Here's a conundrum - what Nikon digital body do you buy for
$500? There's quite a range now from
older pro models to brand new consumer models, and mid range models in
between. Depending on your needs, any
one of these could be suitable. So let's
take a look.
Pro - Nikon D2X
This was a $6000 camera when it came out in 2004, and was
state of the art. For its time, the
colour rendition was excellent. It also
has a full metal weather proof / dust proof pro body with huge batteries that
last 1,000s of shots and a shutter rated for more than 200,000 cycles. It meters with manual focus lenses and auto
focus with AF-D type lenses. However image
quality at high ISO is nowhere near as good as modern sensors, and while its
large size lets you look like a pro, the camera's weight does get to be an
annoyance.
My user experience:
My D2X was a high mileage example and it had a few problems, including a
sticky trigger, circuit board malfunction and peeling grips. At ISO 800 and above the noise levels were
not acceptable, and no in built flash was a draw back for me. The 2.5" screen is also not as nice as
the later 3" screen.
Summary: Nikon pro durability with older levels of high ISO
performance.
 |
| Nikon D2X with Tamron 90mm macro |
Semi-pro - Nikon D300
The Nikon D300 is a good camera. Full featured, the 12MP sensor was a big
upgrade on the D2X, especially above ISO 800. It also metered with manual focus
lenses and had the AF screw drive for AF-D lenses. The later D300s has video and is about $200
more on the used market.
Summary: Great balance of pro features and image quality
 |
| Nikon D2X with Nikon 135mm f2 Ai-s |
Mid level Consumer #1 - Nikon D90
The D90 is more consumer focused than D300, though it has
the same sensor. It deletes the metal
body and features like manual focus lens metering, PC sync plugs and a few
other bits; though it does have 720p video.
It is also lighter and smaller.
You can get a D90 for $100 - $150 less than a D300, so you could pick up
a battery pack or a cheaper lens within the $500 budget.
My user experience: The
D90 has been a good camera for me. It is
nice and light for travelling and the high ISO performance is good. The flexibility to use AF-D lenses is also a
very welcome feature.
Summary: A consumer D300
 |
| Lunenburg NS - Nikon D90 with Sigma 10-20mm |
Mid level Consumer #2 - Nikon D5100
The D5100 is pure consumer camera, but it does have some
very good features. Chief amongst these
is the excellent 16MP sensor, which is excellent at ISO 3,200 and still very
good at ISO 6,400. It also features
1080p video and a cool swivelling screen.
However the body, while light, feels cheap and nasty, and you would definitely
not want to drop one. There is no screw
drive, so AF-D lenses want auto focus, and neither will it meter with manual
focus lenses.
My user experience: I haven't owned one, but my brother in law
does, so I have had some time with one.
The camera had excellent image quality, but I felt more at home when he
handed back my D90.
Summary: Fabulous image quality, but you'll get sick of it
quickly
Wildcard - Kodak DCS Pro SLR/n Full Frame
Based on a Nikon F80, but fitted with a Kodak Full Frame
sensor, this camera series was launched a full 4 years earlier than the Nikon
D3. However, whereas the D3 is an
excellent camera, the DCS Pro has behind even the Nikon DX D-SLRs of the time
in terms of speed, ISO performance, flexibility and image quality. In fact it drove many users crazy. However, if you did manage to get it right,
the sensor had that classic look you can only get with full frame.
Summary: Will likely drive you crazy
 |
| Halifax NS - Nikon D90 with Nikon 18-200mm |
Conclusion: Like everything it depends on your needs and usage requirements, but for me the D300 is the one I would buy.
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