WHICH NIKON?

Every DX-format D-SLR tested… Which will be your next Nikon?

Full-frame cameras have been big news recently, with the advent of bodies like the D610 and retro-chic Df. Indeed, Nikon hasn’t launched a professional-grade body with an APS-C sized sensor since the D300s, nearly five years ago. Meanwhile, FX cameras have been carving their way down into the consumer market. Even so, there’s still a lot to be said for the DX format.

DX bodies are less expensive to buy, yet Nikon still manages to shoehorn a wealth of advanced features into their compact build. Because the image circle required by the sensor is smaller than that of a full-frame camera, wide-angle and standard zoom lenses tend to be physically smaller. On a DX body, a relatively compact 70-300mm telephoto zoom lens gives nearly as much ‘effective’ reach as a much larger and heavier super-telephoto lens, like a 150-500mm optic on a full- frame body. This literally takes a weight off your neck.

From beginner-friendly bodies to powerful cameras, there are some great models to choose from in the current Nikon DX range. We’ve omitted the D3300, which is reviewed in depth on page 86. Let’s take a closer look at what the others have to offer.