ButchS Loc: Spokane, WA

I have been using Nikon SLR‘s since before digital was even an option. To this day I still use Nikon DSLR’s. Nikon’s user interface has stayed pretty consistent from model to model. I think you can confidently choose any new Nikon to replace your missing camera. The only caveat I would add is, if any of your auto focus lenses are the type that require a focusing motor in the camera body, there are a some, mostly low end, Nikon models you should avoid because these models do not have a focusing motor.

The D610 is still available at B&H for $896. I don’t know how much you want to spend, but many people like the D7000 series. A D7500 is $896 at B&H. If you are open to a camera over the $1000 mark, a D750 is available for $1496, or the new D780 at $2296. If I wasn’t bound by a dollar amount, I’d go for the D850 at $3-grand.

(The following digital SLR cameras do not have an autofocus motor built-in the camera body: D5600, D5500, D5300, D5200, D5100, D5000, D3500, D3400, D3300, D3200, D3100, D3000, D60, D40X, and D40.Jun 6, 2017)

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

None of us has any qualms with whatever you would buy either used or new. But you are in a unique situation. You can buy what you are familiar with again or buy into the newest technology. Most of us would have to sell our system camera to even get to your position. That can be hard to do rather than just add on to the system. You have no restrictions. That is why a good portion of us think you should give a good examination to what is new before you decide to go back to what is familiar to you. Mirrorless is usually lighter, usually smaller, and usually less costly than the DSLRs. In fact, they do not even make 4/3rds DSLRs anymore. One item to look at is the mirrorless EVF (Electronic ViewFinder). This viewfinder will produce What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG). You will see the image the camera will produce. Since there is no mirror, most will shoot between 15fps up to 60fps depending on the camera and the settings. And the image quality has improved for all formats. My 4/3rds setup of body, 7-14 f2.8 (14-28 in 35mm angle of view), 14-54 f2.8/3.5 (28-108 in 35mm angle of view), filters and all accessories, including the bag, travels at less than 7 pounds. If I replace the two lenses with just the one 12-100 f4 Pro lens, everything travels at less that 5 pounds. You owe it to yourself to see what the new technology is about these days and how it can add to your photography.

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

If you have experience with a Nikon dslr, the feature set of all Nikon dslr models are basically the same.

ButchS Loc: Spokane, WA

I suggested a Nikon replacement because I did not know for sure what exactly you lost. I assumed that you still had other Nikon accessories in your kit.

If you are open to starting from scratch again, then I can also wholeheartedly recommend a mirrorless option. I would recommend a Fujifilm X-T3 if you are looking to go higher end. Or, the Fujifilm X-T30 if you want to go less expensive. As far as sensors and processors, both of these cameras are actually the same camera. The X-T30 just has fewer bells and whistle‘s and is physically smaller.

Fujifilm has the most extensive lens catalog of any of the mirrorless APS-C cameras. And Fujifilm lenses are extremely good. They are extremely well-built and are some of the sharpest lenses you will find. Fujifilm’s lenses for advanced users, are the XF series. I would recommend sticking with these lenses because they are damn good. However, if you are budget conscious they have a consumer line of lenses called XC. The XF lenses are made in Japan and the lens barrels are all machined aluminum. The XC lenses are made in Taiwan and have plastic lens barrels. But Fuji demands fairly high quality control from the Taiwan factory and though the mechanical parts are plastic most of the XC lenses operate very smoothly with little or no obvious play.The glass on the inside is still all Fuji designed and all glass, not plastic.

The X-T3 runs around $1600. The X-T30 is about $850. Probably the best starter lens for both of them is the Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LN OIS (R means it has an actual aperture ring. LM = linear motor, OIS = optical image stabilization.)

Besides my extensive Nikon kit. I also have a Fujifilm X-T3, an X-Pro3 and an X100F. I love the X-Pro3 but don’t generally recommend it to other photographers because it is a very quirky camera, designed for a very specific audience. I also have nine XF lenses and one XC lens.

My best friend has a Panasonic LUMIX GX8 micro 4/3 camera that he really loves. I can’t say anything about it ‘cause I have never actually touched it.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

And ebay for used and refurbished cameras. Only buy from a highly rated seller with a good return policy.

papaluv4gd Loc: durham,ct

Olympus e-m1 mii

lmTrying Loc: WV Northern Panhandle

As wdross said, you are in a unique situation. With no equipment ties you can go any direction. But here are a couple of things to consider.

Things seem to be headed to mirrorless. Your cellphone, most if not all point n shoots, and probably a lot of bridge cameras are mirrorless. There are no focus corrections needed between camera and lens. The industry is headed towards mirrorless. It's NOT new technology, and I don't understand people's resistance to give up their SLRs or DSLRs.

Newer equipment has newer technology. Shutter speeds are faster. ISO is higher and much improved. Shooting in the dark and low light is much easier. Frames per Second have increased. Touch screens beat the devil out of fumbling through menus. Articulated touch screens make it easier to shoot over, under, and around people and obstacles. The in screen leveling system is the greatest. In screen histogram is amazing. This is just a few things.

Notice, I have not suggested a Brand. They are all improving. The 12 inches behind the view finder is more important. My suggestion is to get in your car and drive (2 or 3 hours if you have to) to a real camera store so you can look at and hold and play with several different brands and styles. Most importantly, whatever you buy should be comfortable in your hands, easy and convenient to operate. If the camera does not meet the last three criteria, you've just waisted your money.

Paul Eveleth

Well after much thought, and insightful member responses I pulled the trigger on buying the Nikon Z6 mirrorless camera today. Thanks to all for your input.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

Congratulations on your new camera. Come back with pictures and any question that UHH Z6 owners may be able to answer.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Beauty has so many forms, and the most beautiful thing is the confidence to go mirrorless.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Great! Now you can start building a Z-system with Z-lenses. They get great reviews. FYI what lens(s) did you get?

Enjoy your new camera system and most of all have fun!

Paul Eveleth

I started with the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens. I spend the majority of my time with landscape pictures.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

Nothing like starting with a classic focal length! That will cover the basics and allow you some time to figure what your next lens will be.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Matt Granger compared the Z 50mm f1.8 to 3 other 50mm Nikkor lenses. Two classic and one modern 50mm. Without telling which lens was used for what shots, Matt asked the viewers to post their favorite. Well over 90% of the replies picked the Z. It was almost unanimous. It was visibly sharper and interestingly the color of both modern lenses was much better as well.