12 best Nikon cameras according to customer reviews

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Nikon is one of the largest manufacturers of cameras and photographic equipment. Its assortment includes compact ('soap dishes'), and mirror, and mirrorless devices – and of various classes, from amateur to professional.

What to look for when choosing a camera

When choosing a camera, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

1. Lens type – integrated or interchangeable. The first option is only suitable for beginner photographers, while the second is for professionals;
2. Bayonet. This is the lens connection standard. Nikon usually uses a proprietary F-mount, so almost any lens with this mount (including both Nikkor and third-party lenses) can be attached to their cameras;
3. The presence of a kit (complete) lens. Greatly simplifies life for beginner photographers and hobbyists. For professionals, body-only configurations are suitable, without a lens in the kit, since they allow you to customize the camera and its photographic qualities without overpaying;
4. The type of the camera itself. Compact 'soap dish' – a solution for beginners only; ultrazoom – for those who like shooting from a long distance who are not ready to spend money on an expensive telephoto lens; mirrorless or DSLR camera – for professionals and 'enthusiasts';
5. Special characteristics. This can be burst speed, optical quality of a kit lens, sensor resolution or type of autofocus – depending on the needs of the buyer.
6. If you plan to use the camera in a private studio (or 'build a studio around the camera'), it is also recommended that you pay attention to the input and output interfaces for connecting peripheral equipment such as microphones, flashlights or remote release.

Types of Nikon cameras

There are the following types of Nikon cameras:

1. Compact, also popularly called 'soap dishes'. The simplest solution for everyday shooting. They are usually equipped with non-removable telescopic lenses, small in size and average technical characteristics. But even this is enough for simple use: of course, you won't be able to get studio-quality photos, but you will be able to take several pictures as a keepsake;
2. Ultrasounds. These are special cameras for photographing objects from a very long distance. Equipped with an integrated lens with a huge zoom: for example, the Nikon Coolpix P900 has 83x optical and 166x with electronic. These cameras use a special zoom mechanism, which provides such a strong 'zoom'. And yes, they can be used to create a dolly zoom effect, although it will take some practice;
3. SLR (DSLR) cameras. One of the most common types of professional photographic equipment. They differ in a rather complex design, but they are equipped with an optical pentaprismatic viewfinder. It is thanks to him that the photographer can observe the scene in real time with truly zero latency. However, during actual shooting, the image in the viewfinder disappears to expose the frame;
4. Mirrorless cameras. Used by both amateurs and professionals. They differ from mirrors in their simplicity of design – the mirrors themselves and the pentaprismatic viewfinder have been removed from it, and the frame is constantly exposed to the sensor. The viewfinder, in turn, in such cameras is electronic, therefore it may have millisecond delays before displaying the image.
5. There is no difference in shooting quality (as still images, etc.) between an SLR and a mirrorless camera. In both cases, after pressing the shutter, the frame is directly and completely exposed on the sensor. But mirrorless cameras, due to their simplified design, are usually cheaper, thinner and lighter than SLRs – but the latter provide truly zero latency when displaying an image on the viewfinder.

Rating of the best Nikon cameras

nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best amateur Nikon DSLRs	1	Nikon D5300 Kit	RUB 33,500
	2	Nikon D7100 Kit	55,000 RUB.
	3	Nikon D3300 Kit	29 900 RUB.
The best Nikon professional DSLRs	1	Nikon D750 Body	87,000 RUB.
	2	Nikon Df Body	RUB 185,000
	3	Nikon D4s Body	256000 RUB.
Nikon's best interchangeable-lens mirrorless camera	1	Nikon 1 J5 Kit	21 900 RUB.
Best Nikon Compact Cameras	1	Nikon Coolpix P3	–
		Nikon Coolpix 5600	–
Nikon's best rugged compact camera	1	Nikon Coolpix W300	23 700 RUB.
Best Nikon Ultrazoom	1	Nikon Coolpix P900	32 900 RUB.
	2	Nikon Coolpix B700	25,000 RUB.

Best amateur Nikon DSLRs

Nikon D5300 Kit

Rating: 4.8

One of the best cameras for people who just want to get high quality pictures without bothering with settings, RAW and other exposure. However, the camera also supports all this. Therefore, those pictures that 'out of the box' turned out to be of insufficient quality from a visual point of view, can always be corrected in a graphics editor.

Other advantages include a rotatable LCD display, a Wi-Fi module for instantly sending images to a connected smartphone or laptop, fast and quiet autofocus, and good quality shooting in the dark.

