12 BEST Nikon DSLR Camera in 2024 For All Budgets

Looking for the best Nikon DSLR Camera?

Nikon is one of the best producers in the game offering different models for beginners, amateurs, and professional photographers.

However, with numerous Nikon models on the market, you may be confused as to which one is the best Nikon DSLR camera for you.

While some of the best models are mirrorless cameras, the DSLR ones are the real deal and are those that will bring the best results no matter the situation.

Let’s dive right into the best Nikon cameras money can buy and all the details you have to know!

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If you’re in a rush and don’t have time to read this full guide, these are the three best Nikon DSLR cameras per category – pro, semi-pro, and entry-level photographers.

BEST NIKON DSLR CAMERAS – FAQs

Before going into more details about the best Nikon cameras, let’s cover some FAQs from beginners.

WHAT IS THE BEST NIKON DSLR CAMERA FOR PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY?

I’ve listed the best Nikon DSLRs per level and skill, but let’s focus more on the categories in the following paragraphs.

All things considered, the best Nikon DSLR camera for professional photography is the Nikon D850.

It’s the most versatile full-frame camera with a 45.4 MP image sensor and can take incredible photos whether it be for landscape photography, portraits, and more.

WHAT IS THE BEST NIKON DSLR CAMERA FOR PORTRAITS?

The best models are the Nikon D850 for professionals and the Nikon D3500 for beginners.

These will bring outstanding results when you want to get portrait photos for your catalog, stock photography, or even social media.

WHAT IS THE BEST NIKON CAMERA FOR VIDEO?

Videography has undeniably been increasing in popularity in recent years with more and more users sharing their experiences, adventures, and tutorials on social media.

If you need the best professional Nikon camera to take videos, the best Nikon camera is the Nikon D780.

It can record 4K up to 30 FPS and 1080p up to 120 Frames Per Second, which is one of the best on the market. You can shoot seamless slow-motion and premium quality 4K in any situation.

WHAT IS THE BEST NIKON CAMERA FOR BEGINNERS?

If you’re just starting out as a photographer, the best camera you can get is the Nikon D5600.

It’s reasonably priced, it has a 24.2MP sensor, ISO range that you can boost up to 25,600 for poor lighting conditions, a rotative 3.2 in. monitor, and can even record in Full HD.

While there are cheaper models available such as a mirrorless camera, the D5600 is the perfect fit for beginners and amateurs ensuring that you can use it even after gaining some serious skills.

WHAT NIKON CAMERA DO PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS USE?

Nikon cameras are among the best on the market, and the Nikon D6 is an especially popular choice among professional photographers.

Its impressive autofocus system, rugged build quality, and fast shooting speed make it the perfect tool for capturing stunning images in any setting.

Whether you’re shooting high-speed action or low-light scenes, this camera never fails to deliver exceptional results.

BEST NIKON DSLR CAMERA – TOP 12 MODELS

That was a lot of information to start with, right? But now you have the answers to your most precise questions.

Let’s go into more detail about the best Nikon digital SLR cameras money can buy.

They’re all excellent models for different purposes, and you’ll find all the Nikon DSLR cameras ranked from professional to entry-level below.

NIKON D6 – PROFESSIONAL DSLR

Kicking off this list of best Nikon cameras is the D6 – the best Nikon camera for professional photography.

This is the camera to professionally shoot sports photography at the stadium or even take it with you in the forest to take animal or landscape photographs.

Sure, it’s also Nikon’s most expensive camera and it’s certainly not for beginners. But, if you’re a professional photographer or have been taking photos for years, then this is definitely the one.

With a 20.8MP resolution, you will be surprised by the results. The Nikon D6 has 105 autofocus points, a 14FPS frame rate, a battery life that will last for 3580 photos and a fixed touchscreen display.

Apart from that, if you want to take your video game skills to the next level, the D6 can record 4K up to 30p which is great for YouTube.

There’s simply no better Nikon DSLR camera you can get, so make sure to check out this best Nikon D series camera!

NIKON D5600 – HIGH-END ENTRY-LEVEL DSLR

If the Nikon D6 is not what you need for your next camera, then the D5600 will definitely do, as it’s one of the best Nikon DSLR 2024 you can get.

This high-end entry-level Nikon camera is affordable, has a great autofocus system, and even a rotative touchscreen display.

I would say it’s Nikon best camera under $1000, kit lens included, and that will benefit both beginners and pro-users, particularly if you’re into landscape photography.

Equipped with a 24.2MP sensor featuring 39 autofocus points and a decent battery life allowing you to shoot 970 photos in one charge, it’s one of the Nikon D Series models you should keep in mind.

