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 (often these cameras are called true professional cameras). It is easy to distinguish by such features as the fact that they do not have a built-in flash, have an additional second handle for portrait photography, use very capacious batteries and fast memory cards CF. These cameras have two additional displays. They can do everything that professional cameras can do.
  2. Professional (often these cameras are called semi-professional cameras). These cameras do not have automatic modes, have a weatherproof body, use fast memory cards CF and special connectors for control. They can do everything that advanced amateur cameras can do.
  3. Advanced amateur (often these cameras are called mid-range cameras). Use cards SD, can control external flashes, support fast synchronization 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 are light in weight and have few controls. Use SD cards.
I II III IV V VI
  • D3 (FX)
  • D3x (FX)
  • D3s (FX)
  • D4 (FX)
  • D4s (FX)
  • D5 (FX)
  • D6 (FX)
  • Z9 (FX)
  • Df (FX)
  • D800 (FX)
  • D800E (FX)
  • D810 (FX)
  • D810a (FX)
  • D850 (FX)

Here is my distribution of cameras by class:

The main distribution criteria:

Pro line of Nikon camera classes

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.

Camera Release date
d1 15.06.1999
d1h 05.01.2001
d1x 05.01.2001
d100 21.01.2002
d2h 22.07.2003
d70 28.01.2004
d2x 16.09.2004
d2hs 16.01.2005
d70s 01.04.2005
d50 20.04.2005
d200 01.10.2005
d2xs 01.06.2006
d80 09.08.2006
d40 16.11.2006
d40x 06.03.2007
d3 23.08.2007
d300 23.08.2007
d60 01.01.2008
d700 01.07.2008
d90 27.08.2008
d3x 01.12.2008
d5000 14.04.2009
d300s 30.06.2009
d3000 30.07.2009
d3s 14.10.2009
d3100 19.08.2010
d7000 15.09.2010
d5100 05.04.2011
d4 06.01.2012
d800 06.02.2012
d800e 06.02.2012
d3200 19.04.2012
d600 13.09.2012
d5200 07.11.2012
d7100 01.02.2013
d610 08.10.2013
d5300 17.10.2013
df 05.11.2013
D3300 07.01.2014
D4s 25.02.2014
D810 26.06.2014
D750 11.09.2014
D5500 06.01.2015
D810a 10.02.2015
D7200 02.03.2015
D5 06.01.2016
D500 06.01.2016
D3400 17.08.2016
D5600 10.11.2016
D7500 12.04.2017
D850 24.08.2017
Nikon z6 23.08.2018
Nikon z7 23.08.2018
D3500 30.08.2018
Nikon z50 10.10.2019
D780 07.01.2020
D6 11.02.2020
Nikon z5 21.07.2020
Nikon z6 ii 14.10.2020
Nikon z7 ii 14.10.2020
Nikon z9 10.03.2021
Nikon Z fc 29.06.2021
Nikon z30 29.06.2022
Nikon z8 10.05.2023
Nikon Zf 20.09.2023
  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 UVIRS5 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)

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.

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?'.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

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Comments: 290, on the topic: The evolution of Nikon cameras

  • Olga

    Arkady, why are you talking about a bag, in front of a girl is now an even more difficult task))))

  • Olga

    Irina, do not bother, any, pinkish with strazikami will do))))

    • Arkady Shapoval

      In the comments there is a "reply" button, with the help of it you need to leave a comment to the user, otherwise it turns out to be a mess.

      • Olga

        Thank you !!! Tell me, the paloroid filters are compatible with Nikon ???

        • Arkady Shapoval

          Yes, they do. When buying, pay attention to the matching filter diameter and thread on the lens.

  • Olga

    Yes, thank you very much Arkady)))))) At the expense of the thread, I am aware)))) But thanks again, for the answers to the step in front of the beginner, this is very important !!!

  • Olga

    Oh, Arkady, tell me which is better for macro. Lens Sigma AF 150mm f / 2.8 EX DG OS HSM APO Macro Nikon ... or 105 which was discussed in the first appeal ??? Thanks !!!

    • Arkady Shapoval

      The Nikon 105mm F2.8 VR is a flawless lens and I highly recommend it.

      • Olga

        Thank you very much, otherwise I was completely confused reading the reviews !!!! Tomorrow will come, I can’t wait)))))

  • Dmitry 83

    tell me which is better to buy a D5100 or D3100

    • Arkady Shapoval

      D5100 Will be better.

