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You should think carefully before picking a mirrorless camera system because any lenses and accessories you add typically won't carry over to a different platform. In other words, if you buy a Nikon as your first camera, there's good reason to stick with the brand going forward. We've been reviewing interchangeable lens cameras for over two decades, and we count Nikon among the better camera makers of today. After all, the company's Z mirrorless system includes standout performers like the Z 8 for professionals and the Z50II for beginners. Other Nikon Z models are more suitable for different pursuits, everything from vlogging to landscape work. Meanwhile, the growing Z lens lineup has telephoto options with specific appeal for sports and wildlife fans, along with workhorse glass for weddings, events, and portraiture. Read on for our top Nikon camera picks and an overview of the system.
Our Top Tested Picks
Nikon Z6III
Nikon Z 8
Nikon Z 9
Nikon Z 5
Nikon D780
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- Panasonic Lumix S9 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera With Lens — $1,497.99 (List Price $1,799.99)
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*Deals are selected by our commerce team
Best Full-Frame for Enthusiasts
Nikon Z6III
- Stabilized full-frame sensor
- 3D Tracking focus at 20fps Raw
- Magnesium chassis with weather protection
- Large, extra bright viewfinder
- Up to 6K60 Raw and ProRes video
- Mediocre battery life
- Less dynamic range than peers
The Z6III is Nikon's third-generation, midrange 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 pro-level video features for good measure. The Z6III uses a 24MP sensor with 5-axis stabilization, can fire off Raw photos at up to 20fps with 3D tracking, and records both Raw and ProRes video internally. Put plainly, it does plenty.
Get the Z6III if you like the idea of a Z 5 but want faster burst rates, better low-light image quality, and higher-end video specs. The camera may have the same pixel count as the Z 5, but it uses newer Partially Stacked 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 Full-Frame for Pros
Nikon Z 8
- Sturdy, weather-sealed build
- Large, crisp EVF with interruption-free capture
- Dual-axis touch LCD
- 20fps Raw and 120fps JPG bursts
- Backlit buttons
- Internal N-Raw and ProRes video capture
- Up to 8K60 or 4K120 video
- Heavier than competitors
- Average battery life
The Z 8 has the same pixel count as the Z 7 II but sports a Stacked CMOS sensor that provides faster performance (20fps Raw or 30fps JPG stills), 8K60 video with 12-bit Raw quality, and 3D tracking focus with subject recognition. It's essentially a more affordable, sized-down version of the Z 9. It doesn't make many compromises in fit and finish either, with backlit control buttons, a huge EVF, and a dual-axis display.
Creators who love the Z 9's feature set but prefer a smaller, single-grip camera body should put the Z 8 at the top of the list. For stills, the 45MP sensor is ideal for landscapes and architecture, the fast focus system and blackout-free burst capture are a treat for sports and wildlife work, and the full-frame sensor and eye detection focus should please portrait photogs. It's just as good for video; the toolkit includes Raw, ProRes, and H.265 recording, along with a stabilized sensor for handheld recording.
Best DX Nikon for Photos
Nikon Z50II
- 3D Tracking supports up to 30fps focus drive
- Sizable buffer for burst photography
- Full-width 4K30 and cropped 4K60 with 10-bit color
- Easily accessible color profiles and filters
- Light and compact build with weather protection
- Flip-out LCD with touch support and eye-level viewfinder
- Built-in flash
- Mediocre battery life
- Pre-capture mode restricted to JPGs
- Omits focus joystick
Nikon abandoned its DX SLR line in favor of Z-mount mirrorless cameras. The 20.9MP Z50II is the most sensible entry point for photographers looking to get into the Z system without spending for a full-frame body. It includes smart 3D Tracking autofocus and subject recognition for up to 30fps burst capture and records 10-bit 4K60 video. We also like that the Z50II 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.
The Z50II is a little bit better than entry-level and should appeal to photographers with some know-how, as well as those just starting out. If you're hanging onto a D5000 series SLR and are mulling the switch to Z mirrorless, the Z50II should be near the top of your wish list. More serious photogs may like it too as the focus is capable for wildlife, and both Nikon and third parties support it with lenses.
Best Gripped Z for Working Photogs
Nikon Z 9
- 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
- Large body style not for everyone
- Banding may appear in scenes with digital signage
- Z lens system isn't fully built out
The 45MP Z 9 was Nikon's first camera with a stacked CMOS sensor. This 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.
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. If you prefer a smaller camera, look at the Z 8 instead; it equals the Z 9 in performance but omits the integrated vertical grip.
Best Full-Frame for Beginners
Nikon Z 5
- 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
- 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
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.
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 Z6III instead.
Best Mid-Priced, High-Pixel Entry
Nikon Z 7 II
- 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
- Not many third-party lenses available
- Omits multi-shot sampling mode
- Raw video support costs extra
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.
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 put, it's the natural upgrade for D810 and D850 owners who want better autofocus and more speed. If you want a camera that's even more capable for action in a slightly larger body, consider stepping up to the Z 8.
Best DX Nikon for Video
Nikon Z 30
- Slimline mirrorless form factor
- Articulating touch LCD
- Face and eye detection autofocus for video
- 4K30 and 1080p60 recording
- Clear stereo audio with built-in mic
- Capable as a photo camera
- Works as a webcam
- Sensor stabilization is missed
- No headphone jack
- Omits EVF
- 8-bit video profile
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 Z50II for stills (the two share the same sensor), though most photographers should choose the Z50II because of its built-in EVF.
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 Optical Viewfinder
Nikon D780
- 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.
- More expensive than mirrorless alternative.
- Viewfinder autofocus has limited scope of coverage.
- Image sensor isn't stabilized.
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.
Given the performance advantage of mirrorless alternatives like the Z6III, 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
Nikon Coolpix P950
- 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
- Autofocus struggles with small and fast-moving subjects
- LCD doesn't support touch
- Larger and heavier than competitors
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.
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.
Why Choose Nikon?
Nikon is one of the first brands many 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 quickly discontinuing F-mount lenses, the Z-mount platform is a more attractive path.
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. 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 most of the camera industry, Nikon no longer focuses on pocketable cameras—if you are shopping for a point-and-shoot today, you might have a hard time finding one that beats a quality camera phone.
Not Set on Nikon?
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 Canon RF, Fujifilm X, L-Mount, Micro Four Thirds, and Sony E mirrorless lenses.