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A Nikon DSLR camera with a large black lens attachment Credit: Nikon

The Best Nikon DSLRs Under $1,500 of 2023

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A Nikon DSLR camera with a large black lens attachment Credit: Nikon

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Editor's Choice Product image of Nikon D7200
Best Overall

Nikon D7200

With weather sealing, a built-in autofocus motor, and some nifty video and timelapse features, the D7200 is a great choice for outdoor photography. Read More

Pros

  • Weatherproof
  • Autofocus motor
  • Solid video features

Cons

  • Lacks a full-frame sensor
Editor's Choice Product image of Nikon D7500

Nikon D7500

The D7500 is a mid-range APS-C DSLR that shoots fast and produces excellent images. Read More

Pros

  • Outstanding image quality
  • Comfortable ergonomics
  • Fast 8 fps burst

Cons

  • Inconsistent AF performance for video
Editor's Choice Product image of Nikon D3300

Nikon D3300

If you've been waiting for an entry-level DSLR that checks all the boxes, it's tough to argue with what this camera has to offer. Read More

Pros

  • Lightweight chassis
  • No anti-aliasing filter
  • Great value

Cons

  • None that we could find
Editor's Choice Product image of Nikon D5200

Nikon D5200

Nikon's midrange D5200 DSLR produced excellent results in our labs, including accurate colors and extremely wide dynamic range. Read More

Pros

  • Accurate colors
  • Wide dynamic range
  • Fast autofocus

Cons

  • None that we could find

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a total amateur, picking the right camera is no easy task; if you're shooting on a budget, the choice becomes even harder. As one of the most storied names in photography, Nikon has a laundry list of models at all price points, including many DSLRs well under $1,500.

Want a great starter model? You can probably pick one up for not much more than $500. Looking for a little more photographic horsepower? You'll probably be spending over $1,000, but the results will be spectacular.

Editor's Note:
The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.
Product image of Nikon D7200
Best Overall
Best Overall
Nikon D7200

With weather sealing, a built-in autofocus motor, and some nifty video and timelapse features, the D7200 is built with sports, wildlife, and even amateur prosumer photographers in mind. It may sit in a weird middle spot in Nikon's lineup, since it's around the same price as the full-frame D610, but for sports and wildlife photographers who don't need full-frame and want weather-sealing, the D7200 is a great choice.

Pros

  • Weatherproof

  • Autofocus motor

  • Solid video features

Cons

  • Lacks a full-frame sensor

Product image of Nikon D7500
Nikon D7500

The D7500 sits smack in the middle of Nikon's lineup, but it's one of the best cameras the company has ever made. It crushed all of our lab tests, it works with nearly every Nikon lens from the last 40 years, and yet it has modern extras like 4K video and Nikon's superb Snapbridge wireless image transfer. Though pros will still want to jump up to a full-frame DSLR, for hobbyists the D7500 is just about perfect.

Pros

  • Outstanding image quality

  • Comfortable ergonomics

  • Fast 8 fps burst

Cons

  • Inconsistent AF performance for video

Product image of Nikon D3300
Nikon D3300

Nikon's most affordable DSLR holds its own in a sea of high-performance shooters, picking up where the well-received D3200 left off. With the D3300, you’re getting a lighter chassis, a 24.2-megapixel sensor with no anti-aliasing filter, and the new EXPEED 4 processor. If you've been waiting for an entry-level DSLR that checks all the boxes, it's tough to argue with what this camera has to offer.

Pros

  • Lightweight chassis

  • No anti-aliasing filter

  • Great value

Cons

  • None that we could find

Product image of Nikon D5200
Nikon D5200

Nikon's midrange D5200 DSLR produced excellent results in our labs, including accurate colors and extremely wide dynamic range. Major changes over the D5100 include higher resolution and faster autofocus, and compatibility with the WU-1a WiFi adapter, allowing users to transfer photos directly to iOS or Android devices, which can also function as a remote viewfinder. Top-notch video and a swivel screen are icing on the cake.

Pros

  • Accurate colors

  • Wide dynamic range

  • Fast autofocus

Cons

  • None that we could find

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