Every day I get questions like 'which digital SLR camera to buy Nikon'. In this article I will share my experience on this matter. I have shot with almost all Nikon DSLRs with different lenses and in different conditions. Some things in choosing a camera for beginners may not be obvious, but believe me, in this article, I have thought out everything as much as possible and adjusted it as much as possible for the optimal and truthful options for choosing.
Popular Nikon cameras
To begin, I advise you to understand what is the camera forthen you need to determine the most suitable class of cameras that are suitable for the selected tasks.
All Nikon digital SLR cameras are very easily divided into 4 classes:
- Amateur cameras (entry level) - these cameras are aimed at people who just need to get a high-quality photo without delving into the subtleties and settings of the camera. These are the so-called cameras - 'pointed and took off '. Most often, amateur cameras are best suited to people who don't do photography professionally, they just want a good camera for home, leisure, travel, family, nature, etc.. The main requirements for such a camera are ease, simplicity in management, reasonable price.
- Advanced Amateur Cameras (Advanced) - these cameras have advanced functionality with a large number of specific settings that can be dealt with for a long time. These cameras are suitable for advanced amateurs who at least basic knowledge of camera settings either want to get a good potential for mastering photography skills. These cameras are noticeably more expensive, heavier, but still with the same intuitive controls as entry-level cameras.
- Professional cameras (cameras of the upper price range) - these cameras are created for people who are engaged in photography professionally, they know a lot about photography and are not afraid of manual settings. Typically, these cameras have a much better body, functionality and support additional extensions and capabilities. These cameras are not suitable for amateurs as do not have automatic shooting modes and have a specific professional management with a small number of tips.
- Flagship professional cameras (TOP cameras) - these are cameras with exorbitant workmanship and functionality, are needed exclusively for professional purposes. These are the cameras that everyone else is equal to, like a 'flagship'. These cameras are not suitable for beginners and hobbyists.
Nikon itself makes the distribution even easier, only professional and amateur cameras exist on the official Nikon website, but wikipedia also divides Nikon cameras into 4 levels. By the way, the words 'camera', 'camera' and 'camera' in this article, and in many others, mean the same thing. View a graphical distribution of cameras by category can here.
Basic separation of Nikon interchangeable lens cameras
For beginners and lovers I recommend entry-level Nikon amateur cameras.
A camera is a complex technical device, and technology does not stand still. It so happened that in my rating cameras from Nikon can be traced clear correlation of camera output - the newer the camera, the better it is. For 2017, following this logic and other details, the best amateur camera is Nikon D5600, this can be seen from the nameplate below.
When choosing a camera, I do not recommend paying much attention to the number of megapixels, in most cases a large number of megapixels is not in demand and even unnecessarily (these issues are covered in more detail here, here и here). Once again, in big letters - think about the fact that megapixels in amateur-grade DSLR cameras do not solve anything at all.
Each Nikon camera model is highlighted by a link that leads to its review, which describes all of its features.
The question of choice is very much limited by your budget.. I recommend buying a camera that fits into your budget based on the ratings below:
| Model | Rating | Exit time | The number of MP | Speed c / s | Point focus. | Video | Comment |
| D5600 | 1 | November 2015 | 24 | 5 (4) | 39 | Full HD 60p with autofocus | Very nice amateur cam |
| D5500 | 2 | January 2015 | 24 | 5 (4) | 39 | Full HD 60p with autofocus | A very good option for an amateur camera |
| D5300 | 3 | November 2013 | 24 | 5 (4) | 39 | Full HD 60p with autofocus | A very good option for an amateur camera |
| D5200 | 4 | November 2012 | 24 | 5 | 39 | Full HD 60i with autofocus | Great option for an amateur camera |
| D3300 | 5 | January 2014 | 24 | 5 | 11 | Full HD 60p with autofocus | Great option for an amateur camera |
| D3500 | 6 | August 2018 | 24 | 5 | 11 | Full HD 60p with autofocus | Great option for an amateur camera |
| D3400 | 7 | August 2016 | 24 | 5 | 11 | Full HD 60p with autofocus | Great option for an amateur camera |
| D5100 | 8 | April 2011 | 16,2 | 4 | 11 | Full HD 30p with autofocus | Good option with rotary display |
| D3200 | 9 | 24,2 | 4 | 11 | Full HD 30p with autofocus | Good option, no rotary display | |
| D3100 | 10 | December 2010 | 14,2 | 3 | 11 | Full HD 24fps with autofocus | A good option without a rotary display |
| D5000 | 11 | June 2009 | 12,3 | 4 | 11 | HD 720p, no autofocus | Bad video quality |
| D3000 | 12 | December 2009 | 10,2 | 3 | 11 | No | Old matrix, does not work well in dark conditions |
| D60 | 13 | March 2008 | 10,2 | 3 | 3 | No | Old matrix, does not work well in dark conditions, few focus points |
| D40x | 14 | May 2007 | 10,2 | 3 | 3 | No | Old matrix, does not work well in dark conditions, few focus points |
| D40 | 15 | December 2006 | 6,1 | 2,5 | 3 | No | Slow shooting speed, low ISO, few focus points |
| D50 | 16 | July 2005 | 6,1 | 2,5 | 5 | No | There is a focus motor. Very small display, very old camera |
All these cameras are cameras. Nikon DX (cameras with a cropped sensor format APS-C). All amateur cameras except Nikon D50, do not have a built-in focus motor and should use only lenses to achieve auto focus Nikon AF-S, AF-I, AF-Por lenses third party manufacturersthat have a built-in focus motor. Also, all amateur cameras except Nikon D50, do not have an additional monochrome display for quick setup of basic functions. And yet these cameras do not have an additional front selector (disk), which on more advanced models is located under the power button. Nor do they have buttons for previewing the depth of field, and their built-in flash cannot remotely control external flashes in automatic mode. These cameras do not have a mode high speed sync with flashes for shooting at extremely short excerpt. Most of these functions are not in demand for the amateur and are not particularly critical when choosing a camera.
