9 Best Nikon Cameras in 2024 (Updated)

If you’re looking for a new Nikon camera, you’ve come to the right place. Nikon is one of the biggest and best names in photography. They have a wide range of cameras, with everything from entry-level models to professional behemoths. 

But with so many options, finding the best one for you can be difficult. Thankfully, we’re here to help you find the Nikon camera that suits you best. Our straightforward list gives you all the info you need to make an informed decision. 

The Nikon Z fc is our favorite Nikon camera right now. It’s a stylish mirrorless camera that’s perfect for beginners and intermediates. We also like the Nikon Z50, which is the best for beginners. And the Nikon Z30 is a terrific vlogging camera. 

Keep reading to see all the best Nikon cameras in detail.  

What is the Best Nikon Camera?

The best Nikon camera lets you fully express yourself as a photographer. You should be able to learn, develop, and be creative. And as long as you pick a Nikon camera that matches your skill level and ambitions, you’ll have plenty of fun.

Cameras like the Nikon Z fc, Z50, and Z30 are great for beginners. They also have multimedia features, making them great options for content creators. 

Enthusiast-level shooters will like the Nikon Z6 II and Nikon Z f. If you want something more traditional, you can also try the Nikon D7500. 

Nikon also caters to professionals at the highest level, with cameras such as the Nikon Z7 II and the incredible Nikon Z9. 

Here’s a quick rundown of all the best Nikon cameras with some points on why we chose them. Scroll a little further to see a more in-depth description of each Nikon camera. We also have some FAQs at the end, so skip to that if you want more information. 

8 Best Nikon Cameras

Now we look at each of our favorite Nikon cameras in more detail. You’ll see all the important tech specs and features, so you’ll be able to find a Nikon camera that has everything you need.  

The Nikon Z fc is a camera we absolutely love, and it was an easy choice for the best Nikon camera. It’s a modern mirrorless, but the outer design looks more like a classic film camera. It’s the perfect blend of modern and traditional and looks fantastic. 

As well as looking classy, the camera also has on-body control. This enhances the traditional camera experience, allowing you to change settings using old-school knobs and dials. 

A DX (APS-C) sensor gives you a 20.9 MP image resolution. The images are clear, bright, and the colors are true to life. A 100 – 51,200 ISO range gives you good low-light performance, especially if you expand the ISO to 204,800. 

Filmmakers can also enjoy this camera thanks to the 4K video recording. You get a smooth 30 fps frame rate. And the body has ports for external microphones to help you record pro-level audio. 

You’re guaranteed sharp shots thanks to the reliable autofocus system. Its a system that has eye-detection for humans and animals. And it works just as well when recording videos. 

A vari-angle touchscreen makes it easy to shoot self-portraits and vlogs. The electronic viewfinder is also bright and accurate. And the Z fc also has in-camera filters and effects you can apply directly. 

The Nikon Z fc is the perfect combination of style and substance. We love the retro look, but we’re also impressed with the photography and video features. 

The Nikon Z50 is the best Nikon camera for beginners. It’s compact and lightweight. It’s also one of the most affordable mirrorless cameras out there, and it even comes with a kit lens. That means you can get started without needing to buy more equipment. 

You get gorgeous images thanks to the 20.9 MP DX sensor. The low-light performance is also excellent, with very little digital noise even at high ISO settings. 

An 11 fps burst allows for accurate action photography, so you can shoot sporting events. It also has a reliable autofocus system with decent subject tracking. The eye-detection capabilities also give you more accuracy when photographing people. 

With 4K video at 30 fps, you can record high-quality footage for social media. It also has a Full HD 120 fps option for high-quality slow-motion footage. 

You can also use the camera as a webcam, making it a great option for live streamers and YouTubers.

It has ports for external devices like microphones, helping you record quality audio to match your footage. And the flip-down screen makes recording yourself that much easier. 

With an excellent array of features for photo and video, the Nikon Z50 is the perfect Nikon camera for beginners. 

The Nikon Z30 is the perfect package for vloggers and content creators. It’s small in size but packed with photo and video features to get the creative juices flowing. 

Like the two previous cameras, the Z30 has a 20.9 MP DX sensor. And like the others, this camera produces lovely still images. The low-light performance isn’t quite as good, but you still have flexibility with the 51,200 ISO range. 

4K at 30 fps is more than enough for all the top social media platforms. You can also shoot at 60 fps for a smoother frame rate, but this is only available with Full HD resolution. 

There’s no cropping on 4K recording. And there’s no time-limit, so you can literally record for hours without pause. You might worry that the battery will die before you’re done, but you can keep it powered with the USB charger. 

A built-in stereo mic gives you excellent sound recording. And there are ports for external audio devices. 

The eye-detection AF with tracking is perfect for vlogging. It keeps you in sharp focus, even if you’re moving around the frame. 

A pocket-sized companion for vloggers and content producers. You can’t go wrong with the Nikon Z30.

