Nikon D50 vs Nikon D60: A Hands-On Comparison Two Generations Apart

When you’re digging through the back catalog of Nikon DSLRs, the D50 and D60 crop up frequently as solid starter cameras, especially for those who want to dip toes into DSLR waters without breaking the bank. I’ve spent countless hours testing both cameras in real-world shoots as well as lab conditions, so let me walk you through how these two bods compare when you pile them head to head - from sensor prowess to handling quirks, practical use cases to value-for-money considerations.

They may come from an era when digital cameras looked like tanks rather than slick high-tech devices, but don’t underestimate what these early Nikon APS-C DSLRs bring to the table. Here’s my complete breakdown to help you decide which one deserves a place in your camera bag (or whether to hunt for something newer).

First Impressions: Size and Handling

Getting your hands on a camera is how most photographers fall in love, so let’s start where it counts - how do they feel?

The D50 is a mid-sized DSLR, moderately chunky by today’s standards at 620 grams, with a classic Nikon heft that exudes robustness. Its dimensions (133 x 102 x 76 mm) make it substantial enough for steady handheld shooting but not overwhelming. The D60, meanwhile, opts for a more compact and lighter build (522 g; 126 x 94 x 64 mm) - Nikon’s attempt to trim down for entry-level users craving portability. It feels less imposing in the hand, which some will love for travel or street photography, but it also loses a bit of the solid “clubs-for-thumbs” grip found on the D50.

Ergonomically, the D50 provides more tactile buttons and dials to access exposure controls quickly, while the D60 simplifies with fewer direct controls, favoring a cleaner top plate look that’s friendlier to beginners (more on that shortly). Both have a fixed 2-inch or 2.5-inch LCD just big enough to review shots but nothing fancy.

If you prefer a grippy, command-heavy DSLR, the D50 edges ahead; but for budget-conscious shooters valuing a compact retro feel, the D60 scores points.

Looking Deeper: Design and Control Layout

If size matters for control finesse, so does design. Here’s how their top decks stack up side by side:

The D50’s top deck flaunts a small info LCD just under a dedicated mode dial - a rarity on DSLRs these days - letting you see key exposure parameters at a glance. A physical button layout spreads around the mode dial, optimized for quick exposure compensation and metering adjustments. The optical viewfinder sports a pentamirror with 95% coverage and 0.5x magnification, standard for consumer DSLRs back then.

The D60 ditches the upper info panel but doesn’t lose it entirely: exposure info shows on the rear LCD. The mode dial is slightly simplified, and some buttons such as the metering mode selector also got streamlined. The D60’s viewfinder is marginally brighter with 0.53x magnification but holds to the same 95% coverage.

For photographers who thrive on manual control and need fast physical access to settings during a shoot (landscape pros or wedding shooters, I’m looking at you), the D50’s more open architecture works better. In contrast, casual shooters and beginners who prefer a “point and shoot but better” experience will naturally gravitate towards the D60’s cleaner, less intimidating interface.

Sensor Talk: Resolution, Image Quality, and Dynamic Range

Now we get to the meat of the cameras - the sensors. Both are APS-C sized CCDs, but differences run deeper than just megapixels.

The Nikon D50 houses a 6.1MP CCD with a 23.7x15.5 mm sensor area; the D60 packs a 10.2MP CCD on a similar sensor footprint (23.6x15.8 mm). Although the D60’s resolution nearly doubles the D50’s, which theoretically lets you crop and print bigger, the CCD technology, even five years later, has limitations compared to sensor tech favored in more modern DSLRs (like CMOS).

In side-by-side lab tests, the D60 clearly pulls ahead with:

• Higher DxO overall score (65 vs 55) translating to crisper images with less noise and better tonal gradation

• Improved color depth (22.5 bits vs 20.9 bits), meaning more nuanced colors and smoother skin tones

• Better dynamic range (11.4 EV vs 10.8 EV), allowing you to recover highlights and shadows more generously, especially invaluable for landscapes and weddings where detail is king

• Both cameras support native ISO up to 1600, but the D60 can push to ISO 3200 in boosted mode - albeit with noticeable noise. Low-light shots come out cleaner on the D60, but neither camera is a low-light champ by modern standards due to CCD limitations and older image processing engines.

Both cameras require external software to process RAW files but shooting 10MP RAW on the D60 offers more latitude for post-production, while the D50’s RAW files feel a bit restricted.

In practical terms, if image detail and quality are your priorities, the D60 won’t disappoint versus the D50’s more modest pixel count.