If there are financial constraints, then good budget option there will be a camera Nikon D3500, which I recommend as Nikon's first DSLR for beginners and amateurs who don't plan on getting into photography in the future. Although she is ranked lower than D3300but it is still available for sale.
It's important: The era of SLR cameras is gone. Mirrorless cameras are all the rage right now. Nikon has a few mirrorless cropped cameras of the Nikon DX series.
All Nikon DX lenses for mirrorless cameras with Nikon Z mount and APS-C sensor
- Nikon Nikkor ZDX 24 mm 1:1.7 [May 2023]
- Nikon Nikkor ZDX 12-28 mm 1:3.5-5.6PZ VR [April 2023]
- Nikon Nikkor ZDX 16-50 mm 1:3.5-6.3VR [October 2019]
- Nikon Nikkor ZDX 18-140 mm 1:3.5-6.3VR [October 2021]
- Nikon Nikkor ZDX 50-250 mm 1:4.5-6.3VR [October 2019]
For Nikon Z DX (APS-C), there are third-party autofocus lenses:
- felttrox: 13/1.4, 23/1.4, 27 /1.2, 33/1.4, 56/1.4, 56/1.7, 75 /1.2
- Sigma: 16/1.4, 30/1.4, 56/1.4
- TTArtisan: 27/2.8, 35/1.8, 56/1.8
- yongnuo: 11/1.8, 50/1.8
- Brightin Star 50 / 1.4
- Meike 55 / 1.4
Cameras Nikon Z DX (APS-C)
- Nikon z50 [October 2019, AliExpress]
- Nikon Z fc [June 2021, black/silver, AliExpress]
- Nikon z30 [June 2022, AliExpress]
Among advanced amateur SLR cameras, the best is full frame Nikon D780. If you don’t want to mess with the full frame, then Nikon is the best option among cropped cameras. D7500.
| Model | Rating | Exit time | The number of MP | Speed c / s | Point focus. | Video | Comment |
| D780 (FX) | 1 | January 2020 | 24,2 | 7 (12) | 51 | 4K 30p with autofocus | The best option for an advanced amateur camera. Full frame. |
| D750 (FX) | 2 | September 2014 | 24,3 | 6,5 | 51 | Full HD 60p with autofocus | A very good option for an advanced amateur camera. Full frame. |
| D610 (FX) | 3 | October 2013 | 24,3 | 6,0 | 39 | Full HD 30p with autofocus | A very good option for an advanced amateur camera. Full frame. |
| D600 (FX) | 4 | November 2012 | 24,3 | 5,5 | 39 | Full HD 30p with autofocus | A good option for an advanced amateur camera. Full frame. |
| D7500 | 5 | April 2017 | 20,2 | 8 | 51 | 4K auto focus | The best option for a cropped advanced amateur camera. |
| D7200 | 6 | March 2015 | 24,0 | 6 (7) | 51 | Full HD 30p (DX) and 60p (1.3x) with autofocus | A very good option for a cropped advanced amateur camera. |
| D7100 | 7 | February 2013 | 24,0 | 6 (7) | 51 | Full HD 30p (DX) and 60i (1.3x) with autofocus | A good option for a cropped advanced amateur camera. |
| D7000 | 8 | November 2010 | 16,2 | 6 | 39 | Full HD 24p with autofocus | A good option for a cropped camera |
| D90 | 9 | October 2008 | 12,3 | 4,5 | 11 | HD 720p, no autofocus | Good option, badly shoots video |
| D80 | 10 | September 2006 | 10,2 | 3 | 11 | No | Old camera with a good feature set |
| D70s | 11 | April 2005 | 6,1 | 3 | 5 | No | Morally obsolete camera, has a small display, few focus points |
| D70 | 12 | January 2004 | 6,1 | 3 | 5 | No | Morally obsolete camera, has a small display, few focus points |
Advanced amateur cameras Nikon D70, D70s, D80, D90, D7000, D7100, D7200, D7500 are cameras Nikon DX. Cameras Nikon D600, D610, D750, D780 are full-length, Nikon class FX. Unlike amateur cameras, all advanced amateur cameras have a built-in focus motor and can use non-motorized, sometimes cheaper type optics AF (optics AF S, AF-I, AF-P may also be suitable). These cameras have a monochrome display for quick setup of all basic functions, an additional selector under the shutter button, a depth of field preview button, and their built-in flash can remotely control other flashes automatically. All advanced amateur cameras except Nikon D70, D70s have very useful high speed sync function when using external flash units.
Attention: physical matrix size all-all Nikon DX cameras are the same. Physical matrix size all Nikon FX cameras, too, are the same. Matrix size Nikon FX is 2.25 times larger than Nikon DX. This is described in more detail in the section Fx / dx.
A good option for an advanced camera would be a model Nikon D7100, which I recommend as the first Nikon SLR camera for advanced users who want to get a huge amount of functionality for a not-so-large amount of money. There is also focus motor and nice control fast flash sync, a huge 3-inch display, the ability to control flashes through Nikon CLS, Live View mode and high-quality video shooting.