The Nikon Z6 II marks a real step up from the previous three cameras. It’s a full frame (FX) camera, not a DX model. And it has better specs and more advanced features. It’s also a proper hybrid camera, so you’re getting high-level photography and videography results. 

The full frame sensor delivers better image quality than APS-C rivals. The 24.5 MP resolution isn’t record-breaking for a full frame sensor, but you do get improved low-light performance and a wider dynamic range. 

The ISO range is the same as the Z50, but the larger pixel size means the images are less sensitive to digital noise at high ISO levels. 

A 15 fps burst mode tops any of the previous cameras. And you get full AF tracking when shooting at full speed. 

Using 273 hybrid focus points, the autofocus is incredibly accurate. It’s quick to find your subject, and it tracks them as they move across the frame. There’s little difficulty even with fast-moving subjects. 

Filmmakers will appreciate the 4K 60 fps recording capabilities. The increased frame rate gives you super-smooth footage with no drop in picture resolution. There’s also a 120 fps option for slow-motion footage, but this is only available with Full HD resolution. 

Built-in image stabilization is another feature you won’t find on an entry-level model. By stabilizing your camera, it allows you to use slower shutter speeds without needing a tripod. It also reduces camera shake when shooting video from hand. 

The Nikon Z6 II is the ultimate enthusiast camera. The features are more advanced than entry-level models, and you’ll see a big improvement in the quality of your media. It’s also weather-sealed, so you can shoot outside without worrying. 

The Nikon Z f is a full frame version of the Z fc. It has a full frame sensor and more advanced features, but it still has the retro design that makes it stand out. 

A 24.5 MP resolution from the full frame sensor gives you excellent images. Like the Z6 II, the low-light performance and dynamic range are much improved compared to APS-C models. 

If 24.5 MP isn’t enough, you have a Pixel-Shift mode for maximum picture quality. By combining several exposures, this mode gives you jaw-dropping 96 MP images. 

You have several options for high-quality video recording. There’s a 4K 30 fps mode that over-sampled from 6K. Or you can use standard 4K with a 60 fps frame rate. The color rendition is also fantastic at any resolution. 

5-axis image stabilization keeps your shot sharp and helps you shoot without extra equipment. And specialist shooting modes save you time in post-production. There’s a dedicated black and white mode, and the Portrait Impression Balance feature gives you pro-looking protraits straight from the camera. 

The Nikon Z f combines good looks and quality features. It’s a must have for your camera backpack.

The Nikon Z7 II is a professional-standard full frame mirrorless camera. Its FX sensor gives you stunning 45.7 MP images as standard. It delivers top-quality video, and it has additional features to help you keep standards high. 

A high megapixel count always gives you excellent image quality, but the Z7 II’s dynamic range is truly impressive. You also get practically zero digital noise at high ISO settings and a 64 low ISO setting for maximum quality. 

10 fps isn’t the quickest burst in the world, but that’s 10 fps at full resolution. And you have the option of JPEG or RAW when shooting in burst. It also has full AF tracking, so you don’t lose focus if the subject moves. 

The AF system is brilliant, using 493 hybrid focus points to evaluate, detect, and lock on to your subject. The response times are fractions of a second, and it’s really reliable when tracking fast-moving subjects. 

In a market where most mirrorless cameras have 4K, the Z7 II’s video is still eye-catching. It records at full resolution with a 60 fps frame rate, giving you smooth, jerk-free footage. 

You can also use the Z7 II as a high-resolution webcam. You can stream for hours thanks to the USB charging that keeps the juice flowing. And the camera body has ports for external monitors and audio gear. 

Other features include a 900-second long exposure, multi-exposure, and time-lapse modes. With the latter, the camera gives you a 4K time-lapse video without requiring any editing software. 

A fabulous all-rounder for professionals, the Nikon Z7 II is definitely one of Nikon’s best cameras. 

The days of the DSLR are over. The day of the mirrorless has well and truly begun. But despite the hype around mirrorless machines, DSLRs still make excellent cameras for photography purists. The Nikon D7500 is the perfect example. 

The D7500 doesn’t have the flashier features you’d mind on the latest mirrorless cameras. And it has the heavier body you expect of a DSLR. But it’s a joy to use if you love photography. 

With a 21 MP resolution APS-C sensor, you get lovely images. The low-light performance is excellent. The ISO range is expandable to 50 – 1,640,000, giving you flexibility in low light and stunning image quality when set to 50. 

Many photographers will appreciate the classic optical pentaprism viewfinder. It gives a true view of your scene, not a digital rendition like electronic viewfinders. 

You don’t get the same hyper-advanced AF as the Z7 II. But the autofocus gives you nearly 100% coverage, and the subject detection and tracking are still good. 

DSLRs are not known for their video capabilities, but the D7500 produces excellent 4K footage. Although it has a 30 minute record limit, the 30 fps frame rate ensures the footage silky smooth. 

