There's no doubt you've heard of Nikon before. Once a pioneer in the world of SLR and DSLR cameras, Nikon has been increasingly investing in its mirrorless camera lineup, with more and more models to suit different budgets and experience levels and 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 90 cameras, and below, you'll find our picks for the best Nikon cameras for a range of budgets and needs.
Updates
- 06/30/2023 Nikon Z 6II updated
- 06/09/2023 Nikon Z 30 reviewed
- 04/26/2023 Nikon Z fc updated
- 12/15/2022 Nikon D3500 updated
- 11/17/2022 Nikon Z 50 updated
Best Nikon Cameras
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Best Nikon Camera
Travel PhotographyLandscape PhotographySport & Wildlife PhotographyVloggingStudio VideoAction VideoIf you're looking for an excellent enthusiast-level camera, the Nikon Z 6II is one of the best Nikon cameras for photography that we've tested. Sitting below more expensive, pro-grade models like the Nikon Z 7 II and the Nikon Z 9, this is a fantastic and versatile camera body for both hobbyists and enthusiasts.
With a 14 fps mechanical burst rate and good autofocus, it's an especially good choice for wildlife and sports photography. It's no slouch in the video department, either, with 4k 60 fps video recording, dual memory card slots (including a high-speed CFexpress card slot), and in-body image stabilization (IBIS). That aside, it handles like a dream, with excellent ergonomics and a highly intuitive user interface.
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Best Mid-Range Nikon Camera
Travel PhotographyLandscape PhotographySport & Wildlife PhotographyVloggingStudio VideoAction VideoThe 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 can only shoot 4k video with a heavy crop, and its burst rate maxes out at about five fps. Still, if you're primarily interested in photography, there's much to love here.
Its high-res sensor captures excellent image quality. Like the higher-end Nikon Z 6II, the ergonomics stand out, and the camera is weather-sealed. On top of that, you still get a large high-resolution EVF and IBIS to help you shoot at slower shutter speeds when shooting handheld. 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 you more money to invest in lenses.
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Best Entry-Level Nikon Camera
Travel PhotographyLandscape PhotographySport & Wildlife PhotographyVloggingStudio VideoAction VideoIf you don't need full-frame image quality and don't have the budget to match, an APS-C model is a great way to save some money and a great option for those who prefer a more portable camera. Nikon has many excellent entry-level DSLR cameras, like the Nikon D5600 or Nikon D3500 (more on that down below), but the mirrorless Nikon Z 50 takes the cake for cameras under $1,000. It's the best Nikon mirrorless camera you can get at this price point.
While it isn't the most portable APS-C option on the market, the handling, build quality, and features are all excellent for the money. It's even weather-sealed, giving you more peace of mind when shooting outdoors. Inside is an excellent 20 MP crop sensor that performs admirably in low light, and the camera can shoot at a respectable max burst rate of 11 fps. Topped off with a solid autofocus system and 4k video up to 30 fps, it's a capable and well-rounded crop sensor camera.
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Best Vintage-Style Nikon Camera
Travel PhotographyLandscape PhotographySport & Wildlife PhotographyVloggingStudio VideoAction VideoIf you're particularly style-conscious, you can't go wrong with the beautiful, retro-inspired Nikon Z fc. It's a very similar camera overall to the Nikon Z 50, though its exterior, designed to look like a vintage Nikon SLR, comes with a bit of a premium in price. Internally, however, the two cameras are nearly identical, so it's perfect if you want something as eye-catching as it is effective.
For ergonomics, the Z 50 feels more comfortable thanks to its hand grip, but the Z fc does away with the tilting screen and adds a fully articulated screen that makes it a little better for video. You also get dedicated exposure dials that give you more hands-on control over settings. Otherwise, you can expect similarly solid autofocus, video performance, and image quality as the Z 50—all the trappings of a modern mirrorless camera in a camera body that looks like it was ripped straight out of the past.
