Best Nikon DSLR cameras
When it comes to camera manufacturers, Nikon is among the best known.
And for good reason - its range of DSLR, compact system and compact cameras contains some standout products that deliver performance and imaging clout where it matters.
Here we look at the full range to see which Nikon camera is best for you.
Best Nikon DSLR explained
Nikon's DSLR range is divided between its DX (APS-C sensor size) and professional FX (Full-frame 0r 35mm sensor size) ranges.
Nikon's DX format camera range encompasses what Nikon calls its Consumer range of SLRs, as well as the Nikon D300S in its Professional range. The DX camera's 1.5x crop means equivalent focal lengths are 50% 'longer' than their FX equivalent (ie 50mm is a 75mm equivalent, although not all DX lenses will provide an image circle large enough to cover an FX sensor).
Although FX sensors offer the potential for better image quality and shallower depth of field (at any given aperture), they also mean larger, heavier and far more expensive kit.
Best Nikon Consumer DSLR
Nikon D3100
Price: £420 (body only), 14.2MP, HD video: 1080p
Nikon's entry-level DSLR is best for beginners or users wanting to step up from compact cameras. The Nikon D3100's key selling point is its GUIDE mode, which provides on-screen assistance in both visual and written forms to help explain modes and options without jargon - ideal for the newcomer.
The D3100's 14.2MP DX sensor produces great quality images and can even render Full HD 1080p movie files. The rear screen can be used to show a real-time preview, or the 95% field of view optical viewfinder provides an ample way of framing shots.
Read our Nikon D3100 review
Nikon D5100
Price: £530 (body only), 16.2MP, HD video: 1080p
The middle ground of Nikon's consumer range, the D5100 has the same 16.2MP DX sensor as found in the D7000, higher in the range. Image quality is excellent as a result and the camera's overall build quality is the main difference from its higher-specified partner.
Best for families and creative types, the D5100 has a vari-angle screen that can be positioned at almost any angle for imaginative shooting, plus there's a built-in Effects mode to shoot both still images and 1080p movies, with special effects such as Miniature, Selective Color and Silhouette.
Read our Nikon D5100 review
Nikon D90
Price: £620 (body only), 12.3MP, HD video: 720p
Although the Nikon D90 is a little long in the tooth and no longer on the production line, it's a solidly-built DSLR that's available at a cut of its original asking price.
The D90 was the first DSLR to introduce HD video capture (720p) and the 12.3MP DX sensor is also able to deliver good image quality. It may not be able to match some of its newer peers in this department, but it's the overall build quality where this camera excels.
Read our Nikon D90 review
Nikon D7000
Price: £450 (body only), 16.2MP, HD video: 1080p
At the top of the Consumer bracket, the Nikon D7000 is knocking on the door of professional cameras, and is best for more demanding photographers not able to stretch to the more significant asking price of the D300S.
The Nikon D7000's 16.2MP DX sensor is the same as that found in the more affordable D5100, but offers a sturdy, weather-sealed build and a variety of other perks. The 100% optical viewfinder means what you see in preview is what you get; an excellent 39-point autofocus system is ideal for moving subjects; 6fps shooting is quicker than its nearby models; and a durable shutter tested to 150,000 cycles guarantees longevity even under considerable use.
Read our Nikon D7000 review
Best Nikon Professional and full-frame DSLRs
Nikon D300S
Price: £1,055 (body only), 12.3MP, HD video: 720p
Good for pro and enthusiast sports photographers. The Nikon D300S may use an older 12.3MP DX sensor (as per the D90), but its other super-fast and hardwearing features position it in Nikon's Professional category.
A near immediate start-up time sets the pace, and the 7fps burst mode works seamlessly with the 51-point autofocus system for fast and accurate focus. Add the MB-D10 battery grip and 8fps is possible. Like the D7000, the D300S is weather-sealed and tested to 150,000 shutter actuations - so it's durable and hard wearing for demanding users.
Read our Nikon D300S review
Nikon D700
Price: £1,900 (body only), 12.1MP, HD video: No
A great option for those wanting a full-frame sensor on a tighter budget. With rumours of the Nikon D800 just around the corner, the D700 may be coming to the end of its life, but that's all the more excuse to grab an FX body at a decent price.