The battery life is a big positive over mirrorless machines. While a mirrorless might only give you 300 shots from a charged battery, the D7500 can last up to 950 shots before needing a recharge. 

The Nikon D7500 stands the test of time. And it’s a brilliant Nikon camera if you’re a photography purist. 

The Nikon Z9 is Nikon’s flagship professional camera. It’s a true powerhouse, producing stunning high-resolution images and video. It has a professional price tag, but it’s a worthy investment if you’re looking for the very best Nikon camera. 

A 45.7 MP full frame sensor produces stunning photographs. The native low ISO is 64, which gives you beautiful quality. But you can expand the ISO to 32 for even better quality. 

Images with such a high resolution take up a lot of space. Thankfully the Z9 has dual card slots and three RAW file options. You lose some detail with the smaller sizes, but it saves a lot of digital storage space. 

An impressive burst give you 20 or 30 fps at full resolution. You also have a super-rapid 120 fps burst option. The stills are only 11 MP, but that’s ultra-quick shooting with full AF support. 

Every camera we’ve looked at has 4K video recording. But the Z9 puts them all in the shade with it’s incredible 8K video capabilities. That’s cinema-quality footage with a 30 fps frame rate. You can also record for up to two hours in 8K. 

You also have a 4K option with a 120 fps frame rate, which produces stunning slow-motion videos. 

An advanced AF system helps you capture sharp shots in high-pressure situations. The eye-detection features are accurate, and 3D tracking ensures you never lose your subject. 

The Nikon Z9 is a beast. It’s Nikon’s most powerful camera, and it only has a few competitors from other brands. 

FAQs on the Best Nikon Cameras 

In this section, we’ve answered some of the most-asked questions relating to the best Nikon cameras. We hope this info helps you find the exactly what you need. 

Which Nikon Camera is Best for Video?

All the Nikon cameras featured on this list have 4K video capabilities. But some cameras are still better suited to video production than other. You also need to think about what types of videos you want to produce. 

The Nikon Z30 is our favorite vlogging camera. The compact size makes it easy to carry around, which is great if you’re a travel vlogger or record outside. It also has a built-in stereo mic, so you can record audio without additional equipment. The rotating screen is a bonus, too.

If you want something a bit more advanced, the Nikon Z6 II might be the solution. The 4K footage is bright, clear, and vibrant. And you get a fast 60 fps frame rate. That means you can record fast-moving subjects without the footage lagging or looking jerky. It also has HD slow-motion mode. 

For professional videographers, the Nikon Z9 is the only option. The 8K video resolution blows the competition out of the water, producing breathtaking movies. It also has 4K 120 fps slow-motion footage. It also has the best AF system that can cope with any type of moving subject. 

What is the Best Nikon Lens?

Nikon is one of the best lens manufacturers in the world. They makes lenses for all types of photography, so finding the best means finding one that suits your style. 

If you’re still using a DSLR camera, you have the whole Nikon F-range of lenses to choose from. This is an extensive catalog, and you can find a lens for any genre of photography. 

Nikon is now dedicated to the Z-series of lenses for their mirrorless cameras. The Z catalog is nowhere near as extensive as the F lenses, but you still have excellent options. You’ll find good all-round Z lenses for beginners. But they also have specialist lenses for macro, portrait, or wildlife photography. 

Are Nikon DSLRs still Worth Buying?

There’s no denying DSLRs have had their day in the spotlight. They can’t compete with the advanced features of their mirrorless rivals. 

But for some photography purists, the DSLR never went away. And as a leading DSLR producer, Nikon is still the top brand if you want to take the traditional approach. 

We didn’t include the Nikon D7500 in our list just for nostalgia. It is genuinely a great Nikon camera. It isn’t flash or doesn’t have any avant-garde technology. But what it does, it does very well. If you’re passionate about the traditional photography genres like landscape and portrait, we’re confident you’ll love the D7500. 

Which Nikon Camera has the Best Image Quality

The Nikon Z7 II and Z9 both have a native MP count of 45.7 MP, which is pretty impressive. The Z9 tops the Z7 II due to a superior processor, better ISO range, and increased dynamic range. 

However, the Nikon Z f is also worth mentioning here. While it only has a native resolution of 24.5 MP, it has a powerful Pixel-Shift mode that gives you stunning 96 MP images. It does this by creating a composite using several exposures. The results are staggering. 

Conclusion: The Best Nikon Camera

Finding the best Nikon camera is about finding a camera that meets your needs. Thankfully, Nikon has a wide range of cameras that cover all the necessary bases. 

They have entry-level cameras for new photographers. You have vlogging cameras and videography cameras. And you have high-performance cameras for professionals. Nikon has a camera for everyone, no matter your style or skill level. 

The Nikon Z fc is our top choice. But we back all the choices on this list, and there isn’t a dud among them. Whether you’re a social media content creator or a pro sports photographer, there’s a Nikon camera for you.