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Best Rated Nikon DSLR Cameras (2020) | Comparison and Reviews

January 2, 2020 by  
Filed under Digital SLR



Best Rated Nikon Digital DSLRs – This is a roundup of the Top-Rated Nikon Digital SLRs and a comparison of features. Nikon digital SLRs have dropped dramatically over the last several years, while features and capabilities have increased. The SLRs are grouped under $1000 and over $1000. Nikon’s Expeed 4 Processor is 30% faster than the previous generation. Also new for is the Full HD 60p high framerate (60 frames/second) for the video on the latest models. Below is a comparison of Nikon DSLRs along with the key features and reviews for each model. Nikon DSLRs come with either a Full Frame imager, or a cropped DX imager. The latest Nikon SLRs all now have Full HD video video modes, and select Nikon SLRs have 4K Ultra HD video modes.

Best Rated Nikon Digital DSLR Cameras

Nikon D5500 DSLR Camera Nikon D3300
DSLR Camera
Nikon D5300
DSLR Camera
Nikon D7500
DSLR 4K Camera
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DX Imager
24.2 Megapixels
Full HD Video
ISO 100-12800
39 Autofocus Points
3.2-inch TFT LCD with 1,037,000 dots
Touchscreen
Built-in flash
30 – 1/4000 sec
Burst Mode: 5.0 fps
4.9″ x 3.9″ x 3.0″
EXPEED 4 processor
External Mic Jack
Video Resolution:
1080p @ 24, 30, 60p
– – –
Full Time Autofocus
Built-in WiFi
DX Imager
24.2 Megapixels
Full HD Video
ISO 100-12800
11 Autofocus Points
3.0-inch TFT LCD with 921,000 pixels
– – –
Built-in flash
30 – 1/4000 sec
Burst Mode: 4.0 fps
4.9″ x 3.9″ x 3.0″
EXPEED 4 processor
External Mic Jack
Video Resolution:
1080p @ 24, 30, 60p
– – –
Full Time Autofocus
Optional WiFi
DX Imager
24.2 Megapixels
Full HD Video
ISO 100-12800
39 Autofocus Points
3.2-inch TFT LCD with 1,037,000 dots
– – –
Built-in flash
30 – 1/4000 sec
Burst Mode: 5.0 fps
4.9″ x 3.9″ x 3.0″
EXPEED 4 processor
External Mic Jack
Video Resolution:
1080p @ 24, 30, 60p
– – –
Full Time Autofocus
Built-in WiFi
DX Imager
20.9 Megapixels
4K Ultra HD Video
ISO 100-51,200
51 AF focus points
3.2-inch TFT LCD with 922,000 dots
Touchscreen
Built-in Flash
30 – 1/8000 sec
Burst Mode: 8.0 fps
5.3″ x 4.1″ x 2.9″
EXPEED 5 processor
External Mic Jack
Video Resolution:
1080p @ 24, 30, 60p
4K UHD @ 24, 30p
Full Time Autofocus
Built-in WiFi
Headphone Jack
Latest Model