At the time of its release, the sub-£2,000 Nikon D700 made full-frame photography more affordable and accessible. Excellent picture quality is a staple from the 12.1MP sensor - the same as that found in the far more expensive D3S.
Read our Nikon D700 review
Nikon D3S
Price: £3,525 (body only), 12.1MP, HD video: 720p
An updated version of the pro-spec Nikon D3, the Nikon D3S is among the best full-frame cameras for pro photographers requiring top-spec build quality, performance and image quality, however, it has recently been replaced by the D4.
A 9fps burst mode is significant for a full-frame camera, meaning this workhorse is also excellent for outdoor work such as sports and wildlife photography.
With the D4 arriving soon, expect to see a glut of secondhand and discounted D3S bodies on sale.
Read our Nikon D3S review
Nikon D4
£4799.99 (body only) 16.2MP HD video: 1080p
The D4 is Nikon's newest full-frame SLR and it replaces the D3S.
It features a new16.2 million-pixel FX format sensor and a sensitivity range that can be expanded to include the equivalent of ISO 50-204,800. Further good news for low light shooters is that AF system is claimed to function down to –2EV.
The improved Af system has 51 AF points in total and the central 11 are sensitive down to f/8, making it ideal for use with telephoto lens and teleconverter set-ups.
Nikon has designed to D4 to make it easier to shoot in the upright format than with the D3S and it has two mini-joystick controllers for selecting the AF point, with one being within easy reach of the thumb whichever way round you are shooting.
Nikon hopes that the D4 will be the camera of choice of professional photographers, especially those who will be shooting the Olympic games this summer. Speed is of the essence for these users and thanks to its EXPEED3 processor the D4 can shoot at up to 11fps. It is also the first camera to feature the new XQD card format for faster image writing and downloading.
Read our hands on review of the Nikon D4
Nikon D3x
Price: £5,040 (body only), 24.5MP, HD video: No
The top-tier (and priciest) Nikon DSLR on the market. With a body upwards of £5,000, this is strictly a camera for the professionals. The 24.5MP full-frame sensor is the highest resolution found in any Nikon DSLR, which is this camera's main difference compared to the D3S.
With a build quality that's second to none, the Nikon D3X is best for professional studio, landscape or stock library work where large files are a necessity.
Read our Nikon D3x review
Best Nikon CSC
The Nikon 1 series is a mirrorless camera range, also called a compact system camera (CSC).
Small in size and easy to use, much like a compact camera, the 1 series also features more DSLR-like features such as interchangeable lenses and a 1-inch sensor size (which is far larger than that found in almost all compact cameras).
The 1 series is best for those wanting better quality images than a compact camera can offer, with some of the versatility and control that a DSLR camera can provide. The new 1 mount is unique to the Nikon 1 system, which means lenses can't be swapped between DSLR or other CSC brands.
Nikon J1 vs V1
The 1-series range is divided into two models. The simpler Nikon J1 is targeted at step-up compact users, while the more advanced Nikon V1 features a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF).
Other differences between the two models are subtle. The Nikon V1 has a mechanical shutter for faster flash-sync, whereas the Nikon J1 has an electronic-only shutter. The J1 also has a built-in pop-up flash, whereas the V1 provides the option to attach a more powerful accessory flash only.
The V1 is the only model to include a 3.5mm microphone input and, on account of a larger, longer-lasting battery and built-in viewfinder, the V1 is also larger than the J1.
Read our Nikon J1 review
Read our Nikon V1 review
Best Nikon compact cameras
When it comes to compact cameras, there's a Nikon model to suit all tastes. The range begins with the point and shoot L series (Life), advances to the stylish S series (Style) and ends at the higher-spec P series (Performance) that's designed for more demanding users.
Our Best Nikon Coolpix 2012 article provides a full run-down of the best Nikon compact cameras, divided into these ranges .
Outside of these three main groups, there's also the All Weather Nikon Coolpix AW100, which is designed to deal with more than your average compact camera can handle.
The Nikon Coolpix AW100 is waterproof to depths of 10m, shockproof to cope with 1.5m drops and is even freezeproof to temperatures of -10°C.
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