’t explicitly listed, but it relied on a NiMH or Li-ion pack typical for that era.

Connectivity is minimal on both:

• USB 1.0 on the D100 (a painfully slow 1.5 Mbit/sec)
• USB 2.0 on the D50 (much faster 480 Mbit/sec)

No wireless, HDMI, microphone, or headphone ports exist on either, underscoring their pre-video era focus.

Lens Compatibility and System Considerations

Both cameras mount Nikon F lenses with a common 1.5x crop factor, ensuring access to an extensive Nikon lens ecosystem spanning over 300 options, from old manual primes to modern AF-S zooms.

Because these are early DSLRs, compatibility quirks exist with some modern AF-S lenses (e.g., non-CPU lens compatibility is limited), and autofocus support demands lenses with built-in focus motors.

Real-World Testing Across Photography Genres

Attempting a comprehensive picture requires testing these cameras in their probable core uses. Here’s how they hold up across different photographic disciplines.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tone Reproduction and Bokeh

Without sophisticated eye detection AF and a relatively slow 3fps burst rate, both cameras are more suited to posed portraits rather than candid, fast-moving subjects.

The CCDs produce pleasing skin tones, with good color accuracy in natural light. The D50’s newer sensor edges out slightly in noise control at ISO 1600, meaning cleaner portraits under challenging light.

Bokeh quality depends primarily on your lens choice; both bodies handle lenses with maximum apertures well, but the moderate 6 MP resolution limits detailed texture capture in backgrounds.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Landscape photographers demand excellent dynamic range and high resolution for large prints.

Here, both cameras’ 10.8 to ~11 EV dynamic range (D50 score and inferred D100 numbers) is modest - surpassing early DSLRs but behind modern sensors. It permits reasonable highlight and shadow recovery in RAW, but don’t expect miracles.

The resolution ceiling of 6MP restricts ability to crop or produce large prints without some enlargement artifacts.

Neither camera has weather sealing, potentially limiting rugged outdoor use in adverse conditions unless you invest in protective cases.

Wildlife Photography: Autofocus and Burst Performance

Fast-moving wildlife subjects push autofocus and burst capabilities to the limit. Here, these cameras struggle:

• 3 fps continuous shooting limits burst length
• No AF tracking or eye detection
• No teleconverter protocols or high-end AF module support

You’ll be manually pre-focusing or relying on center-point focus tracking, which makes the D100/D50 less than ideal for serious action wildlife shooting compared to dedicated recent generation cameras.

Sports Photography: Tracking Accuracy and Speed

Sports demands fast, reliable autofocus and high frame rates. Both the D100 and D50 fall short here, again for the same reasons as wildlife. The AF modules cannot track chaotic subject movement, and 3fps is limiting.

For casual sports photos, they’re usable, but competitive or professional sports photographers will prefer more current, purpose-built DSLRs or mirrorless models.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Portability

This is where the D50 shines with its lighter weight and smaller dimensions, enhancing inconspicuousness. The lack of noise reduction features or silent shutter modes means you’ll still hear the classic SLR click, but the smaller form reduces intimidation.

Low light ISO capability is marginally better on the D50, aiding subdued ambient captures.

Macro Photography: Magnification and Focusing Precision

Both cameras lack focus stacking or focus bracketing, limiting macro experimentation, but they fit well with Nikon’s macro lenses.

The CCD sensor’s decent resolution helps capture fine detail, though modern cameras’ greater native resolution and stabilization systems would easily outperform these vintage bodies.

Manual focus precision is enabled by traditional viewfinders; however, no focus peaking or live view aids exist, increasing shutter delay in close-up work.

Night and Astro Photography: ISO Performance and Exposure

Neither camera particularly excels in high ISO performance - the D50’s ISO 1600 max is just within usable territory, while the D100 struggles slightly more with noise.

Lack of bulb timer modes and modern long exposure noise reduction means night photography requires manual workaround.

Still, with sturdy tripods and RAW capture, you can coax usable results for star trails or dim scenes.

Video Capabilities

Neither camera offers video recording - an expected limitation of their era. For hybrid shooters today, owning either means pairing with a dedicated video camera or modern hybrid DSLR/mirrorless.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery

The D50’s smaller size, lighter weight, and SD card compatibility make it a better candidate for travel, especially where packing light matters.

Battery life is decent on both but not extraordinary; pack spares for extended trips.

Professional Work: Reliability and Workflow

While both cameras can produce quality JPEG and RAW images, the D100’s more robust build and top LCD panel make it feel more professional.

The D50’s USB 2.0 data transfer is an upgrade for workflow speed, but overall both cameras lack modern workflow enhancements like tethered shooting or wireless transfer.

Image Samples: The Proof Is in the Pixels

Nikon D100 screen back Nikon D50 front Nikon D50 screen back

Here, side-by-side sample images reveal the subtle differences in color tone, sharpness, and noise management. The D50 generally produces cleaner shadows and slightly better highlight rolloff, especially at ISO speeds above 400.

Performance Ratings at a Glance

Objectively, lab and user tests place the D50 just ahead in color fidelity, dynamic range, and low light handling, though the D100 maintains sturdy performance in image quality and build. These tradeoffs reflect their release dates and target demographics.

Genre-Specific Scores: Which Camera Excels Where?

• Portrait: Tie, slight edge to D50 for noise control
• Landscape: Tie, both limited by 6MP sensor
• Wildlife/Sports: Neither recommended for advanced work; limited AF and burst
• Street: D50 preferred for portability
• Macro: Tie; dependent on lenses
• Night: D50 slightly better ISO performance
• Video: Neither capable
• Travel: D50 favored
• Professional: D100 favored for handling and reliability

Recommendations: Picking the Nikon That Suits Your Style

If you want a workhorse with professional feel and historic DSLR charm, prefer a larger grip and don’t mind the older USB 1.0 data transfer and CompactFlash cards, the Nikon D100 remains a strong vintage choice. Its solid build and top LCD panel meet the needs of portrait and studio shooters wanting classic CCD image rendering.

Alternatively, if you lean toward travel and street photography, desire lighter gear with more modern conveniences like SD card storage, better USB transfer speeds, and improved low light performance, the Nikon D50 is a compelling bargain that delivers solid APS-C image quality without weighing you down.

Neither is well-suited for action-heavy or video-centric workflows. They also require patience in autofocus and shooting speed if your style demands it.

Final Thoughts - An Enthusiast’s Perspective

Looking back, the Nikon D100 and D50 reveal a fascinating snapshot of DSLR evolution, balancing imaging innovation with the limitations of early digital technology. During my hands-on testing, I came to appreciate the “soul” these cameras have - from the pronounced shutter sounds to the pleasing analog-like colors of the CCD sensors.

If you’re hunting for a piece of DSLR history with practical photographic use, either is worthy, but your choice hinges on priorities: the robust, tactile D100 or the nimble, travel-friendly D50.

Dear Nikon, please unleash some firmware magic and live view on these gems - just kidding, but oh how far we’ve come since!

I hope this in-depth comparison has shed light on your next vintage Nikon DSLR adventure. Feel free to ask questions or share your own experiences with these cameras below!