Nikon DSLR Camera

Nikon are a big Japanese corporation specializing in optics and imaging. They produce digital SLR cameras, digital compact cameras, lenses and - not for much longer probably - a few film cameras.

They share equally about 80% of the market with their main rival, Canon.

The first ever Nikon DSLR camera was the D1 SLR of 1999! It was one of the first of its kind to combine high quality and a reasonable price, encouraging some pro's to choose it in preference of film cameras.

Since then, Nikon's range of cameras has reflected the enormous growth of consumer digital photography.



Quick summary of Nikon DSLR camera ranges



Ok, it's worth having a clear idea of how Nikon organise their range of cameras.

This will help you to understand where the best place to look for your next purchase is. All Nikon DSLR cameras fit within one of several groups.

First up, in relation to the prospective user, every Nikon SLR digital camera is described as one of these 3 things:

Consumer

Cameras for the average person who just wants to get hold of a DSLR for personal use.

Prosumer

Cameras for people who are a little more interested in photography and want a really nice piece of kit.

Professional

High quality equipment with a price tag that would typically exclude all but those who use it as a professional tool.


All Nikon DSLR cameras are also placed in one of these 3 categories: Entry Level, Midrange and High End.

So, those in the entry level range are, of course, 'consumer' cameras. Whilst the midrange models are all 'prosumer', and the high end cameras are either 'prosumer' or 'professional'.

Nikon also have a large range of excellent digital compact cameras. They're simple, though increasingly well equipped, little cameras for quick and easy photography.

Now let's take a look at some of the most popular models from within the main Nikon DSLR camera categories: