Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

[ June 3rd, 2009 ]

Nikon has always been a celebrated name when it comes to the camera industry. Ever since the manufacture of their first cameras in the year 1948, Nikon never looked back. In fact, the company has kept held its respectable reputation for pioneering the newest features that they equip their products high for years. The top-of-the-line products that they produce have earned them the trust of hardcore photographers and hobbyist alike.

Aside from the infamous Nikkor lenses, Nikon is mostly known for the wide range of Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras that they design to suit the various needs of their consumers. These digital cameras are a bit pricey but the image quality that you get with each shot will give you a good reason to sign up with the DSLR bandwagon.

Since they frequently release newer (and better) models, it is most likely for the older models to be phased out. At the present, this is the list of the top-quality DSLRs that Nikon continue to produce.

NIKON D3X DIGITAL SLR

Nikon D3

Because it has almost the same features and layout as its predecessor, the Nikon D3X digital camera is often referred to as D3’s twin. Photographers who own cameras from the D2 series can easily relate to D3x’s design since the latter practically evolved from it. Primarily intended for well-lit shooting locations, the Nikon D3X can produce high quality images when used in studio and landscape photography. Its shooting speed is also commendable even with the standard Nikkor lenses.

Camera’s Specifications:

Effective pixels	24.5 million
Image sensor	CMOS sensor, 35.9 x 24.0 mm; Nikon FX format; total pixels: 25.72 million
Image size (pixels)	FX format (36 x 24): 6,048 x 4,032 [L], 4,544 x 3,024 [M], 3,024 x 2,016 [S] DX format (24 x 16): 3,968 x 2,640 [L], 2,976 x 1,976 [M], 1,984 x 1,320 [S] 5:4 (30 x 24): 5,056 x 4,032 [L], 3,792 x 3,024 [M], 2,528 x 2,016 [S]
Sensitivity	ISO 100 to 1600 in steps of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV; can be set to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, or 1 EV (ISO 50 equivalent) below ISO 100, or to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1, or 2 EV (ISO 6400 equivalent) over ISO 1600
Storage Media	CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA); Microdrives
LCD Monitor	3-in., approx. 920k-dot (VGA), 170-degree wide-viewing-angle, 100% frame coverage, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment
Exposure Metering	TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 1,005-pixel RGB sensor 1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Color Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses); Color Matrix Metering (non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data) 2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8-, 15- or 20-mm circle in center of frame, or weighting based on average of entire frame 3) Spot: Meters 4-mm circle (about 1.5% of frame) centered on selected focus area (on center focus area when non-CPU lens is used)
Exposure Modes	1) Programmed Auto (P) with flexible program, 2) Shutter-Priority Auto (S), 3) Aperture-Priority Auto (A), 4) Manual (M)
Interface	Hi-Speed USB
Power sources	One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a/EL4, Quick Charger MH-22/MH-21, AC Adapter EH-6 (optional)
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Approx. 159.5 x 157 x 87.5 mm (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.4 in.)
Weight	Approx. 1,220 g (2 lb. 11 oz.) without battery, memory card, body cap or accessory shoe cover

NIKON D700 DIGITAL SLR

Nikon D700

Newer, smarter, smaller, and lighter – these are the words that best could describe the Nikon D700 digital camera. It is basically a cross between a D300 and a D3 but surprisingly its costs is almost twice as much. Although, the extensive list of its newer features can justify its price tag because it all boils down to the camera’s performance, like battery life, colour, image noise and resolution among others.

Camera’s Specifications:

Effective pixels	12.1 million
Image sensor	CMOS sensor, 36.0 x 23.9 mm; total pixels: 12.87 million; Nikon FX format
Image size (pixels)	FX format (36 x 24): 4,256 x 2,832 [L], 3,184 x 2,120 [M], 2,128 x 1,416 [S] DX format (24 x 16): 2,784 x 1,848 [L], 2,080 x 1,384 [M], 1,392 x 920 [S]
Sensitivity	ISO 200 to 6400 in steps of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV; can be set to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, or 1 (ISO 100 equivalent) EV below ISO 200, or to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1 (ISO 12800 equivalent), or 2 (ISO 25600 equivalent) EV over ISO 6400
Storage Media	CompactFlash (Type I, compliant with UDMA)
LCD Monitor	3-in., approx. 920,000-dot (VGA), 170-degree wide-viewing-angle, 100% frame coverage, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment
Exposure Metering	3D Color Matrix Metering II, Center-Weighted and Spot Metering
Exposure Modes	Programmed Auto (P) with flexible program, Shutter-Priority Auto (S), Aperture-Priority Auto (A), Manual (M)
Interface	Hi-Speed USB
Power sources	One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 (optional) with one Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a/4/3e, or eight R6/AA-size alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese (ZR6) batteries
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Approx. 147 x 123 x 77 mm (5.8 x 4.8 x 3.0 in.)
Weight	Approx. 995 g (2.19 lb.) without battery, memory card, body cap or LCD monitor cover