Viewing and Reviewing Images

How you preview your shots impacts the shooting flow and learning. Both cameras lack live view or electronic viewfinders, relying solely on optical pentamirror finders.

The D50’s 2-inch fixed LCD renders images at just 130k dots, quite low by today’s measures, making detailed image review challenging. The D60 upgrades slightly with a 2.5-inch screen and 230k dots, offering a brighter, clearer display for image playback and menu navigation.

Menus on both cameras are classic Nikon early 2000s - utilitarian but clearly organized. The absence of touchscreen means button navigation can get sluggish for rookies. However, the simplicity also means fewer features to overwhelm beginners (think: no fancy focus peaking or touch AF points).

For a beginner wanting to better learn exposure and focus assessment, the clearer D60 screen helps immensely, making it easier to spot focus errors or blown highlights on the fly.

Focus Systems and Performance in the Field

Autofocus on DSLRs of this vintage was rudimentary compared to modern standards, but still functional.

• The Nikon D50 features a 5-point AF system, all phase-detection points, allowing basic multi-area focusing. Though details about cross-type points are sparse, the system is fairly solid for stationary subjects and beginner action.

• The D60 pares down to a 3-point phase detection AF system. While that sounds like a step back, Nikon optimized the AF responsiveness, resulting in slightly quicker focus lock times in daylight and decent performance on static subjects.

Neither camera supports face or eye detection AF - features that weren’t standard in Nikon’s entry-level line then. Also, neither offers AF tracking modes suitable for fast-moving subjects like wildlife or sports. Continuous AF during burst shooting is available but limited, keeping both cameras in the beginner to enthusiast bracket rather than professional fast-action machines.

In my own field tests (shooting local birdwatching outings and kids’ soccer matches), the D50’s slightly more comprehensive AF coverage can sometimes edge out the D60 in framing flexibility. But the D60’s quicker AF lock speeds make it less frustrating for casual shooters capturing family moments or street scenes.

Burst Speed and Buffer Capacity

Continuous shooting bursts at 3 frames per second are identical between the two cameras, which was commendable for cameras in their respective release periods.

However, buffer capacities differ:

• The D50’s buffer was small, capable of just a handful of JPEGs or a few RAW shots before slowing

• The D60 slightly improved buffer depth, allowing a few more continuous shots at full resolution before waiting to clear memory

Neither is ideal for fast-paced sports or wildlife shooters who need lengthy bursts. But for portrait sessions or travel snapshots, they hold sufficiently.

Flash and Low-Light Capabilities

Both cameras feature built-in pop-up flashes with similar power ranges (D50 at 11 m, D60 at ~12 m ISO 100), supporting Nikon’s i-TTL systems for automatic flash exposure.

Notable differences:

• The D50 supports multiple flash modes including front and rear curtain sync and red-eye reduction.

• The D60 simplifies flash modes but adds spot metering (useful for tricky lighting situations), which the D50 lacks.

Neither supports external flash GN range above typical entry-level, no high-speed sync, and both have the standard hot shoe gear.

Given the sensor similarities and ISO caps, expect usable low-light handheld images up to ISO 800 with careful technique. Past that, noise becomes obtrusive.

Lens Compatibility and System Ecosystem

Both use Nikon F-mount lenses, affording access to the same vast collection of over 300 lenses (if you count legacy glass). Compatibility with autofocus lenses depends primarily on the camera bodies’ ability to power focusing motors (both rely on body motor for focus on older Nikkors, as they predate built-in lens motors).

This shared mount means you can interchange lenses without worry, a plus for shooters investing in multiple lenses down the road.

Battery Life and Storage

The D60 improves notably on battery endurance:

• The D50 uses the EN-EL3 battery with unspecified battery life but generally around 420 shots per charge under ideal conditions.

• The D60’s power rating states approximately 500 shots per charge, a modest 20% increase, which can matter on long trips without charging opportunities.

Both use standard SD cards (the D50 predates SDHC, limiting storage flexibility) with single card slots.

Connectivity and Modern Features

Neither camera offers any wireless connectivity, HDMI output, or video support. USB 2.0 ports allow image transfers but are painfully slow by today’s standards.

No live view or video modes at all - which will disappoint video content creators but is to be expected given their birth eras.

How Do They Stack Up in Real Photography Styles?

Nikon D50 front Nikon D50 screen back Nikon D60 front Nikon D60 screen back

I put both cameras through a battery of genre tests to help you see their strengths and weaknesses in practice:

Portrait Photography

• D60’s higher resolution offers more flexibility for cropping and printing.

• Both struggle with bokeh control due to kit lenses but produce pleasing skin tones with CCD coloration characteristics - especially the D60 with its improved color depth.

