Nikon D3x

Nikon’s flagship D-SL R from a few years ago can be a smart second hand buy

Released: 2009 Pr ice new: £2100/$3000 Pr ice used: From £1000/$1950

With its battleship build quality, the D3x includes everything that made the earlier D3 a worldwide success. The oversized body constructed from sturdy magnesium alloy plays host to the same ergonomics for natural vertical and horizontal handling. Technical highlights include EXPEED image processing, 51-point autofocus, a high-res 920k LCD screen and a 24.5Mp sensor. That’s pretty respectable, even by the latest standards.

There’s no capability for shooting video and there’s a downside to the high megapixel count in a relatively old camera, in that the standard sensitivity range tops out at just ISO1600. This can be pushed to ISO6400 in expanded mode, but then image noise becomes a real problem. Where you can stick to fairly low ISO settings, the D3x delivers pleasing image quality in a well-built package with fabulous handling. Just watch out for bodies that have been battered by years of heavy pro use.