The selection of Nikon cameras includes over 170 models, and the number only keeps growing, making it difficult for a user to know which one to choose. Beginner photographers may find it difficult to know the difference between DX and FX, while professional photographers are deep-diving and looking for the best option possible.
Choosing the best Nikon camera includes many factors. You need to know whether it will be a mirrorless one or a DSLR. No less important is the purpose of a camera – are you going to take photos of nature? Perhaps sports events? All technical specifications matter.
That said, we have tested and selected the best 7 Nikon cameras in 2025. We ensured there were options for users with no photography skills as well as professionals by taking shots with over 95 cameras. Read on and get ready to capture the best moments.
Best Nikon cameras of 2025
- Nikon Z 6III – the best mirrorless for action shots and videos from Amazon
- Nikon Z50 II – top Nikon camera for beginners to get from Amazon
- Nikon Z8 – best Nikon camera from Amazon for portrait photography
- Nikon Z 7II – the best full-frame camera from Nikon to find on Amazon
- Nikon Z5 – the most versatile Nikon camera from Amazon
- Nikon Z30 – the best budget-friendly Nikon camera to buy from Amazon
- Nikon D7500 – Nikon FX camera to get from Amazon for shooting landscapes
How to choose the best Nikon camera?
The first thing to ask yourself when looking for a Nikon camera is what you need it for. However, searching for it goes even further, as getting the picture you wish for relies on multiple technical aspects.
Below, you will find the essential details to pay attention to when choosing the best Nikon camera specifically for you:
- Purpose. Each photography style requires different technical aspects for a camera to provide you with. If you're going to take photos of sports, you'd need a point-and-shoot Nikon camera. Meanwhile, for a higher contrast image, a full-frame camera is the option.
- Image quality. As a beginner photographer, you should look for a 16-24 megapixel camera. With it, you will have sharp images that will look great on Instagram or other social media.
- Ease of use. When choosing your first mirrorless or DSLR camera, make sure you don’t overrate your capabilities and pick an intuitive Nikon. Look for an Auto mode, test out the manual mode, and remember that the fewer buttons there are, the easier it will be for you.
- Compatibility with lenses. As your photography skills get better, you might want to try out different photography styles, for example, microphotography. Therefore, it’s important to choose a camera with interchangeable lenses.
- Video capabilities. Shooting photos isn’t the only thing Nikon cameras are widely used for. You should also consider the opportunity to take videos. If you’re interested, look for a camera with a 4K format.
- Price. There are Nikon cameras that cost as much as $5,000, but these options are for strongly advanced photographers. As a beginner, you can find excellent options for as low as $700.
Top 7 best Nikon camera in 2025: reviews
Determining the best Nikon camera overall is a pretty tough task, as each Nikon model may be the top option for certain needs. However, we have completed our research and tests to find 7 Nikon cameras that are the best in different cases. We examined their features, ease of use, price, and other critical aspects.
1. Nikon Z 6III – the best mirrorless Nikon camera
| 📷 Camera type: | Mirrorless |
| 🎥 Resolution: | 24.5 MP |
| 👁️ Photo sensor size: | Full-frame |
Nikon Z50 II is one of the best cameras for wildlife photography enthusiasts just beginning their journey. This type of Nikon is compact but powerful, user-friendly but feature-rich, so it’s also suitable for advanced photographers.
Image quality. The Nikon Z50 II camera has a CMOS sensor that helps you take photos that you can crop without losing quality. It can also capture wide dynamic range shots with well-maintained highlight and shadow details. Finally, you receive clear photos with minimal noise, as its ISO range goes up to ISO 51,200.
Technical features. The Nikon Z50 provides a considerably advanced feature set for its class. The list includes 31 built-in presets for photos and videos, 4K UHD/60p video recording, built-in electronic VR, automated detection and accurate tracking of nine distinct subjects, and dedicated bird and airplane modes.