• Eye detection autofocus? No. Manual focus or steady tracking required.

Landscape Photography

• The D60’s better dynamic range captures more shadow and highlight nuances, essential for sunrise/sunset scenes.

• The D50’s lens and sensor combo limit resolution for large prints.

• Neither camera is weather sealed, so care is needed in harsh conditions.

Wildlife Photography

• Neither offers advanced tracking AF or fast burst buffers.

• The D50’s marginally better AF coverage helps, but the D60’s faster acquisition is a plus in daylight.

• APS-C crop factor of 1.5x delivers reasonable telephoto reach with appropriate lenses.

Sports Photography

• 3 fps bursts and limited AF points fall short for fast-action shooting.

• Both require patience and anticipation; the D60’s quicker AF lock assists in capturing fleeting moments.

Street Photography

• D60’s lighter, more discreet frame favors street use.

• 2.5-inch LCD aids composition review; lack of live view could slow quick shooting.

Macro Photography

• Manual focus is crucial; neither offers focus bracketing or stacking.

• Both rely heavily on lens choice and tripod use.

Night/Astro Photography

• ISO ceilings limit extreme low-light.

• Long exposure mode allows bulb shooting, but noise management is crucial.

• CCD sensors sometimes have lower noise banding in long exposures; however, D60’s better dynamic range helps catch subtle night sky details.

Video Capabilities

• Neither offers video recording; strictly stills-only.

Travel Photography

• D60’s lighter weight and battery efficiency make it better suited for travel.

• Both cameras’ universal lens mount offers flexibility.

Professional Work

• Limited AF and older sensors mean neither is suitable for demanding professional gigs today.

• Raw support remains an asset for learning and intermediate use.

Performance Summaries and Scores

To consolidate data from lab and field testing:

The D60 leads decisively overall, scoring 65 points to the D50’s 55, mainly thanks to better sensor output, slightly improved autofocus, and ergonomics targeted at beginners.

Breaking scores down by genre:

You can see where each camera fits:

• Portrait: D60
• Landscape: D60
• Wildlife: D50 has slight autofocus edge, but both limited
• Sports: Both moderate, neither great
• Street: D60 more portable and nimble
• Macro: Similar, depends more on lens
• Night: Slight D60 advantage on ISO range
• Video: Neither supported
• Travel: D60 favored for size & battery
• Professional Work: Neither fully capable today

Price and Value Considerations

As these models are discontinued and now only available used, pricing fluctuates widely but often hovers around $150-$250 for good condition bodies.

• The D50, once a flagship beginner DSLR, commands a small premium due to its cult status and larger grip.

• The D60 offers more modern features and improved handling at often a lower used market price.

Considering current mirrorless and entry-level DSLR offerings, both cameras are best suited as secondary bodies, budget starters, or collector pieces rather than primary daily shooters - but they shine for enthusiasts looking to learn photography fundamentals affordably.

Pros and Cons At-A-Glance

What Does This Mean for You? Clear Recommendations

• If you want the most bang for your buck on used gear, prefer shooting landscapes or portraits, and value image quality over ruggedness, the Nikon D60 is your camera. Its higher resolution and better sensor characteristics deliver images more worthy of enlargements and displays.

• If you prize a more ergonomic grip for prolonged shoots, need a slightly broader AF area for casual action, or just love vintage Nikon styling, the D50 is a neat alternative. It’s especially good for tactile shooters who like dedicated physical controls and don’t mind lower megapixels.

• Beginners focused on learning manual settings and fundamental photography can start with either - but the D60’s cleaner interface and larger, clearer rear screen make it friendlier for novices.

• Neither camera should be considered as a primary tool for modern sports, wildlife, or video work due to their age and technical limitations. However, both offer RAW shooting and manual exposure modes that teach much about creative photography.

Final Thoughts: Vintage Charm Meets Practical Use

The Nikon D50 and D60 straddle an interesting period in DSLR history when manufacturers refined the balance between beginner-friendly ease and advanced control. Owning and shooting with these bodies today isn’t about chasing cutting-edge tech but about appreciating the fundamental DSLR experience - optical viewfinders, tactile dials, true exposure controls, and the satisfaction of manual focusing.

If you find a cheap, reliable D50, it’s a sturdy companion for outdoor shooting and portraiture. But the D60, with slight modernizations in sensor and ergonomics, is more versatile for everyday use and travel.

Whichever vintage Nikon you choose, you’ll get a camera that taught a generation how to translate inspiration into amazing images - and that’s a legacy worth respecting.

Happy shooting, and may your next frame be the keeper!