Best Nikon Cameras

Nikon is one of the best camera manufacturers, with models suitable for all levels of photographers, including beginners, amateurs, and professionals. However, with so many Nikon models on the market, you may be puzzled as to which one is the best Nikon DSLR camera for you.

While some of the best models are mirrorless cameras, DSLRs are the real deal and will produce the best results in any situation, including taking photos for a blog.

Let’s get right into the best Nikon cameras you can purchase and all the details you need to know!

Our Top 3 Picks Camera for Nikon’s Best Mirrorless Cameras

In 2018, Nikon released its first mirrorless camera. Since then, they’ve created an increasing number of high-quality products in this category.

This is the market’s trend:

• Continuous shooting speeds that are faster.
• Autofocus systems for full-frame cameras have been improved.
• Technology for detecting animals and even birds’ eyes.

Nikon Z9

Why we love it?

• Image processor that is extremely fast
• High compressed frame rate of 120 frames per second
• There is no visible rolling shutter.
• Video in 8K / 60p Ultra HD
• Recording in low resolution is unlimited.
• Outstanding battery life

This Nikon Z9 is the pinnacle of Nikon’s mirrorless camera lineup. It is the D850’s equivalent.

It’s also an upgraded Z 7II with the same sensor and electronic viewfinder (EVF). However, it has a much higher frame rate, improved autofocus, and a longer battery life. For the first time on a Nikon, it also has an integrated vertical grip.

You can see from the list of strengths and features above that it’s a fantastic piece of equipment! Other major camera manufacturers are heavily investing in mirrorless technology. So this is Nikon’s answer to the Sony a1 and the Canon EOS R5.

Nikon Z7 II

Why we love it?

• Image sensor with high resolution
• Shutter speed of 1/8000 second
• A fantastic AF system
• There are two memory card slots.
• Excellent 4K video at 60 frames per second.

This Nikon Z 7II is an upgraded version of the original Nikon Z 7. It is a high-end, full-frame mirrorless camera. It’s an excellent choice for professionals in any field. It is appropriate for action and wildlife photography. It has autofocus with eye detection and animal detection for both photos and videos.

It, like the D850, has a large, full-frame sensor. And the ISO range is ideal for shooting in bright or low-light situations… without sacrificing image quality!

Your subjects are in focus thanks to the 493-point phase-detect autofocus system. This applies regardless of where they are in the frame. It can shoot at 10 frames per second, which is adequate for shooting live-action events. And 4K Ultra HD (UHD) video is a welcome addition.

Nikon Z6 II

Why we love it?

• Focusing in low light is superb.
• Portable and lightweight
• Excellent low-light dynamic range
• There are two memory card slots.

The Nikon Z6 II is a mirrorless camera that excels in image quality. It has an ISO range that can be extended to 204,800. Its 273 autofocus points keep your subjects in focus across the entire frame. It also has autofocus for photos and videos with eye and animal detection. It has a high-speed continuous shooting capacity of 14 frames per second. You will not miss any crucial moments during your shoot.

The Z6 II records a stunning 4K UHD video. And, thanks to its autofocus system, it’s suitable for a wide range of shooting situations.

Nikon Z5

Why we love it?

• Excellent ISO range expansion for low-light photography.
• A fantastic 273-point AF system
• Image stabilization on five axes within the body
• Electronic viewfinder with high resolution

The Nikon Z5 has a lightweight, weather-resistant, and easy-to-use body. As a result, it is ideal for most types of photography. The 273-point autofocus (AF) system provides precise focus across the entire frame. Eye detection and animal detection are useful add-ons.

It has a respectable maximum burst rate of 4.5 frames per second. It is, however, not as amazing as the previous model. If you enjoy wildlife or sports photography, this is not the place to start! It also can record 4K UHD video.

Nikon Z50

Why we love it?

• A less expensive mirrorless option
• Simple to use and handle
• Lightweight and not overly bulky.
• Excellent 4K video performance

The Nikon Z 50 is a mirrorless camera that is small and portable. A 180-degree tilting screen is also useful. It’s ideal if you’re an Instagram influencer who frequently takes selfies!

