The Nikon D4 is a definite highlight of the new season: it’s a top-of-the-line full-frame reportage camera released in early 2012. It’s one of several new products of the latest generation with record-breaking shooting speeds. However, there is still a steady demand for the cameras that appeared in the last three years.
Digital SLR cameras featured in Part 2 of this review: Nikon D4, Nikon D3x, Nikon D800/ D800E, Nikon D300s, Nikon D7000, Nikon D5100, Nikon D3100,
Nikon D4
Specifications
Date of announcement: January 2012
Mount: Nikkor AF G, D types
Sensor format: CMOS FX format , 36×23.9 mm
Sensor size: 16.2 million., 4928×3280 pixels.
LCD: 8 cm, 921,000 pixels., Live View mode
Autofocus: 51 points
Shutter speed: 30-1/8000
Continuous Shooting: 11 fps
Sensitivity: 100-12,800 ISO extended 50-204,800 ISO
Flash: external, hot shoe, sync, X-sync at 1/250 s
Video: up to 1920×1080, 30 fps, MOV video:H.264, sound:Linear PCM
Memory cards: XQD, CompactFlash I/II 2 slots
Power: Li-Ion Nikon EN-EL18
Dimensions: 160×156.5×90.5 mm
Weight: 1340g
Price: $6200
Top-of-the-line full-frame reportage camera. A new type of high-sensitivity sensor with extended spacing has a resolution of 16.2 megapixels and a sensitivity range of 100 to 12,800 ISO.
Unique signal-to-noise ratio extends the sensitivity limit to 204,800 ISO. Shooting speed up to 11 frames per second even in full format. Equipped with kevlar shutter with a firing rate of 400,000. A record high among cameras in its class.
Nikon Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus system with 51 points covers a large area of the frame and provides high sensitivity in dark areas. Thanks to a dual high-performance processor, it fully realizes its speed capabilities. The camera also captures high-resolution movies.
Nikon D3x
Technical Specifications
Date of Announcement: December 2008
Mount: Nikkor AF G, D types
Sensor format: CMOS FX format , 35.9×24 mm
Krop factor: 1
Sensor size: 24.5 million., 6048×4032 pixels.
LCD: 7.6 cm, 920,000 pixels., Live View mode
Autofocus: 51 points
Shutter speed: 30-1/8000
Continuous Shooting: 5 fps
Sensitivity: 100-1600 ISO extended 50-6400 ISO
Flash: external, hot shoe, syncro, X-sync at 1/250
Video: no
Memory cards: CompactFlash I/II 2 slots
Power: Li-Ion EN-EL4, EN-EL4 a
Dimensions: 160x157x88 mm
Weight: 1220 g
Price: $8600
The flagship of Nikon’s professional full-frame DSLR line is somewhat dated today, but still has its fans, especially in studio photography, which it was designed for.
Among the functions of the device is not fashionable now video, but not all photographers need it. Based on the D3, the camera has a 24.5 megapixel FX-format sensor for the highest quality images with a resolution of 6048×4032 pixels.
Sensitivity range is limited to 100-1600 ISO. No sensor dust cleaning system, viewfinder covers 100% of the image area. The EXPEED image processor is the same as in the D3. The high level of resolution is appealing, and the slight decrease in speed compared to the D3 is understandable, as the file size has increased noticeably.
Nikon D800/D800e
Specifications
Date of announcement: January 2012
Mount: Nikkor AF G, D types
Sensor format: CMOS FX format , 35.9×24 mm
Krop Factor: 1
Sensor size: 36.3 million., 7360×4912 pixels.
