Choosing the Right Nikon Digital SLR Camera for You
Aug 14 '08 (Updated Nov 24 '08)
The Bottom Line Nikon produces some of the finest digital single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras on the market. In this article, I differentiate between available models.
The most wonderful thing about buying and using a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera, besides all the lenses one can buy and use with it, is that it's relatively easy to choose the right one for your needs, if you know your needs. Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Sony, and other DSLR manufacturers seem to have clearly delineated levels of use in mind when developing and producing their DSLRs, which makes the decision to buy easy for all of us. If anything, the most difficult thing about buying a DSLR is which company with which to align yourself. Why? The simple answer is because once you choose a company, you choose the full line of lenses, flashes, and accessories that the company offers. Sure, you can buy third-party lenses and flashes to work with your new DSLR, but you rarely get the performance, compatibility, and build quality you get with buying accessories from the company that produced your DSLR.
In this article, we will explore the DSLRs provided from one of those companies: Nikon. Nikon has a tradition of producing solid, ergonomic cameras that cost a bit more than competitors' products, like Canon's and Sony's products. However, for user-friendliness, feel, and features, one cannot misstep in buying a Nikon DSLR. Coincidentally, Nikon cameras are what my wife and I shoot, so I have acquired enough knowledge about available Nikon models to not only have helped make my decision to buy a Nikon, but to perhaps help an interested consumer make a good decision, as well. (Note: this is not a review of individual models, but a summary of the features of each of Nikon's DSLR models. Thus, detailed information regarding each model may be omitted to preserve brevity. For more information on each model, please read reviews of those models here at Epinions.com.)
Let's break down the available Nikon models to help you determine which one is best for you, starting with the least expensive and least feature-laden.
Nikon D40
The Nikon D40 DSLR that the smallest, lightest, and easiest to use of all of the DSLRs on Nikon's roster. The D40 captures images at a maximum of six megapixels (MP) that can produce sharp 8x10 in. images from a printer. It can shoot continuously at 2.5 frames per second, uses Secure Digital (SD) cards, and can record images in JPEG and/or RAW format.
It's good for you if...
You are an amateur shooter who is stepping up from a point-and-shoot digital camera. The Nikon D40 is great for portraits, still photography, and some landscape work, depending on the lens you use. It has enough features to introduce you to DSLRs, with the ability to changes lenses, shoot faster than a point-and-shoot, and control aperture, shutter speed, ISO (image grain and sensitivity relative to film), and white balance. The D40 also have programmed automatic modes, which is carried over from point-and-shoot cameras; and, the rear LCD monitor displays shooting information and shows you how different image settings would appear using examples! Furthermore, the Nikon D40 has a flash sync speed of 1/500 sec., which means that the flash used with the Nikon D40 can fire in syncronization with shutter speeds of up to 1/500 sec. So, if you want a DSLR that holds your hand and allows you to explore DSLR manual settings, but also allows you to fall back on automatic features when shooting situations become hard to handle, the Nikon D40 is for you.
It's not good for you if...
You have even a little experience with SLRs and DSLRs. The Nikon D40 shoots at a paltry 6 MPs, which is enough for a casual shooter, but not enough for a Photoshop geek who almost needs the pixels to ensure sharpness and clarity. Burgeoning sports shooters would be frustrated with the relatively slow 2.5 frames-per-second, and the three-point auto-focus system, which can only track motion that crosses those three points; these two limitations render tracking action more difficult. In addition, the D40, as with budget DSLRs from any other manufacturer, is largely plastic, though it is solid plastic and feels firm and solid.
However, the most significant limitation for those who are looking for a DSLR with some flexibility is that the Nikon D40 does not have an internal lens-focusing motor, which means that Nikon lenses that do not have the AF-S (Auto Focus - Silent Wave Motor) lens motor will not autofocus with this camera. This means that all non-AF-S lens, which includes ALL older Nikon lenses and some more recently produced lenses, will not autofocus with the Nikon D40; you can use almost all Nikon lenses, but you won't be able to autofocus with all of them. If you're looking to inherit a buddy's old Nikon lenses, be prepared to manually focus.
The D40 also does not have the current, en vogue feature: Live View. As with most point-and-shoot cameras, Live View allows a shooter to compose shots in the back LCD monitor instead of the optical viewfinder. Growing enthusiasts who are upgrading from point-and-shoot cameras may miss this feature.