NIKON D90 DIGITAL SLR

Nikon D90

Nikon has always surprised its consumers whenever it releases a new model of camera. The same thing has happened when the world’s first DSLR capable of recording high definition-resolution video was introduced to the public. The Nikon D90 may look and feel like the older Nikon D80 but once you start playing around the newer features then you’d never look at it the same way again. This digital camera is capable of recording movies in Live View mode, which is its major improvement feature-wise.

Camera’s Specifications:

Effective pixels	12.3 million
Image sensor	CMOS sensor, 23.6 x 15.8 mm; total pixels: 12.9 million; Nikon DX format
Image size (pixels)	4,288 x 2,848 [L], 3,216 x 2,136 [M], 2,144 x 1,424 [S]
Sensitivity	ISO 200 to 3200 in steps of 1/3 EV, can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.7 or 1 EV (ISO 100 equivalent) below ISO 200, or to approx. 0.3, 0.7 or 1 EV (ISO 6400 equivalent) over ISO 3200, ISO sensitivity auto control available
Storage Media	SD memory cards, SDHC compliant
LCD Monitor	3-in., approx. 920k-dot (VGA), low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with 170° viewing angle, approx. 100% frame coverage, and brightness adjustment
Exposure Metering	3D Color Matrix Metering II, Center-Weighted and Spot Metering
Exposure Modes	Auto modes (auto, auto [flash off]), Advanced Scene Modes (Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Close-up, Night Portrait), programmed auto with flexible program (P), shutter-priority auto (S), aperture-priority auto (A), manual (M)
Interface	Hi-Speed USB
Power sources	One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D80 (optional) with one or two Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e or six R6/AA-size alkaline, Ni-MH, lithium or nickel-manganese batteries (Battery Holder MS-D200 is required when using R6/AA-size batteries)
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Approx. 132 x 103 x 77 mm (5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in.)
Weight	Approx. 620 g (1 lb. 6 oz.) without battery, memory card, body cap or LCD monitor cover

NIKON D5000 DIGITAL SLR

Nikon D5000

The Nikon D5000 digital camera is the first Nikon DSLR that’s designed to have a swivel Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen. This feature allows the photographer to shoot more freely as the term “Vari-angle” suggests. One disadvantage of owning the Nikon D5000 digital camera is that you need to make use of AF-S lenses for the auto-focus function to work at its best since it is not equipped with an AF device.

Camera’s Specifications:

Effective pixels	12.3 million
Image sensor	CMOS sensor, 23.6 x 15.8 mm; total pixels: 12.9 million; Nikon DX format
Image size (pixels)	4,288 x 2,848 [L], 3,216 x 2,136 [M], 2,144 x 1,424 [S]
Sensitivity	ISO 200 to 3200 in steps of 1/3 EV. Can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.7, or 1 EV (ISO 100 equivalent) below ISO 200, or to approx. 0.3, 0.7, or 1 EV (ISO 6400 equivalent) over ISO 3200, ISO sensitivity auto control available
Storage Media	SD memory cards, SDHC compliant
LCD Monitor	Vari-angle type, 2.7-in., approx. 230k-dot TFT LCD, approx. 100% frame coverage, and brightness adjustment
Exposure Metering	3D Color Matrix Metering II, Center-Weighted and Spot Metering
Exposure Modes	Auto modes (auto, auto [flash off]), Advanced Scene Modes (Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close up, Night portrait, Night landscape, Party/indoor, Beach/snow, Sunset, Dusk/dawn, Pet portrait, Candlelight, Blossom, Autumn colors, Food, Silhouette, High key, and Low key), programmed auto with flexible program (P), shutter-priority auto (S), aperture-priority auto (A), manual (M)
Interface	Hi-Speed USB
Power sources	One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9a, AC Adapter EH-5a
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Approx. 127 x 104 x 80 mm (5.0 x 4.1 x 3.1 in.)
Weight	Approx. 560 g (1 lb. 4 oz.) without battery, memory card, or body cap

NIKON D40 DIGITAL SLR

Nikon D40

Because of its noticeable small size, the Nikon D40 digital camera is the suggested entry-level DSLR for those who have wanted to own one. It also comes with a lighter price tag hence this camera is really a good investment considering its excellent performance and wide set of features. The control buttons are well laid out so first time DSLR users will not feel intimidated.

