If you’re beginning your photography journey, the best Nikon camera for beginners is a great place to start. Nikon is one of the most well-respected camera brands. And they have a wide range of entry-level cameras to choose from. But which Nikon camera is best for you?
Are you looking for a good all-rounder to fire up your enthusiasm? Do you want something that looks stylish? Or do you want a beginner camera to help you start your video or vlogging career? No matter what you’re after, we have it all right here.
The Nikon Z50 tops the list as the best Nikon camera for beginners. It’s compact and lightweight. The photo and video quality is excellent. And it has all the extra features a beginner’s camera should have. Keep reading to learn more about the Z50 and more beginner Nikon cameras.
What Is the Best Nikon Camera for Beginners?
The best Nikon camera for beginners helps you take pictures and shoot videos without experience. It is uncomplicated and easy to use, producing excellent, quality media that fuels your enthusiasm. The Nikon Z50, Nikon Z fc, and Nikon Z30 all fit the bill, and we recommend two others.
You might be tempted by a cheap, no-brand beginner camera. But we advise against the cheap knock-offs because they don’t pay off in the long run. You use them a couple of times, the results are rubbish, and they start to fall apart.
Going for a reliable camera brand like Nikon is always better in the long run. Nikon is one of the top camera brands in the world. And they have a wide range of cameras for photographers at all levels.
As you’ll see in our article, Nikon entry-level cameras are the best on the market. They include mirrorless models, both APS-C and full frame. We have stylish cameras. And we even have one of the last DSLR cameras.
Here’s a quick rundown of all the best Nikon cameras for beginners. We examine each camera in more detail in the section afterward. And if you need more information, we have a FAQ section and buyer’s guide at the end.
- 20.9 MP sensor with robust 4K Ultra HD video
- Large 55mm lens mount for high-quality images
- Compact and durable for on-the-go shooting
- Selfie flip down LCD screen, perfect for vlogging
- Built-in Wi-Fi for easy smartphone pairing
- Superb 20.9 MP image quality
- Compatible with NIKKOR Z and F-mount lenses
- Vlogging made easy with 4K Ultra HD
- Easily transfer images to your phone
- Classic design meets modern tech
- Elevates video quality beyond smartphones
- Compatible with Nikon's entire NIKKOR Z lenses line
- Fast, reliable autofocus with eye-detection
- Features a flip-out screen with touchscreen control
- Compact and intuitive for novice vloggers
- Excellent entry-level full-frame camera
- Outstanding image quality in low-light
- Eye-detection autofocus for perfect portraits
- 5-axis in-body stabilization for sharp shots
- Compact powerhouse for evolving creativity
- Exceptional clarity with 24.2 MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor
- Versatile with EXPEED 4 image processing
- Captures sharp, pure photos, even in low-light
- Fast action capture with 6 fps shooting capacity
- Features built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy sharing
5 Best Nikon Cameras for Beginners
Now, we look at all the best Nikon cameras for beginners in more detail. There’s a Nikon camera for any beginner on our list.
We have all-around mirrorless cameras for beginners who want to try a bit of everything. We also have stylish cameras for trendy street photographers. And we have vlogging cameras for budding social media stars.
1. Nikon Z50
| Released |
Released
2019
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
 APS-C |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
21 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
209 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
51,200 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
11 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
 |
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
 4K |
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Flip-out screen, built-in flash, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
|
| Best For |
Best For
Beginners looking for a reliable all-around Nikon camera
|
The Nikon Z50 is the best Nikon camera for beginners. It’s compact and lightweight with a fantastic ergonomic design. This makes it easy for younger beginners to use. And it has all the features to fire your imagination.
The APS-C sensor gives you a healthy 20.9 MP resolution. That’s a big jump from most smartphone cameras. The images look fantastic, with clear details and rich colors. And the low-light performance is surprisingly good for an entry-level camera, giving you a wide dynamic range.
A fast and accurate autofocus system helps you stay in focus. The 209-point system is quick to find your subjects. And it even tracks them as they move across the frame. The eye-detection AF feature is another bonus, giving you more accuracy when photographing people.
Vloggers and video makers will also get a kick from the Z50. It can record stunning 4K video footage. It has slow-motion video options with a Full HD resolution. And features like the flip-down LCD screen make it easier to record yourself.
A built-in time-lapse photography mode gives you another creative avenue to explore. The camera also has a wide range of picture controls, filters, and effects. You can add them all in-camera, so you don’t need any photo editing software.
Thanks to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, sharing images with devices is easy. You can send media wirelessly from the camera to your smartphone, allowing you to upload images to social media in moments.
The Nikon Z50 has everything a beginner could want. It’s packed with creative features, and the results are great. You also have a wide range of Nikon Z lenses to choose from. It’s the perfect starting point for any enthusiastic beginner.
