Do any Nikon DX DSLRs have a truly quiet shutter mode?
Asked 1/14/2018
4 views
2 answers
0
I’m considering upgrading from a Nikon D5100 and want to stay with DX so I can keep using my DX lenses. My main reasons for upgrading are more resolution, built-in Wi‑Fi, and a quieter shutter. The D7500 is my current front-runner because of its weather sealing, autofocus, and better high-ISO performance.
What I’m specifically trying to find out is whether any Nikon DX DSLR has a genuinely quiet shutter mode, rather than the kind of “quiet” mode on the D5100 that just separates the mirror/shutter sounds into two steps. I’m comparing this with the quieter modes found on some Nikon FX bodies like the D810/D850.
If Nikon DX DSLRs aren’t meaningfully quieter, is mirrorless the only real option for noticeably quieter shooting?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
8y ago
2 Answers
1
I have had experience with Nikon system for a while, used D3100, D7100, currently D600 and D3. From these I would think that D3100 and D7100 sound roughly same way, pretty quiet; D600 and D3 are significantly more loud cameras.
Real question is "how quiet" you want your camera be, and how much you are willing to pay for it, given your investment into DSLR system.
If you need to shoot inside music hall and require different lenses (good quality tele/wide), you will have to get a real mirrorless camera. I have shot in amateur theater during performance and it was OK noise-wise (D600, non-quiet mode).
If you need to snap occasional street portraits, you can get away with cheaper mirrorless with single lens, such as pocket-sized Fuji X100* or anything similar, which is relatively inexpensive. However, I have shot those with much more loud film F90 (sounds like a tank) and was able to survive.
If you need to do some "spy", concealed long-range shooting, then you don't need quiet camera, just long lens. Same goes for sports.
Each camera and camera system solves particular problem, and we need to know your problem more precisely in order to point in the right direction.
Originally by user38691. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user38691
8y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Based on the community replies, Nikon DX DSLRs do not appear to offer a dramatically quieter shutter in the way you’re hoping. Bodies like the D3100 and D7100 were described as roughly similar in sound, while larger FX DSLRs can actually be louder.
So if your goal is only a modest difference, a DX DSLR upgrade may be acceptable. But if you need a clearly quieter camera for situations like performances, ceremonies, or discreet shooting, the practical answer is mirrorless. Without a flipping mirror, mirrorless cameras are generally much quieter, and some can be effectively silent depending on the shutter mode.
In short: don’t expect a Nikon DX DSLR to give you a truly quiet shutter compared with your D5100. If quiet operation is a top priority, mirrorless is the more suitable path.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI8y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Will a Nikon D850 reduce macro magnification compared with a D7500 using the same lens?
How can I make a Nikon DSLR quieter for live performances and lectures?
How can I reduce DSLR shutter noise in quiet settings?
What does Quiet mode do on a DSLR, and are there any downsides?
Why does my Nikon D300 sound different when shooting RAW vs JPEG?