Which Nikon digital SLR?

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, the D3000 is the best (and only) choice. However, it's pretty frill-free — it doesn't even include exposure bracketing, for example.
  • If you can afford a little more, however, opt for the D5000. It's a significantly better camera than the D3000 — faster, with better photo quality and a broader feature set that includes video capture and a flip-down-and-twist LCD. At this point, it's also a better deal than the D90. They're very similar models, with comparable photo and video quality, and the D5000 is slightly cheaper. The D90 does still have a couple of advantages over the D5000, though, including a better LCD (though it's fixed, not articulated) and viewfinder.
  • If you need a pro-level camera, and don't need the lens compatibility or wide-angle flexibility of a full-frame model, the D300s 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, and you don't give up the video capture — it, too, supports movies with a few extra options. Nikon has reportedly discontinued the still-excellent D300 rather than just dropping the price, but if you don't need the video support and can find it for less than the D300s, it's a worthwhile option.
  • 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 D300s — 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 quality 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 or the D3X.

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Leiden posted a comment   

I bought D40 about two years ago and am still using it. It has produced great pictures I have ever had in my life. Apart from a good camera, right time to shoot from a right angle with right light is more important than a good camera, I think

 

mike posted a comment   

@whoknows I think the author was talking more about usable images at that ISO level. Sure the D90 will shoot images at that ISO but the noise would be very heavy.

 

snappa posted a comment   

I have a D90. I cannot fault it. Sure I'd like to have a D3 or D3X - but I am a keen amature and the D90 delivers for me - the movie function is super - not quite 35mm movies - team it up with the 12-24mm zoom with the 72mm diam and you have the best "video camera" around. The "in camera editing" is good but I have found it limited. I also bought the Nikon Software - Capture NX2 and the full filter pack - leaves photoshop behind on user interface and recommended to those who don't want to spend heaps for the full photoshop version and then next 3 months learning how to use it properly.
Remember that Nikon have a great lens range and mobility between camera bodies. Some of the other cameras - like the Sony are more limited in respect of lens range and mobility between camera bodies. Stump up - get a D90 or more - you will love what you do with it.

 

Guy posted a comment   

The D40 and D80 are staying until further notice. Check the Nikon site instead of spreading false info. You couldn't be more wrong.

 

Anon posted a comment   

Actually, Nikon has discontinued the D40 and D40x. And D80. It's just still floating around.

 

whoknows posted a comment   

"... 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.

 

Lazymonkey44 posted a comment   
Australia

I just got the D60, my first DSLR and I love it!!




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