About the video: auto focus on all Nikon SLR cameras does not work well or not very well when shooting video. This is because the DSLR mechanism is not well adapted to focusing with the mirror up, which is required by video mode. Usually focusing when recording video occurs by contrast, and not using the camera's phase sensors. You need to be prepared for the fact that autofocus speed will sometimes be hundreds of times worse than on conventional compact cameras. If the speed and accuracy of focusing for video is very important, then I recommend considering buying mirrorless camera cameras Nikon Z6, Nikon Z7, Nikon z50 etc..
I specifically do not affect professional cameras such as Nikon D500, D300s, D5, D4s, D850, D810, Df - because there are very slippery moments among the choice of a professional line camera. For professionals, this will be interesting performance plate.
Mirrorless cameras with Nikon Z mount
Nikon now has full-frame mirrorless cameras Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z7, as well as a small fleet of lenses for them. With these cameras, you can use lenses from SLR cameras using the Nikon FTZ adapter. If there are a lot of problems with accurate information, it’s better to ask me about these cameras in the comments.
It's important: The era of SLR cameras is gone. Mirrorless cameras are all the rage right now.
Full frame Nikon Z mount cameras
- Nikon z5 [July 2020, AliExpress]
- Nikon z6 [August 2018]
- Nikon z6 ii [October 2020, AliExpress]
- Nikon z7 [August 2018]
- Nikon z7 ii [October 2020, AliExpress]
- Nikon z8 [May 2023, AliExpress]
- Nikon z9 [October 2021, AliExpress]
- Nikon Zf [September 2023]
List of all 'Nikon Nikkor Z' full-frame lenses for mirrorless cameras with Nikon Z mount
Fixes:
- Nikon Nikkor Z 20 mm 1:1.8 S [February 2020, Aliexpress Nikon Store]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 24 mm 1:1.8 S [September 2019, AliExpress]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 26 mm 1:2.8 [January 2023]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 28 mm 1:2.8 [October 2021, AliExpress]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 28 mm 1:2.8 SE [June 2021]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 35 mm 1:1.8 S [August 2018, AliExpress]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 40 mm 1:2 [September 2021, AliExpress]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 40 mm 1:2 SE [November 2022]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 50 mm 1:1.2 S [September 2020]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 50 mm 1:1.8 S [August 2018, AliExpress]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 50 mm 1:2.8 MC [June 2021]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 58 mm 1:0.95 S Nod [October 2019]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 85 mm 1:1.2 S [January 2023]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 85 mm 1:1.8 S [July 2019, AliExpress]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 105 mm 1:2.8 S VR MC [June 2021]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 135 mm 1:1.8 S full [September 2023]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 400 mm 1:2.8 S VR TC [January 2022]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 400 mm 1:4.5 S VR [June 2022, AliExpress]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 600 mm 1:4 S VR TC [November 2022]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 600 mm 1:6.3 S VR PF [October 2023]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 800 mm 1:6.3 S VR PF [April 2022]
Zuma:
- Nikon Nikkor Z 14-24 mm 1:2.8 S [September 2020, Aliexpress Nikon Store]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30 mm 1:4 S [January 2019, AliExpress]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 17-28 mm 1:2.8 [September 2022, AliExpress]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 24-50 mm 1: 4-6.3 [July 2020, AliExpress]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70 mm 1:4 S [August 2018, AliExpress]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70 mm 1:2.8 S [February 2019, AliExpress]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120 mm 1:4 S [October 2021, AliExpress]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 24-200 mm 1: 4-6.3 VR [February 2020, AliExpress]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 28-75 mm 1:2.8 [December 2021, AliExpress]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 28-400 mm 1: 4-8 VR [March 2024]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 70-180 mm 1:2.8 [June 2023]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200 mm 1:2.8 S VR [January 2020, AliExpress]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400 mm 1: 4.5-5.6 S VR [October 2021]
- Nikon Nikkor Z 180-600 mm 1: 5.6-6.3 VR [June 2023]
Third party autofocus full-frame lenses for Nikon Z mount
- felttrox: 20/2.8, 24/1.8, 28/1.8, 35/1.8, 40/2.5, 50/1.8, 85/1.8
- Tamron: 28-75/2.8G2, 35-150/2-2.8, 70-300/4.5-6.3, 150-500/5-6.7
- yongnuo: 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8
- Meike: 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 85/1.4
- TTArtisan: 32/2.8
- 7Artisans: 50/1.8
- AstrHori: 85/1.8
- laowa: 10/2.8
Equipment
Usually the camera is sold separately from the lens, this is called bodyand sometimes the camera is sold with some kind of lens, this is called Kit, and the supplied lens is called 'whale lens'. Attention: take pictures with one camera body You can’t take pictures always with a lens.
Important: usually, if you buy a camera with a whale lens (Kit kit), then such a kit will cost less than buying a camera and lens separately.
Native (whale) lens
There are lenses really different for different purposes and for different tasks. Usually, the camera comes with a universal standard lens that can be used for basic photographic tasks. With a standard lens, you can shoot landscapes, and close-up objects, and portraits - almost anything. Usually the most common lens is Nikon 18-55 / 3.5-5.6 (one of 6 possible modifications) Instead of this lens, I highly recommend purchasing a kit with one of the following candidates:
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-105 mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED SWM VR IF Aspherical
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-140 mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED SWM VR IF Aspherical
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-200 mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII ED SWM VR IF Aspherical
The above lenses are suitable for all Nikon DX cameras.. In online stores, the names of lenses can be specified differently, but they can be easily determined by the value of the focal length, for example, 18-105, 18-140, 18-200, etc.
