Buying guide for best Nikon DSLR cameras
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Aspiring creative people and casual photographers are always looking for ways to get the most out of their shots. Nikon is a top camera brand that offers several elite DSLR cameras that can make your photos stand out.
Nikon cameras offer the latest technology in sensor size, ISO range, autofocus and continuous shooting. Photographers have more freedom to play around with different settings and features to capture photos and videos that are vibrant and captivating.
Experienced photographers seeking a high-performance camera should consider our top pick, the Nikon D850 FX-Format Digital SLR Camera. This camera boasts an advanced sensor, 4K recording and a handful of other premium features. But not everyone wants or needs a top-of-the-line camera; Nikon also has several cameras for beginners and photography enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Editors’ picks
Nikon D850 FX-Format Digital SLR Camera
Editors’ Favorite
Video Resolution: 4K UHD | Magnification: 0.75x | Maximum Focal Length: 1,600mm | Sensor: 45.7 MP | Autofocus: 153-Point | Continuous Shooting: 9 fps
The Nikon D850 is one of the best options for intermediate photographers looking to take their craft to the next level. The 45.7-megapixel sensor delivers stunning images with high dynamic range, and combined with the powerful EXPEED 5 image processor, offers ISO sensitivity from 64 to 25,600, for detailed shots even in low-light environments.
The 153-point autofocus system ensures you can track fast-moving subjects with exceptional clarity. It supports continuous shooting at a frame rate of up to 9 fps, making it one of the best cameras for capturing fast-paced movements, such as sporting events and wildlife. Plus, this camera can record video in stunning 4K UHD and slow-motion full HD at 120 fps.
Photographers will love the technology advancements and features this camera has to offer. It’s an excellent upgrade for novice or experienced photographers alike who want more flexibility when shooting and higher-quality shots in various environments.
Nikon D7500 20.9MP DSLR Camera
Great Value
Video Resolution: 4K UHD | Magnification: 1x | Maximum Focal Length: Up to 450mm | Sensor: 20.9 MP | Autofocus: 51-Point | Continuous Shooting: 8 fps
If you’re a beginner who wants a reliable camera to dip your toes into photography, the Nikon D7500 is a fantastic choice. For under $1,000, you’ll get a camera with an easier learning curve and a handful of premium features that allow it to capture amazing shots in all kinds of scenarios.
This camera is customizable with lenses that can expand the maximum focal length up to 450mm. The 20.9 takes stills with excellent clarity and detail, and you can record video in UHD 4K. The ISO range is 100 to 51,200, expandable up to 1,640,000, allowing you to capture stunning photos even in dimly lit environments. It has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for fast data transfer to wireless devices, and the superb build quality makes it suitable for challenging shooting conditions.
The camera itself is excellent for novice photographers, but it’s also worth noting that this kit comes with everything beginners need to get started. It includes a strap, a body cap, an eyepiece adapter, a rechargeable battery, a battery charger and a USB cable.
Nikon D5600 DX-Format Digital SLR
Best Starter DSLR
Video Resolution: FHD 1080p | Magnification: 3.1x | Maximum Focal Length: Up to 300mm | Sensor: 24.2 MP | Autofocus: 39-Point | Continuous Shooting: 5 fps
If you’re entirely new to photography but want a good starter camera, the Nikon D5600 is a terrific option. It’s an affordable camera that offers plenty and helps aspiring photographers experiment with different approaches.
For starters, this camera features a 24.2 MP sensor, which captures crisp, detailed shots, and it’s compatible with focal lenses that offer an expansion of up to 300mm. The 39-point autofocus system makes it easier to track fast-moving subjects such as wildlife. It supports 1080p video recording at 60 fps, and features SnapBridge technology for sharing and remote control with compatible devices. Plus, the ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold for extended periods, and the 3.2-inch LCD allows for creative versatility thanks to its angle design.
Experienced photographers will want to look elsewhere for an advanced camera with more customization options. However, budding photographers who wish to learn the basics with a reliable camera will find plenty to love. Plus, for under $1,000, it’s a cost-effective way to get started.
How we analyzed
DSLR cameras can be quite expensive, and although a few of our top picks are in the upper price range, there are several factors we considered when compiling our list of the best Nikon cameras. We researched customer reviews and considered specs such as focal length, autofocus, magnification and continuous shooting frame rate. The best DSLR cameras are compatible with multiple lenses for extended focal length and offer premium features for capturing high-quality photos and videos in various environments.
Nikon DSLR cameras vs. other cameras
If you’re already using a smartphone camera or a point-and-shoot camera, you may wonder whether you need a Nikon DSLR. Mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras have also become popular. Below, you can read about the pros and cons of different types of cameras.
Smartphone camera pros and cons
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Pros: Most people carry a smartphone at all times, making it handy to use as a camera. People love the ability to share photos instantly on social media, and a smartphone camera excels in this area. The touchscreen operation of this type of camera simplifies its usage quite a bit over a DSLR.
