Are you searching for the best Nikon DSLR on the market? Choosing the proper digital camera for you is easier said than done. There are a plethora of available products and it’s easy for a user to get lost in all the different modules and their variations.
Don’t worry, though. We’ve put together this detailed, comprehensive guide that will help you inform yourself of the best Nikon DSLR cameras on the market right now.
Once you read this article you’ll be able to determine what’s the best camera to suit your needs.
You can skip the intro and move straight to the Nikon DSLR camera Buyer’s Guide below this short introduction.
Nikon DSLR Cameras — Introduction
If you’re wondering why we would recommend a Nikon DSLR camera over other brands, the reason is simple. Ever since its establishment in 1917, Nikon has been one of the world’s leading optics and imaging product manufacturers.
The Japanese company has had a flawless track record of producing high-quality cameras used by numerous professional photographers around the world.
DSLR cameras, in particular, have been in production since 1999. They are specifically intended for professional use, heavy-duty and weather resistance.
They are useful for narrative filmmaking projects, as well as promo video production and more. Therefore, they are one of the best digital cameras that an aspiring video filmmaker can have.
The acronym DSLR stands for Digital Single-Lens Reflex. This means that it is a digital camera that combines the mechanisms of two key pieces of imaging technology – the single-lens reflex camera and the digital imaging sensor.
It is the reflex design scheme that makes the images taken by a DSLR camera better than those that are taken by any other digital camera.
With the reflex design, light travels through the camera’s lens then passes through an alternating mirror that sends the image to either the viewfinder or the camera’s image sensor.
By using only a single lens, the DSLR’s viewfinder captures an image that isn’t that much different than what the camera’s sensor captures, so you get a direct optical view through your camera lens and this is what is shown on your camera’s digital screen.
Another advantage of a DSLR camera is that you can easily exchange the camera’s lenses. This allows you to choose from a variety of lenses for your needs at any moment. And this adds to your mobility. You don’t have to carry multiple cameras at once.
Photographers or videographers who specialize in shooting wildlife consider this a huge advantage that makes the job a lot easier.
DSLR cameras are also preferred for their incredible speed and responsiveness. They quickly focus on and capture images, ensuring that you’ll capture every moment with precision and speed.
Here are a few Nikon DSLR cameras that we think are well worth checking out:
1. Nikon D850
The major advantage of this DSLR camera is its ability to shoot images in stunning detail.
Released very recently, it’s currently Nikon’s fastest shooting DSLR. The D850 also has a 0.75x optical viewfinder, which is the largest magnification factor ever for a Nikon DSLR.
With a Nikon D850, you can shoot 4k UHD video using the FX format. One other advantage you get when shooting video with this camera is the use of its electronic Vibration Reduction system.
This reduces the impact of camera shake when shooting. And this means you’ll get clearer footage and save you the need for time-consuming post-production work to reduce the shakiness of the footage.
Specs:
Sensor: Full-frame CMOS
Screen Type: Tilt-angle touch screen (3.2 inches)
Autofocus: 153 pt
Megapixels: 45.4
- Nikon designed back side illuminated (BSI) full frame image sensor with no optical low pass filter
- 45.7 megapixels of extraordinary resolution, outstanding dynamic range and virtually no risk of...
- Up to 9 fps1 continuous shooting at full resolution with full AF performance
- 8k6 and 4k time lapse movies with new levels of sharpness and detail; file system : DCF 2.0, exif...
- Tilting touchscreen, focus shift shooting mode, outstanding battery performance and much more; total...
2. Nikon D500
In the D500, Nokia replaced their full-frame sensor with a 20.9MP APS-C chip that allows this camera to shoot rapidly at 10fps while still delivering great ISO performance in low-light situations.
This camera is great at shooting fast action so you can use it during sports events or when shooting wildlife.
With this camera, you can shoot 4K UHD video at 30p, 25p, and 24 p resolution for up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds. You can also shoot full HD footage with 60 p resolution for slow-motion playback.
There is also an electronic Vibration Reduction system that will reduce the impact of camera shake when shooting hand-held movies.
Specs:
Sensor: APS-C CMOS
Screen type: Tilt-angle touch screen (3.2 inches)
Autofocus: 153-pt
Megapixels: 20.9 MP
- 20.9MP DX format CMOS sensor. Viewfinder: Eye level pentaprism single lens reflex viewfinder
- Expeed 5 image processor; Monitor size: 3.2 inches diagonal
- 3.2 inches 2,539k dot tilting touchscreen LCD
- 4k UHD video recording at 30 fps
- Multi cam 20k 153 point AF system
BEST NIKON DSLR
What Are Nikon DSLRs?
Nikon DSLRs are a type of camera that is perfect for anyone looking to take superior photos and/or video. They have all the features you need to capture stunning work, and they are relatively affordable.
Nikon has been making cameras since 1917 and is constantly updating its technology to stay on top of the game.
Nikon DSLRs are used by many professionals and amateurs alike. They’re a favorite for their excellent image quality, high ISO performance, and incredible dynamic range in shadows.
