Nikon D50 vs Nikon Coolpix A10

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D50 and the Nikon Coolpix A10, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Nikon D50 was introduced in July 2005 and Nikon Coolpix A10 was introduced in January 2016. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D50 Highlights

      • 6.1 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 200 - 1,600 Native ISO
      • 2.0" 130k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 3.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Nikon Coolpix A10 Highlights

      • 16.1 MP 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
      • 80 - 1,600 Native ISO
      • 2.70" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • 1.2 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D50 and Nikon Coolpix A10.

      PROS

      Nikon D50

      Nikon Coolpix A10

      •   Built-in Flash
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Light - 160 g (0.35 lb / 5.64 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Nikon D50

      Nikon Coolpix A10

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6.1 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 55
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.2 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 200 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D50

      Nikon Coolpix A10

      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Weight - 620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz)
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.1 Megapixel
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"

      Advantage of Nikon D50

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D50 over Nikon Coolpix A10.

      Nikon D50 vs Nikon Coolpix A10
      Larger Sensor APS-C vs 1/2.3-inch
      RAW Support vs
      Multi Area Autofocus vs
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Continuous Autofocus vs
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Viewfinder Optical (pentamirror) vs
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs 4 sec
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/4000 sec vs 1/2000 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 3.0 fps vs 1.2 fps
      External Flash Connectivity vs
      Manual Exposure Mode vs
      Aperture Priority vs
      Shutter Priority vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D50.

      Advantage of Nikon Coolpix A10

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon Coolpix A10 over Nikon D50.

      Nikon D50 vs Nikon Coolpix A10
      Video Capture vs
      Higher Sensor Resolution 6.1 Megapixel vs 16.1 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 200 vs 80
      Higher Native ISO 1,600 vs 1,600
      Max Image Resolution 3008 x 2000 vs 4608 x 3456
      Center Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 2.0" vs 2.70"
      Higher Resolution Screen 130k dot vs 230k dot
      Live View vs
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Lighter 620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz) vs 160 g (0.35 lb / 5.64 oz)
      Internal Storage vs 17 MB

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon Coolpix A10.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Nikon D50 Nikon Coolpix A10
        Built-in Flash
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D50 Nikon Coolpix A10
        Timelapse Recording
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen130k dot230k dot
        Low Max Continuous Shooting3.0 fps1.2 fps
        No HDMI Output
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D50 has a 2.0" screen with 130k dot resolution and Nikon Coolpix A10 has a 2.70" screen with 230k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder on Nikon D50

      Nikon D50 has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder. It has a 95% coverage and 0.75x (0.50x 35mm equivalent) magnification. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Nikon Coolpix A10.

      Sensor

      Nikon D50 features a 6.1 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.7 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 369.7 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 1,600. Nikon Coolpix A10 features a 16.1 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 20.7 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 1,600.

      Photography Features

      Nikon D50 can take pictures up to 3008 x 2000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 2256 x 1496, 1504 x 1000 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Nikon Coolpix A10 can take pictures up to 4608 x 3456 resolution.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Nikon D50 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon Coolpix A10 nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer.


      Battery

      Nikon D50 comes with EN-EL3 battery pack and Nikon Coolpix A10 comes with 2 x AA battery pack with battery life of 200 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon D50 has a single SD card slot. Nikon Coolpix A10 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D50 has Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Nikon D50, and up to 1/2000 sec on Nikon Coolpix A10. Nikon D50 can shoot continuously up to 3.0 fps. Nikon Coolpix A10 can shoot continuously up to 1.2 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 11.00 m at ISO 100 on Nikon D50 and 3.60 m at Auto ISO on Nikon Coolpix A10. Nikon D50 also accepts external flash which can be connected via Standard ISO hot-shoe contact with safety lock provided. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/500 sec on Nikon D50.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D50 body has dimensions of 133 x 102 x 76 mm (5.24 x 4.02 x 2.99") and Nikon Coolpix A10 body has dimensions of 96 x 59 x 29 mm (3.78 x 2.32 x 1.14"). Nikon D50 weighs 620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz) and Nikon Coolpix A10 weighs 160 g (0.35 lb / 5.64 oz).

      Nikon D50

      Nikon Coolpix A10

      133 mm

      102 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      96 mm

      59 mm

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      102 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      59 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      76 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      29 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon D50 and Nikon Coolpix A10

      Nikon D50 and Nikon Coolpix A10 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon D50

      Nikon Coolpix A10

      AVERAGE
      62
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      POOR
      48
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D50

      Nikon Coolpix A10

      POOR
      53
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.2 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 200 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D50

      Nikon Coolpix A10

      POOR
      52
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      57
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.2 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 200 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D50

      Nikon Coolpix A10

      GOOD
      72
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Nikon D50

      Nikon Coolpix A10

      GOOD
      77
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz)
      GOOD
      81
      •   Small Sensor
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 160 g (0.35 lb / 5.64 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D50

      Nikon Coolpix A10

      GOOD
      78
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz)
      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 160 g (0.35 lb / 5.64 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 200 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D50 and Nikon Coolpix A10 and give them scores of 54 and 45 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon D50

      Nikon Coolpix A10

      OVERALL
      54
      OVERALL
      45

      Sensor

      Nikon D50

      Nikon Coolpix A10

      AVERAGE
      67
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6.1 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 55
      POOR
      47
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.1 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Nikon D50

      Nikon Coolpix A10

      POOR
      52
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec
      BAD
      31
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.2 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Nikon D50

      Nikon Coolpix A10

      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization
      BAD
      7
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720

      Focusing

      Nikon D50

      Nikon Coolpix A10

      GOOD
      75
      •   No Face Detection
      GOOD
      70
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D50

      Nikon Coolpix A10

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      POOR
      50
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Nikon D50

      Nikon Coolpix A10

      POOR
      41
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      POOR
      44
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D50

      Nikon Coolpix A10

      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz)
      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 160 g (0.35 lb / 5.64 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 200 shots
      •   Internal Storage


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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