Nikon Model #'s (Page 2): I don't think it quite this simple. Seems like the consumer line and beginner line has merged. For example I think the D40/D60 evolved to the 3000's or 5000's...

GSP77 Loc: Danville, CA

MT Shooter wrote:

Single digit Nikons are the Pro models.
Double digit are the consumer models.
Triple digit are the Prosumer models.
Four digit are the beginner models.
* these numbering sequences were broken by the D7000,D7100 which was considered Prosumer and eligible under Nikons NPS guidelines as a "backup" body, same as the three digit bodies.

I don't think it quite this simple. Seems like the consumer line and beginner line has merged. For example I think the D40/D60 evolved to the 3000's or 5000's series. In their heyday , I think the D80/D90 series were referred to as Prosumer and were supplanted by the 7000 series.

oberuwe Loc: Willowbrook,IL

Here is a very nice timeline of all existing Nikon DSLR models:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/dslr.htm

GSP77 Loc: Danville, CA

oberuwe wrote:

Here is a very nice timeline of all existing Nikon DSLR models:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/dslr.htm

This is a great history timeline.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

oberuwe wrote:

Here is a very nice timeline of all existing Nikon DSLR models:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/dslr.htm

Thanks - good reference.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Photoman74 wrote:

Thank You very much.
Is there a way of identifying a introduction time thru Model #'s?

Look at DPReview's time line.

http://www.dpreview.com/products/timeline?year=2013&category=cameras

mapster Loc: Wisconsin

MT Shooter wrote:

Single digit Nikons are the Pro models.
Double digit are the consumer models.
Triple digit are the Prosumer models.
Four digit are the beginner models.
* these numbering sequences were broken by the D7000,D7100 which was considered Prosumer and eligible under Nikons NPS guidelines as a "backup" body, same as the three digit bodies.

May be a dumb question, but what exactly is the difference of prosumer and consumer and pro? What one would you "skip" if you were moving up from beginner? Seems a little overkill, but then I am not that knowledgeable about all that either! :oops: :shock:

Frank W Loc: Adirondacks in NY

mapster wrote:

May be a dumb question, but what exactly is the difference of prosumer and consumer and pro? What one would you "skip" if you were moving up from beginner? Seems a little overkill, but then I am not that knowledgeable about all that either! :oops: :shock:

I was thinking the same question......... what exactly is the difference of prosumer and consumer

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

mapster wrote:

May be a dumb question, but what exactly is the difference of prosumer and consumer and pro? What one would you "skip" if you were moving up from beginner? Seems a little overkill, but then I am not that knowledgeable about all that either! :oops: :shock:

The prosumer bodies have magnesium frames and weather sealing. Consumer bodies are all polycarbonate and no weather sealing. Prosumer bodies also feature controls much more similar to the Pro body layouts. Pro bodies are built like tanks and made for the high usage and durability needed by working pro photojournalists and professional sports photographers who work under more hazardous conditions. Also carrying a "Pro" price tag!

mapster Loc: Wisconsin

MT Shooter wrote:

The prosumer bodies have magnesium frames and weather sealing. Consumer bodies are all polycarbonate and no weather sealing. Prosumer bodies also feature controls much more similar to the Pro body layouts. Pro bodies are built like tanks and made for the high usage and durability needed by working pro photojournalists and professional sports photographers who work under more hazardous conditions. Also carrying a "Pro" price tag!

Thanks MT!
Very helpfu :-)

Frank W Loc: Adirondacks in NY

MT Shooter wrote:

The prosumer bodies have magnesium frames and weather sealing. Consumer bodies are all polycarbonate and no weather sealing. Prosumer bodies also feature controls much more similar to the Pro body layouts. Pro bodies are built like tanks and made for the high usage and durability needed by working pro photojournalists and professional sports photographers who work under more hazardous conditions. Also carrying a "Pro" price tag!

UHH is extremely fortunate to have someone of your experience, real knowledge and attitude. Hats off to you MT Shooter.

Photoman74 Loc: Conroe Tx

To all responding and enhancing my knowledge - I am grateful. :thumbup:

HarryBinNC Loc: Blue Ridge Mtns, No.Carolina, USA

mapster wrote:

May be a dumb question, but what exactly is the difference of prosumer and consumer and pro? What one would you "skip" if you were moving up from beginner? Seems a little overkill, but then I am not that knowledgeable about all that either! :oops: :shock:

Generally speaking, the prosumer and pro cameras share similar build quality (metal chassis, higher quality controls), weather sealing, high end focus systems (more points, faster), longer (shutter) life expectancy. Several things that make me actually prefer "prosumer" over "pro" models is that they are smaller and lighter (don't have built in vertical grips molded in at the bottom), have built in flash, which I find very useful in certain situations, and provide 90% of pro performance at about 1/2 the cost. The primary disadvantages are generally lower max frame rates (not so good for sports) and shutters that theoretically wear out more quickly.

As for the "beginner" and consumer models, they are mostly made of plastic, have no weather sealing, generally have lower performance (focus/metering/flash systems), and are burdened with amateur frills like a bunch of automatic "scene" modes that most serious photographers just consider a waste of resources.

amehta Loc: Boston

MT Shooter wrote:

Single digit Nikons are the Pro models.
Double digit are the consumer models.
Triple digit are the Prosumer models.
Four digit are the beginner models.
* these numbering sequences were broken by the D7000,D7100 which was considered Prosumer and eligible under Nikons NPS guidelines as a "backup" body, same as the three digit bodies.

These guidelines change over time, especially between the 2-digit and 4-digit models. Nikon has shifted from using 2-digits to 4-digits for the same categories of cameras, the beginner and consumer models.

It used to be D40, D60, D80, D90, now it's D3200, D5300, D7100, for all the "consumer" models.

JPL

And now as we are discussing this, Nikon is launching the pro line D4s, which is a minor upgrade of the D4, but may soon help you get a older D4 model at more affordable price.

And Nikon is now also launching the D3300 which is a minor upgrade from the D3200 in the consumer line.

amehta Loc: Boston

JPL wrote:

And now as we are discussing this, Nikon is launching the pro line D4s, which is a minor upgrade of the D4, but may soon help you get a older D4 model at more affordable price.

And Nikon is now also launching the D3300 which is a minor upgrade from the D3200 in the consumer line.

It's all relative, isn't it? :-)