Among the shortcomings, one can single out the fast discharge of the battery when using the LCD as a viewfinder or when distributing Wi-Fi, the lack of optical stabilization on the sensor, weak GPS and the body without dust and moisture protection.

The camera is sold in two configurations – with 18-55 and 18-105 lenses. The second is recommended for purchase. However, the camera lens is interchangeable, the standard mount is F.

Advantages

• Easy to use, so even novice photographers will get good shots;
• Various delivery sets;
• Lots of useful functions for working on the go – rotating screen, Wi-Fi, GPS;

disadvantages

• Low autonomy;
• Optical stabilization in the lens only.

Nikon D7100 Kit

Rating: 4.7

The main advantage of this camera is the focus mode. Regardless of the shooting conditions and scene, it provides excellent sharpness and depth at the visual center of the frame. Focus quality is maintained in movie mode.

The Nikon D7100 also features a new APS-C sensor without a low-pass filter for natural-looking colors and a wide headroom. The latter is especially important when shooting in RAW with subsequent image correction.

Among the disadvantages is the poor quality of shooting in low light conditions. Image noise appears above ISO 1000.

The camera is sold in two configurations – with 18-105 and 18-140 lenses. It is recommended to choose from your wishes.

Advantages

• Excellent autofocus for its price segment;
• Excellent sensor with HDR support.

disadvantages

• Suitable for shooting only in good lighting conditions.

Nikon D3300 Kit

Rating: 4.6

Probably the best camera for newbies. Despite the small functionality (fixed LCD, no Wi-Fi, buffer for 3-5 shots in RAW), it is easy to set up, high saturation and natural colors in the finished photos, low weight and excellent portability for DSLRs. The quality of the sensor is worth mentioning separately. When using the optimal (non-whale) lens, you can get a 'picture' that is not inferior to flagships.

However, it has a slower autofocus than the D5300; no focus sealing; there is no bracketing and full HDR. In addition, like some other Nikon consumer DSLRs, it starts to 'make noise' at high ISO settings, making it less suitable for shooting in limited lighting conditions without a flash.

Currently, only one configuration is available – the 18-55 lens.

Advantages

• Good sensor;
• Small weight and size.

disadvantages

• Slow and not always accurate autofocus;
• Shoots poorly at high ISOs.

The best Nikon professional DSLRs

Nikon D750 Body

Rating: 4.9

A full-frame camera with a powerful processor that delivers 6 fps continuous shooting at 24MP actual resolution. Equipped with a smooth and fast focusing system, a rotating screen, many preset modes and shooting scenes, a flip-up screen and a sufficiently large buffer. The most important advantage – well suited for photography at high ISO values ​​- noise is observed only after 6400.

Among the shortcomings, we can only single out the presence of a low-pass filter on the sensor (but this is quite subjective), which leads to difficulties when shooting with HDR or in RAW for post-processing; weak Wi-Fi and a minimum shutter speed of 1/4000.

Advantages

• Ease of use;
• Fast processor;
• Large buffer;

disadvantages

• Low-pass filter on the sensor;
• The minimum shutter speed is 1/4000.

Nikon Df Body

Rating: 4.8

Full-frame camera with a powerful processor, large buffer and working ISO up to 25600 inclusive. The proprietary D4 matrix delivers vibrant, rich yet natural colors in all tones. HDR support enables dramatic shots. Convenient management.

Disadvantages – there is no internal illumination of the focusing system, as a result of which autofocus can be 'lost' in low light conditions; no built-in flash; no focus peaking (outline alignment level).

It is important to note that this camera is geared towards use with manual lenses. The auto focus mode has been added to it 'for show'. In particular, the mechanism has migrated from the older D600 model, it is not too fast and, as mentioned above, is 'lost' in the dark.

Advantages

• Excellent sensor;
• Powerful processor;
• Wide range of working ICOs;

disadvantages

• Not suitable for beginners;
• Not the best autofocus performance in the dark.

Nikon D4s Body

Rating: 4.8

A flagship camera with a powerful processor, fast and high-quality autofocus, working ISO up to 25600 and a huge number of settings for any shooting scenario. Very fast shooting speed, even in RAW, excellent color reproduction, rotating screen. However, this is a flagship camera, so all the necessary 'professional' features and qualities are in place.

There is, in fact, only one drawback. The camera uses the proprietary XQD memory card standard. And also drives and card readers for them are quite rare.

Advantages

• Excellent sensor, powerful processor, large buffer;
• Ergonomics.

disadvantages

• Proprietary, rare components on the Russian market.

