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Below are our current recommendations for purchasing Nikon cameras. Please note, these recommendations are speculative, and are based on a combination of our opinions, the prior release history of cameras from Nikon, and in some cases rumors we believe to be credible.
See Recommendations for: Canon, Sony
DSLR
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Recommendation
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Buy From
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Nikon D3x:
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Recommendation: Buy
Reason: The Nikon D3x was released in late 2008, and we would expect a minor update in late 2010 at the earliest (D3xs), and a full replacement (D4 Series) in 2011 or 2012.
However, if you are looking for a prosumer camera with the same 24 megapixel sensor, if Nikon follows its normal release pattern of using the same sensor in a lower end camera 6-12 months later, then keep an eye out for a Nikon D700x in late 2009.
Released: Nov 30th, 2008
More Info: Overview, Reviews, Price History
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Nikon D3:
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Recommendation: Buy
Reason: Pro Photojournalists camera: If you need one for work, buy now. The D3 reaches two years old in late 2009, so an update/refresh (D3s or D3h in late 2009/early 2010 wouldn't be a surprise - the larger buffer will probably come as standard, along with other small improvements to the camera. On a typical 4 year product cycle for the pro camera, the full replacement (Nikon D4) probably won't be here until 2011.
Released: Aug 23rd, 2007
More Info: Overview, Reviews, Price History
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Nikon D700:
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Recommendation: Buy
Reason: Announced in the summer of 2008, we expect the Nikon D700 to be current into 2010 at least. We'd either expect a D700s increment in 2010 (same sensor, maybe add video and other minor improvements), or a replacement (Nikon D800) in 2010 or 2011.
We do expect a higher priced Nikon D700x) to be released in late 2009, but we don't see this as a replacement for the D700 any more than the D3x was replacement for the Nikon D3.
Released: Jul 1st, 2008
More Info: Overview, Reviews, Price History
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Nikon D300:
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Recommendation: Wait
Reason: The Nikon D300 turns two years old in 2009, and the widely rumored/leaked Nikon D300s appears to be imminent (most likely to be announced on July 30th or August 4th). The D300s appears to be a standard D300 with Video and SD card slot added, with other minor improvements.
The full replacement, the Nikon D400 is most likely a 2011 release, assuming Nikon keeps to its 18-24 month release schedule for its prosumer line.
Released: Aug 23rd, 2007
More Info: Overview, Reviews, Price History
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Nikon D90:
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Recommendation: Buy
Reason: The Nikon D90 was released in late 2008, so that would typically put a replacement due somewhere in either 2010 or 2011.
The Nikon D90 would be a good candidate for an "s" model in 2010 (D90s), rather than a full replacement.
Released: Aug 27th, 2008
More Info: Overview, Reviews, Price History
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Nikon D5000:
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Recommendation: Buy
Reason: Recently released, we expect this camera to be current into 2011 at least.
Released: Apr 14th, 2009
More Info: Overview, Reviews, Price History
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Nikon D60:
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Recommendation: Wait
Reason: The Nikon D60 is widely believed to be unofficially discontinued, although stock is still available at some retailers.
The Nikon D5000 was recently released above the D60 in the current line up, and the next entry-level Nikon is widely expected to be announced on either July 30th or August 4th, rumored to be a 12 megapixel Nikon D3000 or Nikon D4000. When this happens, we expect the Nikon D60 to be officially retired.
Released: Jan 29th, 2008
More Info: Overview, Reviews, Price History
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Nikon D40:
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Recommendation: Wait
Reason: The Nikon D40 is the oldest camera in Nikons current lineup, and is all but discontinued (although stock is still available at some retailers).
The next entry-level Nikon is widely expected to be announced on either July 30th or August 4th, and is most likely going to be a 12 megapixel Nikon D3000 or Nikon D4000.
Released: Nov 16th, 2006
More Info: Overview, Reviews, Price History
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