Best Nikon DSLR camera for infrared photography?
Preferably within the $500 range, so I can do In IR conversion.
You will probably have to get a film SLR. Film SLRs can use infrared film used with filters to get infrared photos. It will also be way cheaper than looking for a DSLR, which with only 500 bucks, you're kinda outta luck.
If you got any old D-SLR gathering dust, converted is a great way of giving it a new lease of life.
A cheaper, but less effective, alternative is to use a specialist infrared filter, but the effect won't be as strong and exposure times will be exceptionally long. Such as Hoya infrared R72
You might consider getting a second hand D70 and get it converted.
With your budget, you want a D70, D50, or maybe even a D40 or D40X. Depends on how your local camera market works.
I have a D70s converted for both IR and UV… It's a lot of fun!
You might consider Nikon D70 Digital Camera
http://www.amazon.com/...B0001LFRIS
http://rover.ebay.com/...m270.l1313