Tell the quality of a Nikon?
How can you tell the quality of a Nikon, like if it is a "beginner" model, or a more "professional" in a DSLR besides the Megapixel count? Like with a Canon, you can tell because they call them Rebel's, and and better quality ones are labeled with a "D"
The numbers change, the camera's get better, back a few years ago, the d-50 was a very nice, all purpose, all lens, camera, still is, can be bought real cheap right now. The d-40 came out with a bigger view screen, black and white, and a few other goodies, it was and is an entry level camera, only certain lens' fit. The other newer cameras, d-600, etc, are all professional models, real fancy, but, you can't tell the difference. I know a gal that has a sureshot, that thing takes great pictures. A lot better than my Nikons. My daughter bought a new Canon rebel eos, very nice, but I'm so used to the Nikon, I didn't like it.
APS-C sensored cameras
The Nikon Dxx00 cameras up to fht 5000 series are entry level.
The 7000 is a semi-pro camera
The D300 is the pro camera
Full frame sensored cameras
The D600 is the entry level camera
The D800 is the semi-pro camera
The D4 is the pro camera
Semi-Pro and Pro cameras are the more robust and have seals to prevent dust and moisture from getting into the camera.
The professional cameras have more substantial shutters and have been tortured tested to over 300, 000 shutter cycles and have been know to last for over 1, 000, 000 cycles without a failure
Generally, the relative price will tell you what Nikon (or any other company) considers their products. I'm not a Nikon guy. Features like burst rate, ISO capability, and sensor size differentiate models. Also, size is a good indicator, the D4 is much larger than the D3200. Megapixel count is NOT a good indicator of how professional a camera is. The D4 has 16.2 megapixels and the D3200 has 24.2 megapixels.
I think the current order of Nikon cameras in descending order of 'professional-ism' is:
D4
D800
D300s
D7000
D90
D5100
D3200
All Nikon dSLR's are great. All their point-and-shoots aren't.
Entry level, aimed at users who'll mostly be on auto modes. No built-in autofocus motor in the body, requiring AF-S lenses. All are DX (crop sensor) models.
D40
D40s
D60
D3000
D3100
D3200
D5000
D5100
Mid-range, having a built-in autofocus motor, allowing complete compatibility with all Nikon AF lenses, even the ones built for 35mm slr's.
D50
D70
D70s
D80
D90
D7000
Prosumer, magnesium chassis, more weather sealing, longer life expectancy from the shutter, and extra features allowing them to use older non-autofocus lenses. These models are often used as the primary or back-up cameras for professionals. These are also DX cameras and have optional dedicated battery pack grips that allow for full control when used in portrait mode.
D100
D200
D300
D300s
D700*
D800*
D800E*
Professional, all the attributes of the previous level, plus even better weather sealing, longer shutter life, faster burst rates/or higher resolution. The battery grip/alternate release are built-in. NASA regularly uses these cameras under the most extreme conditions.
D1
D1X
D1H
D2
D2H
D2X
D2XS
D3
D3X
D3S
D4
* Note: These models, though based on the prosumer bodies of the D300 and D300s, are often considered Professional because their FX, full frame sensor is unmatched for portraits, weddings, and other high resolution challenges.