  • Victor

    Good evening. Perhaps it was in the wrong branch? The question is about the NIKON 3200. The manual optics of the UNION (domestic and foreign with F fasteners) require a dandelion for camera metering and a signal (audio, optical in the viewfinder). I understood it. How, or rather, on which lenses the carcass will control the diaphragm. If possible, call a couple of them. Does it make sense to find and remodel (rearrange) the manual with normal glass or save it for something modern, high-quality, but EXPENSIVE. In the old days, Zenit TTL and Kiev-19 worked, did not strain manul.

  • Rita

    Good day!
    The other day I have fulfilled my dream - I have my first CZK. This is baby nikon 3200. In the photo, I am an amateur who just sometimes turns out something. But even for my level at the moment, the AF-S Nikkor 18-55 VR kit lens is clearly not enough. What is the possible alternative for this device in the budget range? Is it possible to use manual glasses to reveal at least part of the potential? If so, which ones will fit and where you will advise to look.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Indicate for what purposes you need lenses, then I can tell you something. For starters, you can look towards Helios-81N https://radojuva.com.ua/2011/02/obzor-gelios-81-n-test/ and from autofocus to Nikkor 50 1.8G - https://radojuva.com.ua/2012/02/obzor-nikon-50-mm-f-1-8-g-af-s/

      • anonym

        For portraiture. Sometimes I shoot at weddings. Whale as a station wagon so far suitable.

        • Arkady Shapoval

          For a portrait you need to look at fifty dollars and 85mm fixes.

          • Eugene

            Good day! I suspect the question is in the wrong thread, but still. Arkady, can you please tell me, is it better to take a 50mm or 35mm lens for a “crop camera”? I read on some Internet resource that the half is set on a full frame, and on a 35mm crop. Because 35mm on crop will be equivalent to 50mm full frame. Is it so? Or, if there is an article on your site, please give me a link.
            I have a Nikon D90 (so far only a body).
            Thank you.

      • Rita

        I photograph mainly architecture and nature (both in panorama and macro), sometimes (as without it) portraits.

  • Olga

    Good evening. Yesterday I bought a Nikon D7000 camera (I also looked at the options for canon eos 60d, canon eos650d. I wanted to ask if I made the right choice? I like everything, but in the evening looking at the information on the sites, I came across words broken and hot pixels. I switched to Nikon D7000 with Canon’s ultrasound, I still have a lot to learn. But now I’m worried how can I check the camera for these broken or hot pixels. I took pictures in auto-mode, everything is fine. Tell me what to do?

  • Anastasia

    Hello, Arkady.
    I am an amateur, but spoiled by communication with professionals. I chose a camera for a very long time (alas, I have limited funds and I can't directly follow the advice of these friends). As a result, I settled on the D3200, but based on your table and the final price monitoring ... now I'm starting to hesitate in favor of the D5100. You wrote here about an unusual matrix in 3200 ... as I understand it, the D5100 does not have it? What advice would you give of these two cameras?
    Thank you.

  • Anastasia

    Excuse me, but I'm already in “oscillatory mode” ... I read your review for 5100 .. but for 3200 you simply don't have it…. I guess I somehow do not understand the word "unusual" .. In general, I beg you to help.
    And then I’ll ask about the lens - I’ll say right away, of course, everyone limits the means. Alas, so far there is only one. I hesitate between fix 35 (1.8ji) and 18-105 VR for whale ... yes - I read that you recommend 18-105 for all occasions, but there is absolutely no money for an external flash, so I tend to a higher aperture, because very often I will shoot indoors. Therefore, to be honest, I tend to lean more towards the 35-ke fix. Thanks again.

  • Novel

    Hello Arkady!

    Thanks for the reviews and articles, very interesting.
    I'm going to comprehend the basics of photographing, here I am reading your site, in anticipation of my D90.
    Before that, I only dabbled in various CZK, but for the most part the D5000 with a whale lens.

    There are a couple of questions:
    1. Only the 55-200 TV will be included, is it worth taking a lens with a smaller focal length now, and which one?
    2. There is an old Soviet Jupiter-8 with an M39 mount. Will I be able to use it somehow and is it worth it?
    3. It is also possible to take some Helios for a penny, there are options: 44M, 44M-4, 44-2, 44K-4 and 42.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      1. When it will be possible to use 55-200, you will immediately understand whether you need a wider lens
      2. You cannot, this is a rangefinder, in more detail here - https://radojuva.com.ua/2012/10/dalnomernaya-optica-na-slr/
      3. I advise Helios-81N on Nikon, with the 44th problem with infinity, in more detail here https://radojuva.com.ua/2011/04/optika-na-nikon/

      • Novel

        Thanks for the reply.