Sure, it’s already quite a few years old, originally released in November 2016, but the technology behind it will not stop you from getting award-winning photos!

NIKON D850 – HIGH-END SEMI-PROFESSIONAL

Jumping right back into the professional levels, the D850 is the Nikon best camera in terms of value for money and even outranks the legendary D6.

With a resolution of 45.7MP and 153 autofocus points, it’s the best specs you’ll find in a Nikon D series camera.

Apart from that, it has a backside illuminated sensor, which allows you to increase the low-light shooting performance.

Also, I love the fact that it accepts SD cards, unlike the Nikon D6.

It’s also a great ally for YouTube since it can shoot 4K up to 30p and the battery life will last you hours, or 1840 photos.

On the flip side, the price is quite on the upper end, starting at $2,800 for the body only, so it’s definitely a camera for those who know what they’re doing.

Lastly, if you’re into NFT photography, you’ll want to have a premium camera to shoot awesome photos and the Nikon D6 is definitely your best ally.

All things considered, the D850 is the camera you need for portraits and professional photography, and you’ll take some of the nicest photos you’ve ever shot. Did I mention that it’s one of the latest Nikon DSLR camera 2024?

NIKON D500 – BEST NIKON FOR WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY

The Nikon D500 is a top-of-the-line professional DSLR camera perfect for all levels. It’s renowned for its incredible performance, even in low-light shooting conditions.

It’s arguably the best Nikon DX camera for this reason.

The camera boasts a 20.9-megapixel sensor, paired with an EXPEED 5 image processor, allowing you to capture stunningly sharp images with an ISO range of up to 51200.

Additionally, the D500 has 4K Ultra HD video capabilities and fast continuous shooting at 10 frames per second, making it ideal for capturing action shots.

The Nikon D500 also offers a variety of features that make it easy to use and tailor the user experience to their needs.

These include a 3.2-inch LCD screen that can tilt 180 degrees, making it easier to take selfies or odd-angle shots.

It also has dual card slots, built-in Wi-Fi connectivity for easy sharing, and SnapBridge support for quickly syncing photos between devices.

While it was released in 2016 and doesn’t have a full-frame sensor, it’s still one of the best Nikon digital cameras out there.

NIKON D810A – NIKON DSLR FOR ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY

The Nikon D810A camera is a great choice for photographers looking to capture high-quality photos.

It features a 36.3-megapixel full-frame sensor, allowing you to take beautiful shots with incredible detail and sharpness.

Its 51-point autofocus system ensures that you can accurately track your subject, even in low-light conditions.

The EXPEED 4 image processor offers superior noise reduction, allowing you to take clean shots even in darker settings.

Additionally, the D810A’s expanded ISO range makes it perfect for shooting astrophotography with stunning results.

With its wide dynamic range and fast shutter speed, this camera is capable of capturing amazing nighttime shots of stars and galaxies.

Overall, the Nikon D810A is an excellent camera for all types of photography from landscapes to portraits to astrophotography.

NIKON D780 –  PROFESSIONAL DSLR

If you want a similar quality to the D850 but aren’t quite convinced by its price tag, the D780 is the perfect alternative and it’s the best Nikon device for video.

With a 24.5MP sensor, 51 autofocus points, and the option to record 1080p up to 120 FPS, it’s one of the best Nikon cameras you can get.

Did I mention its battery life can record up to 2260 shots on one charge? That is great for taking photos for a blog as you’ll have a whole day’s worth of battery.

Are you an aspiring photographer? Check out my PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDES to become an expert fast!

On top of that, it has two SD card slots and it will become your best friend if you’re shooting portraits or wedding photography.

The dimensions are also better compared to other cameras – 5.6 × 4.5 × 3.0 inches and only 840 grams, or 29.6 oz.

It’s worth noting that the Nikon D780 has the same sensor as the mirrorless Z6 and Z6 II, and I’m sure you’ll take awesome photos, especially when combining the best DX lenses.

In plain words, it’s one of the best Nikon DSLRs and I can’t recommend it enough for portraits, weddings, landscape, and even wildlife photography!

NIKON D3500 – ENTRY LEVEL

What I love about these top Nikon cameras is the fact to bring excellent resolution to every photographer, and the D3500 is the perfect example.

Well-established among all other Nikon DSLRs, it’s one of the cheapest yet most powerful cameras, with a camera body available for a few hundred bucks, making it the best camera under 500 dollars.

