The evolution of Nikon cameras

Nikon has a lot of DSLR cameras. Sometimes you can go crazy choosing the right option for yourself. Also, it is very difficult to understand the range of cameras. There are many cameras that are professional on the one hand and amateur on the other.

I broke all the cameras on 4 class:

1. Flagship (these cameras are often referred to as true professional cameras). It is easy to distinguish by features such as the fact that they do not have a built-in flash, they have an additional second handle for portraits, use very large batteries and fast CF memory cards. These cameras have as many as two additional displays. They can do everything that professional cameras do.
2. Professional (often referred to as semi-pro cameras) These cameras do not have automatic modes, are weatherproof, and use fast CF cards and dedicated control connectors. They can do everything that advanced amateur cameras can do.
3. Advanced amateur (often referred to as mid-range cameras). Uses SD cards, can control external flashes, and support fast sync with flashes. Unlike amateur cameras, they have an additional display and an additional control wheel, as well as a depth-of-field preview button.
4. Amateur (they are amateur in Africa). They have a small weight, few controls. Use SD cards.

Here is my distribution of cameras by class:

• Flagship models: Nikon D1, D1h, D1x, D2h, D2x, D2hs, D2xs, D3, D3s, D3x, D4, D4s, D5, D6
• Professional models: Nikon D100, D200, D300, D300s, D500, D700, D800, D800E, D810, D810a, D850, Nikon Z7, Z7 II
• Advanced amateur models: Nikon D70, D70s D80, D90, D7000, D7100, D7200, D7500, D600, D610, D750, D780, Nikon Z6, Z6 II
• Amateur models: Nikon D50, D40, D40x, D60, D3000, D3100, D3200, D3300, D3400, D3500, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500, D5600, Nikon Z50, Nikon Z5
• With retro design: Nikon DF (in the nameplate I refer them to professional cameras)

The main distribution criteria:

About the line of Nikon camera classes. increase.

Useful plate with the dates of the announcements of cameras. Green indicates Nikon FX full-length cameras.

1. Nikon DX SLR cameras with APS-C sensor are marked in white
2. Nikon DX mirrorless cameras with APS-C sensor are marked in pink
3. Green indicates full-frame SLR cameras
4. Full frame mirrorless cameras are marked in blue

Also, with the Nikon F mount, there are the following cameras: Fujifilm FinePix S1 Pro, S2 Pro, S3 Pro, S3 Pro UVIR, S5 Pro, IS Pro, Kodak DCS PRO 14n (and its modifications) and Kodak DCS Pro SLR / n (and its modifications)

Which cameras use the same sensor can see here.

My calculations on the performance of the Nikon CZK can be viewed here.

Letters S, H, X, E in Nikon Camera Names

• S - usually this letter is attributed to the camera, which is simply updated version previous model without major modifications. for example Nikon D70s, D300s, D3s, D4s. These cameras have the same body and a similar matrix as in Nikon D70, D300, D3, D4. Roughly speaking, this is a cosmetic update to the camera with the addition of new useful features.
• H - usually this letter is added to updated camera models when they want to show that the updated camera has the possibility of a good fast continuous shooting. Roughly speaking, a camera for sports photographers, photojournalists. D1h, D2h, D2hs - have just amazing frame buffer.
• X - usually this letter is added to the updated camera model in which increased number of megapixels, but the main characteristics remained similar to the previous version. For example, Nikon D40 \ D40x, D1 \ D1x, D2x, D2xs, D3 \ D3x.
• E - for cameras with missing low-pass filter (Nikon D800e)
• A - for cameras designed for astro photography (Nikon D810a)
• F - Fusion "Fusion" for cameras with retro body design (Nikon Df)
• II - second version of the camera (Z6 -> Z6 II)

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conclusions

Using my tablet, you can immediately determine which class the Nikon digital SLR camera belongs to. Considering that each new round of evolution (from left to right) only improves the performance of cameras, it becomes very simple to choose the best option.

When choosing a Nikon SLR camera, I advise you to look in the 'Which Nikon camera to choose?'.

The material was prepared by Arkady Shapoval. My Youtube channeland Radozhiva's group on Facebook и VK.