        I’ll leave Jupiter for the future, someday I can get to the macro, but for now I’ll look for Helios-81N. :)

      • Novel

        And you write:
        https://radojuva.com.ua/2011/02/obzor-gelios-81-n-test/

        >> Some Helios-81H lenses will not be able to mount on the following cameras without additional modification: D90, D80, D70s, D50, D70, D100 or will jam when they are disconnected. But, on other modern digital-SLR cameras, the lens will be installed without any problems.

        So is it still possible or not?

      • Novel

        And, I’ve already read that there are different instances.

  • Ilya

    Thank you so much for creating this site)
    I have a Nikon 5100d 18-105vr lens. advise the flash is not expensive, for shooting indoors.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      from SB-400 to SB-600, SB-700

  • All projects

    Thank you very much, I read the articles and comments with interest. Question: I am an amateur, I have been shooting with Nikon d40 for five years now, I have 18-55, 55-200, and Nikon 40mm f / 2.8G DX. Recommend a lens that is versatile but better than the 18-55. And one more thing: is it worth buying a more modern camera (I thought - D5200 D7000?). Thanks.

  • All projects

    Thank you very much. Yesterday I read the articles on your site for a long time - very interesting, I found a lot of usefulness. :)

  • Alexander

    I'm new at this.
    There is a budget of 800-850 $
    Primarily interested in the quality of the photo, no video.
    Advise what is better nikon d90 kit 18-105 or nikon d5100 kit 18-105

    in google did not find a reliable answer, the only thing is whether the old man d90 is out of date? On the net they write that in d5100 the matrix is ​​like in d7000.
    I don’t plan to buy optics in the coming year.
    still can not decide what to take
    already thought on the d90body + Nikon AF 50mm f / 1.8D option
    or d5100 + kit 18-55 + (Nikon [b] AF-S [/ b] 50mm f / 1.8D then)

  • Catherine

    Hello Arkady! Tell me please . here I have a D3100. WILL THE LENS Nikon 24-70mm f / 2.8G ED AF-S Nikkor come up to him? FOR YOU BEFORE YOU. **

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Yes, it does.

  • Konstantin

    Hello Arkady! Please tell me, I bought a NIKON D5100 with a lens kit 18-55, everything is cool, and what lens do you recommend for shooting weddings and holidays, write the brand if it does not complicate you! With great respect and thank you in advance!

    • Arkady Shapoval

      For weddings on the D5100, a versatile Nikon 17-55mm f / 2.8G ED IF AF-S DX Nikkor and in addition the Nikon 70-200GII VR would be a good option

      • anonym

        Thank you very much!

      • Konstantin

        Tell me cheaper lenses please, otherwise Nikon 17-55mm f / 2.8G ED IF AF-S DX Nikkor $ 800 and Nikon 70-200GII VR $ 2511 are a little expensive for me!

        • Arkady Shapoval

          Weddings are also expensive :)

  • Eugene

    I liked the material very much, helped me choose a camera from Nikon ... but what about the same article on Canon?

  • Alexey

    Arkady, tell me how to determine the working distance in practice?

  • Igor

    Hello Arkady, for a start: - “Thank you so much for your articles. It was difficult for me, a poorly enlightened person, to understand other reviews, but your articles can be read as fiction! "
    You got around the Nikon D70, if you can, at least a few words. Thank you in advance.

  • Jury

    ordered sb910 in the online store. How to distinguish from a Chinese fake? Thanks.

  • Alexander

    Will the D3200 make more noise than the d3100 at high iso due to its excessive megapixel ???

  • Nikita

    Hello Arkady, please advise which device is better, d90, d5000 or d5200?

  • Oleg

    Hello, do you have any evolution signs for Kenon? Can share a reference)

  • Oleg

    Hello, on nikon d5200, when recording video, the 18-55 lens focuses noisily and does not come into focus the first time, “crawls back and forth” tell me if there is a “quiet” lens for it?

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English-version of this article https://radojuva.com/en/2012/02/evolyuciya-kamer-nikon/comment-page-2/

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