Very important: choosing a lens is just as important as choosing a camera. The lens is sometimes so important that it is better to take a cheaper / simpler camera, but with a higher quality lens. Take my advice - instead of buying and using a camera with a lens Nikon 18-55 / 3.5-5.6 (or any modification of it), look for the recommended options mentioned above.
If you're on a budget, the best versatile, fast, professional Nikon DX lenses are Nikon 17-55mm f / 2.8G ED IF AF-S DX Nikkor и Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-80mm 1: 2.8-4E N ED VR Nano Crystal Coat SWM IF Aspherical. ask note to the fact that this is purely my recommendations and in each individual case the recommendations can be very different.
What do all these mean incomprehensible coded designations in the names of the lenses can take a look here.
List of all professional lenses for Nikon DX cameras can be found here (there are 4 of them).
The choice of other non-universal lenses requires a separate large article, but in addition to the full-time (universal whale) lens, I recommend getting a fast, discrete fixed lens. Such a lens does not know how to zoom, but it has a very high aperture. Huge aperture will allow you to shoot without problems in poor lighting conditions, control the depth of field (create blurred background in photos), create a bokeh effect, get brighter and more vibrant colors in photos. In good light, such a lens allows you to shoot at a very short shutter speed, thereby 'freezing' objects in motion.
Recommended list of fast fixed lenses:
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 35mm 1: 1.8G SWM Aspherical (for any Nikon DX cameras)
- Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8G SWM Aspherical (for any cameras)
- Nikon 50mm 1: 1.8D AF Nikkor (for any cameras with a focus motor)
Usually the first such lens is the so-called 'half a ruble'(the last two in the list). The entire lineup of fifty kopecks for Nikon cameras can be found here.
You will find a complete list of all Nikon DX lenses. here.
Thoughts on optional external flash find in the section Which flash to choose for Nikon cameras?
How to check the camera upon purchase is described in the section 'Camera check'.
Recommendations for choosing a Canon camera can be found in the 'What kind of amateur Canon SLR camera to buy'.
Nikon or Canon? I have touched upon this question in a series of articles on this subject: time, two, three.
My experience
I had many Nikon cameras at my disposal: D700 (about 4 years) D90 (3 years), D80 (2 years), D40 (2 years), D200 (1 year), Nikon D70s (half a year) Nikon D70 (half a year) Nikon D100 (half a year) Canon 350D (2 years), Canon 450D (year), Canon 300D (half a year), Canon EOS 5D (1 year), Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro (about a year) Nikon AF N8008s (2 years), many cameras of other brands (like Sony a7). Due to the fact that I am writing camera reviews and work professional photographer, then in my hands I held and shot almost all models of Nikon and Canon SLR cameras.
Over the past 2-3 years, everything orders I shoot on Nikon D700 or Nikon D610 (I take from friends). Also i like Sony a7which I use for the needs of this site. For home in 2015, I bought myself Nikon D40which I love very much for a pleasant color performance. In 2017, I bought and Nikon D70s, which is not a pity to use in any conditions, the gallery of images from this camera is located just below. In 2018, in fact, I got a gift Nikon D100, pictures from her can be looked here. I do not hesitate to shoot on old cameras, as I know for sure that the final result depends more on other factors (described here).
From personal experience I can add that choosing a camera is not an easy matter, it is especially difficult to choose the first camera, then everything becomes simpler and choosing something else becomes very, very simple. Take my advice - don't chase megapixels, they practically don't solve anything. I wish everyone to find exactly 'their very best camera', and also remember that important how to take pictures, but not by what means.
Alternative versions at the lowest price
If you have a urge to take pictures in your blood, and the budget for the purchase of an SLR camera is very limited, I recommend looking in the direction of used cameras. In used cameras are nothing wrong. For example, for only $ 100 can buy used Nikon D40 (or D50, or D70, or D70s, or D80) with a whale lens Nikon 18-55mm f / 3.5-5.6GII ED AF-S DX Nikkor. Even such an old DSLR will in many ways be better than some modern digital soap dishes and even advanced cameras with interchangeable lenses, such as Nikon 1 J1.
Nikon D40 body on the secondary market can be found for 60-100 ye - this is one of the cheapest SLR cameras of all time. For 80-100 USD you can find a pretty super-zoom to it Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-135m 1: 3.5-5.6G ED SWM IF Aspherical or Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-70mm 1: 3.5-4.5G ED DX SWM IF Aspherical and shoot for your own pleasure.
My practice has shown that The following models may be the cheapest and most functional.:
- cameras with a focus motor: Nikon D200, Nikon D80, Nikon D70s, Nikon D70, Nikon D50, Nikon D100
- cameras without focus motor Nikon D3000, Nikon D60, Nikon D40x, Nikon D40
- focus motor lenses: universal zoom lens Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-135m 1: 3.5-5.6G ED SWM IF Aspherical, versatile zoom lens Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-70mm 1: 3.5-4.5G ED DX SWM IF Aspherical, fast creative fixed lens YONGNUO 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N for Nikon cameras), fast, versatile fixed lens YONGNUO 35mm 1: 2 (YN35mm F2N for Nikon cameras)
- lens without focus motor (only suitable for cameras with focus motor) - fast creative prime lens Nikon 50mm 1: 1.8D AF Nikkor (any of the versions: MKI 165g, MKI 210g, MKII-MIJ, MKII N.J., MKII MIC, MKIII)
On this link you can see my picture gallery obtained with a fairly old camera Nikon D70 and a fast fifty-fifty lens Nikon 50mm 1: 1.8 AF Nikkor (MKII, Nikon JAPAN).
