Photographers shopping for a new camera should consider a few things before picking a brand. If you’re after a mirrorless camera (or SLR) that works with interchangeable lenses, the company you pick determines what kinds of optics and accessories you can use with it.
Nikon is one of the first brands many of us think of when it comes to cameras. It entered the pop culture lexicon because of a decades-long track record of providing quality photo (and video) equipment to creative types.
Today, Nikon competes with a few others in the swappable lens space. Nikon’s main focus is the Z system of mirrorless cameras, which includes both APS-C (DX, according to Nikon’s marketing department) and full-frame (FX) models that work with Nikkor Z lenses natively and support many Nikkor F-mount SLR lenses via an FTZ or FTZ II adapter.
You can still buy an optical viewfinder SLR from Nikon, but only a couple of full-frame models remain in production. For the DX sensor format, you might need to fight others for remaining retail stock or navigate the second-hand market. We’ve included one SLR in our recommendation list, but with Nikon and third parties(Opens in a new window) quickly discontinuing(Opens in a new window) F-mount lenses, it is not as an attractive path as the Z-mount platform.
We also included a fixed-lens model, the bridge-style P950, in our list. You don’t have to worry about lens compatibility with a bridge camera, but if you already have Nikon cameras, you can use the same SnapBridge phone app (available for Android and iOS) and external Speedlight flashes with the P950 as you do with other bodies.
As is the case across the camera industry, Nikon doesn’t make that many pocketable cameras any longer—if you are shopping for a point-and-shoot today, you might have a hard time finding one that beats a quality camera phone.
More About Our Picks
Best DX Nikon for Stills
Bottom Line:
The Nikon Z 50 is a good mirrorless camera with a lot of appeal to photographers already invested in the system, but isn’t quite as capable as its rivals.
Pros
- Light and compact.
- Big, crisp EVF.
- Speedy response.
- 11fps continuous drive.
- Strong 4K video quality.
- Built-in flash.
- Compatible with Nikon SLR lenses via adapter.
Cons
- Few native lenses.
- Subject tracking not as good as competitors.
- Touch features could be more robust.
- Lowest resolution in class.
- Selfie screen design is a little awkward.
Why We Picked It
Nikon abandoned its DX SLR line in favor of Z-mount mirrorless cameras. The 20.9MP Z 50 is the most sensible entry point for photographers looking to get into the Z system without spending for a full-frame body. It supports 11fps bursts, captures 4K30 video, and betters the D5600 (which it ostensibly replaces) with a wide spread of focus points. We also like that the Z 50 has some dust and splash protection, which isn’t common for entry-level models. Just keep in mind that you need to add a weather-protected lens to take full advantage.
Who It’s For
The Z 50 is a little bit better than entry level and should appeal to photographers with some know-how. And, if you’re moving up from a Nikon SLR, you can bring your flashes and lenses (with an FTZ adapter) along with you. We like the Fuji X-T30 II and Canon EOS R10 a bit better at this price for creators who don’t already have camera gear, however.
Why We Picked It
The Z 30 is Nikon’s first made-for-video mirrorless camera. It follows the competing Sony ZV-E10 in form and function, with a DX (APS-C) image sensor, 4K30 video, and a built-in stereo mic that’s much better than you get in most cameras. It’s also as capable as the Z 50 for stills (the two share the same sensor and processor), though most photographers should choose the Z 50 because of its built-in EVF.
Who It’s For
Video creators who make content for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms are the main market for the Z 30. The small camera is ideal for single-user operation, a plus for one-person vlog crews everywhere. The front-facing LCD is convenient for presenting to the camera, while support for changeable lenses gives you creative flexibility.
Best Full-Frame Model for Beginners
Bottom Line:
The Nikon Z 5 offers a lot for photographers moving from a Nikon SLR system to mirrorless, even though it omits some of the latest bells and whistles to meet its price point.
