Countless beginners have experienced “real” photography for the first time – thanks to the Nikon Camera, also well-liked by enthusiasts and experts. It makes perfect sense to stick with a certain camera manufacturer as you advance both your camera and your photographic abilities.
But which Nikon camera would be ideal for you? That greatly depends on the type of camera you’re searching for, but the traditional camera maker undoubtedly has a wide variety of options for all types of photographers.
Despite the recent focus on mirrorless models, Nikon still maintains a solid selection of DSLR cameras for people who prefer a more classic shooting approach. The good news is that we have had the pleasure of putting each Nikon camera through its paces so we can present them to you in this precise sequence.
Since Nikon has been operating for over a century, it has a distinguished background filled with outstanding cameras. Additionally, nothing surpasses the intellectual intricacy and overwhelming shooting power that Nikon is currently generating, even though purists often cite a few particular film cameras as the company’s most iconic bodies.
Nikon offers something in its line-up for every need, whether you’re a seasoned Nikon user or simply shopping for your first camera. You might want to capture crisp 4K video, high-resolution stills, or both!
You could choose the mirrorless cameras’ cutting-edge technology over DSLRs’ robust design and handling. This guide should include a camera that works for you no matter where you are. Nikon is a fascinating player in the imaging industry.
Nikon is an excellent brand to invest in and build your photography or videography setup because it has some of the top lens series in the industry. Let’s move on to the best Nikon Camera available in 2023!
Best Nikon Camera 2023
With many options available, picking the best Nikon camera might be daunting. One of the most recognized photography brands, Nikon has a history dating back more than a century. Because of this, many individuals frequently consider the brand when looking to purchase a camera.
Which camera is best for you will depend on your expertise level, budget, and the type of photography you intend to do. There is an unbelievable selection of cameras available in all various categories, including DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and compacts.
If you are seeking the best Nikon camera available in the market, we have curated the best buying guide for you!
1. Nikon Z9
The Nikon Z9 is for you if you have a big spending limit and desire only the best. Whatever you prefer to capture, it can certainly manage it, but sports and action photographers will find it especially valuable.
The list of features the Nikon Z9 offers is astounding. It can shoot bursts at a breath-taking 120 fps, and Nikon boasts it can store up to 5,000 images when paired with a premium CFExpress card. Meanwhile, each burst’s buffer can theoretically store 1,000 photographs.
Despite the focus on sports/wildlife aspects, the camera is also effective for taking pictures of landscapes because of its basic ISO of 64 and high-resolution 45.7-megapixel sensor. The Nikon Z9 surpasses the spec sheets of every previous Nikon camera ever made, making it Nikon’s new premier mirrorless camera.
Reasons to buy:
- 8K 60p video
- Advanced AF system
- Up to 120FPS stills shooting
Reasons to avoid:
- Expensive
- Only 11MP at 120fps
2. Nikon D3500
Choose a camera that is easy to use right away and reasonably priced so that you may switch it out later if you need something different while you’re still studying and selecting what kind of camera will fit you best.
With this camera, Nikon hopes to lure consumers into the world of Nikon DSLRs at a competitive price.
The entry-level D3500 DSLR from Nikon sports a 24.2MP sensor that rivals those found in cameras costing twice as much. It delivers a very respectable 5fps continuous shooting speed for a beginner camera.
However, its main drawback is the Nikon D3500’s lack of sophisticated features and controls. But this is still the best option if you’re searching for a good DSLR for beginners.
Reasons to buy:
- Great image quality
- Outstanding image quality
- Beginner friendly
- Very affordable
Reasons to avoid:
- Fixed screen not touch-sensitive
- No 4K video
- The more basic control layout
3. Nikon Z30
The Z30 is the most recent Nikon Z camera for photographers. Even though most of its video functions are lifted from the Z50, Nikon claims it is intended for vloggers and on-the-go video photographers.
The Z30 delivers arguably the best build quality in its price range if you’re looking for a dedicated point-and-shoot video camera that won’t break the bank.
