NIKON CAMERA RECOMMENDATIONS
SUMMARY
I have tried and tested various cameras and provide my recommendations below. What do various cameras mean? camera phones, point and shoots, digital SLRs, newer mirrorless M4/3, etc. Below is a synopsis of the cameras I recommend for different purposes, not all of which I have fully tested and tried out.
GENERAL PHOTOGRAPHY
IPHONE 4
Camera phones have existed for almost as long as the cell phone. Camera phones are great because they are almost always available when you need them.
However no other brand can reach the quality of Apple's iPhone4. It has large sensor compared to that of other cell phone manufacturers, producing images with more dynamic range and color, all with little noise. It's not bad in low light either with its built in LED flash.
The video is also great feature with it's 720P 30FPS capture capability.
PORTABLE PHOTOGRAPHER
NIKON 1 J1 - $600 NEW
The Nikon 1 J1 is Nikon's answer to portable high quality imagery. It features a 3" LCD with interchangeable lenses and a CX sensor.
The image quality is far superior to any point and shoot camera, and packs a bunch of features into the most compact mirrorless system available. Further it allows great video capability at 1080p/30fps or 720p/60fps.
If size and weight matter to you, this camera is the best package for great optics in a compact package. The 2.7x crop ratio provide vast zoom range in small light-weight lenses.
Read the full review of the Nikon J1.
PHOTO ENTHUSIAST
NIKON D5100 - $800 NEW
The Nikon D5100 is Nikon's intermediate level camera. It is a big step up from the D3100 and worth the extra cost.
It has the same sensor as the more expensive D7000 and is packed with features like 1080P HD video, swivel high resolution LCD, ISO up to 6400. All this and it is much lighter than more expensive digital SLRs.
The Nikon D5100 is your camera if you are enthusiastic about photography and want to get your hands on an awesome, highly capable, DSLR.
PHOTO CREDIT: NIKON USA
HOBBYIST PHOTOGRAPHER
NIKON D7000 - $1200 NEW
The Nikon D7000 is a step up from the D5100. Although it has the same image sensor as the cheaper D5100, the D7000 provides much greater control, allowing the photographer to react to different situations quickly.
Having more control is what makes this camera superior to the D5100. Not having to rely on deep menu systems to change settings. Instead the D7000 allows you to change numerous settings from white balance to autofocus with the flip of a switch.
PHOTO CREDIT: NIKON USA
SERIOUS RESOLUTION
NIKON D800 - $2999 NEW
The Nikon D800 is the highest resolution bayer sensor camera ever. Designed for the ultimate pixel peeper, it provides the highest resolution at 36MP, 4 frames per second continuous shooting, built tough construction, and provides excellent dynamic range.
With its powerful video capability, similar to the Nikon D4, it provides ultimate video capability at full 1080 30p. Featuring a similar design of the Nikon D700, it feels comfortable, but has some essentials features similar of its father, the Nikon D4. Further Nikon produces an identical model, the Nikon D800E, without an AA filter for even sharper resolution.
Read the Nikon D800 Review.
PHOTO CREDIT: NIKON USA
PRO PHOTOGRAPHER
NIKON D4 - $5999 NEW
The Nikon D4 is Nikon's most advanced DSLR camera. Designed for professional use, it provides the most control, 11 frames per second continuous shooting, built like a tank construction, and features insane ISO capabilities, up to 204,800. Nothing compares to it's performance.
This camera exceeds the needs of most. As a professional wedding photographer, its low light image performance and abundant controls makes it a worth while investment. It's popular among sports photographers and photojournalism.
Read the Nikon D4 Review.
PHOTO CREDIT: NIKON USA
CHEAPER ALTERNATIVES
NIKON D90 - $600 USED
The D90 offers similar features and capabilities of the Nikon D7000 at much cheaper price. Most used D90's go for around $600 on eBay. Unlike the D7000, the D90 has only a 12.1MP DX sensor. The sensor is highly capable achieving ISO of 3200.
Although the D90 does not provide the resolution of the D7000, most lenses don't out resolve the difference. Meaning most lenses aren't sharp enough to tell the greater mega pixel difference of the D7000. And the D90 offers excellent controls to react to almost any situation.
Read the brief review on the Nikon D90.
RELATED ARTICLES
Lens Suggestions | Photography Basics