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
Hello! I'll start my message with a banal phrase - "I'm a beginner, help me." Despite the articles read, comments in the forums, my head continues to spin, I used to shoot with film. Now the latest Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX10 soap dish is from the modern one, but the soap dish is a soap dish ... Basically I shoot nature, people, animals. I need a camera for further growth and most likely not only for shooting friends or landscapes. Video shooting is not in this case a prerogative, the main emphasis or even the main focus on photography, i.e. lack of noise, clarity, brightness; which will be present not only on the display of the camera, but also will not lose their force when printing pictures. What will more meet such expectations Nikon D7000 or Nikon D90? (which lens will be needed for the first time as a universal) If you have any other recommendations, I'd love to read it. Forgive me for not knowing professional terminology yet and I speak in a broken-philistine language. Thank you in advance for your attention!
Alenka, D7000 will be preferable for a number of reasons, including the possibility of fine adjustment of autofocus available in this model (since you are thinking about using different lenses in the future). Arkady's articles about lenses for DX cameras are very well written: ideally, the Nikkor 17-55 can serve as a universal lens, followed by 16-85, 18-200, 18-105 in descending order ... Good luck!
Good day. Tell me, please, is it better to take the Nikon D3200 body + Nikkor 50mm f / 1.8G AF-S or Nikon D3200 kit? Thanks.
Tatyana! If this is your first DSLR - take 3100kit. I see no reason to overpay for pixels. Later, buy a 50mm creative fixture.
IMHO the logic is new = the best is simple and understandable, but not always justified.
Even Nikon has childhood illnesses (for example: D200 bending, oil-spraying shutters on some fresh models, etc.) and new cameras that are worse than old ones (for example, in a pair of D40x and D40. D40x is newer, but in comparison with D40 in favor of multi-pixel functionality is cut even more, for example, lost fast synchronization, which is very in demand when shooting under the bright sun). And carrot muzzles on the first mass CMOS matrices from Nikon are worth nothing. Especially disappointed are fans of an in-chamber jeep, because in a ravah you can get rid of this a little less than completely. So it happens that the old is better than the new.
Thanks to the author, of course, for the work done. Just a modest comment, everything is purely IMHO.
Hello! I want to buy the first DSLR, but the budget is limited, so I can only afford a whale lens for now. Arkady, tell me if you buy a camera with a standard whale lens 18-55 mm, what is the best stop: D3100 or is it worth taking a D3200 or D5100? Many write that for 24 megapixels on the D3200 you need more serious optics. For which model would 18-55 be the most suitable? Thank you in advance for your advice.
18-55 of this three is more suitable for d3100 in resolution on open apertures.
Good day, a better buy fot Nikon D5200 chi Nikon D7000
Nikon D7000
In general, the d7000 will be better.
Good day! I buy the first SLR (D3100). There are 2 options: Nikkor 18-55 or 18-105? I have a choice. Advise!
I advise 18-105
Arkady, good afternoon, I noticed that the number of shutter releases when shooting one photo in LV, the shutter clicks 2 times and in the ShowExif program, 2 responses are also added, but I pressed the shutter once .... during normal shooting everything is normal 1 trigger. Is this how it should be? Or is there something wrong with me? Why does LV shutter release twice with one press? Phot D5100, if someone explains to me I will be grateful.
The shutter curtains (roughly speaking - the shutter itself) open for inclusion, when you press the shutter button, they close to complete the cycle. This counts as one shot. After that, a regular picture is taken with a second shutter cycle. This is the normal shutter mode.
Arkady, so I don’t understand why 2 cycles in LV and in normal mode 1? is it because of raising the mirror?
please explain and ifa about this did not find.
abysmally - shot 1 and the shutter life is wasted ...)
When sighting through the optical viewfinder (eye), the camera is with the mirror lowered and the shutter closed. When Live View is enabled, the mirror rises to allow light to enter the camera's sensor. Also, so that the sensor can receive light from the lens, the shutter also opens. In this open position, you can sight using Live View. After pressing the shutter button, the camera closes the shutter and lowers the mirror, measures the exposure (very important when working with a flash in automatic modes), then raises the mirror again, opens and closes the shutter with the shutter speed selected in advance. Thus, we get two cycles of the shutter travel in front of the matrix. One shot is the round trip of the shutter curtains. That is, the shutter doesn't care whether you take a picture or indulge in Live View, it wears out its resource by opening and closing the curtains. Some cameras can take a picture with the mirror up and with the shutter open, such as a snapshot while shooting a video. Usually the camera just runs through a standard loop, so it needs to go from Live View to normal mode.
Thank you for the clarification.
and thank you so much! for this site, a real help for beginners in digital SLRs.
In the Internet shops there are cameras with an official guarantee and a guarantee of the store. How do the cameras themselves differ? Are they “gray”? Should I buy them?
