The best Nikon cameras

Among the most sought-after brands in the domestic market, Nikon remains. This fact does not surprise professionals. After all, they know the technical characteristics of these cameras. Indeed, over the years of its existence, the company managed to release a whole line of models that will satisfy the needs of both beginners and professionals. Which is better to buy, you can decide only by carefully studying the rating of cameras.

Why Nikon?

As the supporters of devices on Android and iOS argue, so among photographers you can hear different versions about which brand of camera is better. There is no definite answer, of course. But if you ask why you need to choose Nikon cameras, you can hear about the following:

• more than 100 years in the photo industry market;
• there are models in all segments - from amateur to professional;
• budget optics in many ways better than competitors;
• Better shots in professional favorite RAW format and amateur JPEG;
• exposure metering is tied to focus, unlike top cameras from other manufacturers;
• better metering compared to other cameras;
• convenient automatic ISO algorithm;
• well thought out interaction with external flashes.

It so happened that Canon came first to the Russian market. Therefore, for a long time they held the palm. However, with the advent of a network of its own service centers and the advent of new camera models, Nikon managed to move its direct competitor.

However, a definite answer, who is the best, does not exist. To understand the variety of models of one manufacturer can help rating cameras. However, it makes no sense to talk about all the available Nikon cameras. To choose for yourself one thing, it is enough to study the 3-4 most interesting ones.

Budget options for lovers

With the development of technology, more and more buyers are turning their attention to SLRs. Why and why - it's hard to say. Someone buys them because of their prestige, someone wants to get high-quality images. Therefore, today it is very easy to meet a SLR camera in the hands of a mother photographing her child. Nikon keeps up with the times and offers its potential customers some of the best models in this segment. Among them are the D3100, D3200, D5100 and D5200. To understand the pros and cons of each, below is their rating in order to improve performance.

Nikon D3100 and D3200

Of all the models, the D3100 is probably the most budget one. Of course, this could not but affect its characteristics. Among professionals, he is not popular. But it was appreciated by amateurs to whom the quality of the finished pictures is quite suitable. In addition, it has excellent ergonomics, and it is quite easy to manage. However, this is not enough to win the love of consumers. Therefore, to understand whether this camera is suitable, you need to study its parameters in more detail.

The table shows only the main parameters. In addition, I would like to note the presence of a video mode in good quality (Full HD format, resolution up to 1920 * 1280 at 24 frames per second). Beginners in photography will definitely appreciate the convenient control, which is understandable even without a long study of the instructions.

From the point of view of professionals, the functionality looks truncated. However, the Nikon D3100 is positioned as an amateur. In this sense, it has everything you need. The manufacturer really thought out what to leave and what to remove. As a result, we managed to release a model in which the “price-quality” ratio is optimal.

For an amateur, the kit already includes everything you need:

1. Li-ion battery.
2. Charger to it.
3. Actually "carcass".
4. AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f / 3.5-5.6G VR lens.
5. User's manual.
6. A disk with software.
7. Shoulder strap.

From the same line is the D3200 camera. Unlike its predecessor, it has a higher resolution matrix (24 MP vs 12 MP). He has improved auto ISO and display and changed the control system. A pleasant plus for an amateur will be the opportunity to share pictures and videos with their friends and acquaintances. However, the rating of amateur models is not limited to these models.

Nikon D5100 and D5200

Functionally, both models stand a notch higher than the analogues from the D3xxx series. However, they cannot be called professional. According to their characteristics, they are more suitable for amateur shooting. One of the main differences of this line is a convenient display with a swing-out mechanism. This greatly simplifies shooting. Other Nikon D5100 specifications can be found in the table below.

The D5200 that came to replace it is already equipped with a matrix whose resolution is 24.1 MP (this is 2 times more than its predecessor), but the crop factor has remained unchanged. In addition, this camera has improved autofocus and metering systems. Now the camera is able to automatically recognize colors. Of course, this could not but affect for the better in the finished pictures.

Professional cameras

This review of Nikon cameras can not be considered complete. Without information on the line of professional cameras, the rating will be incomplete. It was they who at one time made the name of the company. After all, only after the professionals, amateurs began to discover Nikon cameras.

Professional cameras include the D90, D300S, D600, D700, D800 / 800E, D3S and D4. All of them are still in use. However, it makes no sense to include all of them in the review, since the characteristics are very similar. Most of them are ergonomic. That is, you just need to decide how convenient a particular camera is for a particular user.

I would also like to note the Nikon D7000. It is often referred to as amateur cameras. However, in its characteristics, it is more similar to the level of “pro”. You can read more about it below.

Nikon D7000

This camera by its appearance is already knocking out of the general row. Non-slip plastic and a partially rubberized surface will not let the camera drop even in the most extreme conditions. During operation, other advantages of the model become noticeable. This is high performance in all modes (this is especially noticeable with autofocus), the ability to customize the menu for yourself, 2 slots for memory cards, good image quality even at high ISOs and so on.

To fully appreciate all the benefits of Nikon D7000, you can study the table below.

This camera is usually recommended for shooting outdoors, moving objects and close-ups. However, when photographing faces close-up, you may notice the appearance of unnatural skin color. And to fix this flaw in the photo editor can be very difficult. It is because of its versatility that the Nikon D7000 is often recorded as an amateur. Although its functionality is consistent with the level of "pro".

Nikon D800 / D800E

Without a full-frame camera review, the rating would be incomplete. Among professionals, the Nikon D800 enjoys well-deserved popularity. This new product quickly replaced other models of the same class from the market. At the first acquaintance with her, it immediately becomes clear why.

Firstly, the presence of a full-sized matrix with a promising resolution of 36 MP allows you to immediately attribute it to cameras of a higher level.Secondly, the ISO sensitivity can be adjusted from 100 to 6400 (if desired, you can still increase to 25600). And thirdly, the D800 is equipped with a 51-point AF system, a powerful processor and can shoot truly high-quality video.

More detailed technical specifications can be found in the table.

Instead of a conclusion

Very often on the forums you can see the question: which Nikon SLR camera to choose. A clear answer to it does not exist. Before making a final decision, of course, the rating of the most popular cameras can help. However, it is not worth focusing strictly on it. In addition, you need to understand that no matter how good the technique may be, you must also be able to handle it. The quality of the pictures still largely depends on the skill of the photographer.