The 209 focus points cover nearly the entire frame. They give you a lot of leeway when it comes to composing your image. It also has eye-detection autofocus, which is especially useful for portrait photography.

Nikon Z fc

Why we love it?

• AF detection of animal faces and eyes
• There are numerous control dials that are easily accessible.
• Design that is both appealing and stylish
• The body is weatherproof
• Capabilities for 4K video

The Nikon Z fc is a redesigned mirrorless camera based on the Nikon Z 50. It has the bare-metal-and-leather appearance of an old Nikon FE from the 1970s. If you like that sort of thing, it has a nice retro look!

Nikon’s Top High-End DSLRs

Perhaps you already own a Nikon DSLR. Maybe you don’t want to exchange your F-mount lenses for mirrorless equivalents. It will save you time and trouble. Here are a few of the most influential Nikon cameras on the market.

Nikon D850

Why We Love It?

• Excellent overall image quality
• Outstanding 3D continuous AF tracking
• Video in 4K / 30p Ultra HD resolution
• Long battery life of 1,840 shots
• Weather-resistant construction

The Nikon D850 is a high-end camera and the best Nikon DSLR available. It is intended for professional photographers and is extremely versatile. It’s an excellent camera for wildlife photographers like me, as well as event and sports photographers.

It has a sensor that is illuminated from the backside. The ISO range can be expanded to ISO 32-102,400. This is ideal for low-light situations.

The 153-point AF system on the D850 includes 99 cross-type sensors. These provide intense focus in a variety of situations. However, it can only capture 7 frames per second, whereas mirrorless cameras can capture 30 or more.

Photo quality is excellent due to the variety of features available. It’s also ideal for video production due to its 4K UHD resolution.

The two memory card slots ensure that you never run out of storage space during a long shoot. Using XQD cards also means a significant increase in read and write speed. It’s ideal for keeping the frame rate up while also shortening the time it takes to copy the files to your computer.

If you don’t want to exchange your existing DSLR lenses and accessories… or use an FTZ adaptor, the Nikon D850 is an excellent choice.

Nikon D6

Why We Love It?

• The 105-point advanced AF system
• Outstanding ISO range and low-light performance
• Dual card slots with increased capacity
• Weatherproof and long-lasting body
• Battery life that lasts a long time

For a DSLR, the Nikon D6 has a relatively fast frame rate. It also has a substantial, weather-sealed body. As a result, it is the ultimate, rugged, dependable professional camera. Its frame rate is sacrificed for sensor size. And, after the Z9, it’s the second-heaviest camera in this comparison. However, it is extremely dependable.

It is an improved version of the Nikon D5. Even though it is heavier, it has many advantages:

• 14 fps vs 12 fps
• 105 focus points vs. 55
• The Center autofocus (AF) point works down to EV -4.5 vs EV -4
• Three times as many selectable cross-point AF sensors
• Internal GPS receiver
• Movies can be saved as MP4

Nikon D780

Why We Love It?

• Long-exposure settings
• There are numerous autofocus (AF) points.
• Uncropped 4K video capabilities are nice.
• There are two memory card slots (UHS-II)

The Nikon D780 is a full-frame camera designed for professionals. It’s a versatile device that can be used in a variety of genres. It is an upgraded version of the Nikon D750. It has a large sensor and an ISO range of up to 204,800. The image quality is excellent due to the resolution and dynamic range.

Its 51-point AF system ensures accurate autofocus even in low-light conditions. It also has a fast continuous shooting mode with up to 7 fps and 12 fps in Live View mode.

The D780 can also record HD video at 60 frames per second. However, it is not the best option for videographers.

Nikon’s Best Entry-Level DSLRs

Perhaps you’re in the market for your first DSLR. Here are some excellent entry-level Nikon cameras for serious photographers.

Nikon D500

Why We Love It?

• Outstanding low-light performance
• RAW burst at 10 frames per second with a 200-image limit
• A body that is weatherproof
• Battery life that lasts a long time
• 4K video with external sound recording ports

Nikon’s best and fastest crop sensor DSLR camera is the D500. It can be used in any niche, but I recommend it, especially for sports, action, and wildlife photography. Professional photographers like it because of its DX format, AF, and high frame rate.