All pictures were taken with Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8, MKII, NJ (NIKON JAPAN) и Nikon D70. Enlarge Image or go to large format photo gallery.
On this link You can see my gallery of pictures obtained with the help of an old man Nikon D100 (Nikon's first digital SLR camera in a classic case) paired with a fast fifty-pound lens Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8 (MKII, MADE IN CHINA).
All pictures were taken with Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8, MKII version, MIC (MADE IN CHINA) и Nikon D100. Enlarge Image or go to the gallery with large format photographs.
Imagine what can be removed on a better modern technology?
You will find many examples of inexpensive autofocus photo equipment among my galleries. here.
You can still get old soviet fast lens, such as MS Helios-81H 2/50 or any other inexpensive manual lenssuch as Nikon Nikkor-SC Auto 1: 1.4 f = 50mm и study just super-awesome shots, however, will have to lose auto focus.
Well, if you are a real ninja photographer and want to use some unusually stunning DSLR sword for a small amount of money, then I highly recommend that you look into my article Legends go to battle.
And that's not all, if you really want to shoot on full camera, then you can organize such a pleasure for yourself for just $ 240. How? Read in the section 'Full Frame for $ 240'.
If you’re not comfortable with Nikon amateur cameras, you can take a look a complete list of all Nikon Central Control Unitswhere you can find the top Nikon D1 professional cameras, D1h, D1x, D2h, D2x, D2hs, D2xs, D3, D3s, D3x, D4, D4s, D5, and top-tier cameras Nikon D100, D200, D300, D300s, D500, D700, D800,D800E, D810, D810a, D850. By the way, Nikon has also created a very interesting camera with a retro body design and without the ability to shoot video - Nikon DF :).
Results
Progress does not stand still, basically, the newer the camera, the better it is, but even with relatively old SLR cameras you can get wonderful image quality, since the photo quality affects not only the camera.
To choose the best option, just decide on the budget and use my rating of cameras in the plate.
I am constantly updating and adding to this article. This article was last edited on February 29, 2024.
I don’t understand anything and I was lost in the choice!
Just tell me the budget that you are willing to spend on the camera and the purpose of buying the camera (what you will shoot for and in what) in the comments and they will tell you the best option. Anyway, ask any of your questions in the comments under this article (the site does NOT require absolutely no registration). You can consult me directly on these contacts.
Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram
It so happened that in the last few months I had the opportunity to help several acquaintances choose their “first DSLR”, and there was a choice both between models and between “religions” (and yes, girls prefer canon more willingly).
A little, so to speak from the practice of choice:
There is one curious moment: if a person chooses “the initial camera, but so that with a good video, videos / reviews will be filmed about himself” (and, among other things, this is the need for a rotating screen). Models of the same class and price range - Nikon 5100 and Canon 600 (both cost about 20-23 thousand rubles, (23 - Canon 20 - Nikon), have a rotating screen, video, and the declared autofocus), and so, Canon has “semi-automatic - i.e. when transferring to another object, the camera does not focus by itself, but requires half-pressing the shutter button and only after that refocuses. But Nikon has a normal AF tracking. For at least half an hour of fiddling with the canon in the store, I still could not get it to focus completely automatically.
But in the nomination “inexpensive, small, but high-quality and convenient DSLR for photos”, 3100 nikon still wins. Bo 3200 or 5200 with their very large number of pixels give beginners a bunch of shots with "shake" (they don't want to go broke for the time being on tripods, and they quickly understand the inconvenience of the built-in puff without a diffuser, plus often when shooting indoors it is necessary to photograph without it or forbidden), so it turns out that there is no point in overpaying for pixels.
As for the option “there is not much money, but I don’t really want a very initial camera, I want more settings and flexibility and learn” (and the video is not particularly important) - most often the D90 wins, more from hands in Moscow and large In cities, a carcass with 6-26 thousand run now ranges from 12 to 15 thousand (which is more than acceptable), with whales 18-105 or 18-55 from 16 to 23 thousand (plus often a bag or card as a gift). At the same time, there are a lot of proposals, often there are sets of whale + fifty dollars or just a carcass + fifty dollars.
Thanks for the great advice.
Ladies and gentlemen! Throw a bright thought in choosing a digital camera for a child of 16 years old, daughter. I have long wanted a camera with a large lens, I have a penchant for macro photography (he uses a Canon IXUS family soap box of some kind). I still cannot understand the nature of my hobby (I once photographed Smena-8 and Zorkiy-S myself, but did not become a photographer), so I did not look at the DSLR. Please tell me what to choose from the 6 models I have reviewed (which is at hand in DNS): FujiFilm FinePix HS25, FujiFilm FinePix HS30, Nikon L810, Nikon P510, Canon PowerShot SX500 IS, SONY HX200B. Sony scared 50/50 + - reviews, so I will not consider it soon. Of course, I would like not to overpay for unnecessary things, so let's say it is worth buying a FujiFilm FinePix HS30 if FujiFilm FinePix HS25 is almost identical. and how necessary is the RAW mode in amateur photography? I lean towards Nikon P510. Is it correct? Thanks in advance for the opinions expressed.
