Automatic focusing has evolved significantly over the years, and Nikon is a pioneer in the industry with its robust autofocus (AF) capabilities. With an extensive catalog of cameras, Nikon continues to provide photographers the ultimate shooting experience. This blog post will discuss Nikon cameras with autofocus motors built directly into the body, allowing seamless focus adjustments and improving overall image quality.

Understanding Autofocus Technology

Before diving into the Nikon cameras equipped with built-in autofocus motors, it is crucial to understand the technology behind automatic focusing. Autofocus (AF) allows the camera to focus on the subject automatically, eliminating the need to manually adjust the lens. The system uses the camera's sensors to determine the point of focus, making it user-friendly and time-efficient, especially when photographing moving subjects.

From Screwdriver Autofocus to Built-In Motors:Nikon's Journey

Nikon has had a long journey in autofocus technology, from screwdriver autofocus systems to cameras with built-in AF motors. The screwdriver autofocus system, known as the AF (Auto Focus) Nikkor system, relied on mechanical coupling between the camera and lens. This method was introduced in the late 1980s when Nikon released the F501/N2002 camera, known as the first autofocus single-lens reflex (SLR) camera.

Later on, Nikon developed the AF-S (Auto Focus Silent Wave) lenses, which incorporate a silent-wave motor into the lens that allowed for faster and quieter autofocus. However, Nikon continued to advance its camera technology and ultimately produced cameras with built-in autofocus motors, ensuring compatibility with a broader range of lenses.

Nikon Cameras with Built-In Autofocus Motors

Here, we will highlight some of the exceptional Nikon cameras equipped with built-in autofocus motors, enabling a comprehensive range of autofocus capabilities and enhanced user experiences.

1. Nikon D500

The Nikon D500 is a crop-frame (APS-C sized sensor) camera that boasts a 20.9MP resolution, enabling high-quality images and incredible sharpness. It has a native ISO range from 100 to 51,200, allowing the camera to perform well even in low-light conditions. The D500 features a 153-point autofocus system with 99 cross-type sensors, ensuring decisive subject tracking and quick focus. This camera is ideal for wildlife and sports photography, where focus speed and accuracy are vital.

2. Nikon D850

Nikon's D850 full-frame DSLR camera is famous for its incredible resolution, with a 45.7MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor. Alongside this, the camera has an innovative ISO range of 64-25,600. The D850 utilizes a highly sophisticated 153-point autofocus module, which features 99 cross-type sensors, offering great subject tracking and swift adjustments. The camera is tailor-made for landscape and wedding photographers, who require high resolution and dependable focus abilities.

3. Nikon D750

The Nikon D750 is a full-frame 24.3MP camera with an ISO range of 100-12,800, offering exceptional image quality and detail. This camera is equipped with the Advanced Multi-CAM 3500 FX autofocus module, which features 51 points and 15 cross-type sensors that allow accurate subject tracking and good performance in challenging lighting conditions.

4. Nikon D5600

As an entry-level DSLR, the Nikon D5600 is both compact and light, featuring a 24.2MP APS-C sensor and an ISO range of 100-25,600. The camera employs the Multi-CAM 4800DX autofocus system, utilizing 39 autofocus points with nine cross-type sensors. The D5600 is designed to deliver a fast and accurate focus across a wide range of scenarios, making it perfect for everyday photography needs.

The Benefits of Built-In Autofocus Motors

By integrating the autofocus motor directly into the camera body, Nikon has made significant strides in expanding compatibility with a more extensive selection of lenses. This arrangement enables silent-wave motor lenses to be supported, improving focus efficiency, speed, and accuracy.

Additionally, built-in autofocus motors offer a more seamless user experience, as the focus adjustments transfer from the camera body to the lens, providing users with a quieter and faster focus experience.

Ultimately, incorporating autofocus motors in the camera body greatly benefits photographers across various niches and experience levels. Whether you're interested in landscape, sports, wildlife, or everyday photography, Nikon's selection of cameras with built-in autofocus motors ensures exceptional results and convenience on your photographic journey.