Nikon's best interchangeable-lens mirrorless camera

Nikon 1 J5 Kit

Rating: 4.7

Compact 1 ”Nikon 1 mount mirrorless camera. Provides good quality photos thanks to the modern sensor with excellent color reproduction. Convenient to use – equipped with a rotary LCD touch screen, has a small weight and size. The design imitating classic cameras is worth mentioning separately.

Among the shortcomings, it is not very suitable for shooting long videos, and the maximum video frequency in 4K resolution is … 15 frames per second.

It is worth considering that the flash is built into the kit lens. Therefore, it will not work to use any applied filters or polarizers. In addition, the camera simply does not have a hot shoe, so an external flash cannot be installed.

Advantages

• Convenient to use;
• Good photographic qualities;
• Attractive design;

disadvantages

• Rare mount;
• No hot shoe;
• Poorly suited for videography;

Best Nikon Compact Cameras

Nikon Coolpix P3

Rating: 4.7

Convenient and easy-to-use compact camera with 8 megapixel sensor, optical stabilization in the lens, 3.5x optical zoom and support for preset shooting modes. The best solution when you need a 'just camera' for uncomplicated everyday shooting.

It is not suitable for video shooting due to the low resolution of the finished files. But compact, lightweight (200 grams assembled) and inexpensive.

Advantages

• Compact and lightweight;
• Preset shooting modes;
• Easy to use;

disadvantages

• Not suitable for video recording.

Nikon Coolpix 5600

Rating: 4.6

The main advantage of this camera is its excellent color reproduction and sharpness for its price segment. When shooting in sunny weather, the shots are very 'warm', atmospheric and pleasant. In addition, it is very easy to operate, has a robust and durable body, and supports macro mode.

Of the shortcomings – it's better not to shoot a video.

Advantages

• Excellent color rendering;
• Easy to use;
• Compact and lightweight;

disadvantages

• Not suitable for video recording.

Nikon's best rugged compact camera

Nikon Coolpix W300

Rating: 4.8

16-megapixel camera that supports 4K video recording at 30 frames per second. Performed in a rugged enclosure surviving falls and shallow drowning. It features an LCD screen, fast and accurate focusing, ease of use, support for smartphone control and many preset modes.

There is only one drawback – the built-in battery has a low capacity. A fully charged one is enough for 300-350 shots without a flash.

We recommend using a slow shutter speed when shooting at night. A tripod mount is available.

Advantages

• Protected case;
• Supports 4K 30 fps shooting.
• High ergonomics;

disadvantages

• Low battery capacity.

Best Nikon Ultrazoom

Nikon Coolpix P900

Rating: 4.8

Record-breaking ultra-zoom: 83x optical zoom, 166x full zoom. Built-in lens with stabilizer. Great for astrophotography. Equipped with a rotatable LCD display. Differs in natural color reproduction, fast autofocus, sufficient sharpness of photos – but only in good lighting.

Disadvantages – small (meaning physical dimensions) 1 / 2.3 ”sensor, weak built-in flash.

Advantages

• Highest optical zoom on the market;
• Fast focusing system.

disadvantages

• Small sensor.

Nikon Coolpix B700

Rating: 4.7

Compact ultrazoom camera with 60x optical zoom, tilting screen, Wi-Fi control and 4K 30 fps (or Full HD 60 fps) video recording. Easy to use: many preset presets and shooting modes, editing tools, the function of wirelessly uploading images and clips to the cloud. But the best part is the time-lapse mode.

In addition, the camera is equipped with a fairly accurate and fast (for its price segment) autofocus, as well as a sensor that provides natural and rich colors.

Among the shortcomings – a poor-quality built-in microphone and a rather noisy zoom drive.

Advantages

• Supports 4K 30 fps;
• Good autofocus
• Time-lapse shooting mode;

disadvantages

• Noisy zoom drive.

Which Nikon camera to buy

1. When choosing a Nikon camera, it's worth considering the intended use. If you just want to shoot 'everyday life', then an amateur or professional camera is not needed at all, just a 'soap dish' will be enough. But if image quality is critical, the Nikon 1 J5 'mirrorless' is worth a look.
2. For novice photographers, amateur-level DSLRs are suitable. Perhaps the best of them all is the Nikon D5300 with lens included. It is equipped with a sufficient number of both preset modes and manual settings – so that you can form your own shooting style.
3. Then, having learned how to photograph and formed your own style, you can purchase a professional-level DSLR. If you are on a budget, the flagship Nikon D4s or Df is recommended. If there is no six-figure amount for the camera, you can purchase the B750.
4. But protected cameras and ultrazoom have a very specific area of ​​use. The first ones are good for taking them with you on vacation; the latter are for shooting distant objects or even astrophotography.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.