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Best Nikon Vlogging Camera
Travel PhotographyLandscape PhotographySport & Wildlife PhotographyVloggingStudio VideoAction VideoThough it's Nikon's first dedicated vlogging camera, the Nikon Z 30 is a great contribution to the slew of affordable vlogging cams on the market today. With a relatively portable design that doesn't compromise on the ergonomics that make Nikon cameras such a joy to handle, it nicely rounds out Nikon's entry-level mirrorless offerings alongside the Nikon Z 50 and the Nikon Z fc. Unlike those models, which are pricier, it doesn't have a viewfinder, so it's less versatile for photography. However, it uses a similar sensor, so image and video quality are comparable.
In addition, you get vlogging-friendly features like a fully articulated touchscreen, large video recording button, and a stereo mic on the top plate that sounds surprisingly good for a built-in microphone. That said, the camera doesn't have the best battery life and can struggle with overheating with longer takes in 4k. If that isn't a dealbreaker, this is a great budget vlogging cam.
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Best Nikon Camera For Beginners
Travel PhotographyLandscape PhotographySport & Wildlife PhotographyVloggingStudio VideoAction VideoWhile the Nikon D3500 is a very basic camera, it's one of the best cameras on the market for beginners. The simple controls and intuitive user interface are great for those just getting started, and it's relatively portable for a DSLR. What makes the D3500 stand out among beginner cameras, though, is its unique 'Guide' shooting mode, which guides you through the basics of photography in simple, accessible terms, so you can learn the ropes as you go.
Besides its simplicity and ease of use, the camera has an amazing battery life and punches above its weight for image quality, thanks to an excellent high-resolution APS-C sensor. There's a wide array of native lens options available, too, including full-frame FX-mount lenses, making it easy to upgrade your kit as your skills improve. It's an excellent starter camera at a reasonable price, especially if you can do without 4k video and blazing-fast burst rates—though you may have to look at the used market to find one since it's been discontinued.
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Best Nikon DSLR Camera
Travel PhotographyLandscape PhotographySport & Wildlife PhotographyVloggingStudio VideoAction VideoAlthough mirrorless cameras have overtaken DSLRs in popularity in recent years, DSLR cameras still offer some benefits, from unbeatable battery life to lag-free optical viewfinders. If you're interested in getting an old-school DSLR but still want the latest camera tech, the Nikon D780 is among the best options. Though it sits below the pro-level Nikon D850, it's a great choice for pros and hobbyists, combining DSLR and mirrorless technologies to give you the best of both worlds in a sturdy DSLR body.
While it acts like a typical, albeit advanced, DSLR when using the viewfinder, the camera borrows the on-sensor phase-detection autofocus system from the mirrorless Nikon Z 6 when shooting in Live View, giving you a more adaptable autofocus system for both photo and video. That, along with an incredible battery life and excellent ergonomics, make this a standout among DSLR cameras.
Compared To Other Brands
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Intuitive menu systems.
Nikon cameras tend to have easy-to-navigate menu systems that suit novice and experienced users. -
Excellent color science.
Although color is highly subjective, Nikon is known for its pleasing color science on photos taken straight out of the camera. -
Great ergonomics.
Nikon cameras are known for their top-notch ergonomics, well-placed controls, and comfortable handgrips. -
Excellent lenses.
Nikon has a great lineup of DSLR and legacy lenses for DX or FX cameras, but the brand's investment in mirrorless Z-series glass stands out—particularly the premium S Line.
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Not the most portable cameras.
While Nikon offers some fairly sleek models and compact cameras, many fall somewhere in the middle for portability as they prioritize substantial handgrips and comfort over compact designs. -
Autofocus lags behind leading competitors.
While many Nikons have serviceable autofocus systems, they typically aren't as quick or accurate as the best AF systems on the market. -
Scarcity of more affordable and entry-level mirrorless options.
While Nikon's high-end full-frame Z-series cameras have made a splash, their APS-C siblings could use more love. With only a few models, which offer similar performance, and few dedicated APS-C lenses, options are more limited for beginners looking for an entryway into Nikon's mirrorless system.
Nikon vs Canon
Canon and Nikon have long been competitive, especially when DSLRs dominated the market, and both are generally well-loved by professionals and consumers alike. Though Nikon has been a bit slower in establishing itself in the mirrorless market, its more considered approach has resulted in a small slew of consistently high-quality camera bodies and lenses, whereas Canon can sometimes be hit-or-miss. Ultimately, you can't go wrong with either brand, though they each have their approach to ergonomics and design that some may prefer and others may not.