Camera’s Specifications:

Effective pixels	6.1 million
Image sensor	RGB CCD, 23.7 x 15.6 mm, 6.24 million total pixels: total pixels
Image size (pixels)	L (3,008 x 2,000) / M (2,256 x 1,496) / S (1,504 x 1,000)
Sensitivity	200 to 1600 (ISO equivalent) in steps of 1 EV with additional setting one step over 1600
Storage Media	SD memory cards, SDHC compliant
LCD Monitor	2.5-in., 230,000-dot, low-temp. polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment
Exposure Metering	3D Color Matrix Metering II, Center-Weighted and Spot Metering
Exposure Modes	Digital Vari-program (Auto, Auto [Flash Off], Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up, Night Portrait), Programmed Auto [P] with flexible program; Shutter-Priority Auto [S]; Aperture-Priority Auto [A]; Manual [M]
Interface	USB 2.0 (High-speed): Mass Storage and PTP selectable
Power sources	Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9, charging voltage (Quick Charger MH-23), 7.4V DC, AC Adapter EH-5 (available separately; requires optional AC Adapter Connector EP-5)
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Approx. 126 x 94 x 64mm (5.0 x 3.7x 2.5 in.)
Weight	Approx. 475g (1lb. 1oz.) without battery, memory card or body cap

NIKON D3 DIGITAL SLR

Nikon D3

Being the first DSLR camera to be designed with a 12.1 megapixel sensor, the Nikon D3 digital camera is considered a major breakthrough. It has two memory card slots that give the photographers more options in managing their images. The Nikon D3’s magnesium-alloy body is also designed to allow maximum grip while shooting and is weatherproof.

Camera’s Specifications:

Effective pixels	12.1 million
Image sensor	CMOS sensor, 36.0 x 23.9 mm; total pixels: 12.87 million; Nikon FX format
Image size (pixels)	FX format (36 x 24): 4,256 x 2,832 [L], 3,184 x 2,120 [M], 2,128 x 1,416 [S] 5:4 (30 x 24): 3,552 x 2,832 [L], 2,656 x 2,120 [M], 1,776 x 1,416 [S] DX format (24 x 16): 2,784 x 1,848 [L], 2,080 x 1,384 [M], 1,392 x 920 [S]
Sensitivity	ISO 200 to 6,400 in steps of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV; sensitivity decreases approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, or 1 (ISO 100 equivalent) EV below ISO 200, and increases approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1 (ISO 12,800 equivalent), or 2 (ISO 25,600 equivalent) EV over ISO 6,400
Storage Media	CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA); Microdrives
LCD Monitor	3-in., approx. 920,000-dot (VGA), 170-degree wide-viewing-angle, 100% frame coverage, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment
Exposure Metering	TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 1,005-pixel RGB sensor 1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Color Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses); Color Matrix Metering (non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data) 2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8-, 15- or 20-mm circle in center of frame, or weighting based on average of entire frame 3) Spot: Meters 4-mm circle (about 1.5% of frame) centered on selected focus area (on center focus area when non-CPU lens is used)
Exposure Modes	1) Programmed Auto (P) with flexible program, 2) Shutter-Priority Auto (S), 3) Aperture-Priority Auto (A), 4) Manual (M)
Interface	Hi-speed USB
Power sources	One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a/EL4, Quick Charger MH-22, AC Adapter EH-6 (optional)
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Approx. 159.5 x 157 x 87.5 mm (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.4 in.)
Weight	Approx. 1,240 g (2.7 lb.) without battery, memory card, body cap or accessory shoe cover

NIKON D300 DIGITAL SLR

The Nikon D300 definitely gave the Nikon D200 (an already top notch camera) a beating One thing about this camera that can be very useful for nature/outdoors photographers is that the camera body’s casing is weatherproof. It can stand extreme weather conditions and photographers can take advantage of up to 150,000 shots that can be seen in full view through the viewfinder at the rate of around 0.94x enlargement.