To facilitate vlogging and content creation, the Z30 was specifically designed. It features a varied-angle screen with easy touch functionality, a small and light design, a great hand grip, and silent extras like tally lighting.
Owing to Nikon’s well-proven 20.9MP APS-C sensor, sharp 16-50mm kit lens, 4K video with no crop, and the straightforwardly graded ‘flat’ color profile, the Z30 produces excellent images in a range of circumstances for camera beginners.
Reasons to buy:
- Best-in-class build quality
- 4K video with no crop
- Best connectivity
Reasons to avoid:
- No image stabilization
- Headphone jack not included
4. Nikon D850
The D850 appears to be the ideal all-purpose DSLR for professional photographers, but it may also be attractive to many aspirational amateurs at this price.
It has a few drawbacks, but its 4K full frame video, continuous filming speed, and resolution are astoundingly fantastic.
Comparing the Nikon D850 to the Nikon Z series, the D850 is a much more powerful camera.
However, this size is advantageous if you photograph large, heavy lenses, as most professional lenses are! Nikon’s newest full-frame DSLR with high resolution, the D850, has a 46MP backside-illuminated CMOS sensor.
The camera’s maximum frame rate at 1080 resolution is 60p, while its slow-motion mode can record 120 frames per second. Its ability to capture the smallest details is extraordinary for a camera with this resolution, and its continuous shooting speed is astounding.
Reasons to buy:
- Spectacular image detail
- 4K full frame video
- Robust body
Reasons to avoid:
- Pricey
- Lower buffer capacity
5. Nikon Z fc
The Nikon Z fc has a retro-styled exterior that resembles something out of a Shutterbug magazine ad for a ’70s-era film camera, making it undoubtedly one of the most stylish cameras at the cheaper end of the market.
After the Nikon Z50, the Nikon Z fc is the brand’s second mirrorless camera with an APS-C crop sensor.
The Nikon Z fc is a design breakthrough that, for a lower cost than the Nikon Z50, provides a distinct shooting experience.
The vari-angle screen is another brilliant decision that perfectly captures Nikon’s “fusion” idea of the old & the new.
Once you get the hang of it, dedicated exposure dials are a more user-friendly way than generic command dials if you frequently mess with exposure settings.
The Nikon Z fc is modern shifting lens cameras you can buy for the cost, but its auto-focus falls short of competitors & several art decisions are different.
Reasons to buy:
- Beautiful vintage design
- Vari-angle touchscreen
- Great value
Reasons to avoid:
6. Nikon Z 6II
The Z 6II’s great performance across the board makes it an appealing choice, although it may not be class-leading in certain important areas.
The Nikon Z6 II is a little upgrade over the original Z6, adding a second memory card slot & a faster processor.
It can shoot bursts of up to 14 frames per second and record 4K video at 60 frames per second.
The Z 6II is a fantastic choice for travel thanks to its tough design, cutting-edge capabilities, and sensor that performs remarkably well in various lighting settings.
The Z 6II is a fantastic investment if you feel like you have outgrown your current Nikon DSLR. The increased features and performance are undoubtedly sufficient to justify the cost, and the FTZ adapter makes it simple to utilize your current lenses.
Reasons to buy:
- Improved burst shooting
- 5-axis IS system
- Better AF performance
Reasons to avoid:
- Lacks articulating screen
- Cropped 4K 60p video
7. Nikon Z50
The brand made a strong entry with the Nikon Z50 into the competitive APS-C mirrorless market.
It’s a terrific alternative for anybody wishing to switch from a Nikon DSLR or who adores the brand. It also makes an excellent travel camera.
The Z50 has a lot going for it, even if it does fall short in a few areas. It offers fantastic handling, amazing value, and several desirable features.
The flexible 16-50mm kit lens is noteworthy for its overall performance despite its small size, not only for its pancake lens specs.
It has superb external controls and a comfy grip. It’s not a faultless camera, but it is pretty decent. The camera will only improve as the price drops, and additional lenses become available.
