Not everyone approaches the dSLR buying decision as a tabula rasa choice. If you've already chosen Nikon — whether it's because you already have some lenses, friends who are brand-enamoured, or have simply had good experiences with the company's point-and-shoot models — here's some help selecting the right model.
On a general note, if your budget is tight, and unless there's a specific feature or performance level you need from a particular model, it's usually a good idea to save money on the body and spend it on a better lens.
- If you're on a tight budget, you don't have much of a choice, and the D40 is the least expensive of the lot. Oddly, though it shipped after the D40, the higher-resolution D40X has been slipping slowly out of the channel and replaced by the D60, while the D40 lives on.
- If you can afford a little more, opt for the D80. Though it's an older model, it's staying in Nikon's line, and for a price within shouting distance of the D60 you get a significantly better camera.
- If you're a hobbyist, vacation shooter, or family cruise director and can spend a little more, buy the D90. It delivers superior photo quality, performance, and build quality than most of its less expensive siblings, and improves over the D80 with higher resolution, an extra stop of usable ISO sensitivity and a performance boost.
- If you need a pro-level camera, but can't afford the D3, the D300 offers a host of advantages over the D90. It's better constructed, with a dust-sealed body, delivers an extra stop (ISO 3200 versus ISO 1600) of latitude, and provides a more sophisticated 51-point AF system. Its performance generally matches or outpaces the D90's as well.
- If you need a more rugged body, better low-light latitude or real wide-angle focal lengths below 20mm or so, then it's time to step up to the D700. It delivers a couple stops of exposure over the D300 — up to ISO 12,800 is usable on occasion — and because it's full-frame lacks the 1.5x magnification factor that narrows wide-angle lenses. Performance matches the D3 in all but the fastest burst mode and image qualilty is very similar, making the less-expensive D700 a compelling alternative to the D3 for a majority of shooters.
- If you need the best performing, most rugged body available with the best photo quality, you're going to have to shell out for the D3.
Nikon D40
The Nikon D40 is a great transition camera for going from point-and-shoot to your first dSLR.
Nikon D40X
Nikon Australia has just announced the 10-megapixel D40X, big brother to its entry-level offering, the D40.
Nikon D60
Despite modest improvements in performance and a couple of new features, Nikon's D60 fails to impress and costs more than some competing models.
Nikon D80 
Nikon's newest mid-level dSLR has a solid feature set that should make it a favourite for experienced photographers or even for SLR newbies who crave more power than the D50's.
Nikon D90
In the two-party race that will never end, D90 selected D-Movie as its running mate. Upon close examination though, D-Movie was found to be severely underdone. Good thing then that D90's photo taking base is so strong and competent.
Nikon D700
As long as you don't need seriously high-resolution photos, video capture, or machine-gun-fast sports shooting, the Nikon D700 has everything you need in a pro full-frame camera for a reasonable price.
Nikon D300
At 825 grams, the Nikon D300 is more than heavy, but if you're a keen photographer and have an eye for detail, the D300 will prove itself with great image quality shot after shot. However, first time photographers and social-snappers might find this dSLR slightly overwhelming.
Nikon D3
Nikon's flagship dSLR packs a full-frame 12-megapixel sensor and is a highly versatile imaging powerhouse that lets photographers create images previously impossible to capture.
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Lazymonkey44
03/10/2008 04:57 PM
I just got the D60, my first DSLR and I love it!!
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Barkasieron
03/10/2008 06:07 PM
Where's the D700?
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whoknows
04/10/2008 12:15 AM
"... the D300 offers a host of advantages over the D90. It's better constructed, with a dust-sealed body, delivers an extra stop (ISO 3200 versus ISO 1600) of latitude, ..." Uhm, D90, like D300, shoots ISO 3200 and 6400 as well.
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