2. Nikon Z fc
| Released |
Released
2021
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
21 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
209 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
51,200 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
11 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Eye-detection AF, tactile controls, vari-angle touchscreen, built-in stereo mic
|
| Best For |
Best For
Beginners looking for a stylish camera
|
If you want a camera that will turn a few heads, the Nikon Z fc is that camera. Its beautiful retro design echoes the old 35mm Nikon cameras. But of course, beauty is never only skin deep. This camera delivers excellent photos as well.
Like the Nikon Z50, the Z fc has an APS-C sensor with a 20.9 MP resolution. Nikon’s EXPEED 6 processor backs this up, giving you excellent performance together.
The old-school design isn’t just cosmetic. There are tactile controls on the camera body, much like analog cameras of the past. This gives you a hands-on experience many photographers love. It also helps you learn the basic exposure controls.
Equipped with a 209-point AF system, you’ll rarely miss a shot. And the eye-detection feature helps you nail portraits and other human-based photography types. Its subject tracking is also helpful if you’re shooting moving subjects.
This camera captures gorgeous 4K video. So filmmakers can also have fun with it. The vari-angle LCD touchscreen makes life easier for vloggers. The Z fc also doubles as a webcam, making it an excellent live-stream camera.
The built-in stereo mic lets you record audio with your video without external equipment. But if you want even better sound quality, the camera has ports for external microphones and headphones.
There’s no built-in flash. But there is a hot shoe connector. The camera also has in-camera effects and filters. And, once again, Wi-Fi connectivity lets you transfer and share media quickly and easily.
This is one of the more robust beginner cameras thanks to its magnesium alloy frame. This adds more heft to the camera. But it remains relatively lightweight and compact enough for any camera backpack.
The Z fc is a classic Nikon mirrorless and one of their most popular cameras. It’s easy to see why!
3. Nikon Z30
| Released |
Released
2022
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
20 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
209 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
51,200 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
11 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Vari-angle touchscreen, built-in stereo mic, webcam functionality, USB-C charging
|
| Best For |
Best For
Vloggers and content creators
|
If you want to start vlogging or creating content for social media, the Z30 is the perfect Nikon camera. It’s lightweight, compact, and easy to use. It has features designed to help vloggers, video makers, and streamers. And it’s great for photography too.
With a 20.9 MP resolution, you get love still photography. It has the same 209-point autofocus system as the Z50 and Z fc, including eye-detection capabilities. That means fast and reliable AF when shooting photos and videos.
As a vlogging camera, the Z30 has to deliver on video. And it certainly does that with glorious 4K at 30 fps. You get slow-motion video frame rates in Full HD. And you can use the camera as a high-resolution webcam. That’s good news for live streamers.
The flip-out touchscreen and built-in stereo mic make life easier for vloggers and streamers. The latter records high-quality audio to match your video footage. You can adjust the mic’s sensitivity. And it also has ports for external audio devices if you prefer.
The Z30 is perfect for long-form video recording. With a maximum video length of over two hours, you can record everything from interviews to music performances.
Live streaming couldn’t be easier. It has a plug-and-play setup when you connect it to a computer with a USB-C cable. That means no need to download any software. The USB connection allows Full HD streaming at 60 fps, which is great for gaming. Or use an HDMI cable for 4K 30 fps streaming.
Image stabilization isn’t often found in a beginner camera, so it was a pleasant surprise to find the Z30 has some. It’s a basic system but helps take sharper shots and smoother footage.
The Nikon Z30 is the best camera for vloggers and content creators. It’s as easy to use as an entry-level camera should be. But it also has specialist features to help you create optimized video content. It’s an affordable camera that’s an investment to boost your online profile.
4. Nikon Z5
| Released |
Released
2020
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
 Full Frame |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
273 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
51,200 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
4.5 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
 |
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Eye-detection AF, focus shift shooting, tilting touchscreen, webcam functionality, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
|
| Best For |
Best For
Beginners looking for a full-frame camera
|
The Z5 is Nikon’s best full-frame camera for beginners. It has slightly more advanced features because it’s a full-frame mirrorless camera. But it’s still suitable for beginners, especially those more advanced in years.
Full-frame sensors are larger than APS-C ones, which means the camera bodies are larger, too. But the Nikon Z5 isn’t too hefty. In fact, it’s Nikon’s most compact full-frame camera, making it an easy fit for any camera bag.
The 24..3 MP resolution might not seem like a big jump from the APS-C models. But even casual eyes will notice an increase in quality. The true-to-life colors are even more vibrant. Plus another advantage of the larger sensor is the increased dynamic range.
This is also the first camera on the list to have five-axis image stabilization built-in. By compensating for camera shake, it lets you use slower shutter speeds. This increases the low-light performance, allowing you to shoot in darker situations.
