Canon EOS 350D v Nikon D50 Review

The Nikon D50 is bigger and chunkier than the Canon EOS 350D and also weighs more. This is not necessarily a bad thing however as it feels great in the hand (well, in my hand anyway).

From this view you can see the AF-assist illuminator to the left of the lens, which also triples as a red-eye reduction lamp and a self timer lamp. To the right of the lens you can see the lens release button.

Just below the shutter button you might be able to make out a small section which acts as an infra receiver for the optional remote control.

The flash has a guide number of 11 (meters @ ISO 100).

Here we can get a good view of the excellent chunky hand grip. The quality of the plastics is also excellent with the handgrip having rubber sections in just the right places.

You should be able to just about make out the memory card slot cover. It's sturdier than the Canon EOS 350D's but it sprung open on one occasion when I was a little rough when putting the camera down - so it's still not industrial strength.

There's a bit more to see on this side. First, on the lens, you can see the A/M focus selection. This doubles up with the AF/M button on the body to select the focus mode.

Across from this you can see the flash control button which is used to pop up the flash and also to alter the flash mode. The number of flash modes is comprehensive with combinations of auto, red-eye reduction, slow sync and rear curtain-sync available along with the option of turning the flash off completely. These modes are cycled through by holding down this button and turning the control dial and the current mode is indicated on the top LCD panel - neat.

Below this you can see the lens release button and finally the second focus mode selection switch as mentioned above.

Moving from left to right across the top of the D50 we start with the main mode dial. This allows you to select from the usual auto, program, shutter and aperture priority modes along with a set of scene modes. One unusual feature is a 'child' mode which apparently sets the camera to record vividly rendered clothing and background details while skin tones remain soft and natural.

Moving across you can see that, as it should be, the flash hot shoe is protected by a cover to keep out dust and greasy fingers. Moving along again we come to the top LCD information panel. This shows plenty of information on the cameras settings with nothing of merit missing. It's also used in conjunction with some of the buttons to change settings rather than having to solely rely on the colour LCD screen.

In front of the LCD screen you can see the self timer button on the left and the exposure compensation button on the right. The exposure compensation button is also used in conjunction with the command dial to set the aperture in full manual mode. It's also used to operate the flash compensation function that the D50 features.

Finally in front of these two buttons we have the shutter release button which is surrounded by the On/Off switch. The On/Off switch has a particularly nice feel to it and it's easy to hold the camera in one hand while switching it on and off.

The back feature an extremely sharp and bright 2" colour LCD screen along with a number of function buttons. These are:

Drive mode button - single or continuous.
AE-L/AF-L - used for exposure and/or focus lock.
Command dial - used in conjunction with other buttons to change settings.

Playback - Used to enter image playback mode.
MENU - access the main menu.
ISO/Thumbnail - used in conjunction with the command dial to alter the ISO setting and in playback to show the thumbnail view.
WB/help/protect - used to change white balance, view menu help or to protect an image from accidental deletion.
QUAL/ENTER/playback zoom - used to change the image quality setting, as an 'enter' button for the menu system and to zoom in on images in playback mode.
4 way selector - used to move around the menu system, alter the focus point and to control the displaying of information in playback mode.