When using a telephoto lens, the APS-C sensor provides exceptional agility. It’s a DX (crop sensor) system from Nikon. As a result, the addition of a telephoto lens increases the focal length to that of a full-frame camera.

The ISO range can be expanded to a whopping 1,640,000. You can keep the details in your shots even in low light.

Because of the 153-point AF system, it is ideal for action photography. This aids in keeping moving subjects in focus. It can shoot at a rate of approximately 10 frames per second in order to capture those split-second moments. The 4K UHD videos are of professional quality. And the results are astounding!

Nikon D7500

Why We Love It?

• Affordable
• DSLR body that is smaller and more compact
• Simple to handle and hold
• Battery life is extended.

The Nikon D7500 may be the best DSLR for those looking to take their photography to the next level. It’s a hybrid of two other Nikon cameras. It has a lot of the same features as the D500. However, it is housed in the more adaptable and compact D7200 body.

Its ISO range can be expanded to ISO 1,640,000. It also has a 51-point AF system with group-area AF for stable subject tracking. The D7500 can shoot continuously at a rate of 8 frames per second. It can also record high-quality 4K UHD (30p) videos.

Nikon D5600

Why We Love It?

• Image quality for crop sensor
• High ISO sensitivity
• Quick 39-point AF system
• Not too heavy and easy to handle

The Nikon D5600 is an excellent first DSLR camera. It has a 24.2 MP crop sensor and a wide ISO range. They provide no reason to be concerned about image quality in low-light situations. This device has a 39-point autofocus system. It isn’t as impressive as higher-end DSLRs. However, it remains a reliable choice for both still and moving subjects.

Continuous shooting at 5 frames per second is possible. Again, this does not appear to be much. However, it benefits aspiring professionals. The 60p HD video demonstrates that this camera is also suitable for dabbling in videography.

Nikon D3500

Why We Love It?

• Image quality is excellent.
• Beginners should use the guide mode.
• Simple to use with a wide range of functionality
• Battery life is extended.

The Nikon D3500 is designed for those who are just starting out in photography. It even has a guide mode to assist you in honing your photographic abilities. The 11 autofocus points are fewer than in other DSLRs. However, the focusing system is precise. And it’s adequate for the majority of inexperienced photographers.

The continuous shooting speed of 5 frames per second is adequate for capturing movement. It also has the ability to record 60p HD video.

Nikon’s Best Point-and-Shoot Cameras

Nikon also makes small cameras. They are simple to use and provide stunning images!

Nikon Coolpix P1000

Why We Love It?

• Unbelievable optical zoom of 125x
• Image stabilization in-camera
• Minimum focusing distance of 1 cm
• Electronic viewfinder with high resolution
• 4K video recording

The Nikon Coolpix P1000 is the best Nikon for those looking for a high-end compact camera with superzoom capabilities. It’s ideal for a variety of uses. It can capture everything from family events to safari trips.

It has a 16 MP crop sensor and an ISO range of 100 to 6400. It does not compare image quality to that of the Nikon DSLR or mirrorless systems. However, it is adequate for everyday shooting.

The P1000 has a NIKKOR lens with a 125x optical zoom, which is equivalent to a 24-3000mm lens! However, at extremes, it produces noisy and blurry images. The maximum aperture ranges from f/2.8 to f/8. This means that if you don’t zoom in too far, you can capture images with nicely blurred backgrounds or in low light.

It is also suitable for action due to the 7 fps burst rate. It can also capture 4K UHD, time-lapse, and super-lapse videos.

Nikon W300

Why We Love It?

• Menus and controls that are simple to use
• 5x optical zoom lens that is fixed
• Small enough to slip into a pocket
• Waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof
• Wi-Fi, GPS, an e-compass, and a depth gauge are all included.
• 4K Ultra HD with time-lapse functionality

The Nikon Coolpix W300 is the best camera for those who enjoy specific niches. It’s designed for action photography, extreme sports photography, and underwater images and videos. Its 16-megapixel sensor and ISO range of 125-6400 are adequate for the target market.