Vladimir. kolesnitchenco@yandex.ru
Sorry to get out of your professional line of thoughts, nevertheless I hope for your help as I’m used to approaching the acquisition of digital technology in detail. Sincerely, Vladimir Kolesnichenko, Taganrog
RAW is not critical for a digital camera. Canon has very decent cameras like the canon power shot sx30 and the like.
I liked George’s statement on the account (As for the option “there isn’t much money, but I don’t really want to start the camera, I want more settings and flexibility and learn more” (and the video is not particularly important) - most often D90 wins) I I completely agree as if it was written about me, frankly I’m afraid to take the D90, I think that I can’t cope with such a technique was not in my hands, but the initial D3100 and D3200 somehow do not attract what you advise.
D90 ancient Better than 5100 take. The matrix is newer, the DD is wider, the rotary screen, light, the color is richer ... For the D90 only ergonomics
You cannot unscrew the frame counter, but you can reset it - by flashing :) I myself suggest the D3200 for amateurs, after I got acquainted with this camera (http://anechaev.org/2013/01/obzor_fofoapparata-nikon-d3200/) The D5200 has not really been brought to us, and there are not so many reasons for an amateur to overpay there.
Thanks for the information.
Does it make sense to upgrade d3100 to d7000?
Or what is worthy of attention after d3100?
Yes, there is a sense, but its value is determined by the tasks facing the camera. If the D7000 is simply needed as a home camera, then it makes no sense to switch from the d3100 to the D7000, and if the D7000 is needed for more advanced use, then the meaning immediately appears.
Arkady, thank you very much for the article, as always informative and accessible. Tell me, how many clicked your D40? And what to do after the camera’s resource is exhausted, at the service center for shutter repair or decommissioning?
The camera can continue to work quietly, or may fail at any time. I personally wait until the last. My Nikon D40 ran about 160.000.
Of course, the camera matters, but! Everyone chooses photographic equipment for their purposes, just take a picture, measure them with lenses from another photographer or make the photo interesting, with the idea that the photograph shows what the photographer wanted to convey, it would be interesting to others and to the person himself, interesting there will be a snapshot and not lenses and the size of the camera matrix is my opinion!
Thanks for the thoughts
Good day! I'm new to photography, I would like to know which of the amateur cameras is more compatible with manual Soviet optics? Well, I will be grateful if you tell me which Soviet lens is better to shoot the stars and the moon?
Thank you, Alex.
Amateur cameras work only in manual mode with Soviet optics. I have a great article about compatibility - https://radojuva.com.ua/2011/04/optika-na-nikon/. For stars, you should look at televisions and mirror meniscus lenses, for example such https://radojuva.com.ua/2012/08/obzor-ms-mto-11-10-1000/
I read the article, I realized that it is better to take a used d300 than the new d5200 for my purposes? and another question says that on the D300, d700 does the range finder work on the d7000 it is not?
very grateful for the answers
Yes, there is an electronic rangefinder on the D7000
So I will assume that the D7000 is the best option for working with Soviet optics? Your site is excellent, sharing with friends. Thanks.
Yes, the D7000 works well with manual and Soviet optics.
Thank you so much for the answers, I doubted the choice. And you can completely become impudent and ask another question?
Could you offhand remember which Soviet lens you can wind up 37mm filters on? otherwise there are filters, but no lens :)
I apologize for arrogance, thanks again
Actually, comments on this are created to write something in them. About 37mm I do not remember.
Privit, I want to share thought with manual manuals.
Є taka rich yak robotic video camera on the rzny systems stink rznі.
For the sake of coming out, I don’t have to completely focus on the lack of focus.
Nikon doesn’t have to pay attention to the F mount (it’s possible to reread the message F іnshi іt є active, and I’m able to do it for myself, but I don’t want to change the current requirement (you can mirror the FX)
In CANON, the situation here is to reduce the number of permissions to put M42 and navigate Nikonovska and the other way out.
And from the 4/3 system, even these inappropriateness are added that I can put everything on the table - they need to know OLYMPUS and PANASONIC know how to finish it off. You can also marry in the opposite direction.
Happy New Year, dear Radozhiva !!! Good health to everyone, success in everything, good luck and prosperity. Could you please give a review for Canon, six hundredth with an 18 -135 lens. If possible. Thanks in advance.
Here's a review of the Canon 600D https://radojuva.com.ua/2012/12/obzor-canon-eos-600d/As soon as possible, there will be a review of 18-135.
Hello Arkady
I read your article very timely. I began to think about changing my D 40, in connection with which the following question arose: should I change it to d 200 or D300? What is the shutter distance of these cameras? I shoot a lot on Soviet optics, and therefore I focus on these models.
And as a postscript, another question: 40 thousand for d 40 is about half the shutter resource, do I understand correctly?
If there is a desire to shoot on manual optics, then you can look towards the D300, it should work out 150.000. Amateur cameras, of the type D40, do not indicate the exact guarantee amount of shutter release, but it is approximately 100.000.
I completely agree with George.
Nikon 5200/3200 have a frenzied shake and require very expensive lenses to “resolve” the matrix with such a density. and their diffraction limit is about 7.
Thank you.
I'm embarrassed to ask: in 1 month I snapped 3100 ph on d986. Let's round up to 1k. => ~ 100k is less than a year of shutter life? Well, so that for sure 1.5 years?
12.000 photos will be produced per year, 100.000 will have to be shot for 8 years to kill the shutter at such a pace.
Arkady, I have the following question.
