What's the BEST SOOC nikon dslr?

They don't make them anymore but the Fuji S3 and S5 models have the best SOOC JPEGs I've ever seen ( and it's my Fuji S3 is the only DSLR I'll shoot JPEGs with without worrying ).

They're a low 6 Mp count and the sensor is certainly not up to modern high ISO standards, they're as slow as molasses, but the dynamic range is superb and the JPEGs are gorgeous.  The S3 has an old body style, vaguely like an F90, and the S5 has a D200 body.  The S3 has a weaker AA filter ( slightly sharper images ), but the S5 in-camera processing is better and it's a bit faster.  The S3 takes CF cards and Fuji xD cards.  The S5 takes CF.  The sensor on both is essentially identical.

You can get them used in some pro shops.  If you're in the UK I know Ffordes.com have some.

I would, however, suggest a D7000 regardless of what your father thinks.  The bad posts you see ( and he's undoubtedly seen ) about them are wildly exaggerating issues that some people had.  A D90 would be the model before that that will AF with D lenses.  Short of that it's a D300 or above.

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StephenG