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, 33/1.4, 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: 16/1.8, 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
I want to buy from lenses on ff portrait portrait 85 mm or 135 mm, zoom 24-70mm 2.8 and eventually 35 mm
it strongly depends which one you want to buy 85mm, Nikon 85 1,8G is very good (I use it myself) and used in excellent condition can be found for 360-380 yusd (new about 500usd). According to reviews, Nikon's 85 1,8G is better than a similar Canon one. If you are considering the top 85mm, then a used 85 1,4G from Nikon and 85 1,2 from Canon have about the same price, I cannot judge the quality of assembly and optics - I did not use it, but I myself would have chosen 85 1,2 from Canon ... There are much more used 135 2.0 variants from Canon than from Nikon, and the prices for Canon are lower (in the used version), and the quality of the glass itself is up to the mark.
Thank you!
Solidarity with Yuri about 85 1.8. I tried both, Canon's one is very good, but Nikon's is better. Canon 85 1.2L and Nikon 85 1.4g - it's a matter of taste, IMHO too 1.2 is still more interesting than 1.4. 135 Canon has no competition at all - people change nikon to canon just for her sake. Although he himself, without much mental anguish, parted with her after buying a 70-200.
24-70 2.8 - it depends on how much money. If there is money for new versions, then both canon and nikon are good, although there are not enough reviews for the second. But Nikon has a stub, while Canon does not. By the way, pay attention to the cheaper but very useful Tamron 24-70 2.8vs. Here and stub and the price is reasonable. If there is not enough money for the second versions, then both Nikon and Canon 24-70 2.8 are good, though in my opinion Nikon's version is sharper than Canon's (I myself use Canon's).
Canon's new 35 1.4L is a very cool lens, the sharpness is amazing when open. 35 1.4 from Nikon is not the most successful model both in autofocus and sharpness.
The conclusion from reflections can be seen something like this - to take the canon, and to it, respectively:
There is a lot of money - 85 1.2L + 135 2.0 + 24-70 2.8L2 + 35 1.4L;
Less money - 70-200 2.8lis2 + tamron 24-70 2.8vs;
Little money - 85 1.8 + 70-200 4L + 24-105 4L.
Of the old optics, you only have 50 1.4 for Nikon, which I would not hold on to too much - not such a cool lens, sell it all (although Canon's 50 1.4 is even worse :)).
And by the way, if there is a budget for two telepixes and a top zoom at once, can it take 5dm3 at once? There autofocus is faster and the shooting speed is higher, and there are also two card slots and a shutter speed of 1/8000. There is a difference for work.
Arkady, why did you put the new D3400 higher than the D3300?
Indeed, in fact, the D3400 removed the possibility of ultrasonic cleaning of the matrix, reduced flash power by 1.5 times and removed the output to an external microphone, instead of just adding bluetooth, which does not affect the shooting at all.
ISO 25.600 is the present, not the extended Hi1 of the Nion D3300. + camera elementarily newer.
Arkady, good afternoon!
Thank you so much for creating this interesting resource.
I want to purchase the first digital camera. Shooting: family portrait, children, traveling. Considering 2 Options: D5200 with an 18-55VR lens and D5100 with an 18-105VR lens. What do you advise?
I would still take the d5200, then the lens can then be changed.
Thank you for your opinion.
if for yourself - look at Olympus pen7, and Sonic mirrorless cameras, such as A5100, 6100 and others.
And why then should you take Nikon?
for the same thing for which canon, but nikon.
This is not this for you ...
Here you need to understand the whole depth of our depths.
certainly….
But not today.
Arkady, good afternoon. I thought of changing my Nikon D5100 to D7000. They are in the same group in your table. Does it make sense to do this? Thank you in advance.
If for work, it makes sense. If for everyday tasks (home, family, creativity) it is better to invest in lenses. The cameras work on the same matrix, you won't get a significant gain in image quality. The d7000 has noticeably better control, focusing, speed, flash work and other little things.
Good day! Help with the choice. There is a NIKON D5100 with KIT 18-55. But the photo is not pleasing to the eye - there is not enough sharpness, juiciness. Replacing the lens, of course. It's not clear what. Fix - 12-20 thousand. Zoom, good (not 3,5-5,6) from 25 and above, very good from 45 and above. Sadness for the amateur photographer.