There is a nikon d5100 with kit lenses 18-55 and 55-200 vr.
I rent mainly in cities on travel, landscapes. The problem is that different focal lengths are constantly required, and you have to change the lenses back and forth, which is very inconvenient.
Do you think it makes sense to change them to an 18-200 lens? Is it worth it? or is it possible to consider other options?
Thank you.
You can look at 18-300, and 18-200 is also a good option, if there really is a problem with reinstalling the lenses.
Any camera, even if you take a new one in the store, must be checked for mileage. There is such a wonderful ShowExif program. When you open RAW files in it, in the Total Number of Shutter Releases field, you can see the number of shutter releases.
Regarding the camera for a novice photographer (if you really really want to start shooting) Nikon D7000 + 50mm / 1.8 lens. + flash. After a couple of months of active shooting, you yourself will understand what lenses and gadgets to buy.
PS. Full frame is better than D800 :-)
In my article it is written about ShowExif.
“Regarding the camera for the novice photographer (if you really want to start shooting) Nikon D7000 + 50mm / 1.8 lens. + flash. After a couple of months of active filming, you yourself will understand what lenses and bells and whistles to buy.
PS. For a full frame, D800 is better ”-
- I do not agree with you. Firstly, a novice photographer himself does not yet know whether he will shoot seriously or "not seriously" :-) I am sure that the D7000 camera is very good, but, you must agree, not everyone can afford to pay about 40 thousand rubles. on "the future of the hobby is in question." Moreover, only one camera. Here you need motivation, at least some experience behind you.
I also disagree on the lens. 50 / 1.8 - portrait lens. I would not start with that, but would take 18-105, it is more functional, here and landscapes and portraits are possible. And a flash for a beginner in general, in my opinion, is useless, an extra waste of money.
Fullframe for a beginner - no comment :-)
Please note that this article is not talking about a 'novice photographer' at all.
Buying, for example, a Nikon D3100 with a whale lens in order to change it six months later for the same D7000 and 50 / 1.8 is stupid. Although, often, it will simply be thrown into the closet and will use a lighter soap dish. And fifty dollars will allow you to develop creatively, plus an initially good camera will not hamper a growing photographer. If you don't want to do photography, just don't take a DSLR.
And what does the D800 do for a novice photographer? Maybe good focus and exposure sensors? Or high ISO? Or a comfortable grip or a sturdy body? As they say to a bad dancer ...
I read the review article with interest, it is very competently and concisely written! A very useful resource with interesting reviews, thanks to the author for this!
I will share my own experience. Until recently, he himself used the Nikon D40 camera (3 years), it was my first mirror camera (before that, in my youth I used only 8 M Change). 6 megapixels was enough for the eyes, I printed 30x40 cm pictures in high resolution. I used the camera in conjunction with simple budget lenses 18-55 (without a stabilizer) and 55-200 VR, over time I bought a set of macrolenses and a wide-angle (10-20 sigma), because I love the wide angle, as well as the simple Helios 44-2 for a nominal price. The small-pixel camera is interesting, in my opinion, with the following points:
1. Undemanding to expensive optics (good image quality due to the low pixel density of the matrix on relatively budget glasses, as Sergei rightly said above);
2. Mobilization of the photographer to choose the right angle in the field. In other words, given that when framing a picture, only a “gulkin's nose” can remain on the computer if the angle is wrong, the photographer seeks to immediately build it correctly, without sacrificing precious areas of the frame.
3. Small “weight” of pictures.
All 3 years the camera worked flawlessly, although I shot only about 10 thousand shots. I shot both landscapes and portraits, there was a bit of subject shooting, shooting of sporting events (as far as the slow autofocus of the 55-200 TV set allowed). From the point of view of ergonomics for a novice photographer, the D40 is very good, lightweight, comfortable in the hand, the price for it was quite affordable (a whale took for 17 thousand rubles). Over time, there was a lack of functionality, additional buttons that accelerate access to the camera settings bypassing the menu. I also wanted better optics.
Given the above, and also your budget, I decided to take myself a D90, because The D7000 was very expensive, but the video did not interest me (there are video cameras for this), in addition, a 16 megapixel camera would require expensive optics to prove itself in full power. I took a 90-18 lens for the D70 (the glass is now quite rare, a new one is found from 12 thousand rubles, it cost me 6 tr in a very good condition). At first I wanted to take a whale (18-105), but then I still settled on this glass. This lens is noticeably sharper (judging by the pictures) than 18-55, it has a metal mount with a rubber edging-sealant, which I was pleased with. In addition, I’m now acquiring 100-300 sigma as a TV set, it’s quite heavy (1.4 kg), it does not have a stabilizer, but, on the other hand, it has a constant aperture (f4) and good optical parameters. In addition, the lens has internal focusing, it does not have any trunks coming out, which is typical for budget telezoom, which prevents dust from entering the lens system.
As for the D90, this camera has many settings that are more advanced than the D40, a number of important functions (ISO, control of image size and quality, white balance, type of shooting, exposure metering) are displayed on the case, which is important for quick access. This camera is perfectly described in a review by Arkady, so as a summary I can only say that after the D40 I have not even fully studied its settings, and the volume that I mastered is more than fine with me. The price for it is now quite affordable (17-19 thousand rubles, I took in the spring for 22 tr), incl. as a camera for the future, for a beginner with a limited budget, not confused when shooting videos, it can be a pretty good option. Have a good choice!
Thank you for sharing your experience.
