Last Updated on 02/03/2026 by Chris Gampat
When one talks about Nikon and its cameras, multiple models come to mind. Some are great with ISO, colors, or image quality and build, sme others were truly innovative. So, instead of looking at the cameras launched recently, we take a peek into the past to see which models were iconic, and why. Have a look.
Nikon S
Introduced in 1951, the Nikon S (S for Synchro) was the first camera to the exported to the United States, and it also became essential for news reports due to the built-in flash synchronization. The camera used a 24 x 34mm frame, which was slightly smaller than the standard 24 x 36mm, allowing 40 exposures on a standard 36-exposure roll. It had a dual bayonet, a shutter speed of 1/500s, and a 0.6x magnification. The company produced only 36,000 units by 1954, and it was one of the few cameras to document the Korean War. The camera also paved the way for the Nikon SP, which eventually became the basis of the iconic Nikon F.
Nikon F2
The Nikon F2 was one of the last best SLR cameras that was purely mechanical in nature, with the F3 being introduced with electronics and a battery-dependent shutter. The F2 could fire the shutter up until 1/2000 without a battery, and it was a reliable device in challenging environments. A modular device allows one to swap viewfinders, focusing screens, and motor drives in seconds, making it important for professionals who shoot across genres. It also features flash sync up to 1/80s. The original F2 later had a 9-year run, during which the camera often changed names depending on the viewfinder head. For instance, the F2S introduced an LED display for low light sensitivity, and the F2AS came with sensitive silicon sensors and LED arrows. The model was critical for many photojournalists, and even today, it is considered a forever camera. As we praised it in our review, “This is a camera that I truly want to take everywhere because of how it’s designed. It brings joy to the hands and mind when you’re using it.”
Nikon D300
The Nikon D300 (2007) was revolutionary because it offered 51 AF points, which improved tracking and low-light photography. Despite being a 12MP APS-C CMOS camera, it was used to capture iconic images of the early 2000s. The CMOS sensor also allowed for usable images in low light, which the D200 struggled with. The live view is another feature that was a first in Nikon DSLRs, which allowed photographers to compose photos from the LCD. It also featured a 6 fps burst rate, weather sealing, and was the first serious camera to be taken out in storms. In many ways, it was a great option, allowing people who couldn’t afford the D3 a good option.
Nikon D3
Nikon’s first full-frame camera launched in 2007, and the device is hailed for what it achieved. With a 12.1MP sensor, it allowed photographers to shoot up to ISO 25,600. It may seem small today, but back then, it was unheard of. As a result, it became a favorite among many photographers, enabling high-quality shots in the dark. It also featured 3D color tracking, which helped recognise subjects, offered a 9fps burst rate, and was built like a tank. Another version of the camera, the D3s, was also chosen by NASA to photograph space from the International Space Station
Nikon Df
The Df was the first camera to have a fusion between digital and retro. It housed a 16MP sensor found in D4, allowing one to use lenses launched between 1959 and 1977, and it omitted video features. The latter made it perfect for photography purists. In our review, we adored the camera’s image quality, stating, “The ISO capabilities of the Nikon Df are truly amazing. Images are more than usable at ISO 12,800 and still usable at the highest possible ISO setting. This is where the Df shines–it truly is the king of the night.” While autofocus was a challenge, and a few other issues with the shutter, the camera still remains one of the company’s important innovations.
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