Does it make sense to buy, for example, a second-hand NIKON D300 for 14-17 thousand in more or less normal condition and to it already inexpensive "screwdriver" optics, the prices of which are almost half as much as for AF-S?
Sharpness and juiciness often depends on the scene being shot and the settings of the camera. For example, sharpness is easy to raise. like this. D5100 can be purchased 50 1.8G or 35 1.8G and life can get better.
I would even say that life will immediately improve right away. )))
That's the way 5100 + 18-55.
Arkady, thanks for the advice. I would like to get the most out of technology. But the possibilities do not always allow. And I have absolutely no complaints about the D5100 (except for the “screwdriver”).
Thanks again for participating.
Here is another 5100 + 18-55
And this is 5100 + 50 1,8 G.
Is it with macro rings? I remember I couldn’t come so close, only something like that came out
No without macro rings, just cropped.
Thank you very much Arkady for sharing your experience! Thanks to you, I learned not to get scared a little, and thanks to you I took my first more or less serious Canon Power G16. But now the question is more complicated. We need a camera more for shooting video during the day and in the evening, in dynamics (riding), but as a photo, it will also be used. Be sure to need a plug to connect an external micro. Money 600u.e. Maybe this is not necessarily a SLR. In general, I really ask for your advice.
I’m not a great specialist in the video, maybe someone else will give you a better answer.
Hello, I love going to the KHL hockey matches. There is very specific lighting, and the hockey players themselves are rushing back and forth.
Which lens would you recommend for Nikon D90?
The shooting is specific and complex, under D90 I would take light televisions sigma 50-100 / 1.8, nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII
Got it. Thank you very much!
By the way, your site should be noted. He is just a find and a storehouse of wisdom. I recommended it to all my friends.
It's great that there are such people!
Please tell me that it is better to take the d80 with a nikkor 18-200mm lens or d7000 with a tamron 17-50mm.
Both that and that second-hand d 80 run 27000, the price is the same about 360 $.
Thanks for the reply.
a used D80 without a lens costs $ 66, i.e. in the first case, you are actually buying a lens)
in the second case - you pay for the carcass, and see the condition of the lens - Arkady writes that he has a small resource
Arkady, tell me please, what kind of lens should I buy for Nikon d90 as a novice photographer, so that portraits, shooting in the studio, children, landscapes, etc., work well?
portraits, landscapes and birds?
You need 3 different lenses
My practice shows that it's nice to have a universal lens + portrait lens. Of the inexpensive Nikon D90 - Sigma 17-50 / 2.8 and Nikon 85 1 / 8D (G).
Or is it better to purchase another camera altogether, what do you recommend?)
Canon 5D mark II
Comment looks great in the topic about Nikon)))
yes, so that later it would not be painfully painful to change the whole park)
Arkady, I bought a Nikon d90 camera complete with an AF-S NIKKOR 18-105mm 1: 3.5-5.6 G ED lens, but I don’t like the quality of the pictures everywhere, so I ask if I want to buy a much better lens)
Hello, it's better to take a newbie - Nikon D5500 18-55 VR II or Nikon D5300 18-105mm VR, the price is almost the same ...
here is a good comparison. if you need a touch screen, then the D5500. if not, D5300 and 18-105
http://fotoexperts.ru/articles/nikon-d5500.html#242
It remains as it was
Same matrix
Same processing processor
Same autofocus module
Same shooting speed
Same shooting options
Than D5500 is better than D5300
Touch screen
More compact sizes and lighter body
The ISO sensitivity range is the same, but the upper value of 25600 is not an “extension", now it’s just one of the values
Flat Picture Control
Eye viewfinder sensor
The same battery, but now the camera can take more pictures
Than D5300 is better than D5500
Price 29 900 rub. against 39 690 rub. per case (according to NM data as of 07.2015, the D5300 camera was available in stores)
The presence of a built-in GPS module
Better 5300 + 18-140.
