Nikon: Complete guide to cameras and lenses

This is one comprehensive guide to Nikon’s range of cameras and lenses. In it you will be able to resolve doubts about the brand and better understand its catalog, both cameras and lenses.

If you want to know which camera to buy, if your camera is compatible with a lens, or what all those letters or numbers that appear on the lens mean, which lens is best for your Nikon camera, etc., you are in the right place.

Whether you have doubts or are curious or hungry for knowledge, read on.

What is Nikon?

Let’s go with a little history of the brand. Without boredom, of course. Nikon is a Japanese company founded in 1917 dedicated to optics. During World War II, he specialized in binoculars, periscopes, and other optical instruments for the Japanese Army.

After the end of the war, he returned to civilian production. In 1946 it took the name Nikon, from the union Nippon Kogaku with the word Icon.

Since then, it has greatly contributed to the popularity of digital photography among beginners and semi-professionals, competing for a notable share of photographers of all levels.

History of Nikon DSLR and MILC cameras. Source: Wikipedia

Why Nikon?

If you know me a little, you know that I am not one of extremes, that I do not like fanaticism and that I fervently believe that the important thing in a photograph is not the camera (and much less the brand of it), but the photographer who holds it . Now, if you know me any more, you’ll know that Nikon it is my personal choice.

There are many reasons why I think this house is an option to take into account when choosing a camera. It is a classic, trusted and very powerful brand and, in addition, it has something that, in my opinion, is very important: a catalog of cameras and lenses spectacular.

Not surprisingly, the Nikon brand was founded more than 100 years ago and has proven throughout its history to always be a benchmark in the market for SLR, compact and, lately, also for mirrorless cameras.

What camera do I buy?

This is the question you have asked me the most in all the years of the blog.

Today I am going to detail all the Nikon camera options that you will find on the market, but you can start by taking a look at this free tool that I have designed to help you make the right decision when buying a camera.

Go following the steps and answering the questions and, in the end, I will propose an ideal camera model for you.

If what you prefer is to consult the main characteristics of a Nikon model or any other brand, you only have to type the name in our chambers encyclopedia.

You will find the specifications, the evaluation of Photographer’s Blog, sample photos, user evaluation, main characteristics and even its user manual.

At the end, you can even compare it with other models.

I dare to assure you that you will not leave this complete and extensive guide on Nikon without being clear about what camera, lens or flash you need 🙂 .

But hey, don’t you feel like spending a fortune on a brand new brand new camera?

No problem, provided that before resorting to the second-hand market read this buying guide.

It is a sometimes unknown market, but in which you can get cameras and lenses at much more moderate prices (yes, I insist, if you follow the basic advice that I leave you in the previous guide).

That said, let’s dive into the Nikon world and break down its nomenclatures, classify its cameras in an orderly way, its best lenses, flashes and much more.

Settle down here we go.

What kind of cameras does Nikon have? Classification

Nikon cameras are classified, today, in:

reflex cameras

The SLRs are, perhaps, the most consumed cameras of the brand so far.

Within SLR cameras we have several levels depending on the user they are aimed at: beginner, average amateur, advanced amateur and professional.

Here you can take a look at all the SLR camera models that the Japanese brand has put on sale from 1999 to 2020, according to the photographer profile.

In this mega guide on Nikon, we will go through all of them, but we will focus on the beginner and intermediate level ones. In this range you will already find spectacular cameras.

Nikon Full Frame SLR cameras (FX)

They are cameras aimed at a professional or very advanced photographer. They are characterized by having a full format sensor, they are usually quite bulky and expensive.

We are talking about cameras above €1,700, just the body, so ask yourself if you really need a camera full-framesince the amateur level ones fulfill practically everything that a non-professional photographer can dream of.

Do you want my advice? If you are not a professional (you make a living from it), go to the next section. There is no point in paying for features you are not going to use.

For an amateur range you will find lenses at a lower price and a more extensive range. It is much better to combine your camera body with a good lens.

However, if you want to take a look at the Nikon Full Frame Reflex cameras that are marketed today, they are the following models:

Now, if yes or yes you are looking for a Full Frame, I recommend that you look carefully at the Nikon D780.

Full Frame (FX) versus APS-C (DX)

APS-C SLR cameras differ from Full Frame cameras due to the size of the sensor. In the case of APS-C, what we call the conversion or clipping factor is produced, which at Nikon it is 1.5x.

To give you a more specific idea, you can see a comparison between the different sensor sizes in the following graph.

Image quality is also superior on Full Frame cameras, but for amateur use it is unnoticeable.

Nikon SLR APS-C (DX) cameras

As a beginner, intermediate, and even very advanced hobbyist, this is where I think you can find your ideal camera.

Reflex camera for beginners

It is small, light, intuitive, has 24MP resolution, up to 5fps, Live View, Bluetooth, etc. If you give him a good lens, this camera will give you a lot of satisfaction.

Medium amateur SLR cameras

If you have mastered manual mode, know some photographic techniques and your previous camera has fallen short, this camera is an incredible investment.

With a good objective you will have a truly spectacular team. Aspects such as the 51 focus points (15 cross), high-quality sensor (the same as the D500), spectacular ISO levels, touch and tilt screen, 4K recording, WIFI connectivity and sealed body among many other features, make This camera is a serious candidate for very demanding photographers.

Advanced Hobbyist SLR Cameras

This SLR has nothing less than (attention!), 153 focus points, 99 cross, 10fps, tiltable touch screen, expandable ISO up to 1640000, 4K recording, etc.

All these cameras are preceded by previous models that are worth investigating, since they are usually at a better price and many times the features are almost the same as those of new models, with very small differences.

I recommend you take a look at these:

If you can’t find them new, don’t forget the second-hand market. Especially if you are looking for specific benefits and have a lower budget.

EVIL cameras

Nikon finally decided to take the leap into the world of mirrorless in a serious way.

After a foray with the J series, he has fully immersed himself in the world mirrorless with its new Z series with different levels and profiles of the ideal photographer.

I want to point out that the Nikon Z series has its own catalog of lenses, specifically for mirrorless cameras.

But, in addition, it allows you to adapt F-mount NIKKOR lenses to all your mirrorless cameras. For this you need the mount adapter FTZ.

This allows you to make the leap into the mirrorless world without losing any previous investment you’ve made in lenses (if you’re coming from Nikon, of course).

Nikon EVIL Full Frame Cameras

within the full frame cameras, You will find different profiles according to the photographic level, which is assumed (logically) to be medium, advanced or professional.

Medium amateur full frame cameras

It has features such as double card slot, image stabilizer, WIFI and Bluetooth connectivity, 273 focus points, 24MP, ISO 100-51200, tiltable touch screen, 4K recording, and much more.

A robust, grippy camera geared towards the mid-advanced hobby photographer.

It offers 24MP, 14fps, ISO 100-51,200, it is sealed against dust and splashes, it is robust and with a good grip, it comes with a touch screen that tilts vertically or 4K recording. Stay in the advanced hobbyist rank.

Nikon Full Frame cameras professional user