Size and connectivity. Another amazing thing is that this Nikon camera weighs 2.4lbs, making it compact and a great option for travelers. It also has an SDXC UHS-I memory card slot. You can connect to it via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
2. Nikon Z50 II – the best Nikon camera for beginners
| 📷 Camera type: | Mirrorless |
| 🎥 Resolution: | 20.9 MP |
| 👁️ Photo sensor size: | APS-C |
Nikon Z50 II is one of the best cameras for wildlife photography enthusiasts just beginning their journey. This type of Nikon is compact but powerful, user-friendly but feature-rich, so it’s also suitable for advanced photographers.
Image quality. The Nikon Z50 II camera has a CMOS sensor that helps you take photos that you can crop without losing quality. It can also capture wide dynamic range shots with well-maintained highlight and shadow details. Finally, you receive clear photos with minimal noise, as its ISO range goes up to ISO 51,200.
Technical features. The Nikon Z50 provides a considerably advanced feature set for its class. The list includes 31 built-in presets for photos and videos, 4K UHD/60p video recording, built-in electronic VR, automated detection and accurate tracking of nine distinct subjects, and dedicated bird and airplane modes.
Size and connectivity. Another amazing thing is that this Nikon camera weighs 2.4lbs, making it compact and a great option for travelers. It also has an SDXC UHS-I memory card slot. You can connect to it via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
3. Nikon Z8 – professional camera for portrait and beauty photography
| 📷 Camera type: | Mirrorless |
| 🎥 Resolution: | 45.7 MP |
| 👁️ Photo sensor size: | Full-frame |
If you’re looking for a professional camera that will deliver the best portrait and beauty shots, check out the Nikon Z8 model. With numerous portrait shooting modes and an extraordinary 45.7MP stacked CMOS sensor, this can be the perfect professional camera for your needs.
Image quality. The Nikon Z8 camera has a 45.7MP full-frame stacked CMOS sensor that allows you to focus even on the most stunning details and textures. Ultimately, the Nikon Z8 performs well at high ISOs of up to 25,600, remaining virtually noise-free up to ISO 800. At ISO 1,600 and 3,200, the noise is minimal and easily manageable.
Technical features. With its incredible 493 autofocus points, this camera can detect and track more subjects than any other mirrorless system. It can also focus on the lowest light and help you deliver crystal-clear photos. But it doesn’t stop here. Nikon Z8 allows you to record 8K/60p and 4K/120p videos and has an internal 12-bit N-RAW and ProRes RAW recording. On top of this, it has versatile beauty modes, including Skin Softening, Portrait Impression Balance, and Improved White Balance.
Size and connectivity. The best part is that you can take this professional camera with you anywhere due to its compact style and lightweight design of 2.01lbs with batteries. As for the connectivity, the Nikon Z8 has 2 SD card slots that you can connect with via USB-C ports, a full-size HDMI port, 2.4GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 1000BASE-T Wired-LAN.
4. Nikon Z 7II – top full-frame Nikon camera
| 📷 Camera type: | Mirrorless |
| 🎥 Resolution: | 45.7 MP |
| 👁️ Photo sensor size: | Full-frame |
Nikon Z 7II is by far the most professional and best full-frame Nikon camera on the list. It has impressed us with its extra high-resolution sensor, auto-focus system, and a low native ISO of 64 for shooting sunsets or other warm-color but contrasty images.
Image quality. The Nikon Z 7II camera delivers best-in-class resolution and dynamic range combined with pro-grade performance, mainly thanks to its 45.7 MP ultra-high resolution CMOS BSI sensor. Plus, it has a 493-point autofocus system, which intelligently adjusts the camera’s lens focus on the selected object.
Technical features. With this camera, you can either shoot stills or films, as it’s capable of delivering up to 4K UHD 60fps videos. You also get the 5-axis in-body image stabilization, 10fps, and both mechanical as well as fully electronic shutters.