Camera’s Specifications:

Effective pixels	12.3 million
Image sensor	CMOS sensor, 23.6 x 15.8 mm; total pixels: 13.1 million; Nikon DX format
Image size (pixels)	4,288 x 2,848 [L], 3,216 x 2,136 [M], 2,144 x 1,424 [S]
Sensitivity	ISO 200 to 3200 in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV with additional settings of approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1 EV (ISO 100 equivalent) under ISO 200 and approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1 EV (ISO 6400 equivalent) over ISO 3200
Storage Media	CompactFlash (CF) Card (Type I and II, UDMA compliant), Microdrive
LCD Monitor	3-in., approx. 920,000-dot (VGA), 170-degree wide viewing angle, 100% frame coverage, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment
Exposure Metering	3D Color Matrix Metering II, Center-Weighted and Spot Metering
Exposure Modes	1) Programmed Auto (P) with flexible program 2) Shutter-Priority Auto (S) 3) Aperture-Priority Auto (A) 4) Manual (M)
Interface	Hi-speed USB
Power sources	One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 (optional) with one Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a, EN-EL4 or EN-EL3e or eight R6/AA-size alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese ZR6 batteries, AC Adapter EH-5a (optional)
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Approx. 147 x 114 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in.)
Weight	Approx. 825 g (1.82 lbs.) without battery, memory card, body cap, or monitor cover

NIKON D80 DIGITAL SLR

Nikon D80

With about 10.2 million effective pixels and a set of more advanced features, the Nikon D80 digital camera is recommended for those who already own the D50 and D70 models.

The Nikon D80 has a slightly smaller camera body but its LCD screen in relatively bigger. Its build appears to be sturdier than the D70 but it would require less of an effort if you plan on carrying it around.

Camera’s Specifications:

Effective pixels	10.2 million
Image sensor	RGB CCD, 23.6 x 15.8 mm, 10.75 million total pixels
Image size (pixels)	L (3,872 x 2,592) / M (2,896 x 1,944) / S (1,936 x 1,296)
Sensitivity	100 to 1600 (ISO equivalent) in steps of 1/3 EV, plus HI-0.3, HI-0.7 and HI-1
Storage Media	SD memory card, SDHC compatible
LCD Monitor	2.5-in., 230,000-dot, low-temp. polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment
Exposure Metering	3D Color Matrix Metering II, Center-Weighted and Spot Metering
Exposure Modes	Digital Vari-Program (Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Macro Close up, Sports, Night Landscape, Night Portrait), Programmed Auto [P] with flexible program; Shutter-Priority Auto [S]; Aperture Priority Auto [A]; Manual [M]
Interface	USB 2.0 (Hi-speed) (mini-B connector); SD card slot
Power sources	Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, MB-D80 battery pack (optional), AC Adapter EH-5 (optional)
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Approx. 132 x 103 x 77mm (5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in.)
Weight	Approx. 585g (1lb 5oz) without battery, memory card, or body cap or monitor cover

NIKON D60 DIGITAL SLR

Nikon D60

Tagged as an entry-level model for aspiring DSLR owners, the Nikon D60 digital camera has a simplified but well structured menu that will allow even first time users to feel at ease while handling it. One noteworthy feature of this camera is the anti-dust system that thwarts the possible appearance of dust particles in your photos.

Camera’s Specifications:

Effective pixels	10.2 million
Image sensor	23.6 x 15.8 mm CCD sensor, total pixels: 10.75 million
Image size (pixels)	3,872 x 2,592 [L], 2,896 x 1,944 [M], 1,936 x 1,296 [S]
Sensitivity	ISO 100 – 1,600 in steps of 1 EV. Can also be set to approx. 1 EV (ISO 3200 equivalent) above ISO 1600
Storage Media	SD memory cards, SDHC compliant
LCD Monitor	2.5-in., approx. 230k-dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD, brightness adjustment and with automatic defeat via Eye Sensor
Exposure Metering	3D Color Matrix Metering II, Center-Weighted and Spot Metering
Exposure Modes	Digital Vari-program (Auto, Auto [flash off], Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close up, Night portrait), Programmed auto (P) with flexible program, Shutter-priority auto (S), Aperture-priority auto (A), Manual (M)
Interface	Hi-Speed USB, Data transfer protocol: MTP, PTP
Power sources	One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9, AC Adapter EH-5a (optional, used with optional Power Connector EP-5)
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Approx. 126 x 94 x 64 mm (5.0 x 3.7 x 2.5 in.)
Weight	Approx. 495 g (1 lb. 1 oz.) without battery, memory card or body cap