Once a pioneer in the world of SLR and DSLR cameras, Nikon is now one of the heavy-hitters in the online camera stores mirrorless camera market, offering more and more models to suit different budgets and experience levels, along with a slowly growing lineup of killer lenses. Whether you’re looking for a DSLR or mirrorless camera, full-frame or crop sensor, or a more straightforward point-and-shoot camera, Nikon has something for everyone.
We’ve bought and tested over 100 cameras, and below, you’ll find our picks for the best Nikon cameras for a range of budgets and needs.
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The Nikon Z 6II is one of the best Nikon cameras for photography that we’ve tested. While it sits below higher-end models like the Nikon Z 8 and the Nikon Z 9, this is a highly versatile camera body for both hobbyists and enthusiasts—at a more attainable price point than its higher-end siblings. It’s worth noting, however, that the Nikon Z 6III has now been released and offers some significant improvements. We’ve yet to test it, but it’s likely to knock its predecessor from the top spot once we do.
Still, the Z 6II has a lot to offer, including a 14 fps mechanical burst rate and good autofocus. It’s no slouch in the video department, either, with 4k video recording at up to 60 fps (albeit with a significant crop), dual memory card slots (including a high-speed CFexpress card slot), and in-body image stabilization (IBIS). However, it’s a bit outclassed when it comes to more advanced video features, with no internal 10-bit or Log recording options. That aside, it handles like a dream, with excellent ergonomics and a highly intuitive user interface.
With its retro-inspired design, the Nikon Z f is one of the nicest-looking cameras on the market. But beyond its exterior, which is modeled after vintage Nikon SLRs, it’s a very impressive digital camera with some of Nikon’s latest tech. That includes a new processor and an improved autofocus system, along with Nikon’s most effective IBIS yet. Though its ergonomics are more photography-oriented, with dedicated shutter speed and ISO dials, the Z f is also a surprisingly capable video camera, with 4k 60 fps video capture and internal 10-bit recording, outperforming even the Nikon Z 6II in that respect.
If you like the vintage styling of the Z f but prefer something cheaper or more portable, you can opt for the Nikon Z fc instead. This entry-level model naturally doesn’t have as many of the features found on the newer Z f, using an older AF system and lacking some of the Z f’s more advanced video capabilities. However, it has the same internals as the Nikon Z 50 recommended below, making it a stylish beginner camera for photographers and vloggers.
The Nikon Z 5 is a great choice if you’re looking for a more affordable full-frame camera. It’s one of the best entry-level full-frame cameras on the market—though its relatively low price comes with some trade-offs. Most notably, it has a max burst rate of just 5 fps, and it isn’t intended for advanced video work, with heavily cropped 4k recording and limited internal recording capability. Still, if you’re primarily interested in photography, there’s a lot to love here.
Like the higher-end Nikon Z 6II, the camera’s ergonomics stand out, and despite its entry-level price point, it’s weather-sealed to protect against dust and moisture. The camera’s high-resolution sensor captures excellent image quality, and on top of that, you still get a large high-res EVF and IBIS for more stable handheld shooting. The higher-end Z 6II is your best bet if you’re looking for a camera with better video specs or faster burst shooting. But if you want full-frame image quality on a budget, the Z 5 is a tempting choice that’ll leave more room in your budget to invest in lenses.
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