Nikon Digital SLR Cameras |
Page updated: November 2009
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There is a Nikon digital SLR camera for every level of photographer: beginner, intermediate and professional.
Nikon has a long and storied history dating all the way back to 1917.
The company began when three Japanese optical companies joined forces.
I place the emphasis on the word optical, because this is what Nikon is renowned for: while they have created a long line of memorable cameras, the lenses that they produce are second-to-none.
Nikon's main competitor in the digital SLR market is Canon, and these two companies are constantly trying to out-do each other in terms of the capability of their cameras.
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The Latest Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
While all of the Nikon digital SLR cameras capture images with exceptional color and detail, there are several distinct levels of performance.
- Entry-level: these cameras are easy to operate and their performance is geared toward beginning photographers or those making the switch from a compact point-and-shoot to an SLR (D40, D40x, D60)
- Mid-level: for a step up in price above the entry-level models, you get a camera with faster performance, a sophisticated autofocus system, and more custom settings (D80)
- Semi-professional: you should only get a camera at this level if you have a lot of experience using a film SLR camera and are making the switch to digital or if it's your intent to use your camera in the future for a photography business (D200, D300)
- Professional: Nikon produces several digital SLR cameras that are geared for professionals (like the D2Xs). I don't list information about these cameras on this site, since they are priced well out of the buget of most consumers
Which one is the best Nikon digital SLR for you?
A lot depends on the speed of your subject matter. As you step up through the levels, the cameras become more and more responsive. In fact, the D300 is one of the fastest consumer digital SLR cameras you can buy.
If you're not terribly passionate about photographing dirt bikes and race cars, then you'll be perfectly happy with one of the entry-level cameras.
If the subject matter of your photos is in constant motion OR you'd like to eventually earn some money from your photo hobby, then consider buying a more advanced camera, but make sure that you learn how to use it.
Nikon D60 |
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Release Date | March 2008 |
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| Key Features | 10.2 megapixels, dust control, small and light | |
| Uniqueness | Smallest Nikon SLR | |
| Great For | Learning photography | |
| Level | Beginner | |
| Avg. Kit Price | $630  | |
| Competitors | Canon Rebel XS, Pentax K200D, Olympus E-420 | |
| Continuing the Nikon trend of small, compact and cost-effective cameras, the D60 offers some minor upgrades over the D40x. The big improvements are a dust control system that includes an airflow control to blow dust away from the sensor and improved autofocus. The D60 kit includes a vibration reduction (VR) lens for clearer photos in low-light conditions. | ||
| Compare prices for the D60 at Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo Video | ||
Nikon D3000 |
Release Date | September 2009 |
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| Key Features | 10.1 megapixels, dust control | |
| Uniqueness | Basic SLR | |
| Great For | Point-and-shoot | |
| Level | Beginner | |
| Avg. Kit Price | $600 | |
| Competitors | Canon Rebel XS (1000D) | |
| The ultra-simple Nikon D3000 is designed for anyone who wants to take better pictures but is intimidated by the number of features available on digital SLRs. It lacks the video capture feature and flip LCD available on the more robust D5000, but still has dust control and the 11-point autofocus. A new "guide" mode should make changing camera settings easier for beginners. | ||
| Compare prices for the D3000 at Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo Video | ||
Nikon D5000 |
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Release Date | April 2009 |
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| Key Features | 12.3 megapixels, dust control, video capture | |
| Uniqueness | Flip and Twist LCD | |
| Great For | High and low angle video/stills | |
| Level | Beginner | |
| Avg. Kit Price | $850 | |
| Competitors | Canon Rebel T1i (500D), Panasonic DMC-GH1 | |
| If you took a Nikon D60 and smashed it together with a D90 this is the camera you'd get. Sporting all the features of the popular D60, the D5000 throws in a few extras: the ability to record high-definition video, a live view LCD screen that flips out from the camera body (for high and low angle shots), and an 11-point autofocus system. | ||
| Compare prices for the D5000 at Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo Video | ||
Nikon D90 |
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Release Date | September 2008 |
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| Key Features | 12.3 megapixels, dust control, live view, face detection, movie mode | |
| Great For | Action, Family, Travel | |
| Level | Intermediate to advanced | |
| Avg. Kit Price | $1,300 | |
| Competitors | Canon XSi, Olympus E-30 | |
| Creating a new category all its own, the Nikon D90 has it all: dust control, a 3 inch live view LCD, an 11-point autofocus sytem with face detection, 4.5 photo per second continuous speed and a compatible GPS unit. As if that weren't enough, the D90 also scores a FIRST: it is the first digital SLR to include a movie mode (allowing the user to capture both stills and High Definition video clips). The camera is paired with a new 18-105mm lens with Vibration Reduction. | ||
| Compare prices for the D90 at Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo Video | ||
Nikon D300 |
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Release Date | November 2007 |
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| Key Features | 12.3 megapixels, 51-point autofocus, dust control, live view | |
| Uniqueness | Fastest consumer SLR | |
| Great For | Action | |
| Level | Advanced to semi-professional | |
| Avg. Price | $1,800 | |
| Competitors | Canon 40D, Sony DSLR-A700, Olympus E-3 | |
| If you're looking for ridiculous speed in a digital SLR camera, then look no further - the Nikon D300 is the camera for you! With its standard EN-EL3e battery the camera zips along at 6 photos per second up to a maximum of 100. If you add the optional MB-D10 battery grip, that speed increases up to 8 photos per second. This speed is paired with a new dust control system, a new live view mode, an advanced autofocus and metering system (called Scene Recognition), enhanced dynamic range (active D-lighting) and weather resistant seals. | ||
| Compare prices for the D300 at Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo Video | ||
Nikon D300s |
Release Date | September 2009 |
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| Key Features | 12.3 megapixels, dust control, HD video | |
| Uniqueness | Speed | |
| Great For | Action, Low Light | |
| Level | Intermediate to Advanced | |
| Avg. Body Price | $1,800 | |
| Competitors | Canon 7D, Pentax K-7 | |
| The D300s takes all that was good about the D300 - dust control, live view, ultra-fast continuous speed, superb image quality at high ISO - and throws on a big extra feature: now you can capture HD video too. Movie enthusiasts will be happy to hear two things: there'a plug for an external stereo microphone and autofocus can be used during video capture. If speed is your need, then the D300s delivers, capturing a rapid 7 photo per seconds, and locking onto subjects with a 51-point autofocus system. | ||
| Compare prices for the D300s at Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo Video | ||
Nikon D700 |
Release Date | July 2008 |
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| Key Features | 12.1 megapixels, 51-point autofocus, dust control, live view | |
| Uniqueness | Full frame sensor | |
| Great For | Action | |
| Level | Semi-pro to Professional | |
| Avg. Price | $3,000 (no lens) | |
| Competitors | Canon 5D, Sony A900 | |
| The top-of-the-line D700 should be just about all the camera any advanced amateur photographer should need for - oh, say - the next decade. Packed with features, the highlights of this camera include a full frame 12.1 megapixel sensor (also called FX-Format), a dust control system (not previously available with this type of sensor) and a massive ISO range from 100 to 25,600. Paired with a 51-point autofocus sytems and a 5 photo per second continuous shot speed, the D700 should be ready for just about any photographic challenge you throw its way. | ||
| Compare prices for the D700 at Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo Video | ||
Related Links
 Canon Digital SLR |
Digital SLR Home | Olympus Digital SLR |
