Nikon is one of the most well known manufacturers out there and for a good reason. Its range of compact and DSLR cameras delivers performance and image quality that is truly outstanding. In this article, we will be going through the best Nikon cameras available for purchase.
The Nikon D3100
This digital camera was made for those just starting out with photography. This is easily evidenced with their Guide mode which guides the novice photographer on how to use the camera and explain technical camera terms in easier language by word or picture format.
The camera's 14.2MP DX sensor allows the photographer to take some truly amazing pictures, whilst also giving you to ability to take full HD 1080p movies. The screen on the camera can also be used to accurately preview your shots and the 95% field of view optical viewfinder is useful in framing your shots.
The Nikon D5100
The D5100 is considered to be the mid-range of consumer DSLR cameras, despite having the same 16.2MP DX sensor as that of the higher end D7000 camera. The chief difference between these cameras however is that the D7000 has better handling and grip areas overall.
This camera also has a screen with variable angling functionality that allows you to take shots from many angles. The extra built-in special effects can also enable you to take still or full HD movies, in addition to including those special effects, such as selective color, miniature and silhouette.
The Nikon D90
Although the D90 is a little old from a technology point of view, it is still a robust DSLR that is currently being sold at far below its original price.
It also happened to set a precedent a few years ago when it was a the first DSLR camera to have HD movie shooting capability (720p). Its 12.3MP DX sensor is also able to take high quality photos with ease. Although not as great as the more modern cameras, the D90 is not a camera that you can easily ignore.
The Nikon D5200
This Nikon camera is highly suitable for the more interested user who is trying to find a compact, multi-functional camera, as well as a camera that is above an entry-level one.
This is also an excellently built camera, which can take images with ample detail in addition to good noise control. However, pictures taken above ISO above 3200 will have some banding evident.
The Nikon D3200
The D3200 was intended to be the improved version of the D3100, and Nikon has definitely achieved this. This camera uses a 24.2 MP CMOS sensor and the identical processing engine used in the very high end D4.
This camera still has the beginner friendly Guide Mode, just like the D3100, but these guides have been enhanced. Noise is very well controlled in normal ISO ranges (ISO 100-6400) but the image color is not always accurately displayed on the screen.
The Nikon D7000
This camera is bordering on the professional Nikon range and is no wonder why many consider it to be a semi-professional camera.
The D7000's sensor is also found the in the cheaper D5100 but the camera itself is stronger and more resistant to weather effects as well as some other perks. The 100% field of view optical viewfinder allows you to basically get an exact preview of your shot, the 39-point autofocus system is excellent for moving objects, the 6 frames per second is faster than most equivalent models and the shutter can survive up to 150,000 cycles allowing the D7000 to be used for a much longer period of time.
All in all, the best consumer Nikon DSLR would be the Nikon D3200 due to its appeal to amateur photographers, whilst still retaining advanced enough features to be useful to more advanced users. In any case, the right camera will ultimately depend on how much you intend to spend, your goals with that camera and how much time you can dedicate yourself to this hobby or passion of yours.
The Nikon D3100
This digital camera was made for those just starting out with photography. This is easily evidenced with their Guide mode which guides the novice photographer on how to use the camera and explain technical camera terms in easier language by word or picture format.
The camera's 14.2MP DX sensor allows the photographer to take some truly amazing pictures, whilst also giving you to ability to take full HD 1080p movies. The screen on the camera can also be used to accurately preview your shots and the 95% field of view optical viewfinder is useful in framing your shots.
The Nikon D5100
The D5100 is considered to be the mid-range of consumer DSLR cameras, despite having the same 16.2MP DX sensor as that of the higher end D7000 camera. The chief difference between these cameras however is that the D7000 has better handling and grip areas overall.
This camera also has a screen with variable angling functionality that allows you to take shots from many angles. The extra built-in special effects can also enable you to take still or full HD movies, in addition to including those special effects, such as selective color, miniature and silhouette.
The Nikon D90
Although the D90 is a little old from a technology point of view, it is still a robust DSLR that is currently being sold at far below its original price.
It also happened to set a precedent a few years ago when it was a the first DSLR camera to have HD movie shooting capability (720p). Its 12.3MP DX sensor is also able to take high quality photos with ease. Although not as great as the more modern cameras, the D90 is not a camera that you can easily ignore.
The Nikon D5200
This Nikon camera is highly suitable for the more interested user who is trying to find a compact, multi-functional camera, as well as a camera that is above an entry-level one.
This is also an excellently built camera, which can take images with ample detail in addition to good noise control. However, pictures taken above ISO above 3200 will have some banding evident.
The Nikon D3200
The D3200 was intended to be the improved version of the D3100, and Nikon has definitely achieved this. This camera uses a 24.2 MP CMOS sensor and the identical processing engine used in the very high end D4.
This camera still has the beginner friendly Guide Mode, just like the D3100, but these guides have been enhanced. Noise is very well controlled in normal ISO ranges (ISO 100-6400) but the image color is not always accurately displayed on the screen.
The Nikon D7000
This camera is bordering on the professional Nikon range and is no wonder why many consider it to be a semi-professional camera.
The D7000's sensor is also found the in the cheaper D5100 but the camera itself is stronger and more resistant to weather effects as well as some other perks. The 100% field of view optical viewfinder allows you to basically get an exact preview of your shot, the 39-point autofocus system is excellent for moving objects, the 6 frames per second is faster than most equivalent models and the shutter can survive up to 150,000 cycles allowing the D7000 to be used for a much longer period of time.
All in all, the best consumer Nikon DSLR would be the Nikon D3200 due to its appeal to amateur photographers, whilst still retaining advanced enough features to be useful to more advanced users. In any case, the right camera will ultimately depend on how much you intend to spend, your goals with that camera and how much time you can dedicate yourself to this hobby or passion of yours.
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