Size and connectivity. Nikon Z 7II is lighter than the original Nikon Z 7, weighing nearly 1.6 lbs. With it, you get a classic 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen and a dual card slot for CFexpress and SD UHS-II cards. Plus, you can connect your Android or iOS to the camera via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
5. Nikon Z5 – all-around Nikon camera
| 📷 Camera type: | Mirrorless |
| 🎥 Resolution: | 24.3 MP |
| 👁️ Photo sensor size: | Full-frame |
Nikon Z5 is the most universal option from Nikon production, making it suitable for all-level photographers. This camera stands out with its large EVF and an excellent shutter that delivers fast flash sync speed.
Image quality. The 24.3 MP sensor offers high resolution for printing and flexible cropping. And with 14.5 stops of dynamic range allows recovering photos for shadows and highlights. This camera helps you enjoy clean and high ISO performance, delivering usable images up to ISO 51,200.
Technical features. This Nikon Z5 provides you with a 273-point autofocus system, which is impressive compared to other cameras suitable for beginners. It also has an in-body 5-axis image stabilization for sharp images, making it an excellent choice for hikers or travel vloggers. Finally, this camera is able to film 4K videos with smooth transitions between objects.
Size and connectivity. The camera body weighs 1.3lbs, which is a decent choice of comfortability. You also get a 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, and the camera is compatible with a wide range of lenses. There is a dual card slot for SD UHS-II, yet, no support for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection.
6. Nikon Z30 – powerful Nikon camera for the best price
| 📷 Camera type: | DSLR |
| 🎥 Resolution: | 24.5 MP |
| 👁️ Photo sensor size: | Full-frame |
If you’re looking for a new camera to film your vlogs, then the Nikon Z30 is the top option from this manufacturer. With many matching features from the Nikon ’DX’ series, this exact model is also the cheapest Nikon on the list, considering the quality it offers.
Image quality. Nikon Z30 is an APC-C 20.9 MP camera that provides you with a decent resolution for large prints and cropping flexibility. ISO range varies from ISO 100 to 51,200. During our tests, this camera maintained good highlight and shadow details. It also produced vibrant colors and excellent skin tones.
Technical features. This camera has a vari-angle 3.0-inch touchscreen, a 209-point hybrid AF system, and in-body stabilization. Moreover, it can help you shoot 4K video at up to 30fps without cropping, which makes it perfect for filming vlogs.
Size and connectivity. The camera body weighs around 0.914lbs, so it’s a lightweight Nikon, making it great for active filming. It also has seamless wireless connectivity options, which add to its appeal. Such as one card slot for SD UHS-I, USB port, and it’s also compatible with smartphones or tablets.
7. Nikon D7500 – feature-rich camera for professionals
| 📷 Camera type: | DSLR |
| 🎥 Resolution: | 20.9 MP |
| 👁️ Photo sensor size: | APS-C |
The Nikon D7500 is a DSLR camera perfect for photography enthusiasts who want feature-rich yet affordable packages. Thanks to its class-leading image quality and ISO range, you can capture and record stunning images and videos.
Image quality. The Nikon D7500 camera features a 20.9 MP CMOS photo sensor. This ensures you’ll deliver high-resolution and perfectly cropped images without compromising their quality. Also, it has a dynamic range of up to 14.0 EV, which allows you to take clear images and focus on details in both dark and bright areas. On top of this, you can achieve sharp, low-light images with minimal noise due to the wide ISO range from 100 to 51,200 (expandable to ISO 1,640,000).
Technical features. By going for the Nikon D7500 camera, you can enjoy 4K Ultra HD and 1080p Full HD video with stereo sound, power aperture control, auto ISO, and 4K UHD Time Lapse recording. Additionally, this camera has a 51-point AF system with 15 cross-type sensors and group area AF paired with up to 8fps continuous shooting capability. Last but not least, you’ll be able to use multiple shooting modes, which let you deliver perfect photos for any occasion.
Size and connectivity. With a weight of 1lb 9.4 oz and a 3.2-inch display, the Nikon D7500 is relatively compact. In terms of connectivity, you’ll get 2 USB ports and one mini-HDMI video output. Ultimately, it supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, along with a regular HDMI connection.