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Cons: Although the image quality of a standard smartphone is comparable to that of an entry-level camerara, a mid-tier or high-end DSLR camera offers superior quality.
Mirrorless camera pros and cons
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Pros: A mirrorless camera has a thin body similar to that of a point-and-shoot camera, yet it provides image quality closer to a DSLR. You can use interchangeable lenses with a mirrorless camera, adding versatility. Mirrorless camera bodies tend to offer more design style and versatility than DSLRs.
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Cons: DSLR cameras are generally cheaper than mirrorless cameras, which are now considered superior in many areas to DSLR cameras.
DSLR camera pros and cons
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Pros: Interchangeable lenses give the photographer more versatility. DSLR cameras are much easier to use than they were several years ago.
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Cons: The only significant downside to a DSLR involves expense. DSLR camera bodies are pricey initially, and owners incur added costs for lenses and other accessories.
Understanding Nikon DSLR image sensor formats
Nikon DSLR cameras will carry one of two sizes of image sensors. These image sensor sizes can affect how your lenses will work, so you need to know the difference.
DX-format
A DX-format image sensor measures 24mm by 16mm, making it the smaller of the two options.
FX-format
The FX-format image sensor has about the same dimensions as a frame of old 35mm film. The image sensor measures 36mm by 24mm. You’ll also hear this referred to as a full-frame image sensor camera.
Because of the way the Nikon DSLR lenses are designed, they have different capabilities with different image sensors. For example, Nikon makes both DX and non-DX lenses.
For a DX lens, you’ll see “DX” in the name of the lens somewhere. If the Nikon DSLR lens does not say “DX” in its name, you’ll refer to the lens as a non-DX lens.
(Nikon does not make lenses that say FX in the name; they’re called non-DX lenses instead.)
DX lenses can be built smaller because they’re designed to work with the smaller DX image sensor. Non-DX lenses are larger and heavier. We’ve collected some additional information on these two types of lenses as follows.
DX lenses
If you use a DX lens on a DX image sensor or FX image sensor Nikon DSLR camera, you’ll receive a greater telephoto capability than the lens has typically. Nikon calls this situation the crop factor for the lens.
DX lenses feature a crop factor of 1.5x. So a lens with a stated 50mm focal length would look like a 75mm focal length on the DSLR camera because of the crop factor.
This feature works well for people who want more telephoto capability, but as a trade-off, you lose some wide-angle capability.
Non-DX lenses
If you use a non-DX lens on either a DX or FX Nikon DSLR camera, no crop factor occurs.
Cost of Nikon DSLR cameras
You’ll find Nikon DSLR cameras in several different price ranges. The list here focuses on the camera body only, rather than kits with the camera body and a basic lens.
Entry-level cameras
The most basic Nikon DSLR cameras cost $300 to $750. These include slightly older models as well as newer, basic cameras.
Most of these DSLR cameras offer 16 to 24 megapixels of resolution.
Enthusiast-level cameras
Also called intermediate-level cameras, these Nikon DSLRs carry a price tag of between $750 and $2,000.
You may find some older pro-level cameras in this price range, but most feature the latest technology. These cameras offer between 20 and 35 megapixels of resolution.
Pro-level cameras
Pro-level Nikon DSLR cameras are some of the best digital cameras ever created. You can expect to pay more than $2,000 for these DSLRs and perhaps as much as $6,000.
They carry all of the latest features, the fastest processors, and the highest megapixel counts – usually well over 30 megapixels.
FAQ
Q. What are some extra costs I may incur with Nikon DSLR cameras?
A. Beyond the cost of the camera body, you can expect to pay for add-on components. For example, you may have to buy extra lenses separately. Individual lenses can run anywhere from $100 to $1,000 or more. Additionally, you can purchase things like memory cards, extra batteries, and external flash units to use with your Nikon DSLR camera.
Q. How do pro-level Nikon DSLRs differ from entry-level Nikon DSLRs?
A. You’ll initially notice the price differential between these levels of cameras. An entry-level DSLR body can be found for around $500, while Nikon pro-level DSLRs will cost $2,000 or more. For the extra cost of a pro-level DSLR, you’ll receive a larger image sensor, which results in better image quality. You’ll also enjoy faster performance than an entry-level DSLR, resulting in less shutter lag and more shots per second.
Q. What is a kit lens?
A. When you shop for a Nikon DSLR camera, you may see some models sold as the camera body only and some models sold with a kit lens. The package with the kit lens includes both the camera body and a basic lens, so you can begin shooting photos immediately. The package with just the camera body has no lens in the box, so you must purchase a lens separately before you can begin shooting.
Q. Will older Nikon lenses work on a new Nikon DSLR camera?
A. Yes. As long as the lens makes use of an F-mount, it will fit. All Nikon DSLR cameras make use of the F-mount so that all Nikon F-mount lenses will fit all Nikon DSLRs. The only Nikon lenses that won’t fit a Nikon DSLR are those interchangeable lenses made for Nikon mirrorless cameras. Even some F-mount Nikon film SLR camera lenses will fit Nikon DSLRs.