The AF system is also more advanced, using 273 focus points for subject detection and tracking. It’s fast, accurate, and has eye-detection features for portraits.
Like any mirrorless camera worth talking about, the Z5 has excellent video features. You can shoot sharp and clear 4K footage at 30 fps. And there’s a smooth 60 fps option when shooting in Full HD.
Streamers will also like the webcam functionality. You can connect using a USB cable. Or you can use an HDMI cable for even better quality streaming.
You can explore your creativity thanks to the in-camera shooting modes and effects. You can focus shift, use a time-lapse feature with an internal intervalometer, and blend multiple exposures. You can even apply filters in the camera settings.
The Nikon Z5 has the most advanced camera features on this list, which means a higher price. But it’s worth it if you want to experiment with extra features. It’s still a beginner-friendly camera. And the added performance lets you develop your skills and grow as a photographer.
5. Nikon D7200
| Released |
Released
2015
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon F DX
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24.2 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
51 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
102,400 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
6 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
 Full HD |
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Optical viewfinder, weather-sealed body, Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity
|
| Best For |
Best For
A photography purist wanting to master the basics
|
Nikon DSLR cameras have always been great places for beginners to start. Even though DSLRs are now on the way out, the Nikon D7200 is a great camera for beginners. It might not have some of the bells and whistles of newer mirrorless models. But it’s perfect for mastering the basics.
DSLRs tend to be bigger and heavier than their mirrorless rivals. And while that’s true of the D7200, it has excellent ergonomics. And many photographers still prefer the chunky DSLR bodies. The body is also completely weather-sealed, which is great for shooting outdoors.
The APS-C sensor gives you a 24.2 MP resolution, producing terrific image quality. The colors are perfectly rendered, and each image has sharp details.
Low-light performance is one of the D7200’s strengths. The native ISO range is 100 to 25,600, but you can expand this to 102,400. And you won’t have a problem with digital noise until you’re near the top.
A traditional pentaprism viewfinder is something you won’t find on a mirrorless camera. And while this is the main reason for a DSLR’s bigger body, it gives you a perfectly accurate view through the viewfinder. It’s a reflected image, not a digital one.
One of the main downsides to using a DSLR is its video capabilities. There’s no 4K option, which is standard on newer mirrorless cameras. While you get a smooth 60 fps frame rate, you’re limited to Full HD resolution.
Full HD is still better than most videos on social media. Plus, the camera has ports for external microphones.
Some might find the lack of an articulating touchscreen frustrating. But the D7200 does have Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for easy media sharing. It also has two memory card slots, so you can shoot longer without changing the SD card.
The Nikon D7200 won’t be for every beginner. And it isn’t a true beginner camera like the discontinued Nikon D3500. But it’s one of the last DSLRs still available, brand new. And it’s a fantastic camera for beginners who love the art of photography.
If you want to explore more options, we have a full list of the best DSLRs for beginners.
Best Nikon Cameras for Beginners FAQs
Finding the best camera for beginners is never easy. You must sift through lots of information, deciphering all the technical jargon. And with so many models on the market, it’s hard to know which camera is best for you.
We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions to help you find the best Nikon camera for beginners.
Why Choose Nikon? Are Nikon Cameras Worth It?
Nikon is one of the top camera brands alongside Canon and Sony. And it is at the top of the photography tree for good reason. They make some of the best cameras and have done so for generations. So, the answer is yes, absolutely. Nikon cameras are worth investing in.
If we look back through the annals, the Nikon FM2 was one of the greatest 35mm cameras ever. It’s still highly regarded and sought-after by film photographers.
They also make some of the best cameras in the modern era. The Nikon D850 was a beast of a professional camera, putting other pro models in the shade. While Nikon was slow in its switch from DSLR to mirrorless, they are now at the top again.
The Nikon Z9 is a staggering piece of equipment—a real professional behemoth. And cameras like the Z6 II are proving incredibly popular.
Which Nikon Camera Is Best for Beginners?
For many, the Nikon Z50 is the best beginner camera from any brand. But it depends on your individual needs as a new photographer. We’ve chosen affordable, reliable cameras for beginners.
The Nikon Z fc is a stylish, newer APS-C camera. The Z30 is best for vloggers. The Nikon Z5 is a fantastic full-frame camera to learn and grow with. And the Nikon D7200 is an old-school DSLR that works well for beginner photographers.
Nikon has always looked out for the beginners. Their Nikon D3500 was the go-to starter camera for beginners. Unfortunately, it has been discontinued and is only available as used or “renewed.” So, we don’t recommend going that route.
But Nikon still makes excellent entry-level cameras. They remain sympathetic to inexperienced users. Four cameras on our list are new mirrorless cameras that beginners will love. They have all the latest features for today’s media landscape.