Reasons to buy:
- Compact body and kit lens
- Impressive viewfinder and screen
- Great handling
- 4K video and 11fps shooting
Reasons to avoid:
- No in-body stabilization
- Just a single UHS-I card slot
8. Nikon D780
The Nikon D780 adopts the Nikon Z6’s on-sensor phase detection auto-focus, creating a DSLR with live view auto-focus performance comparable to mirrorless cameras.
Perhaps the clearest example of a DSLR adapting itself for the mirrorless era is the Nikon D780.
It has an optical viewfinder and a relatively classic appearance for a full-frame camera, but it shares the same cutting-edge technology as its more modern Nikon Z6 cousin. In other words, it’s a hybrid between a DSLR and a mirrorless camera.
The D780 was created to be a capable all-rounder that would appeal to many photographers. Want a full-frame camera with a bigger, chunkier design, an optical viewfinder, and excellent battery life? That, along with its sturdy construction and comfortable handle, make this camera an instant classic.
Reasons to buy:
- Fast live view AF
- Excellent battery
- Tilting touch-sensitive screen
- Dual card slots
Reasons to avoid:
- Big and pricey
9. Nikon D7500
Nikon D7500 is a true celebration of the value and high-end features that, for the time being, keep up without issue with crop sensor mirrorless systems.
The D7500 is one of their best DX bodies, and as everything progressively shifts to mirrorless, it may be one of the final DX DSLRs produced.
It closely resembles the full-frame Nikon bodies in terms of how it feels and performs. It only compromises build quality where necessary, such as with the single memory card port and the auto-focus point density.
Along with simultaneous 4K UHD output to card and uncompressed HDMI, the D7500 also features a headphone and microphone connector for professional-quality audio recording and monitoring.
It’s a more modern design, which the professional-grade D500 inspired, trades a few megapixels for improved image quality at high ISO settings and faster overall image capture.
Reasons to buy:
- Lightweight build
- Advanced AF system
- 8fps burst shooting
Reasons to avoid:
- Low rear screen resolution
- Downgraded auto-focus system
10. Nikon COOLPIX P950
A new bridge camera is the Nikon COOLPIX P950. It has an 83x optical zoom, giving you a staggering 24-2000mm focal length, matching the P900’s predecessor’s focal length. The Nikon P950 is a relatively substantial offering by bridge camera standards.
It has the same ability as a DSLR and a backpack full of lenses, but carrying this camera still makes sense for people who prefer to travel lightly.
The Nikon COOLPIX P950 is a camera for people who frequently want to zoom in more but don’t need to spend the money on an interchangeable lens camera with a big, heavy tele zoom lens.
The Nikon COOLPIX P950 is your best choice if you want the convenience of shooting whatever you want and require the versatility of a 24-2000mm zoom range.
Reasons to buy:
- Strong image stabilization
- Raw imaging and 4K video
- 83x zoom lens
- EVF and vari-angle LCD
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Reasons to avoid:
- LCD doesn’t support touch
- Bulky and heavy
Verdict
When buying a Nikon camera, there are several aspects to consider. The first consideration is if you require the option for interchangeable lenses, given that their tiny cameras feature sharp, flexible fixed lenses that offer a wide zoom range for any occasion.
The best-known features of Nikon camera are their incredible out-of-the-box image quality, robust design, and user-friendly menu layouts. However, it’s recommended to decide on your price range first, look at the key specification variations across models in this price range, and decide whether you need the best performance you can afford or need to travel large distances with the camera.
However, we recommend Nikon D850 – something that’ll grow on you! Along with raising the bar for sharpness, it also offers a continuous shooting pace that can compete with specialized sports cameras.
Finally, a professional DSLR that is truly capable of anything is Nikon D850. Its ability to capture the smallest details is extraordinary for a camera with this resolution, and its continuous shooting speed is astounding.
The mechanical performance of the D850 is excellent, starting with auto-focus and extending to continuous shooting speed and buffer size. Moreover, this balance of speed and quality is just one camera feature that may be Nikon’s most astounding model.