The word “good” was forgotten in the comment column in the line to d5500 (Very variant of an amateur camera) :)
Regarding the initial level, I would like to take into account such criteria as price and mileage (for used cameras). In stores, the difference between 3300 and 3400 is a couple of thousand, between 5300 and 5500 is the same. The choice of the D5600 is generally very controversial: in terms of picture quality and features, it is no better than 5500, but costs $ 200 more. In addition, it is easier to buy a Wi-fi module for the D7100. Similarly to the D7200, all sorts of whistles can either be bought for $ 20-30, or the same positioning can be added during processing (it costs nothing at all).
In the secondary market (if this is not the newest model) there is almost no difference between, say, the D3100 and D3300, but you can be sure that the latter has much less mileage. Auto mode is on any amateur DSLR. In cameras with a motor, cheap lenses can also be used.
For convenience, the quality of the photo is easier to take either D3300, 5300 or D7100 or already mirrorless if you don’t want to carry gravity, and it’s invisible. If you take at least a flash a pair of lenses, batteries, then there is almost no difference in weight (190 grams between the D7200 and D3000), the sizes are also not much different.
Good day! I have a Nikon D3000 camera, it was bought as a training camera) and one of the cheapest. I climbed it up and down and of course I came to the conclusion that I have few features of this camera. After reading your review, I am considering the D7000, D7100, D7200, but many write that they have a complicated menu and not everyone can figure it out, or look at something like D5500, D5200, D5300? I am engaged in amateur shooting of all kinds of things, and I practice in professional photo shoots, at corporate parties, exhibitions, I practice in reportage shooting.
Nothing complicated there :) Take the one for which there is enough money.
Then the D7000 both in price and in quality of shooting) But is it anything that it is 2010? And another question, maybe strange) I’ll buy a used one, what should I pay attention to when buying, otherwise I’ll be lured with different buns, don’t know what to look at?)))
You need to look at everything that you can) primarily on the camera mileage.
D7000 is very good in terms of quality / price. 16 megapixels is enough. Plus metering when working with manual optics. Himself has sold this recently, sorry, money was needed ...
Thanks for the excellent and informative site.
I apologize in advance if I ask you in the wrong branch. I choose a camera to shoot the dog on the street, the object will jump and run. The budget is about 40 thousand rubles. Today I chose the Nikon D300 camera, but I can’t decide on the lenses between: Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4.5-5.6G VR IF SWM (short for Nikon 70- 300 VR) and Nikon ED AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D (MKII). I chose them as the fastest to focus on my budget. Please tell me which option is better to stop and maybe offer something else, which I did not pay attention to.
Arkady advised - "70-300 will be more convenient, a little longer, sometimes it is more important for shooting outdoors."
I read topics on lenses, but I can’t make a definite conclusion. The bunch will be used only for shooting dogs on the street, but we have few sunny days.
Hello! Very informative and helpful articles. Thanks! I need your professional advice. I have been using Nikon d2 for “home” purposes for 90 years. The set included an AF-S NIKKOR 18-105mm 1: 3.5-5.6 G ED lens. A year ago I bought a portrait lens, I am satisfied with the quality of the pictures. Now I am planning to buy a universal lens. Should a hobbyist get the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18–300mm f / 3.5–6.3G ED VR? I plan to use it for shooting children's parties, family travels, etc. I would be grateful for your answer.
This lens is amateur. For everything in a row, especially travel, the very focal ones.
the quality of the 18-300 will be worse than that of the 18-200, and even more so than the 18-105. and it costs unreasonably expensive new. but for travel (its main purpose) I would not be comfortable - it is large and relatively heavy
lying, looked at dxomark, 18-300 is much better than 18-200 :)
200mm 100% crop. Photos from the network.
Hello Arkady. My daughter has a D3100 whale 18-55. I want to buy her a lens to expand the possibilities. Which advise?
In addition to the whale, I recommend Nikon 50mm 1.8G or Nikon 35mm 1.8G DX.
not Nikon 55-200mm f / 4-5.6G ED VR II AF-S DX Nikkor or Nikon 55-300mm f / 4.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX?
and Nikon 70-300mm f / 4.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor?
You can and him. The first two are more for creativity, with a large aperture. This one is more for shooting distant objects outdoors.