Hello Arkady and all visitors to this wonderful site. He made his first photograph at the age of seven back in 1970. There were different devices. And just now I decided to buy a DSLR. True, my budget is limited - about two thousand - so I want to take used ones. With the choice of the camera, thanks to the site and you, I understand everything. But I don’t know where it’s better to buy. I have never bought a used one, maybe on the radio market in Kiev (I live near Kiev). Tell me please. P.S. Maybe with my budget they will give up this dream?
At the flea market photo.yua a lot of budget inexpensive used models.
Many thanks. I wish you success.
Look at Kar. cottages.
Good afternoon Arkady.
Thank you for the wonderful site and your work.
Yesterday I first went out on it and read the weight of the day. Why for the first time? Probably because at first I was looking for information exclusively on the Canon and climbed to the relevant forums.
I have been dreaming of a modern camera for a long time. From the age of 10, he began taking photographs at the 5V FED. Then there was Zenith (I don’t remember which one). I began to peer at foreign-made film SLRs. At that time he was a student and failed to buy his dream.
Then the number burst into life and seduced me with its easy behavior. And now I'm sitting dreaming about Canon 400D. Time passed. I dreamed of a 450D, and somehow time has passed imperceptibly and you can already dream of a 650D. Articles and forums are read immeasurably. Dreams Dreams. It is necessary to shoot, but here I am dreaming. I bought myself a Canon Ixus 85 digital soap. Where to go - the family dictates the rules, and the repair is chewing on my wallet.
But on March 9, I was at a friend’s wedding and taking off on a soap dish I realized that this would not go any further. Further, the need for a high-quality camera will only increase.
I started to google. What have I discovered new for myself? I suddenly stopped staring at Canon and I fell in love with Nikon.
At first I considered several cameras:
Canon 650D
Nokon D5200, Nokon D90, Nokon D7000
Pentax k-30, k-5 and k-5 II.
As a result, my choice:
Nikon D7000 Body for 30000 rubles
и
Nikon D90 KIT + 18-55VR + 55-200VR for 28000 rubles
Now the action is an opportunity to take a loan 0-0-24 for a year. That is, without overpayment.
The second option captivates with two lenses and a price.
And the first is just modern.
So I’m thinking of buying a used lens twice as cheap as a new one, for starters 18-55.
The camera is really taken for a long time.
These are my thoughts.
Small question. If you buy a Body, then check it with any store lens in this way http://www.ixbt.com/digimage/lensvs.shtml ? But this seems to be a lens test. That is, it turns out, you do not need to check the Body?
Thank you.
The camera itself and the lens are checked separately.
Thank you.
From this article, I realized body is only checked for dead pixels. 2-3 pixels is no reason to worry.
Hello, I want to buy a camera for a baby’s photo, the choice fell on the D5100-18-105 or it’s better to buy another one, thanks in advance
At one time I became interested in photographing, a friend advised me to take Nikon d80 (this was in 2008), I did so without any skills, where through Internet, where I asked questions to professional photographers I figured out the functions of the device on my own, I haven’t been doing photo work for 3 years already , now I wanted to run around to beautiful places again. What kind of device should I choose from Nikonov? (I gave it to my relative) I wanted the d80. But it seems to be outdated too. What do you recommend to the pros?
For pros, the D800, D3, D4 line
Hello! I choose between nikon 3200 and nikon 5100, the price is the same, tell me which camera is better and which lens to take to be more universal. I'm going to take pictures of landscapes, architecture and portraits. Price range 30 thousand
Ksenia, look at the Nikon D7000, it is a little more expensive, but the device is very functional, I think you will not regret it. I shoot like that myself. As for the lenses: if I didn't have any lenses now, I would take a single Nikkor 17-55 f / 2,8 - it is just for your shooting. Oh, and don't forget about a tripod, especially for landscape photography.
Thank you very much !!!! but it’s just a pity .... that it’s far from thirty and not even 60tys ((((I don’t have such an opportunity now (((and if it’s still within 30 thousand?
Thank you very much !!!! but it’s just a pity .... that it’s far from thirty and not even 60tys ((((I don’t have such an opportunity now (((and if it’s still within 30 thousand?
Well, if that's the case, then lenses: Nikon 35mm f / 1.8G AF-S DX (for blurring the background) and (or) Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6 G IF-ED DX VR AF-S (this one often goes to complete with camera) - two inexpensive, relevant, sufficiently high-quality lenses. But try to “pull out” the D7000 camera - in it, among other things, on the top panel there is an additional monochrome display showing all the current settings and shooting parameters (this is very, very convenient! Believe it! :)). Don't chase megapixels, the D16's 7000 million is enough.
As a budget version of the carcass, you can take the D90, it will certainly be a little worse than the D7000, but if the issue is money it is a very good option.
Hello, today I wanted to buy a D90 + lens 55-200, but I was dissuaded and told it is better to take the D5200 with a kit lens, because. The D90 is old, but I don't need bombs like a rotary screen, I want to take pictures for myself, my family and friends, all that is required for a kettle like me is clarity of the photo and, of course, a blurred background. What is better to take, would you advise me? A friend praised me 90, because he has the same one, in the salon they tried to persuade me for 5200. I don't want to overpay for unnecessary functions ...
