Nikon cameras have held a special place in the hearts of many photographers. Their flagship models, such as the FM2, the D4, and the newly launched Z9, have consistently delivered the results that photographers desire. However, it is not just the full-frame models that have performed well. The company’s APS-C lineup and 1-inch sensor are serious competitors. The following four cameras have proved this by winning major awards.
Nikon D5600
The Nikon D5600 is a beginner-level camera that was announced in 2017. The device was seen among the top winners of the Bird Photographer of the Year 2025. The device has a 24MP APS-C sensor, can record 1080p videos, and has 39 AF points. These may seem low, but they happened to have worked for the winner. There is also a 3.2-inch 1037k LCD, a top LCD for setting the display and ISO up to 25,600. There is also a burst rate of 5fps, 3D tracking, and a battery rated at 970 shots.
Nikon D3200
The Nikon D3200 was launched in 2012 and was the camera used to win the South America Single award at the World Press Photo 2022. The D3200 features a 24MP sensor, 11 AF points, and a 3-inch 921K-dot LCD. The ISO goes up to 12,800, a burst rate of 4fps, and -5 EV exposure. The camera offers a good body, has nice improvements overall, and performs well. The device is also a beginner-friendly camera, which means you can rely on the auto mode if you need it. As we said in our review, “Image files were nice and big. The images had a lot of detail. The color was nice when the image was properly exposed. The bokeh was smooth. The sensor dealt with depth of field nicely. The 24 megapixel really shines, building it bigger really paid off.”
Nikon D500
The Nikon D500 is a pro-grade APS-C camera that helped win the 2024 Bird Photography Award. The device comes with a 20MP sensor, ISO up to 51,200, and can record 4K videos up to 30fps. The device excels at fast, accurate autofocus, has a dedicated thumb joystick for AF points, and has WiFi. The build quality is excellent, and the device is good for multiple genres of photography. As we said in our review, “the Nikon D500 is an incredibly capable camera–and I honestly recommend it for both pros and semi-pros. It offers very good image quality, superb battery life, great ergonomics, high reliability in the autofocus department and a load of other cools things like WiFi.”
Nikon Coolpix P900
The Nikon P900 is designed as a bridge camera, which allows to get extra zoom. It has also been helpful for the winner of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024. The device also has a 16 MP 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor, a 24–2000mm lens, and 5 stops of image stabilisation. There is also a burst rate of 7fps, a 921,000-dot LCD, and a 720p video recording option. The camera is also a predecessor of P1100, which is largely used by bird photographers.
The devices on this list are great, in many ways, and continue to be cost-effective offerings even today. So, definitely have a look at them.