3. Nikon D810
Compared to some of the other camera’s on this list, the Nikon 810 is a bit slow, with only 5fps burst shooting.
So you might not really want to use it during sporting events or other times when the action comes fast and furious. That doesn’t mean that it’s bad – it just means that it’s suitable for different purposes.
For starters, it’s a great camera that captures good images with nice detail.
Moreover, since this particular model is a few years old, you might be able to get it for a cheaper budget without necessarily sacrificing image quality. So you’ll get great quality footage and save-up some money.
The D810 can shoot video at 50 and 60p and has a Zebra display mode that shows you when areas are about to burn out. It also has a Flat Picture Control mode that you can use to reduce contrast and sharpening. Video can also be shot in FX or DX-format.
The D810 also allows you to better control your auto recording when shooting video. You can choose the sound range and its built-in microphone can reduce wind noise.
Specs:
Sensor: Full-frame CMOS
Screen type: 3.2 inches, 1,229,000
Autofocus: 51-pt
Megapixels: 36.3 MP
- 36.3 MP FX format CMOS sensor without an Optical Low Pass Filter (OLPF)
- 30 percent faster Expeed 4 image processing engine. Shutter speed: 1/8000 to 30 sec
- 51point AF system and 3D color matrix metering III with a 91,000 pixel RGB sensor
- ISO 6412,800 expandable to 51,200
- Featuring a new raw small size option, which produces 16MP images with much smaller file sizes
4. Nikon D3400
The Nikon D3400 is considered a great “starter” DSLR. The compact body, good image quality and AF system, and it’s big battery life make it easy for a first time user to capture good footage without getting confused by too many bells and whistles.
With this camera, you have 5fps burst shooting as well as Full HD video recording of up 60 pixels. So it’s really suitable for most situations and is a great way to ease into using a DSLR.
Specs:
Sensor: APS-C CMOS
Screen type: Tilt-angle touch screen (3.2 inches)
Autofocus: 11-pt AF, 1 cross-type
Megapixels: 24.2 MP
- Snap Bridge Bluetooth Connectivity
- 24.2mp dx format CMOS sensor
- Expeed 4 image processor
- No optical low pass filter. Bluetooth specification version 4.1. Wi-Fi functionality eye fi...
- Native ISO 100 25600; 5 fps shooting. Compatibility information: c firmware v. 1.10 and later (...
BEST NIKON DSLR
Advantages of Using Nikon DSLRs
• DSLR technology that delivers high-resolution images and videos.
• Affordable entry-level cameras, as well as professional level offerings.
• Fast response time on shutter speeds and focus.
• Great performance in shadows and low light environments.
• High ISO quality and known for outstanding image quality.
5. Nikon D750
The tilting screen of this camera makes it quite handy for shooting videos. The Zebra pattern display lets you see which areas of your shot might be in danger of burning out.
Its sensor delivers good results in high ISO settings so you can use it both indoors and outdoors.
The D750 can shoot up to 6.5 frames per second and records full HD video of up to 60p. It has a stereo microphone and headphone ports and gives you the ability to fine-tune your audio levels during recording and after. The microphone also reduces wind noise.
Specs:
Sensor: Full-frame CMOS
Screen type: Tilting 3.2 inch, 1,229,00 dots
Autofocus: 51 pt AF, 15 cross-type
Megapixels 24.3 MP
- Full frame 243 megapixel CMOS image sensor and expeed 4 image processor
- Full HD 60/50/30/25/24p video
- Built in Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility with the WT 5a plus UT 1 communication unit
- Shoot up to 65 fps at full resolution frame size (pixels): 1920 x 1080
- Pro video feature set including: Simultaneously record uncompressed and compressed, manually control...
Nikon DSLRs — What You Need to Know
The key factor in the DSLR camera’s popularity among videographers is the fact that aside from shooting high resolution still images, is that it can also record high definition motion video. This means that you have one tool that can capture images in two ways.
Also, the DSLR line is more portable and flexible than previous video cameras. This means you can capture video without having to lug around a separate camera just for that and you don’t need as much equipment. They are also much cheaper than high-end digital video cameras.
To capture HD video, a DSLR camera has a larger sensor than those found in normal camcorders. This larger sensor allows you to achieve a much shallower depth of field and allows it to perform great in low-light conditions.
One of the best lines of DSLR cameras out there in the line of DSLR cameras produced by the Nikon Corporation.
In terms of price range and also in terms of video quality and ease of use, it’s hard to find a better line of DSLR cameras. In this post, we have given you a few of the best DSLR cameras from Nikon that are available in the market right now.
Best Nikon DSLR — In Conclusion
We hope this article on the best Nikon DSLR, on top of being informative, has been useful in helping you make an informed buying decision.
There are a lot of options, matching all different use-cases and budgets, and these are just a few that we think are worth your time.
Depending on your reason for purchasing a Nikon DSLR, you will have different needs, and researching each Nikon camera is a good idea.
Still, this should give you a basis on which to make an educated decision. We wish you the best when buying a Nikon DSLR.
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Thanks for the excellent article
Appreciated, Latonya.