Does Nikon or Canon Have Better Beginner Cameras?
When it comes to the Nikon vs Canon debate, there’s very little to discern between them. In most cases, it comes down to a difference of opinion. They both have excellent entry-level cameras for beginners. (Unlike Sony and Fujifilm, which have few beginner-friendly cameras.)
The Canon EOS Rebel T7 rivaled Nikon’s D3500 and is still a viable option. And the Canon EOS R10 is comparable to the Nikon Z50. They are both feature-packed mirrorless cameras for beginners.
Canon also now offers the Canon EOS R100. This is their latest mirrorless model and a true entry-level camera. They’ve stripped back some of the more advanced features. But that means it’s one of any brand’s most affordable mirrorless cameras.
We have an article that reviews all the best Canon cameras for beginners.
What Are the Most Important Specs in a Beginner Camera?
Camera specifications can sound like a lot of mumbo jumbo if you’re new to photography. If you’re struggling with all the camera jargon, this is the place for you. We’ve broken down all the key specs to help you find the perfect camera.
APS-C vs Full Frame
Some cameras are classified as either APS-C or full frame. Both titles refer to the size of the sensor in the camera. And the sensor size has implications regarding the rest of the camera.
APS-C sensors, called “crop sensors,” are smaller than full-frame sensors. This means APS-C camera bodies are usually more compact and lightweight than full-frame models.
Beginner cameras usually have APS-C sensors. The smaller sensor helps keep the price down, and beginner photography is less demanding than at higher levels.
Due to size limitations, APS-C sensors tend to have lower resolutions. They can’t house as many megapixels (MP) as a full-frame sensor.
Full-frame cameras, like the Nikon Z5, are available for beginners. But they tend to be more advanced and aimed at higher-level photographers.
Sensor Resolution and Megapixels
Sensor or image resolution is the main indicator of a camera’s image quality. A sensor’s resolution is measured in megapixels (MP). The higher the MP number, the better the image quality.
All Nikon cameras for beginners on our list have decent resolutions of between 20 and 24 MP. Other specs also affect image quality, but looking at the MP gives you the best indication of image quality.
ISO Range
If a camera has a wide native ISO range, it gives you excellent flexibility when shooting in different light conditions. Our list’s best Nikon mirrorless cameras have decent native ISO ranges between 100 and 51,200. The Nikon D7200 is lower, with a max native ISO of 21,400.
ISO is one of the three key exposure settings in photography. Along with shutter speed and aperture, it makes up the exposure triangle. The ISO level tells you how sensitive the sensor is to light.
The higher the ISO setting, the more sensitive the sensor is. That means you can work in darker situations. But you lose picture quality as you increase the ISO. The higher you go, the more you experience digital noise.
Good low-light performance is determined by low noise levels when using a high ISO setting. Unfortunately, this is hard to determine from specs alone. But a wide ISO range indicates a good level of low-light performance. Some cameras even have expanded ISO ranges.
Autofocus System
The easiest way to judge a camera’s autofocus (AF) before you buy is to look at its number of autofocus points. A larger number of focus points gives you more coverage and better accuracy when finding your subject. It also implies the camera has more reliable subject tracking.
Other aspects can affect autofocus performance. The image processor plays a big part in AF performance. And the camera’s low-light capabilities also affect the AF when working in tougher light conditions. The Nikon Z5 is the best on our list, while the D7200 lags.
Video Resolution
Image resolution has infinite variations with megapixels. But video resolution has a few set classifications. That makes it much easier to understand from a specs sheet. The two main classifications for beginner cameras are Full HD (High Definition) and 4K.
4K is now standard in modern cameras, even at the beginner level. The video quality is excellent, with a 4K resolution, even if the footage is cropped. You should look for that if you’re interested in shooting videos.
Some cameras are limited to Full HD. It isn’t as clear or bright as 4K, but it’s better than most of the stuff you see on social media. Also, you might need to drop down from 4K to Full HD to use a faster frame rate.
The frame rate also affects video quality. But anything around 30 frames per section in 4K should be enough for beginners. All Nikon mirrorless cameras on our list feature 4K video.
Conclusion: The Best Nikon Camera For Beginners
With any of these top beginner cameras from Nikon, you can start your photography journey in style. You can rest assured that you have a reliable camera that delivers the goods. And you can experiment and explore your creativity.
Nikon cameras are not just for beginner photographers. There are mirrorless cameras for vloggers and video makers. There are DSLRs for photography purists. And there are cameras with video features optimized for social media content.
The Nikon Z50 is the best Nikon camera for beginners. It’s a complete all-rounder with brilliant features for photography and videography. It’s lightweight, compact, and easy to use. And you can pick it up at an affordable price with a kit lens.
