Selecting a Nikon DSLR camera can be a confusing decision. Some of the current entry level Nikon Digital Cameras do have some basic limitations. Below we will consider some of the important consideration in your selection process.
Camera Price
These DSLR cameras listed in price order from low to high, is as follows, D3000, D3100, D5100, D7000, D300s, D700, D3s and D3x. The prices range from under $1,000 to many thousands for the dearer cameras.
Full details of prices of these cameras are available here.
Lens Price
Bear in mind the the prices of DX lenses are much cheaper than FX lenses so depending on your budget this will be an important consideration.
Internal Focusing Motors
The D3000, D3100 and D5100 do not have internal motors in the camera and consequently some of the older lenses, essentially the D designated lenses will not autofocus with the camera. To auto focus with these cameras You will need an AF-S designated lens with the motor built into the lens for these cameras. If you go to our Nikon Lens Review section you will see the lenses that are designated as AF-S.
The D7000,D300s, D700,D3s and D3x cameras have the motor in the camera and consequently, virtually any currently produced lens can be used on these cameras.
Full Frame FX or DX Cameras
The D700, D3s and D3x cameras are full frame FX cameras and have a larger sensor. The sensor in these cameras is 24mm x 36mm. These FX cameras have better image quality with low light photography and there are better lenses available for use in wide angle photography with FX due to the crop factor with DX.
The D3000, D3100, D5100, D7000, D300s are DX cameras with a smaller sensor and with dimensions 23.6 x 15.8mm. The one main advantage with the DX range is that the reduced angle of view with the crop factor on the DX format give an advantage with telephoto lenses.
Movie Mode
The D3000, D700 and D3X cameras do not have a movie mode.
D3100, D5100, D7000, D300s and D3s cameras do have movie modes.
How Many Mega Pixels
The number of Mega Pixels the camera provides should not be the overall consideration as the difference will not be noticeable between a 10 and 14 Mega Pixel camera.
- D3000, 10.2 million pixels,
- D3100, 14.2 million pixels,
- D5100, 16.2 million pixels,
- D7000, 16.2 million pixels,
- D300s, 12.3 million pixels,
- D700, 12.1 million pixels,
- D3s, 12.1 million pixels,
- D3X, 24.5 million pixels.
Nikon DX Cameras