Best Nikon cameras compared
If you’re feeling lost in all the technical camera specs, check the comparison table below to get the main details about the top Nikon cameras:
| Nikon Z 6III | Nikon Z50 II | Nikon Z8 | Nikon Z 7II | Nikon Z5 | Nikon Z30 | Nikon D7500 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | DSLR |
| User level | Intermediate | Beginner | Beginner | Professional | Beginner | Intermediat | Professional |
| Video resolution | 6K 60fps | 4K UHD 60fps | 8K 60fps | 4K 60fps | 4K 30fps | 4K 30fps | 4K UHD 2,160p |
| Sensor | 24.5 MP CMOS BSI sensor | 20.9 MP CMOS BSI sensor | 45.7 MP CMOS sensor | 45.7 MP CMOS BSI sensor | 24.3 MP CMOS BSI sensor | 20.9 MP CMOS BSI sensor | 20.9 MP CMOS sensor |
| ISO range | ISO range 100 - 64,000 | ISO range 100 - 51,200 | ISO range 64 - 25,600 | ISO range 64 - 25,600 | ISO range 100 - 51,200 | ISO range 100 - 51,200 | ISO range 100 - 51,200 |
How we selected these Nikon cameras
We took 95 Nikon cameras into our hands overall. Even though, your sales made on Amazon will bring us affiliate commissions, we still tested and evaluated different Nikon camera models in detail.
So, to offer you only the best Nikon camera per category, we looked into these aspects:
- Sensor size and resolution. We evaluated the sensor size, which affects image quality, low-light performance, and depth of field. We also prioritized full-frame sensors that are more extensive and provide better low-light performance and shallower depth of field. And the megapixel count is no less critical for delivering high-resolution images for large prints.
- ISO performance. We have checked the camera’s ISO range and tested its performance at high ISO settings. This is crucial for shooting in low-light conditions without sacrificing image quality.
- Autofocus system and points. We looked for a camera with an advanced autofocus system that could also capture fast-moving subjects. We also ensured there were features like phase-detection points, eye-tracking, and object-tracking.
- Video capabilities. We made sure that videographers had an option as well by searching for cameras that included features like 4K recording, frame rates, video formats, and the availability of manual controls for video settings.
- Viewfinder and screen. To ease the photography beginning for users without experience, we looked for cameras with electronic viewfinders or screens (mirrorless type) that provide an accurate and precise representation of your scene. Note that a tilting screen can be useful for capturing creative angles.
What Nikon features are essential for your photography style?
Identifying key features depends on your photography style. Sports photographers should prioritize fast autofocus and continuous shooting capabilities, found in models like the Nikon Z 6II. For portrait photography, look for cameras with high megapixel count and superior ISO performance, ensuring sharp and clear images in varying light conditions, such as the Nikon Z 7II. For everyday shooting and vlogging, a model like the Nikon Z30 with its vari-angle touchscreen and 4K video capabilities would be ideal.
DSLR vs mirrorless cameras
The main distinction between DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) and mirrorless cameras lies in their optical viewfinder system (the device you look through when taking a picture). However, there are more aspects that separate these types of cameras:
- DSLR. These cameras use a reflex mirror and pentaprism arrangement to direct light from the lens to the optical viewfinder. In other words, it means there’s a mirror inside that bounces light from the lens into an eyepiece so you can see through the viewfinder. When taking a picture, once you press the button, the mirror quickly moves out of the way to capture an image. A great example of this camera would be the Nikon Z 6III.
- Mirrorless. This type of camera omits the mirror and pentaprism, using a digital display or electronic viewfinder to show the image from the sensor directly. This results in a more compact form factor and potentially faster autofocus due to on-sensor phase detection. To put it simply, there’s no mirror and, instead, you see a digital version of the image straight on a screen or through a small electronic window.
Truth be told, Nikon has nearly stopped its development of DSLR cameras, meaning finding a more comprehensive mirrorless camera is more accessible. Yet, DSLR Nikon cameras are perfect for catching quick-action shots, such as moving animals, so it’s worth sacrificing some time to find a functional Nikon DSLR for a professional photographer.