Duzhe tsikava stattya. Himself only to vibrate the camera. Before reading a lot of articles. And because of the smarter, for me the smut of the corystuvanna. After checking out the cheapest Nikon D90 models and vibrators. A set of buv equipment 18 - 105 with a stabilizer. Douche concessions.
A good choice.
Hello Arkady, Yes, Nedon was holding a Nikon d5200 in his hands, not a bad device. For me it was great news that Nikon doesn’t have an 11-point focusing system in all. I didn’t expect it. I like that all Nikon lenses come with stabilization, Canon constantly saves on this. In general, you have a cool site, I personally am interested to read the comments of people who are faced with what. Thanks, you !!!!
Not all Nikons have 11-point, in the same d5200 there are already 39 points, and in earlier ones - 3 or 5 points, on this topic I have an article about focusing systems on Nikon cameras - https://radojuva.com.ua/2012/12/nikon-multicam-all/
Arkady, in many of your articles, the refrain sounds like the idea that upgrading entry-level cameras is a transition to a more modern camera of a similar level or a higher-level camera. If the original camera was D60, then it turns out D5100 (D5200) or D7000. In my opinion, the D5100, as well as the 5200, are still cameras of the same order as the D60, although more modern. Hence, if we do not consider the topic of the possibility of shooting video in the camera, then the expansion of the functionality of the D60 camera is actually observed in the D80, D 90 cameras, and, of course, in the D7000, i.e. cameras of a higher level. Is it really? Or am I mistaken in something?
If growth is needed, then this is exactly the case.
The main point when choosing a camera was, no matter how banal, the fact that there was an n-th amount, and very little experience (but nevertheless had such experience) with ... Nikon d80.
Bought a carcass a day later they gave me an Arsat 50mm 1: 1,4 H just in awe of this pair. And so I bought myself NIKKOR 4-5,6 / 35-80 D until I understood :)))
I just recommended Nikon D80
Thank you for the excellent articles on the site, everything is business-like and without any extra show-offs, keep it up!
Arkady, I read all the comments, but I still can't make a choice for myself. I want to buy a CZK, I photographed for some time on the canon 1000d, now I have a choice: d7000 or d5200 (both with whale 18-105) I love taking pictures, the main reason for buying is the birth of a child, but I do not exclude using the camera for a more highly artistic practice than an ordinary family photo. A stick about two knots, on the one hand, you don't want to overpay extra money for a hobby that may not work, on the other hand, if you do, then you don't want to waste the already purchased camera for a pittance and take something better either. I would love to hear your opinion.
Yes, the cameras are not cheap, the D7000 is an excellent camera and it can always be sold, but the new D5200 is now more expensive than necessary, and you won’t find it that simple.
Hello! I have a question for you: Nikon D 3100 with a diaphragm of 5,6 is independent of the flash or without focus only in the middle of the frame. It’s not very sharp around the edges. I tried different settings for the autofocus mode and focus area. The question is, it’s just an autofocus miss or you need to to cover the diaphragm or something else? The device was purchased not long ago before that for a long time shot on the Fed-5V and TTL zenith. Does it make sense to put on the Nikon d 3100 helios-44m to improve portrait photos. I understand helios focuses manually?
At the edges of the frame, sharpness drops slightly in 18-55, but not so much that the difference is clearly visible. Most likely, you just need to reduce the aperture to make the DOF larger. Helios-44 is a good portrait lens on a crop, what you can do with it is written here - https://radojuva.com.ua/2011/08/obzor-gelios-44-foto/
Thank you, Arkady for the article! There are very few such ordered sources of photos on the web. There are still quite a few useful books - one of them will be very useful to read just in time for the topic of this article (especially if the question is about choosing a Nikon DSLR). The book is called “What camera to buy”, the author is Georgy Rozov. The book is quite inexpensive, but it will help many to make an informed choice.
And thank you for the good advice.
Arkady, please tell me. I am facing a choice of d5100 and d3200, in your rating d3200 is higher, what advantages does it have in addition to video and megapixels, as well as rumors with a shake - is it true?
Yes, the shake is true, but it does not always affect as much as it is written about. The D3200 has more color depth and DD. In general, the cameras are similar in functionality.
Arkady, in your opinion, after D200, which model is more rational to switch to?
If you stay on the crop, then on the D7000, if on a full frame, then the D800.
By the naturalness of color reproduction, color saturation and the beauty of the picture, what is better to take?
FUJIFILM FinePix S5 Pro - used
Nikon D80 NEW
Nikon D7000 NEW
ps Govoyart that the D80 is not a bit worse than the D7000 with a CMOS matrix and it has a more lively, color, real picture, especially with high-aperture fixes when shooting portraits! ...
I would take FUJIFILM FinePix S5 Pro, it is really very good, and the picture is very lively right away - https://radojuva.com.ua/2012/05/obzor-fujifilm-finepix-s5-pro/
Hello Arkady! I am new to SLR cameras, but I want to buy a Nikon D5100 but I can’t decide which lens to use, to be honest, my head is spinning and I don’t understand many things, tell me please. Thanks!
D5100 is an excellent camera, 18-105 will be enough for a start.
Hello! Arkady, you can ask a question, but do your cameras often fail due to a resource of 100 shutter releases? I just have D000 and for half a month I already have 3100 photos. The camera is on continuous shooting because wife takes off a child who is very fidget. Then we remove some that are blurred, leaving the best ones.
Infrequently. 100.000 \ 2000 \ 2 \ 12 = 2 years, I think in two years you are unlikely to click more.