It’s a waterproof device with a depth of 30 meters (100 ft). It’s also shockproof to a drop of 2.4 meters (8 feet), freezeproof to -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit), and dustproof. That’s a camera made for adventure!

It has a 5x optical zoom NIKKOR lens with an angle of view equivalent to a 24-120mm lens. The maximum aperture ranges from f/2.8 to f/4.9, which provides adequate low-light performance.

It can also record movies in 4K UHD 30p resolution. With four fun colors to choose from, you’ll find one you like!

What To Look For When Buying A Nikon DSLR Camera

Getting the right camera for your needs, whether it’s a Nikon professional camera or an entry-level model, can be difficult, especially if you’re not sure where to begin.

Let’s take a closer look at the three most important factors to consider before purchasing a camera.

Sensor Size

To begin, you must determine the sensor size. The larger the camera sensor, the better the image quality – of course, cameras with large sensors are much more expensive than entry-level models.

Sensors are typically classified into two types: Full-Frame and APS-C (also known as cropped) sensors and Four-Thirds sensors.

As a beginner, a Four Thirds or an APS-C sensor will more than suffice, as they can still produce acceptable results with the right lens. However, if you’re looking for the best Nikon camera for professional photography, you should get your hands on a Full-Frame model.

Aside from that, it’s worth noting that full-frame cameras are typically heavier and larger in size than their cropped sensor counterparts. Finally, full-frame cameras typically have a higher resolution, which brings us to the next point – Megapixels.

Resolution (Megapixels)

Megapixels and camera resolution are the first things most users look for in a device; the higher the number, the sharper and better quality your photos will be. For example, the Canon EOS R5 has 47.1 megapixels, while others, such as the Sony A1, have more than 50 megapixels.

But, aside from quality, what does camera resolution imply? Large prints, as well as the ability to zoom in without losing any (or very little) quality. That appears to be the best you can get, right?

There are a few drawbacks to purchasing a high-resolution camera, and you should probably stick with 30 megapixels or less. Because high-resolution cameras frequently have low ISO capabilities, the low-light results will be less crisp than you’d expect. Aside from that, the higher the megapixel count, the more data the photo contains, and, as a result, the faster your SD card and hard disk will fill up.

To summarize, if you are trying to save money as a beginner, a camera with 10 to 20MP will provide adequate results. If you’re a skilled photographer, 20 to 30 megapixels is a good starting point.

As a professional photographer, you’ll have to invest more and go up to 40 to 50 megapixels, and sometimes higher, if you need large prints and high quality. So, before you buy the best Nikon camera for portraits solely for the megapixels and to post on Instagram, think twice – you don’t always need that many!

Lens Selection

You can have the best Nikon DSLR camera in the world, but without the right lens, the results won’t always be as good as you hoped.

For example, you can buy a Nikon D6, but if you attach an 18/55mm kit lens to it, I guarantee you won’t get the photo you were hoping for. To elaborate, you should consider the distinctions between premium lenses and zoom lenses.

Do you want a versatile lens that can zoom in and out, ideal for landscape photography, or do you prefer a slightly higher quality lens that requires physical movement?

It goes without saying that you must have a lens attached to your camera in order to take photos, and most manufacturers include a kit lens with the camera body. But I’d avoid those and instead invest in a better lens to get the most out of your camera.

So, which Nikon camera is the best? My instinct is to follow the current trend toward full-frame mirrorless cameras. Buy the Nikon Z9… unless you don’t have the money or are only interested in taking vacation photos!

If you cannot afford the Z9 or are unwilling to part with all of your DSLR lenses, I recommend the D850. That’s the DSLR I used before going mirrorless, and it’s a fantastic all-arounder.

Finally, if you’re on a tight budget or want something that can take a picture of a rhino from a mile away, the Coolpix P1000 may be the camera for you. It has a mind-boggling 125x optical zoom! I hope this article has assisted you in selecting the best Nikon camera for you.

FAQs on The Best Nikon Cameras

Originally posted on March 10, 2023 @ 10:48 pm