What is the best Nikon camera for beginners
Starting to take high-quality photos and using a professional Nikon camera may be challenging for most photographers. There’s no need to complicate your path by instantly jumping to a top-notch camera with a never-ending list of features. The best way to learn is to select an intuitive Nikon camera to help you steadily grow.
Here are the three most suitable Nikon cameras for beginners, with their features clearly listed for you to evaluate:
| Nikon D3500 | Nikon Z50 | Nikon Z30 | |
| Image quality: | Full HD 60fps | 4K 30fps | 4K 30fps |
| Video quality: | CMOS sensor | 20.9 MP CMOS BSI sensor | 20.9 MP CMOS BSI sensor |
| Where to buy: | Get Nikon D3500 | Get Nikon Z50 | Get Nikon Z30 |
Which Nikon cameras offer the best user experience for beginners?
For beginners, ease of use and intuitive learning are key. In the mirrorless category, the Nikon Z50 is an excellent choice with its user-friendly interface and compact design, providing a smooth transition into more advanced photography without overwhelming the user.
How much should you invest in your Nikon camera?
When it comes to investing in a Nikon camera, your budget should reflect your photography ambitions and usage frequency. For beginners, spending between $500 to $1000 is a good start. However, if photography is more than just a hobby, consider investing in the $1500 to $3000 range and choosing products that cater to more advanced needs with higher-resolution sensors and professional-grade features.
Nikon's lens options: what do you really need?
Lens choice is critical in maximizing your Nikon camera's potential. Start with a versatile lens like the Nikon 24-70mm f/4, suitable for various photography styles. If you're into wildlife or sports photography, a telephoto lens like the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 will be essential for capturing distant subjects. For portrait photographers, prime lenses such as the Nikon 85mm f/1.8 offer beautiful bokeh and sharpness. Remember, investing in quality lenses is as crucial as choosing the right camera.
When to consider upgrading your Nikon camera?
Consider upgrading when you start feeling limited by your current Nikon camera's capabilities. If you frequently find yourself struggling in low light conditions or requiring faster autofocus and higher resolution, it's time to upgrade. For instance, moving from a Nikon D3500 to a Z 6II could be transformative for someone stepping into professional photography realms. Also, if you're expanding into new photography areas like wildlife or sports, upgrading to a camera with faster continuous shooting and a broader ISO range would be beneficial.
Conclusion
With the availability of nearly 200 Nikon cameras, the selection process may be overwhelming, especially if you have no experience in photography. A rule of thumb is that you must know your photography intentions before buying the camera. Each photography style requires different technical specifications.
After going through numerous tests, we have come to the conclusion that the Nikon Z 6III is the best mirrorless option, and the Nikon Z 7II is the most advanced option for professionals.
If you’re a beginner photographer, choosing the correct Nikon camera is very important so you don’t lose the enthusiasm for learning this craft. Hence, when picking it, ensure you evaluate what features you truly need, whether you want to make videos or stills, your budget, and other critical aspects.
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FAQ
What is the best Nikon camera?
Determining the best Nikon camera depends on the photography style you’re interested in. However, the best Nikon mirrorless camera is the Nikon Z 6II, while the top option for beginning photographers is the Nikon Z50.
Which camera is the best: Nikon or Canon?
While Canon offers numerous APS-C mirrorless and DSLR options that are suitable for beginners but have cool features, Nikon offers better options for professionals. Meaning, the Nikon company manufactures more advanced cameras for now.
What is the best Nikon mirrorless camera?
The best Nikon mirrorless camera is the Nikon Z 6II. This camera is suitable for both stills photographers and video photographers, as it has a 24.5 MP full-frame sensor, 273-point AF system, and can capture 4K UHD 30fps videos.
Which Nikon is best for a new photographer?
The best Nikon for a new photographer is the Nikon Z50. It’s also suitable for vloggers, as it has a flippable 3.2-inch touchscreen and captures 4K UHD 30fps videos. A 20.9 MP APS-C allows you to take high-quality photos that will look perfect as prints.
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