Pros
- 24MP full-frame sensor
- 5-axis IBIS
- Tilting touch LCD
- High-magnification OLED EVF
- Dust and splash protection
- Dual UHS-II card slots
- Works with Nikon F lenses via adapter
Cons
- Cropped 4K recording
- Autofocus a step behind Canon and Sony
- Meager 4.5fps continuous drive
- Z lens library still in development
- Few third-party Z lenses available
Why We Picked It
The Z 5 is the most affordable entry into Nikon’s full-frame Z lineup. It’s an important distinction because most Z lenses are for FX sensors. We like that Nikon doesn’t skimp on features here: The Z 5 has dual memory card slots, weather protection, a big EVF, and a 5-axis stabilized 24MP sensor. There are downsides—its focus tracking tops out at 4.5fps, for example, so it can’t keep up with many action subjects.
Who It’s For
If you are upgrading from a D750 or want to jump right in with full-frame photography, the Z 5 is a suitable, value-centric choice. It delivers very good picture quality and autofocus performance, even though it’s not the fastest camera on the block. It crops 4K30 to a DX view, however, so we encourage video specialists to step up to the Z 6 II instead.
Best Full-Frame for Enthusiasts
Bottom Line:
The mirrorless Nikon Z 6 II offers small yet tangible updates to its predecessor, but it doesn’t match the improvements in autofocus we’ve seen from competing systems.
Pros
- 24MP full-frame image sensor
- 5-axis in-body stabilization
- Phase detection autofocus
- Up to 14fps continuous drive
- Dual memory card slots
- Strong 4K video toolkit
Cons
- Raw video requires paid firmware upgrade
- Limited third-party lens support
- Full-frame 4K limited to 30fps
Why We Picked It
The Z 6 II is Nikon’s second-generation, mid-level full-frame camera. It matches the imaging performance of an FX sensor with the speed you expect from a fast action camera like the beloved Nikon D500 and throws in semi-pro video features for good measure. The Z 6 II uses a 24MP sensor with 5-axis stabilization, can fire off Raw photos at up to 12fps with tracking, and records high-quality 4K60 video internally with support for 4K Raw HDMI output (via a factory upgrade).
Who It’s For
Get the Z 6 II if you like the idea of a Z 5, but want faster burst rates, better low-light image quality, and higher-end video specs. It has the same pixel count as the Z 5 but uses newer BSI sensor tech for improved speed and imaging. Weather protection and dual card slots (one for high-speed CFe media) add appeal for creators who depend on burst capture to get the shot.
Best High-Pixel Full-Frame Entry
Bottom Line:
The full-frame mirrorless Nikon Z 7 II is a bit faster than its predecessor and supports dual memory cards, both important for pros. Its autofocus isn’t quite as futuristic as its rivals, but it undercuts them on price, and its 45MP image sensor is still one of the best around.
Pros
- Superb 45MP full-frame sensor
- 5-axis IBIS
- 4K video at up to 60fps
- Tilting touch LCD
- Magnesium build with dust and splash protection
- Legacy lens support via FTZ adapter
- SnapBridge wireless
Cons
- Not many third-party lenses available
- Omits multi-shot sampling mode
- Raw video support costs extra
Why We Picked It
The Z 7 II mounts the D850‘s 45MP sensor on a 5-axis stabilizer in a mirrorless body, swapping the popular DSLR’s optical viewfinder for an EVF in the process. The second-generation Z 7 II builds on the first with dual card slots (CFe and SDXC), 4K60 video support, and a refined focus system that can find subjects nearly at the edge of the frame.
Who It’s For
Landscape specialists, studio photographers, and portrait artists should appreciate the Z 7 II’s pixel count, dynamic range, and focus system. It’s capable of capturing fast action too, with 10fps continuous drive and subject tracking. Simply, it’s the natural upgrade for D810 and D850 owners who want better autofocus and more speed.
Best Do-It-All Camera for Pros
Bottom Line:
The pro-level Nikon Z 9 is a big, fast-focusing camera that features a full-frame Stacked CMOS sensor, reintroduces the beloved 3D Tracking focus system, and offers class-leading support for ProRes Raw video.