Nonetheless, if you're seeking an inexpensive DSLR (around $500 with the solid entry-level 18-55mm lens) with nice auto features intermingled with some manual control, and complete compatibility with newer Nikon lenses, then the D40 is right for you.
Nikon D40x
Released four months after the Nikon D40, the D40x features a 10.2 MP sensor that captures the extra pixels that the D40 cannot capture. Built with similar features, size, and weight to the D40, the D40x is very much like the D40, but with a continuous shooting speed of three frames per second and a broader ISO that goes down to 100, which ensures a greater degree of flexibility in sensitivity.
It's good for you if...
You are new to the DSLR game, but want a step-up from the features of the D40 with more megapixels, lower available ISO, and a higher framerate in continuous shooting. All of this comes with only $50-100 dollars more than the D40, which you deem worthy of the extra cost.
It's not good for you if...
You are moving up from a point-and-shoot camera, but want more a bit more performance than the D40 provides. Though the frames-per-second was boosted to three from the 2.5 on the D40, the D40x is still plagued with a limited three-point autofocusing system. The D40x has a slower flash sync speed than the D40 with synchronization possible only at 1/200 sec.; this may not matter, but for night and indoor portraiture, this is limiting. Also, like the D40, the D40x does not have an internal lens focusing motor, which limits which lenses have complete compatibility with the D40.
If anything, consider the Nikon D40x the middle brother of the budget end of Nikon's DSLR roster.
Nikon D60
Rounding out the budget end of Nikon's DSLR roster is the Nikon D60, which pretty much resembles the D40 and D40x, but features a stop-motion recording mode, a sensor that automatically deactivates the rear LCD monitor screen if the camera is moved close to one's face, and an anti-dust system that supposedly shakes dust off the image sensor. Other than this, the D60 is only a minor upgrade over the D40x.
It's good for you if...
You are new to DSLRs and you want what has become the end result (for now) of Nikon's budget DSLR course of development. It has a 10.2-megapixel sensor, the D40x's frames-per-second, ISO range, flash sync speed, three-point autofocus system, and compatibility with newer Nikon lenses. With the D60, you get the culmination of the incorporation of features from the D40 to the D40x.
It's not good for you if...
The limitations of the D40 and D40x would potentially restrict your personal shooting level and style. As with the aforementioned budget models, if you have any experience with a DSLR or SLR, or you want a camera that shoots action and sports well, the D60 is limiting.
Nikon D80
Released two years ago, the Nikon D80 is becoming long in the tooth, but is still a winning camera at the lower end of the "pro-sumer" range (cameras targeting amateur photographers with burgeoning professional skills). The Nikon D80 has a 10.2 MP sensor (which was subsequently used in the D40x and D60) with a three frames-per-second shooting rate and a flash sync speed of 1/200. But, the D80 also has a robust set of features, an LCD screen on the top of the camera which conveys the information that is conveyed on the rear LCD monitor on the D40, D40x, and D60, and a size and solidity that is reassuring. The D80 also carries over the auto settings from the budget models that allow a photographer who is new to SLR photographer to fall back on those settings in difficult situations. The Nikon D80 also uses the Nikon EN-EL3e rechargeable battery, which is used by the Nikon D200, D300, and D700; this means that the Nikon D80 is a good backup body for those cameras because you only have to buy many of one type of battery.
More importantly, the presence of an internal lens focusing motor on the D80 means that the D80 is fully compatible with, and can autofocus, almost all older AF lenses, along with the more modern AF-S lenses in Nikon's lineup. This also lends to the D80 serving as a backup body for the higher-end Nikon models. Also, the D80 has an 11-point autofocus system that makes it a much better choice for capturing action and sports than the D40, D40x, and D60.
It's good for you if...
You are experienced with an SLR or DSLR and you are seeking a semi-pro camera that has lens flexibility, a better autofocusing system for action, some auto features for quick shooting, and a solid build quality that is weighty, but slightly larger than the D40, D40x, and D60, the Nikon D80 is right for you. At $750 for the body only, it's a worthy camera for the budget-minded enthusiast with semi-pro aspirations.
It's not good for you if...
