Nikon Nirvana: Which Nikon dSLR?

Lori Grunin, Senior Editor October 2, 2008

Not everyone approaches the dSLR buying decision as a tabula rasa choice. If you've already chosen Nikon--whether it's because you already have some lenses, friends who are brand-enamored, or have simply had good experiences with the company's point-and-shoot models--here's some help selecting the right model. On a general note, if your budget is tight, and unless there's a specific feature or performance level you need from a particular model, it's usually a good idea to save money on the body and spend it on a better lens. (We'll update this story next after completing the D700 review.)

• If you're on a tight budget, you don't have much of a choice, and the D40 is the least expensive of the lot. Oddly, though it shipped after the D40, the higher-resolution D40x has been slipping slowly out of the channel and replaced by the D60, while the D40 lives on.
• If you can afford a little more, opt for the D80. Though it's an older model, it's staying in Nikon's line, and for a price within shouting distance of the D60 you get a significantly better camera.
• If you're a hobbyist, vacation shooter, or family cruise director and can spend a little more, buy the D90. It delivers superior photo quality, performance, and build quality than most of its less expensive siblings, and improves over the D80 with higher resolution, an extra stop of usable ISO sensitivity and a performance boost.
• If you need a pro-level camera but can't afford the D3, the D300 offers a host of advantages over the D90. It's better constructed, with a dust-sealed body, delivers an extra stop (ISO 3200 versus ISO 1600) of latitude, and a provides a more sophisticated 51-point AF system. Its performance generally matches or outpaces the D90's as well.
• If you need the best performing, most rugged body available with the best photo quality, you're going to have to shell out for the D3.

More Resources

Digital SLR buying guide,

Best digital cameras