Hello Anya, when choosing, be guided by the principle of priority of choosing a lens first of all, preferably with a higher aperture with an aperture of f2,8; f1,8 for example. It can be said very approximately that the more expensive the lens, the better it will be, although prime lenses have their own policy here, i.e. can be bought inexpensive and good. And the camera will already record any picture from the lens, even if it is the good old D90. The meaning is this: the image is formed by the lens, and recorded by a digital device (camera). The lens "colors" the camera more than vice versa.
Anya, the stores have their own goals - to sell the product that you need (mind you tomorrow they may start recommending something completely different). Proceed from what you personally need. The D90 is a pretty good camera, read the article again and look carefully at which table is the D5200 and which is the D90. The D5200 is an expensive entry-level camera, and a significant part of its price is due to its novelty. The D90 is a higher level camera, but rather old, which has a positive effect on its price. But compared to the D5200, the D90 has better ergonomics and an autofocus motor. The minus is true autofocus in the video, if it is critical for you.
Hello Arkady! I choose a camera for shooting moving objects. My task is to show the dog in motion and sometimes in a room with poor lighting. Help with a choice, please! I choose between the D5200 body and the D600 body. Which lens should I buy for a particular model?
The D600 will be better than the D5200. A 50 1.8G lens will be good for such a camera in low light.
Tell me which camera is better:
Nikon D5100 18-55VR Kit or Nikon D3200 18-55mm VR Kit?
I realized that 3200 has more megapixels, and 5100 has more functionality and a rotary screen.
I forgot to write that the 3200 is a new model, maybe it is already better than 5100?
As shown on my tablet, I recommend the d3200 more, but the d5100 is a great camera.
Thanks for the answer. But I already noticed 5100 to buy :)
Can you recommend a protective filter for it? budget, without any filters) And a bag is better to buy a 2-seater :)? To fit the camera and the detached lens, how best to store it in a bag?
Better stored with a lens on. The filter depends on what kind of lens you have.
Hello Arkady! Help with the choice, please! I choose between the D5100 body and the D3100 body. Which lens should I buy for this or that model? I will photograph for a family album (portraits, landscapes) Thank you
D5100 will be better than d3100. A good lens is 18-105, if the budget is limited, then 18-70 or 18-55
Good evening Arkady! Please help me in choosing between d5200 and d7000, this will be my first DSLR, I just don’t want to regret the money saved soon. And tell me which lens to use for portraiture.
I advise D7000, I am saving up for it myself. I have not watched the news for a long time, it turns out there is already a D7100, but 24 megapixels, I don’t know which lens can satisfy such a matrix.
Thank you
Hello,
Tell me, pliz, which model (and with what "glass") would be better for taking pictures of ordinary family and family + amateur pictures of mountains on travel :), but most importantly - for macro photography (dishes for a culinary site, with sharpness in the center of the frame and defocus on edges). I'm not planning to shoot a video. A budget of up to $ 600 - that is, probably a choice between 3100-3200-5200? Is the whale lens suitable for such conditions or should you choose separately? and tell me which one is better? THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
I choose between d5100 and d3200. Tell me, please, which of these models is more suitable for shooting concerts? and which lens is then better to choose?
In general, the d5100 will be a good option. The lens is preferably universal. A good station wagon of type 17-55 2.8 is expensive, you can look at the fast fix 35 1.8 as a replacement.
Arkady, hello! I do not quite understand, your message from 6.04. at 15:34 - is this an answer to me (to a very urgent question of 4.04. 15:23) or an answer to Anna? :) As I understand it, Anna, but you never answered me .. Please, be so kind !! During this time, I have already decided on 5100, but there is a person who categorically discourages me - he says you will not see the difference in macro photography from a soap dish. He advises taking a carcass with a motor and a fix - 50 instead of 5100 whale. HELP TO DETERMINE, I will waste money !!! :))))
If you choose between 3100-3200-5200, then it is better to save money and take the D3100 with an 18-105 lens. These lenses will not have macro shots, but they wonderfully handle close-up shots, that is, for dishes for a culinary site, for example, with sharpness in the center of the frame and a defocus at the edges of such a lens will be enough. You are rightly told that for a macro an ordinary soap box will not be much worse than an expensive SLR camera. For macro (so that the antennae of insects can be seen) on the SLR camera, you need to use special macro lenses.
Thank you for your answer, but the more answers, the more questions :) 1. How does the 18-105 lens differ from the 18-55 in this regard? I mean, for my "kitchen" there is no difference, just 105 is more versatile, as I understand it? And-and .. 2. Macro .. isn't it shooting food? How then is a macro different from a shot with a steak in close-up, where, of course, there are no antennae, but every muscle line should be visible? :) Will 18-105 be enough for me? And why is 18-55 not enough in this case? 3. Wouldn't 5100 be better with 18-105? from 18-55 (less than 3100) ??????? THANKS!!