nikon cameras comparison chart

nikon cameras comparison chart
Difference in Nikon Digital SLR Cameras?

I would like to buy a Nikon Digital SLR Camera. However, I don’t know which one will meet my needs. All I want is a camera that will take the highest quality photo without me having to do anything. In other words, I’m not an avid photographer and I want a camera to do all the work for me – but I don’t want to overpay for features I don’t need.

I currently have an Nikon N60 which I’m happy with. However, sometimes when I take action shots (e.g. someone playing sports) the camera doesn’t always shoot as quickly as I would want. So, I may want a camera that is better and taking action photos.

I’ve looked at the Nikon website that compares cameras located here, but it is too technical for me:

http://www.nikonusa.com/fileuploads/pdfs/DLSR_comparison_chart_V2_060905.pdf

The entry level D40 or D50 should be fine.
The main differences are that the cheaper D40 has 3 AF points vs. 5, and it can only use AF-S lenses (lenses with an internal motor). The D50 can use all AF lenses.
That last bit might be an issue so check your current lenses… classics like the 50mm f/1.8 AF do NOT have an internal motor. Manual focussing is still possible but I wouldn’t recommended it. The D40 and D50 have fairly small viewfinders and lack a split prism focussing screen.
Also note that all Nikon dSLR cameras magnify your lenses 1.5 times. So a 50mm lens will appear to be 75mm, etc. This is great for your telephoto current lenses, but it plays havoc with your wide end lenses and standard zoom. You can get the 18-55mm kit lens to compensate – the effective range is 27-83mm.
With the D70 and up, you’d probably be buying more camera than you need. That is, unless you need a blazingly fast AF system and more frames per second. If the D40/ D50 don’t meet your needs in this department, the D200 with a 70-200mm f/2.8 should do the trick – but that package is 4 times more expensive.