The Nikon D50 is a good entry level DSLR. While it lacks features of more expensive SLR cameras, the lower price compensates well. Among entry-level SLR cameras, the Nikon D50 stands out as the most sturdy. This camera is fast and has even less noise than the high-end D70. The slightly soft images and moire problems make the offerings from Canon and Pentax better in the image quality department. Like other entry-level digital SLR cameras, the D50 has been cut-down in features, but so has the Canon Digital Rebel. The Rebel offers better image quality at the expense of solidity and speed. The Pentax *ist DS offers more features, though it produces slightly noisier images.