Pros
- Stacked sensor eliminates need for mechanical shutter
- 45MP full-frame imaging leaves room to crop
- Reliable 3D tracking autofocus
- Intelligent subject recognition
- Ample wired and wireless connectivity options
- Big, gripped body for pro SLR fans
- Innovative articulating rear display
- 8K ProRes Raw and 4K ProRes 422 HQ video
Cons
- Large body style not for everyone
- Banding may appear in scenes with digital signage
- Z lens system isn’t fully built out
Why We Picked It
The Z 9 is Nikon’s first (and to date, only) camera with a Stacked CMOS sensor. This 45MP sensor type reads out quickly enough to support a fully electronic shutter, image capture with no interruption in the viewfinder, and exceptional tracking speeds (up to 20fps in Raw format or 120fps JPGs at a still-useful 11MP). Video features (such as 4K ProRes and 8K H.265) and the return of Nikon’s excellent 3D Tracking focus system round out its extensive feature set.
Who It’s For
Starting at $5,500 without a lens, the Z 9 is a camera for creators who make a living from the craft and enthusiasts with plenty of discretionary cash. Its oversized, gripped body is a good match for people with meaty paws and balances well with big telephoto lenses. If you’ve been waiting for a mirrorless camera that feels like a Nikon D6 or Canon 1D X SLR in your hands, this is it.
Best SLR for OVF Fans
Bottom Line:
The Nikon D780 is as good an SLR as you’ll find, but it doesn’t offer some of the advantages you get with mirrorless cameras.
Pros
- Excellent 24MP full-frame sensor.
- 7fps bursts with tracking.
- 12fps electronic shutter.
- Tilting touch LCD.
- Phase detect focus for video.
- 4K with flat profile.
- In-camera charging.
Cons
- More expensive than mirrorless alternative.
- Viewfinder autofocus has limited scope of coverage.
- Image sensor isn’t stabilized.
Why We Picked It
Most of the Nikons we recommend today are mirrorless Z-mount models, but not everyone is happy with an electronic viewfinder. If you strictly prefer an optical view, the Nikon D780 is a very good SLR. The body features dust and splash protection, includes a tilting rear display for tripod and 4K video work, and supports 3D Tracking focus through the viewfinder for 7fps capture.
Who It’s For
Given the performance advantage of mirrorless alternatives like the Z 6 II, the D780 is best for photographers who don’t like EVFs and want to use their F-mount Nikkor lenses without an adapter. We don’t recommend it for people who want to use the latest and greatest lenses though because both Nikon and third-party manufacturers are winding down support for F-mount optics. That said, there are still plenty of F-mount bargains out there, especially if you’re open to second-hand lenses or want to chase the vintage look with older screw-drive autofocus glass.
Best Bridge Camera
Bottom Line:
The Nikon Coolpix P950 is an appealing camera for wildlife specialists, but most won’t need its exceptional zoom power.
Pros
- 83x zoom lens
- Strong image stabilization
- Manual controls
- Raw imaging and 4K video
- EVF and vari-angle LCD
- Mic input and accessory shoe
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Cons
- Autofocus struggles with small and fast-moving subjects
- LCD doesn’t support touch
- Larger and heavier than competitors
Why We Picked It
Bridge cameras like the Nikon Coolpix P950 pair smartphone-sized image sensors with fixed SLR-sized lenses. Nikon currently sells two models: the P950 and P1000. We recommend the P950 more highly—its 83x zoom range (the full-frame equivalent of 24-2,000mm) captures wide views and goes in tight for wildlife close-ups. It’s pretty reasonable to carry, though certainly bigger than 65x models like the Canon SX70 HS.
Who It’s For
Buy the Coolpix P950 if you want to zoom in for close-up shots from far away. It’s a hefty camera (2.2 pounds) but not as unwieldy as the 125x Nikon P1000 (3.1 pounds). We see the P1000 as a camera for edge-case users and the P950 as a more approachable model for enthusiasts and hobbyists; extreme telephoto lenses require some skill to achieve optimal results.
Not Set on Nikon?
Canon R7
(Credit: Jim Fisher)
If you’re not sure about buying a Nikon camera, don’t fret. We’ve put together similar buying guides for the Canon and Sony systems, and have also selected our favorite mirrorless, full-frame, and compact cameras.
If you’re looking for a new lens for your Nikon, we broke up our picks into separate stories for Z-mount mirrorless and F-mount SLRs. We also maintain guides for Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds, and L-Mount mirrorless lenses.
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