Moving nodes from dev to production (a simple use case)
From my experience, I use Node Export to export some nodes and import in other Drupal site (same versions). To export/import a node, the respective Content type must have been created with his respective fields.

Also, this page Comparison of Content and User Import and Export Modules have information about some import/export modules alternatives (also I suggest see comments). Could be suitable for your needs.

I hope information be useful.