With such a big difference in price between the D6 and D850, you’ll be surprised to know that the D3500 is not that far behind in terms of quality when attaching the right Nikon lens.

That being said, the D3500 doesn’t have numerous manual controls and the autofocus system is outdated compared to other Nikon DSLRs.

But again, I recommend this Nikon best DSLR camera to anyone starting in the photography world.

NIKON D750 – PROFESSIONAL DSLR

If you’re looking for one of the best Nikon cameras 2024 to up your game, the Nikon D750 is exactly what you need.

While it’s quite an outdated camera when it comes to technology, it still brings magnificent pictures when connected to the right Nikon lens.

For example, don’t expect to have Image Stabilization or 4K video recording.

That being said, the fact that it is older generation means that it’s cheaper and it’s the cheapest Nikon DSLR camera for professionals.

The battery life will last over 1200 photos, you can mount 2 SD cards, and it has small dimensions to take when traveling or during a wedding.

In plain words, it doesn’t have anything to envy to full-frame mirrorless cameras and I can’t recommend it enough.

NIKON D7500 – NIKON SEMI-PROFESSIONAL CAMERA

The Nikon D7500 is not your typical compact camera and it’s got the perfect mix of all the features in this list.

It is a little pricier than the D750 and D3500 but offers more advanced technology, it can record 4K videos, and its 51-point autofocus system is spot-on.

In addition, it’s the right piece of gear for all wildlife photographers as well as shooting sports photography.

Aside from its exceptional value for money, what I personally like about the Nikon D7500 is its rugged build quality and lightweight, perfect to take on a trip anywhere.

I also want to highlight the manual controls available in the menu.

As a whole, while it’s on the same level as other cameras like the D5600, it’s still very much worth its value.

NIKON D610 – GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY

The Nikon D610 is a great value-for-money camera, featuring a 24.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor, 6 frames per second continuous shooting, and full HD 1080p video recording.

Needless to say, it’s great for both videos and photos, and all enthusiast photographers will have fun using it.

The D610 also has an ISO Range of 100 to 6400 which is expandable to 50 to 25600 so you can go low light shooting at night.

While other DSLRs have a higher ISO range, the quality is fantastic, and you don’t need photographic skills to get started with this digital SLR.

All these features combined make the D610 a great choice for photographers looking for an affordable full-frame camera offering excellent performance and quality results.

In short, this is the best Nikon camera for photography if you seek an affordable yet high-quality model.

NIKON D3300 – EXCELLENT ENTRY-LEVEL DSLR

The Nikon D3300 is an excellent entry-level camera that offers a variety of features and has everything you need.

It comes with a 24.2 Megapixel CMOS image sensor, 11 autofocus points, and a powerful processor capable of shooting up to 5 frames per second.

You’ll be able to smoothly capture moving subjects, which is great.

What I particularly like, especially as a travel photographer, is that the Nikon D3300 is very light and compact, making it easy to carry around.

What’s more, the included Wi-Fi connectivity makes it easy to share your photos on social media, how cool!

NIKON D3100 – OLD BUT GOLD

Ending this list of Nikon cameras ranked is the Nikon D3100 – another popular digital SLR camera, despite having been released in 2010.

It features a 14.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor, Full HD1080p video recording, 11-point autofocus system, and ISO sensitivity up to 3200.

This camera is ideal for entry-level photographers who want to learn how to take great photos with a DSLR camera.

On top of that, you can use DX lenses which are some of the best on the market – It’s the best Nikon camera for photography if you’re a beginner.

One of the biggest selling points of the Nikon D3100 is its incredibly lightweight design which makes it easy to take with you wherever you go.

To conclude, it’s one of the best DSLR cameras and you can even get great prices if you get a second-hand model!

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A NIKON DSLR CAMERA

Finding the right Nikon professional camera for your needs, whether it’s one of the Nikon professional cameras or entry-level ones, can be daunting, especially if you don’t know where to start.

Let’s get a closer look at the three most essential things to consider before buying a Nikon best DSLR camera.

SENSOR SIZE

To start with, you’ll have to check the sensor size. The bigger the camera sensor is, the higher the image quality – of course, it goes without saying that cameras with a big sensor cost much more than entry-level ones.

Sensors are normally divided into 2 categories – Full-Frame and APS-C (referred to as cropped), and Four Third sensors.

As a beginner, a Four Third or an APS-C sensor will certainly be enough as they can still give decent results with the right lens.

But if you’re searching for the best camera for professional photography, you’ll want to get your hands on a Full-Frame one.

Apart from that, it’s worth noting that full-frame cameras are usually heavier and bigger in size than their counterparts with cropped sensors.