LCD: 8 cm, 921,000 pixels., Live View mode
Autofocus: 51 points
Shutter Speed: 30-1/8000
Continuous Shooting: Up to 5 fps
Sensitivity: 100-6400 ISO extended 50-25 600 ISO
Flash: Built-in flash GN 12 , hot shoe, syncro, X-sync at 1/250 sec
Video: up to 1920×1080, 30 fps, MOV video:H.264, Sound:Linear PCM
Memory cards: CompactFlash I/II, SD, SDHC, SDXC 2 slots
Power: Li-Ion Nikon EN-EL18
Dimensions: 146x123x81.5 mm
Weight: 1000 g
Price: $3200
The two models differ in that the D800e has a low-pass optical filter on the sensor instead of the usual spectral filter, which completely eliminated the smoothing properties. This provides maximum image sharpness and better gradation in monochrome images.
Otherwise the cameras are identical. Full frame sensor with 36.3 megapixels is the most impressive feature of these cameras. The cameras have a fast focus unit, but the continuous shooting speed is not very fast.
Very good signal to noise ratio limits maximum sensitivity compared to reportage cameras, but for most tasks it is more than enough. The most outstanding features come in video recording: the cameras can record uncompressed video directly to a computer through a receiver.
Nikon D300s
Specifications
Date of announcement: July 2009
Mount: Nikkor AF G, D, DX types
Sensor format: CMOS DX format , 23.6×15.8 mm
Cropped ratio: 1.5
Sensor size: 12.3 million., 4288×2848 pixels.
LCD display: 7.6 cm, 921,000 pixels., Live View mode
Autofocus: 51 points
Shutter Speed: 30-1/8000
Continuous shooting: up to 8 fps
Sensitivity: 200-3200 ISO extended 100-6400 ISO
Flash: built-in flash GN 12 , hot shoe, sync terminal, X-sync at 1/250 sec
Video: Up to 1280×720, 24 fps, AVI Motion JPEG
Memory cards: CompactFlash I/II, SD, SDHC 2 slots
Power: Li-Ion Nikon EN-EL3e
Dimensions: 147x114x74 mm
Weight: 840 g
Price: $1800
Professional DX-format camera. Closer to older full-frame models for most technical specifications. CMOS sensor with dust block and 12.3 megapixel resolution.
The processor supports a very high maximum 8 fps for this class of camera with attached power supply and has excellent color reproduction. Active D-Lighting dramatically expands the dynamic range for high-contrast scenes.
51-point autofocus system for high sensitivity in dark areas. The camera also has a special “silent” mode, which when turned on significantly reduces the noise from the mechanisms of the camera. Highlights include a high-resolution 3-inch LCD monitor, Live View mode and stereo sound capture.
Nikon D7000
Specifications
Date of announcement: August 2010
Mount: Nikkor AF G, D, DX types
Sensor format: CMOS DX format , 23.6×15.6 mm
Sensor Size: 16.2 million., 4928×3264 pixels.
LCD: 7.6 cm, 921,000 pixels., Live View mode
Autofocus: 39 points
Shutter speed: 30-1/8000
Continuous Shooting: Up to 6 fps
Sensitivity: 100-6400 ISO extended 100-25,600 ISO
Flash: built-in flash GN 12 , hot shoe, sync terminal, X-sync at 1/250 sec
Video: up to 1920×1080, 30 fps, MOV video:H.264, sound: Linear PCM
Memory Cards: SD, SDHC, SDXC 2 slots
Power: Li-Ion Nikon EN-EL15
Dimensions: 132x105x77 mm
Weight: 690 g
Price: $1300
In this model, Nikon has implemented technical features that make the D7000 in many ways superior to the performance of professional cameras of the previous generation. Nevertheless, this model is intended for amateurs, as evidenced by the characteristic layout of the controls.
Dust and moisture protection, magnesium body elements and a guaranteed 150,000 shutter clicks show how serious this compact camera is. New 2016-pixel RGB sensor for exposure metering ensures very high accuracy of exposure metering and white balance.
The camera has fairly fast autofocus and 3D tracking mode, allowing you to work with fast-moving objects. High quality video is complemented by the ability to connect an external microphone. The camera also has a built-in video editor.
