Nikon's Model Numbering System

L

Lawrence

Senior Member
As a total newbie to Nikon and almost total to DSLR I have been learning a lot - not sure I am retaining it all just yet though :)

However one thing that baffles me is Nikon's system of numbering the different models. My old brain tells me that a low number is (should be) less advance/older than a higher model.

In other words a D100 is not as good as a D2222. A D110 would be the next one up from a D100 etc.

Reading al the different reviews and seeing the pricing is hard to fathom.

"Oh just shut up Lawrence and worry about your D5100!"

"Yes OK but it would be nice to know if it is as good/better than the D43"

:nevreness: :confused: :eek: ;) :cool: :soap: :eagerness:
 
D

Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
One thing you will see is that the DX is different than the FX and consumer models are different from the Pro models and you are right, it is difficult. So shut up Lawrence and worry about your D5100! :cool:

And speaking of the D5100, that is what I shoot and I love that camera.


 
L

Lawrence

Senior Member
Don I love my D5100 too and have only had it a few weeks. It is such a learning curve that I really don't have time to look at other things.
But every now and again something pops up D(?) that is expensive and I wonder why as the number is absolutely no indication.

​Oh well back to the grindstone.
 
D

Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
When you start getting NAS you will learn the numbers more than your wallet can stand. Right now keep with your D5100 and the next on the list is software for the computer to do post processing with. Talk about getting confused.....
 
Eduard

Eduard

Super Mod
Staff member
Super Mod
This is the best chart I know of to show the relationships and progression between the Nikon bodies. Hope it helps to clarify.
 
J

JudeIscariot

Senior Member
Yeah, it really doesn't make sense.

Single digits are pro cameras, 100s are mid-level, and 10s and 1000s are consumer. The 10s thing never made sense to me. 1000s makes sense because now it's at least the numbers get smaller from the bottom to the top. Don't know why they just didn't make 10s the mid-level to begin with, though.

And then of course, within those number sets are more numbers. Usually lower numbers are not as good as higher numbers, but in some cases, a lower number is a replacement for an older model and is, in fact, better than another older model of a higher number.

The Wikipedia chart is pretty much the best thing to look at for all of the info you need.
 
Eduard

Eduard

Super Mod
Staff member
Super Mod
Before Nikon went to the 1000s it was simpler. Single digit was pro, 100's were pro-level built bodies for both DX and FX (case, waterproof, frame rate and controls) and 10's were consumer. Basically the 1000's replaced the 10's.
 
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