Welcome.
Doctor, I have this ...
Is it possible in our time to do photo hunting within the budget
50-60kRub. Namely, it is necessary that a beast like a hare from 50 meters was in the photo about 15 * 20 cm in full view.
I do not understand much in the photo. I take pictures often, but on the Samsung Galaxy S3 phone.
Is it possible to keep within the budget? Only to the new and Nikon. I already watched another. Yuzal Nikon D90 with a 105 mm lens. Not suitable. Approaching in general is not some kind of fox across the river 40 meters. Here. Or forget it?
It is real to meet the amount, but if everything is new, then for the money it will be sad. If you absolutely want a new one, then my opinion is a new camera (Nikon), and a telezoom (not Nikon). Telezooms are usually used less often than other lenses, and the quality is quite good. If the camera is used, then the possibilities, according to the quality of equipment within the budget, will expand further. 105 focal of course is not enough, you need from 200 to 500-600.
Clear. Yes, it's sad. So take a damn photo ...
Thanks for the answer. We'll keep thinking. True, there is nothing and nothing if for the best ...
Stepan, do not despair. It’s quite possible to fit a slightly used kit into your budget (read in a new state), consisting of a Nikon D7000 + Nikor 70-300VR. And on delivery, it will also turn out 18-55.
You must be able to choose a used one. You won’t hold it in your hands. I found such a kit, 46kRub stands on Avito.
For 100 km, buying such a thing is somehow uncomfortable.
How do you like the Nikon 70-300mm F4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR AF-S Nikkor lens? True 40kRub worth. And fotik Nikon D5300 Body for 30kRub. Current is more expensive * :-(
Indeed, do not despair, your amount is real. And do not be afraid of used equipment. So, the same 70-300, ideally used, you can find about 20 thousand, and 7000 for 27-30 thousand with a very small shoot. But I would recommend Sigma 150-600 OS HSM or Tamron 150-600 VS USD, they can be found ideally about 45 thousand. These are very good glasses for hunting. For the remaining 15 thousand, you can buy a 5100 or 3200 carcass with scanty mileage, there are a lot of them in the secondary market. And it will be much better than 70-300 VR.
+1
Do you live in a very small city?
I? In the district center, village.
If with Avito, then cash on delivery, but all the same, you will have to risk double the amount of the shipping cost (usually the seller requires them to be listed before dispatch), and there will be a rise in price due to the transfer of money by mail. If new through an online store, then choose a reliable one based on reviews. I didn't take it on ebee - I can't help with advice. In the overseas online stores, I took it through PayPal - it's reliable. Well, acquaintances, or their own trips. If anyone is more knowledgeable about distance shopping, help the person with advice.
Welcome.
Watched. Found. They look good. It’s even strange that they sell good equipment.
Yes, I use Paypal for a long time.
Do not be surprised, the 150-600 is a very specific lens, they usually take it to play around, and then sell it as unnecessary - super telezoom is not the most needed in a photographer's park. And cameras of the 3rd and 5th series are usually taken for home use, and they safely lie in the sideboard until the question arises: “what is it if I still shoot on an iPhone or a compact mirrorless camera with a built-in zoom ?. Of course, there are scammers, but a brick by cash on delivery is unlikely, because you can unpack it at the post office and immediately call the police before the money is transferred by mail, there is a risk that something will be, but of inadequate quality. Better through friends, but in our time, they usually do not want to bother. The best option is to go by yourself, I drove 400 km, unfortunately unsuccessfully. In our city, Sigma 150-600 hung on Avito, first for 45, then for 40, now it disappeared, if I reappear, I can write to you by mail and go to see if it is working properly.
I would not buy through Avito by mail. probably the brick will arrive in the parcel :)
it’s easier to ask a friend from the city to send it later by mail or also through other people and all
Try to find used 3200 or so (the cheapest at 24mp), the rest is money for the lens. On fotosklad.ru 70-300 costs 35t.r. 150-600 is an ideal option.
When sending by Russian Post, oblige the sender to make a parcel with an inventory. Upon receipt, you open the parcel, inspect the goods and if everything suits you, then redeem it. If not, then referring to the fact that the product does not comply with the inventory (defective, worn appearance, etc.) do not redeem. If the sender did not make an inventory (and you asked) do not redeem.
thank you people.