Nikon D5100
Specifications
Date of announcement: April 2011
Mount: Nikkor AF G, D, DX types
Sensor format: CMOS DX format , 23.6×15.6 mm
Cropping factor: 1.5
Sensor size: 16.2 million., 4928×3264 pixels.
LCD monitor: 7.6 cm, 921,000 pixels., Live View mode
Autofocus: 11 points
Shutter speed: 30-1/4000
Continuous Shooting: Up to 4 fps
Sensitivity: 100-6400 ISO extended 100-25,600 ISO
Flash: Built-in flash GN 12 , hot shoe, syncro, X-sync at 1/200 sec
Video: up to 1920×1080, 30 fps, MOV video:H.264, sound:Linear PCM
Memory cards: SD, SDHC, SDXC
Power: Li-Ion Nikon EN-EL14
Dimensions: 128x97x79mm
Weight: 560 g
Price: $920
Nikon D5100, as well as the previous camera in this series, equipped with a rotary display, which distinguishes it from other Nikon DSLRs.
Variable angle LCD monitor, Live View and D-Movie modes, four types of AF, including face memorization and subject tracking that resumes when you exit the frame and then return.
Low noise at high sensitivity and high sensor resolution achieve very high image quality. Advanced viewing functions and built-in image editor allow for immediate preparation of footage for printing.
HDTV compatibility, silent mode, Active D-Lighting and Live View, plus many other features make this small camera a pretty interesting creative tool. Sensor and processor are the same as in the D7000.
Nikon D3100
Specifications
Date of announcement: August 2010
Mount: Nikkor AF G, D, DX types
Sensor format: CMOS DX format , 23.1×15.4 mm
Krop factor: 1.5
Sensor size: 14.2 million., 4608×3072 pixels.
LCD: 7.5 cm, 230,000 pixels., Live View mode
Autofocus: 11 points
Shutter speed: 30-1/4000
Continuous Shooting: Up to 3 fps
Sensitivity: 100-3200 ISO extended up to 12,800 ISO
Flash: Built-in flash GN 12 , hot shoe, syncro, X-sync at 1/200 sec
Video: up to 1920×1080, 24 fps, MOV video:H.264, sound: Linear PCM
Memory cards: SD, SDHC, SDXC
Power: Li-Ion Nikon EN-EL14
Dimensions: 126x96x74,5 mm
Weight: 500g
Price: $560
The camera, which continues Nikon’s line of the easiest and lightest DSLRs, has gained the ability to record high-definition video.
New 14.2 megapixel sensor offers higher sensitivity. Like its predecessor, it uses a unique interactive help mode: when you read the manual, you can immediately turn on the described feature.
A detailed description makes it easy to understand the different effects and switch to the desired mode right away, without going into the camera control menu. Thanks to this instruction Nikon D3100 is considered the most responsive of the simple DSLR cameras. The video shooting function is the same as in the older models.
The camera has a simple video editor. The model has excellent ergonomics, despite its diminutive size for a DSLR, lies well in the hand, and the location of the controls is very convenient.
Canon SLR market review
Sony DSLR market review
What is the current state of the Nikon DSLR market? Are they still competitive compared to other brands? Any new models or features that have caught the attention of photographers?
What are the latest models in Nikon’s DSLR market and what unique features do they offer in comparison to other brands?
What are the advantages of Nikon DSLR cameras over other brands in the market?
Nikon DSLR cameras have several advantages over other brands in the market. Firstly, Nikon has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality cameras with advanced technology and exceptional image quality. Their extensive range of lenses and accessories provides photographers with a wide array of options to choose from. Nikon DSLRs also offer excellent low-light performance and fast autofocus, making them suitable for various shooting conditions. Moreover, Nikon has a strong customer support system and a wide network of service centers worldwide, ensuring customers receive assistance when needed. Ultimately, the advantages of Nikon DSLR cameras lie in their reliability, performance, and the overall satisfaction of their users.
What are some of the latest and most popular Nikon DSLR camera models in the market right now?