For Nikon camera lovers, here are the top 7 best Nikon DSLR cameras for every need and budget.
Nikon is certainly one of the most important names in the panorama of photography, first analog and now digital. The catalog of options presented on the market by the Japanese manufacturer is very vast, with models that can satisfy any type of user, from the absolute beginner to the professional photographer. In this guide, we will discover the best Nikon DSLR cameras according to your needs.
Also, please read our other guides on the best cameras for less than 500, Nikon lenses, Canon lenses, and Instant cameras.
Nikon DSLRs: which one to buy?
Whether you are a novice photographer or a professional looking for a reliable business tool, chances are there is a Nikon SLR that suits you. Thanks to its long-standing experience in the field of photography, Nikon has now reached very high technological levels, which allow it to obtain excellent results even in the low end of the market. But which model to choose? The elements that can lead us to choose a Nikon SLR can be various.
Sensor
Let’s start with the type and quality of the photographic sensor. The sensors mounted on Nikon SLRs can be of two different formats, Full Frame or APS-C. Full Frame sensors are the same size as classic 35mm analog film and are larger than APS-C. Generally, Full Frame sensors can produce more detailed and brighter images and are very popular with portrait or landscape photographers. But they are also priced higher and remain exclusive to high-end cameras.
You also need to evaluate the number of megapixels that suit your needs. The megapixels indicate the measurements of the photo. In case you need to print or work on large photo projects, it is recommended to rely on sensors of at least 20 megapixels. On the other hand, if you share your photos mainly on the internet, you don’t need a large number of megapixels.
ISO sensitivity
The second criterion of choice concerns ISO sensitivity, a fundamental characteristic when you are shooting in low light conditions. ISO sensitivity values indicate the amount of light that the sensor must absorb. The higher the ISO sensitivity level, the more light will be absorbed. This means that when you are outdoors, with a lot of ambient light, you should use low ISO values, and vice versa. If you often shoot in situations where the lighting is not perfect, you should aim for cameras that support high ISO levels, from 6400 upwards.
Video
The last criterion is related to the video capabilities of reflex cameras. Until recently, little attention was paid to video recording performance in this category of the camera; now it has become an increasingly important element of choice for a large number of users, and companies are also adapting by improving their cameras in this field. Meanwhile, we need to evaluate the maximum resolution at which the reflex can be recorded. All models can now record at Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels), which has become a standard. Instead, only the highest-end cameras go all the way to 4K, which is twice the size of Full HD and ensures a greater amount of detail.
But the resolution isn’t everything. It is also important to evaluate the frame rate, which is the number of frames that the sensor can capture in one second. This value is an important indication of the fluidity of videos: 24/30 fps is the standard for the cinema sector, while 60 fps is increasingly used for content uploaded to the web, which ensures smoother results. A separate discussion must be made for slow-motion videos. If you want to have the ability to record slow-motion movies you have to focus on Nikon reflex cameras that support at least 120 fps.
Focus system
Finally, we must take into account the performance of the focusing system. The AFs are normally of two types, contrast detection and phase detection. The second technology is much more precise and faster than the first, so if you often take photos or videos of moving subjects you should aim for cameras with phase detection autofocus. The number of AF points available is also important: the greater the number, the more reliable the autofocus system will be.
What are the best Nikon cameras for the money?
Without further ado, let’s see the top 7 best Nikon Digital Single Lens Reflex Cameras on the market. Are you ready? Let’s start then.
Nikon D3500 DX-Format DSLR Cameras
This is undoubtedly one of my favorite SLR cameras. The Nikon D3500 is a Nikon Flagship regarding reflex camera initiation.
An ideal SLR for the amateur who is going to have his first time with an SLR camera. It is a light camera, and comfortable to hold, while not giving up decent image quality. The integrated sensor is APS-C type and has 24 megapixels. The image processor is the EXPEED 4, thanks to which it is possible to shoot bursts of 5 fps. The supported ISO sensitivity range is good, ranging from 100 to 25600, enough to take pictures even in difficult lighting conditions.
The autofocus system is based on 11 selectable AF points. It is also capable of shooting videos in Full HD, with a frame rate of 60 fps. Do not miss the 3″ rear LCD and the ability to use the Nikon Snapbridge app for quick file sharing with your devices. Despite a weight of only 365 gr. contains a high-performance battery that ensures over 500 shots on a single charge.
The Nikon D3500 is among the best SLRs in this price range: it is perfect for beginners looking for good image quality, even in less-than-perfect lighting conditions. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
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Nikon D5600 DSLR Cameras
This is another of the best Nikon DSLR cameras to buy. In the mid-range of this guide, we find the Nikon D5600, an excellent option for both beginners and enthusiasts looking for excellent photographic quality at an affordable price. The integrated photosensor is a 24.2 megapixel APS-C, accompanied by the EXPEED 4 processor. The performance in terms of ISO sensitivity is good: the supported range varies between 100 and 25600, expandable up to 102400.
It relies on an autofocus system with 39 selectable AF points, including 9 with central cross-technology. There is also the possibility to shoot videos at 1080p / 60 fps resolution, even in selfie/vlog mode thanks to the 3 ″ fully foldable LCD screen. Photo bursts reach 5 fps.