Paka has not decided.
300 mm is not enough for you. You need 400-600 somewhere. With a new budget do not fit. It’s better to watch used and ride. For it may be sad.
But that wonderful hare from the example is made at 300mm, at d200. We had a Avron Tamron 70-300VC for 14tr on Avito, why not a budget?
Not enough 300 mm. It must be approached closely, it is not 30-50 meters. I tried to photograph on my 70-300 birds, complete garbage. If more than 10 meters already porridge is obtained. The hare can be seen very cropped, so it will not pull on a 15x20 print.
I counted here. 300mm gives a diagonal angle of 5gr 20min, which at a distance of 50m gives a rectangle with a diagonal of 4,65m in the frame, the hare will turn out finely. Will have to either come closer or sprinkle heavily.
There is another option. :)
Specify a price for it and generally rzhach will be.
If I correctly imagine the size of a hare :-) then to make such a frame as above from a distance of 50m you need a frame diagonal of no more than 1 meter, and for this you need a lens with a diagonal angle of 1 degree 10 minutes, and this is about 1400 mm fr!
Crop to the rescue.
Unfortunately, sprinkling reduces quality = (
Yes, that’s why it’s better to initially focus more.
1400 mm! Ik ... hic ... and ....
Telescope or something to attach ha ha.
cheaper, even for outer space.
But what you needed was just a degree-minute link to meters.
At least some landmark. And then I'm trying to snap all millimeters of 135 mm focus to distance meters.
A hare very shy, come closer is there an opportunity?
the last one let on 5 road reinforced concrete slabs and fled. A slab somewhere meters eh ... well, not 6. 4-5 m. And before that, there are podsol on 2 6-meter trailers.
But the fox is closer, somewhere 4 meters in the wormwood passed quietly.
Roe deer in general did not give a chance.
Someone from a bird like a steppe eagle generally “posed” high on a tree.
Here.
And the girls were admitted to 10 meters because they hadn't seen .... ha ha. * :-)
joke.
150-600 would be preferable, from 70-300 you have to sneak closer.
I took a photo of squirrels, birds, at 300 mm and a crop of 1,5, all normal photos are up to 10 meters, more is not the same, the optimal distance is 4-6 meters. Therefore, if I would like a telephoto camera, I looked only at 600mm
I completely agree, my experience with 300 mm says the same
The calculation is as follows: in the lens characteristics, we look at the angle of view of FR300mm for a crop (therefore, it is better to look at 300mm for a crop 55-300) - this is 5 deg 20min. The tangent of this angle is 0,0928, it is also the ratio of the opposite leg (the diagonal of the frame is d) to the adjacent leg (distance to the object L), i.e. d = L * tg = 0,0928 * L. For 50m, the frame diagonal is d = 0,0928 * 50 = 4,64m, but I managed to fit, as I understand it, up to 20 meters, then d = 1,856m.
It's me again, zashol on the light ...
Don't throw lenses ...
But what if you connect a Yukon 5500x6x100 spotting scope to the Nikon 100?
Yes, a great lens for taking photos of spy hares and giant moon foxes.
Yes, they have an adapter in the store for it. Do not know how he is to the DSLR ...
I wonder how the image quality is. Maybe someone tried ...?
Hello Arkady, is it worth buying Nikon D 700 on Avito according to an ad or buying a new Nikon D300s. Here is an ad about nikon d 700, an excellent camera! Mileage is about 40000. For equipment of this class, not a lot. The left gum is swollen, peeling off. You can restore it in gasoline, but not hunting. Camera of the latest releases. It seems that the autofocus is improved, it is accurate and does not "glitch" in difficult conditions, and the color also seems to be better, as well as the autobalance and exposure metering in comparison with the first releases of these cameras. I sell because of the transition to canon, because of the video. A complete set as in the store, receipts, documents, charging boxes, 2 batteries. Write, call, Buy! Price RUB 56 Please advise how I should be ...
Can be restored in gas, but not hunting
—
and such posts are always pinning me. but in general expect a surprise)