Best Rated Nikon DSLR Cameras
Comparison & Reviews

Nikon D7100
Digital SLR
Nikon D750
FX-format
DSLR Camera
Nikon D850
FX-format 4K DSLR Camera
Nikon D5
FX-format
4K DSLR Camera
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DX Imager
24.1 Megapixels
Full HD Video
Native ISO 100-6400
EXP ISO 25,600
51 AF focus points
3.2-inch TFT LCD with 1,229,000 dots
Built-in Flash
30 – 1/8000 sec
Burst Mode: 6.0 fps
5.3″ x 4.2″ x 3.0″
Movie Resolution:
1080p @ 24,30p
EXPEED 3 processor
External Mic Jack
Full Frame
24.3 Megapixels
Full HD Video
Native ISO 100-12800
EXP ISO 51,200
51 AF focus points
3.2-inch TFT LCD with 1,229,000 dots
– – –
no built-in flash
30 – 1/4000 sec
Exposure Durability 150,000
Burst Mode: 6.5 fps
5.6″ x 4.5″ x 3.1″
EXSPEED 4 Processor
Video resolution:
1080p @ 24, 30p
– – –
– – –
External Mic Jack
Headphone Jack
Manual Audio Level
Built-in Wifi
Full Frame
45.7 Megapixels
4K Ultra HD Video
Native ISO 64-25600
EXP ISO 102,400
153 AF focus points
3.2-inch TFT LCD with 2,360,000 dots
Touch Screen
no built-in flash
30 – 1/8000 sec
Exposure Durability 200,000
Burst Mode: 7.0 fps
5.7″ x 4.9″ x 3.1″
EXSPEED 5 Processor
Video resolution:
1080p @ 24, 30, 60, 120p.
4K UHD @ 24, 30p
External Mic Jack
Headphone Jack
Manual Audio Level
Built-in WiFi
HDMI uncompressed
8K Time Lapse
Latest Model
Full Frame
20.8 Megapixels
4K Ultra HD Video
Native ISO 100-102400
EXP ISO 50-328000
153 AF focus points
3.2-inch TFT LCD 2,360,000 dots
Touch Screen
no built-in flash
30 – 1/8000 sec
Exposure Durability 400,000
Burst Mode: 12 fps
6.3″ x 6.2″ x 3.6″
EXPEED 5 processor
Video resolution:
1080p @ 24, 30, 60p.
– – –
4K UHD @ 24, 30p
External Mic Jack
Headphone Jack
Manual Audio Level
Built-in WiFi
HDMI uncompressed
1000 Base-T Gigabit
XQD Memory Card
Latest Model


Glossary of Terms
Full Frame Imager = This means that the imaging sensor is the same size as 35mm film. 35mm lenses will operate on these DSLRs with the same focal lengths as they do on 35mm film cameras.
APS-C Imager = This imager is smaller than a Full Frame imager. Lenses used on SLRs with APS-C imagers have a focal length about 1.6x that of full frame imagers. This means that the telephoto end of the lens will be greater. Nikon uses the terminology DX Imager for this size imager. New digital lenses have been developed for these type of SLRs.
DX Imager = This imager is smaller than a Full Frame imager. Lenses used on SLRs with DX imagers have a focal length about 1.6x that of full frame imagers. This means that the telephoto end of the lens will be greater. Nikon uses the terminology DX Imager for this size imager. New digital lenses have been developed for these type of SLRs. The DX imager is approximately the same size as the APS-C imager.
AF Points = More expensive cameras have more AF points than lower end cameras. The more AF points, the better the focusing system. Nikon Cameras range from 11 to 53 AF points.
ISO = This refers to how sensitive the image sensor is to the amount of light present. The higher the ISO, the more sensitive the image sensor and ability to take pictures in low-light situations.

XQD Memory Card = The Nikon D5 utilizes the XQD memory card, which have extremely high read and write speeds, far exceeding SD type cards. They also are more expensive.
Burst Mode = This is how many pictures (or frames) can be taken rapid fire per second at maximum resolution.
HD Movie Mode = These cameras can operate as an HD camcorder as well as an SLR. We also list the resolution (1080p and 720p) with the (frames per second) for the HD movie mode.
External Mic Jack = This indicates that an External microphone jack is available. This is important for the best quality sound from your HD Video recording. You can use a wide array of microphones, including wireless, amplified and corded microphones.
Exposure Durability = How many pictures can you expect to get over the lifetime of the camera.
TFT LCD = This refers to the LCD screen in the back of the camera.


Related Nikon Lenses: Nikon SLR Zoom Lenses Comparison and Reviews

Related Article: Best Digital SLRs Under $600 Comparison and Reviews

Related Article: Best Digital SLRs over $600 and under $1000 Comparison and Reviews

Related Article: Best Full Frame Digital SLRs Comparison and Reviews

Related Article: Best Digital SLRs and Mirrorless Cameras that Shoot 4K Ultra HD Video


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