If you are looking for a solid and reliable SLR camera, that yet light and pleasant to use every day, the Nikon D5600 may be the right option for you. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
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D7500 Digital SLR Camera
The Nikon D7500 is one of the best Nikon SLR cameras in the APS-C industry. It mounts the best sensor developed by the Japanese house for this format. It has a 20.9-megapixel DX capable of excellent details and a very faithful color rendering. The EXPEED 5 image processor performs very well, and makes possible bursts of 8 fps without buffering problems (up to 50 photos in RAW format and up to 100 in JPEG) and has an extraordinary range of ISO sensitivity: it varies from 60 to 1,600,000, with extension.
The focusing system is fast and precise, thanks to 51 selectable AF points. You can record videos at 4K / 30 fps resolution, even in time-lapse mode thanks to the integrated intervalometer. It is equipped with a 180k-pixel RGB metering sensor with scene recognition, which allows it to precisely identify the correct exposure levels.
The Nikon D7500 is an advanced camera, at the top of the APS-C format. It is recommended for enthusiasts and even professionals who do not want to make the switch to Full Frame systems. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
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D610 24.3 MP CMOS FX-Format Digital SLR
In our list of the best Nikon SLR cameras, we could not miss a representative of the so-called FX format. FX-format cameras are practically professional cameras. They have a large, huge sensor, similar in size to the film used in analog photography (35mm). The beauty of these large sensor cameras is that, in addition to superior image quality, they take advantage of a larger physical area of the lens.
If the term FX didn’t even sound familiar to you, I hardly recommend this camera. I see it more for the professional photographer, or even for the more advanced hobbyist, who has been using an entry-level SLR for a long time, or at an intermediate level, and already needs professional-class features.
In terms of features, the Nikon D610 stands out. As we said, it has a large FX-format sensor, 24-megapixel resolution, Full HD video recording, 39 autofocus points, and Wi-Fi connectivity, among other functions. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
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D6 FX-Format Digital SLR
For professional sporting events and high-end wildlife photographers, the Nikon D6 is among the best professional cameras on the market.
This DSLR is the most expensive Nikon SLR model. It comes with a sealed body ready to face the most adverse situations, an exceptionally fast focusing system, and lightning-fast burst shooting.
The Nikon D6 is now capable of 14 photos per second in a continuous burst and offers a 105-point cross-type AF focusing reticle.
There is a very comfortable large optical viewfinder and a well-defined 3.2 ”screen with touchscreen technology. The dual grip with dual controls is ideal for the action photographer who needs to quickly find the right settings.
Image quality, especially in low light, is exceptional. This camera can incredibly handle digital noise, for impressive results even when lighting conditions are critical. Even for focusing when the light is dim, the camera can lock onto the subject down to -4.5EV. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
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Nikon D850 FX-Format Digital SLR Cameras
In the market for professional cameras for events, weddings, sports, action, and portraiture, the best Nikon SLR is the D850. It combines excellent image quality with flawless focusing speed, an excellent viewfinder, and a very intuitive.
With this DSLR camera with a 45MP BSI-CMOS full-frame sensor, you can take photographs with a resolution of 8256 x 5504 pixels. This is perfect for printing in large formats and for professional publications. There is a second slot for SD memory cards. This function is useful for professional photographers for backups and to be able to shoot repeatedly.
The speed of continuous shooting is 7 fps. This is not a very high number but it can easily satisfy the needs of sports and wildlife photographers. Also in this camera, the viewfinder (optical type) is of excellent workmanship, with 100% frame coverage and 0.75x magnification.
The 151 AF points (contrast-detection) on the sensor allow you to capture subjects with high precision of the desired focus point. There are also to focus and face-recognition functions. The latter is a very important feature of portrait photography. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
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Nikon D780
This is another of the best Nikon DSLR cameras to buy. This reflex released in 2020 is one of the best cameras for those looking for a first semi-professional full frame. It replaces the D750 and ranks among the best Nikon cameras for both photo and video capabilities.
This model comes with a camera body with a generous amount of buttons and dials. This Nikon SLR is pleasant to use and very ergonomic. The viewfinder is comfortable to wear all day long. The LCD screen offers a detailed image, both in the shooting phase and in the verification phase.
Battery life is impressive, with 2260 shots of autonomy when using the viewfinder. Obviously, the more we use the display, the more this figure decreases. As for file management, the camera body offers a double SD memory card slot.
Inside, we find a 24MP FX sensor and a 51-point AF system with the viewfinder. Continuous shooting speed is 7fps at full-frame 14-bit or 12fps at 12-bit with the electronic shutter. When used via the display, the AF system becomes that of the Nikon Z6, with 273 focusing points.
The performance is therefore very good. But its strong point is the image quality, especially in situations where the brightness is not great. Even for video, the Nikon D780 offers commendable capabilities and is in all respects similar to the Z6 in this area.
This is a great camera for any type of photography. But especially recommended for portraiture and street photography, the D780 is one of Nikon’s best SLR models. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
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Conclusion
That’s all for now, friends. These are some of the best Nikon DSLR cameras for the money. Do you have any of these models? Which are your favorites? Do you know any other top-quality Nikon SLR camera for photography and video? Let us know. You can use the comment section below. We look forward to your comments! Thank you.