Review of the Nikon Coolpix P50

As an alternative to the 12MP Nikon P5100, the P50 is a solid, 8.1MP camera with a larger handgrip. www.nikon.com
As an alternative to the 12MP Nikon P5100, the P50 is a solid, 8.1MP camera with a larger handgrip. Although it lacks the optical image stabilisation of the P5100 – replacing it with the less reliable electronic IS – it’s a fine point-and-shoot camera for casual users. And its 3.6x zoom with 28mm wideangle capability is a bonus for any camera of this size and price.
Available in black or silver, the P50 uses the smallest chip around – 1:1/2.5 – and with 8.1MP crammed on it, low light non-flash shots are quite noisy, yet distance and close-up outdoor shots give good detail – if sometimes hindered by slow focusing. The design is good, with stable grip and rubber thumb rest, but the menu system is not the easiest to follow. With image quality, noise control is good with only ISO 800 and above showing any significant noise.

Our Verdict
The P50 is let down by slow focusing, sluggish image capture and lack of battery indicator.

What We Like
Wideangle capability

What We Don't Like
No battery indicator

Features: 15
Design: 16
Performance: 17
Image Quality: 17
Value: 18

What Digital Camera Score 83%