You have extensive experience with SLRs or DSLRs and you want to spend $100-200 more to purchase a camera with even greater build quality and/or better features. For sports shooters, the autofocusing system is more than adequate at 11 points, but some shooters might want a faster framerate than three frames-per-second. The Nikon D80, like the budget Nikon DSLRs, also lacks Live View that current mid-range competing 10.2 MP models from other companies possess.
Nikon D200
The Nikon D200 is being phased out by its successor, the Nikon D300, but is still readily available from some vendors. The D200 is similar to the D80 with a 10.2 MP sensor, an 11-point autofocusing system, and the same compatibility with almost all Nikon lenses, including lenses without built-in CPU chips. But, the D200 also features a blistering five frames-per-second continuous shooting rate, a slightly-better 1/250 sec. flash sync speed, and dedicated buttons for choosing white balance, ISO, and image quality settings.
It's good for you if...
You have extensive experience with SLRs or DSLRs and you want a camera with a solid magnesium frame, faster frames-per-second continuous shooting for action, dedicated controls, and a truly semi-professional feel. As it was in 2006, the D200 is still extremely useful and a step-up from the D80's construction and feature set.
It's not good for you if...
You are new to DSLRs and you want to fall back on auto controls. Though the D200 can shoot auto, it does not have the apparent quick settings the lower-end models have. The D200 is for experienced shooters; though it is quite usable for the newbie DSLR shooter, there isn't much of a safety net.
Nikon D300
The Nikon D300 is the current top-of-the-line model of DX-sized image sensor DSLRs for Nikon. What does this mean? From the D40 to the D300, the image sensor and resulting image circle that captures images is smaller than the image circle of a film camera. This affects the effective focal length of all lenses, as the 1.5x crop factor resulting from the smaller sensor turns an 18-55mm lens, for example, into a 27-82.5mm lens. This takes away range from the wide-angle end, restricting how much you can get into your frame from close range. However, what you lose in the wide end is gained in the telephoto end.
DX matters aside, the D300 is the most advanced and expensive of the DX-sized sensor DSLRs. With a 12.3 MP sensor, six frames-per-second continuous shooting rate, an insane 51-point autofocusing system, a larger 3-inch rear LCD monitor, Live View, anti-dust sensor cleaning, compatibility with almost all Nikon lenses (CPU and non-CPU), and superior ergonomics and build quality, the D300 is a bona fide professional photographer's backup camera.
It's good for you if...
You need a ton features and demand much from your camera. The D300 is weather-sealed and rugged for outdoor use, extremely fast and accurate for sports and action, capable of capturing sharp images at 12.3 MP, and has Live View for those who want to compose their shots on-screen. The most outstanding feature of the D300 is its 51-point autofocusing system, which is better than any other DSLR manufacturer has managed. Oddly, the D300 only manages a 1/250 sec. flash sync, but this may be more than enough for portraiture. All of this said, the D300 is pretty much the ideal DX-sensor camera for semi-pro and aspiring professional photographers.
It's not good for you if...
You are a newbie to DSLR cameras; though you cannot go wrong with the D300, there is a steep learning curve compared to, say, the D40 or D60. If you want a full-frame sensor that does not compromise the wide-end of your lenses, the D300 is not the camera for you. The D300 is also prohibitively expensive at $1,700 for the body only, and heavy when compared to the lower-end models; both the price and weight may dissuade newer shooters from taking a chance on this wonderful camera.
Nikon D700
Priced at $3,000, the Nikon D700 is the full-frame (FX) answer to the D300, with a 12.3 MP FX sensor suited for full-frame lenses. Along with many of the features available on the D300, including the superlative 51-point autofocusing system and superior build quality, the D700 achieves high image quality at ISO ranges up to 6400. Though the continuous shooting rate is slower than the D300 at five frames-per-second, the D700 does not slow down when shooting in 14-point RAW. Plus, with a physical size and weight similar to the D300, the D700 is a more compact full-frame sensor DSLR than the top model DSLR overall, the D3. As a side note, the D700 uses the same EN-EL3e battery at the D80, D200, and D300, which may persuade a current Nikon owner to upgrade AND use the same batteries.
It's good for you if...
You want the features of the D300 AND a full-frame sensor that does not compromise focal length at the wide end; with the D700, your 24-70mm f/2.8 lens has some width for light landscape work. Reviews are still coming out on the D700, but all indicators suggest that this is also an excellent camera.