Nikon vs Sony
Sony and Nikon each have their advantages and disadvantages. Sony's autofocus is a bit more refined, with more reliable AF tracking, and there's a much wider selection of native and third-party lenses for the E-mount, given Sony's head start in mirrorless cameras. That said, Nikon cameras typically have better ergonomics and more pleasing colors straight out of the camera. Nikon's slow investment in lenses is also paying off, as the Z-mount has some of the best glass around, particularly the premium S Line of lenses.
Like rival Canon, Nikon has a diverse range of cameras meant to suit everyone, from first-time photographers to industry pros. That said, most Nikon cameras share some similarities. They're often built very well and feel great in hand, with an intuitive user interface. Image quality is a given, and Nikon colors are some of the best when taking photos straight out of the camera. They're also often ahead of the game for wildlife photography, with fast burst rates and deep photo buffers. That said, they aren't always the most portable cameras, and autofocus generally still falls a bit short of the benchmark set by the latest cameras from Sony and Canon.
Lineup
Nikon has various model lineups to suit different users and their needs.
Mirrorless
- Z Series = Mirrorless full-frame and crop-sensor cameras built to work with Z-mount lenses. Generally speaking, higher model numbers indicate a greater level of overall capability. Crop sensor models are exceptions to this naming scheme, which include the Z 50, the current entry-level APS-C model, the Z fc, an APS-C model with a retro-inspired body, and the Z 30, the brand's entry-level APS-C vlogging camera.
DSLR
- D(X) Series = Flagship professional-oriented DSLRs that use Nikon FX-format full-frame sensors, e.g., the Nikon D6.
- D8(XX) Series = Professional/high-end enthusiast-oriented DSLRs that use Nikon FX-format full-frame sensors, e.g., the Nikon D850.
- D7(XX) Series = Enthusiast-oriented DSLRs that use Nikon FX-format full-frame sensors, e.g., the Nikon D780.
- D6(XX) Series = Entry-level DSLRs that use Nikon FX-format full-frame sensors, e.g., the Nikon D610.
- D5(XX) Series = Flagship DSLRs that use Nikon's DX-format APS-C sensors, e.g., the Nikon D500.
- D7(XXX) Series = Upper mid-range DSLRs that use Nikon's DX-format APS-C sensors, e.g., the Nikon D7500.
- D5(XXX) Series = Mid-range DSLRs that use Nikon's DX-format APS-C sensors, e.g., the Nikon D5600.
- D3(XXX) Series = Entry-level DSLRs that use Nikon's DX-format APS-C sensors, e.g., the Nikon D3500.
Supercompact/Compact/Bridge
- COOLPIX P Series = High-end bridge cameras with built-in superzoom lenses with extremely long zoom ranges.
- COOLPIX B Series = Bridge cameras with built-in superzoom lenses.
- COOLPIX A Series = Compact cameras with built-in zoom lenses.
- COOLPIX W Series = Rugged and waterproof compact cameras with built-in lenses.
Recent Updates
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Jun 14, 2023: Added the Nikon Z 30 as the 'Best Nikon Vlogging Camera', renamed the Nikon Z 50 to 'Best Entry-Level Nikon Camera', and added a brand comparison with Sony.
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Apr 17, 2023: Added the Nikon Z 5 as the 'Best Mid-Range Nikon Camera', renamed the Nikon Z 50 to 'Best Budget Nikon Camera', and renamed the Nikon D3500 to 'Best Nikon Camera For Beginners'.
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Feb 09, 2023: Renamed the Nikon Z fc from 'Best Nikon Camera For Retro Lovers' to 'Best Vintage-Style Nikon Camera'.
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Dec 13, 2022: Added the Nikon Z fc as the 'Best Nikon Camera For Retro Lovers'.
Conclusion
Nikon cameras are best known for their amazing ergonomics, excellent-quality lenses, and easy-to-use menu systems. While their autofocus doesn't quite reach the reliable heights of Sony and Canon, Nikon's care and investment in its Z-series mirrorless lineup have kept the brand relevant as the camera market has continued to evolve.