Lastly, full-frame cameras normally have a higher resolution, and this takes us to the following point – Megapixels.

RESOLUTION (MEGAPIXELS)

Megapixels and a camera resolution are what most users look at first in a device – the higher it is, the crisper and higher quality your images will be.

For instance, the Canon EOS R5 has 47.1 megapixels, and some others like the Sony A1 have even more than 50 megapixels.

But apart from quality, what does the camera resolution mean? Huge prints, and being able to zoom in without losing any (or very little) quality.

There are a few downsides to buying a high-resolution camera, and you most likely want to stick around 30 megapixels or so.

High-resolution cameras often have reduced ISO capabilities, so the low-light performance won’t be as crisp as expected.

Apart from that, the more megapixels you have, the more data the photo has and, therefore, the quicker your SD card and external hard drive will fill up.

To sum up, if you want to save money as a beginner, a Nikon professional camera with 10 to 20MP is going to give you decent results.

If you’re an advanced photographer, around 20 to 30 megapixels is a perfect balance.

As a professional photographer that needs big prints and high quality, you’ll have to spend more money and go up to 40 to 50 megapixels and sometimes higher.

So, before purchasing the best Nikon camera for portraits or any other genre of photography, remember to consider the megapixels to suit your needs.

LENS SELECTION

You can have the best Nikon professional camera, but without the right lens attached to it, the results aren’t always going to be as good as you want.

For instance, you can buy a Nikon D6 but, if you attach an 18/55mm kit lens to it, I can assure you that you won’t get the photo you had in mind.

To elaborate on that, you’ll also have to think about the differences between premium lenses and zoom ones.

Do you want a versatile lens that’s able to zoom in and out, perfect for landscape photography, or do you prefer slightly higher quality and have to physically move?

It goes without saying that you need a lens attached to your camera, or you can’t take photos, and manufacturers normally offer a kit lens with the camera body.

But I’d stay away from the kit lenses and invest in a more worthy lens to get the most out of your camera.

NIKON VS OTHER BRANDS

When considering the best DSLR Nikon cameras, you’ll want to compare Nikon to other brands on the market.

While Nikon has a lot of strengths, it’s important to see how they stack up against their competitors. Here are some key points to consider:

Ultimately, it’s important to consider your own priorities and needs when choosing between Nikon and other brands.

Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, and it’s up to each to decide which is the best fit for them.

NIKON VS CANON

Both brands offer a range of high-quality cameras that are loved by professionals and beginners. However, there are a few differences between the two that are worth noting:

• Nikon has been slower to establish itself in the mirrorless market, so they offer fewer models. That said, their mirrorless models are excellent.
• Canon can sometimes be hit-or-miss with its camera designs and ergonomics, which some photographers may prefer and others may not.
• Top Nikon cameras tend to have a more intuitive menu system, making it easier for new users to navigate and customize their settings.
• Canon cameras often have better autofocus systems, which can be a big advantage for sports and wildlife photographers.
• Both brands offer a range of lenses that can be used across their different camera models, but Nikon lenses tend to be slightly more expensive.

Of course, both brands offer a range of cameras that can suit any level of expertise, from entry-level to professional, but your final choice will depend on the Nikon camera you need.

Related Article: The Best Nikon Lenses – A Complete Guide

NIKON VS SONY

Lastly, choosing between Nikon and Sony depends on your priorities.

Firstly, Sony has had a head start in the mirrorless camera market, which allowed them to build up a wider selection of native and third-party lenses for their E-mount cameras.

This means that if you choose a Sony camera, you’ll have a broader range of lenses to choose from.

In addition, Sony is known for having better autofocus, with more reliable AF tracking than Nikon cameras. This is great if you’re someone who often shoots moving subjects that require precise tracking to keep them in focus.

Alternatively, Nikon cameras are often praised for their ergonomics. They are known for having comfortable grips and intuitive controls that make them more pleasant to use.

Furthermore, Nikon has been slowly investing in its lenses, and this is paying off.

The Z-mount lenses, specifically the premium S Line of lenses, are some of the best around. They are sharp, and fast, and produce beautiful bokeh, making them ideal for portrait, landscape, and street photography.

Ultimately, both Nikon and Sony cameras have their strengths and weaknesses, so it depends on what you value most in a camera.

SUMMARY – BEST NIKON CAMERAS

I hope this guide answered all the questions you might have about the best Nikon DSLR cameras and Nikon professional cameras, and that you’re finally ready to get one of these cameras to get out there and start shooting!

If you have any further questions, please leave a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

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