It's not good for you if...
You have a stable of DX lenses that you want to use with your new Nikon camera. The dirty secret about the D700 is that, with a DX-optimized lens, the full-frame D700's sensor becomes a five-MP DSLR (or more if you want reduced quality outside the DX image circle in the image). This makes the D300 a more versatile choice for those with DX lenses in that the D300 gets all of its 12.3 MPs out of those lenses, while the D700 only get five MPs. Also, without an optional battery grip, the D700 is a frame-per-second slower in continuous shooting than the D300.
All of this said, the D700 is very expensive for the newbie and even the semi-pro photographer. It's also heavy, like the D300.
Nikon D3
The full-frame predecessor to the Nikon D700 is the Nikon D3, which is significantly taller than the D300 and D700. The D3 boasts a 12.1-MP sensor, extremely fast nine frames-per-second of continuous shooting, Live View, 51-point autofocusing system, a 3-in. rear LCD monitor, built-in vertical-orientation shutter release, and much of what the D300 offers with an full-frame sensor. This is THE professional DSLR for Nikon shooters. Oh, did I mention that the D3 retails at $4,200?
It's good for you if...
You are a professional photographer that demands the very best from your camera. With its continuous shooting speed, autofocusing system, full-frame sensor, and all the other features and superlative ergonomics, the D3 is for those who pursue photography as a profession or as a very serious hobby.
It's not good for you if...
You don't have $4,200 to spend on a DSLR, don't like big and heavy cameras, have a lens collection primarily comprised of DX lenses, and/or you don't have a lot of experience with DSLRs. The D3 is a professional-grade camera meant for serious shooters.
***
To summarize, if you are shopping for a Nikon DSLR, you must keep in mind your level of photographic skill, your price range, and the features you desire most. Consider the following Nikon DSLRs for the given reasons:
Consider the... D40, D40x, or D60
If you... Are new to DSLRs and want to purchase an entry-level model at an affordable price. These three DSLRs are lightweight and easy-to-use, fully compatible with Nikon AF-S lenses, and have enough auto shooting modes to ease your transition from point-and-shoots to manual manipulation of camera settings.
Consider the... D80
If you... Have some experience and/or skill with DSLRs and want a camera with better features and solidity. The D80 is a good lower-end pro-sumer model that offers more manual control with some auto shooting modes, and compatibility with AF-S and older lenses, which opens the door to a fine second-hand market of capable lenses. The D80 is marginally more expensive than a D60.
Consider the... D200
If you... Are a bona fide pro-sumer with DSLR experience under your belt. The D200 is a sturdier, more weathersealed camera than the D80, and has more allowances for older, non-CPU lenses. The D200 is also faster in continuous shooting than the D80.
Consider the... D300
If you... Have semi-pro aspirations or are looking for a backup to your D3 or D700. The D300 is an outstanding camera, but it presents a steep learning curve for the DSLR initiate who has just emerged from Point-and-Shoot-land. The cost is also $600 more than the D200 currently, which makes the D300 a considerable investment.
Consider the... D700
If you... Like the features of the D300, but want a full-frame sensor, which does not take away from the wide end of lenses, and do not have a whole lot of DX lenses. That said, the D700 is an additional $1,300 more than the D300 making it an even more serious investment. This camera is a backup to the D3 for the professional photographer, and would be a beast for anyone with less than a beginner-level knowledge of SLR use.
Consider the... D3
If you... Are a professional photographer or a trust-fund baby with cash to spend. At $4,200, you would need to be a photographer to benefit from the tax write-off this camera would provide. The D3 is best when it comes to features and build, though, but, like the D700, using DX lenses compromises the number of megapixels captured.
Overall, I suggest the...
* D40 for the starting DSLR user with little cash
* D80 for the starting DSLR user with some budget flexibility
* D300 for the experienced DSLR user
* D3 for the professional photographer
Despite my recommendations, I don't think that any of the DSLRs Nikon produces would be a bad choice, depending on what you want from a DSLR. Nikon is renowned for its careful attention to the feel of a camera, and you get that sense just by handling one of the Nikon DSLRs I mentioned. As with its film cameras, Nikon continues to produce top-notch digital cameras for everyone from the initiate to the professional.
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