Best Nikon Cameras to Buy Today

Nikon D3500

Excellent DSLR Camera for Beginners

One of the best Nikon DSLR cameras for beginners is Nikon D3500. It’s really very easy to use as it comes with an in-camera guide for newbies. Besides, it’s not an expensive model, so you won’t need to spend a bunch of cash on it.

Despite being a DSLR camera Nikon D3500 is rather compact and therefore comfortable in use. You can easily put it into your travel bag and take some great shots of the places you visit and people you do this with. In addition, this Nikon camera has a solid body which can survive almost any adventures.

If you download Nikon’s free SnapBridge app all your shots will have a chance to appear on one of your devices (smartphone or tablet). Note that there is an option of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity to share your images. However, keep in mind that this camera doesn’t provide 4K video recording. Instead, D3500 supports 1080p Full HD videos.

Nikon Z 6II

All Rounder Full Frame Mirrorless

As expected from a company like Nikon, the Z 6II is an improvement over an already near-perfect mirrorless camera. To be more precise, this is the follow-up to the Z6, Nikon’s first full frame mirrorless camera, which was first released back in 2018 if memory serves.

The Z 6II addresses all Z6’s weaknesses, while inheriting the main features of the latter, including the excellent 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor with fabulous image quality and plenty of detail, solid dynamic range and impressive high-ISO noise performance.

While the Z 6II keeps an “old” sensor, Nikon threw into the mix a second EXPEED 6 image processor, which, needless to say, dramatically boosts overall performance. To be more precise, the Z 6II saw an increase in burst shooting speed, to 14 fps from 12 fps. The extra processing power also improved the 273-point AF system, as well as general performance, including the ability to focus in darker conditions.

Eye/face detection are available in the Z 6II in Wide area AF mode, plus a solid set of video specifications, the likes of shooting oversampled 4K for footage with plenty of detail, 4K capture up to 60p, and even capturing 10-bit HLG HDR footage to an external recorder.
Build quality and design are top notch, as the Z 6II is features weather sealing, magnesium allow for body parts, and a very comfy grip.
In terms of ergonomics, the Z 6II is one of the best mirrorless camera out there when it comes to “shooting stuff”, and we absolutely love the revamped 3.69 million-dot electronic viewfinder and the improved battery life over the Z6.

Nikon D850

The Best Professional Full-frame Nikon Camera

As well as D3400 this is also one of the best Nikon DSLR cameras. But if D3400 belongs to the category of budget items then this one is a representative of the elite photography world and is much more expensive. However, price isn’t the only difference.

Nikon D850 is a full-frame DSLR camera with 45.7 mp BSI FX-format CMOS image sensor. Obviously, such hefty image sensor means first-rate shots. What is more, this Nikon camera has an improved autofocus system with 153 focus points, 99 cross-type sensors and a dedicated AF processor.

This camera is also suitable for top-notch video recording as it supports full-frame 4K UHD mode. As to the photos, D850 has 9 fps shooting speed and an option of silent photography in live-view mode. Its ISO range impresses a lot as it can vary from 3,200 up to 102,400 what guarantees a high-grade dynamic range. Another feature that you will definitely like is a tilting touchscreen

Specs:

• Sensor: BSI FX-format full-frame CMOS
• Megapixels: 45.7 mp
• Max ISO: 25,600 (expandable to: 102,400)
• Shooting Speed: 9 fps

Nikon D6

Almost Overkill for Most Photographers

If you’re looking for a reliable and powerful workhorse, the Nikon D6 is the answer, that provided you can live with the price tag, which is ample. The D6 features Nikon’s most powerful AF system to date, being a high-end full frame flagship camera, and comes loaded with a high density all cross type fully selectable auto focus sensor, and the latest image processing engine in the business.

The D6 is a fast action 14 FPS camera, which can mitigate the toughest of assignments, due to its triple density, 105-point fully selectable, all cross-type sensor AF.

Basically, if you’re a professional photographer who already invested heavily in Nikon’s ecosystem, the D6 is a fantastic option, especially if you can afford it. For example, if you already own a number of Nikon lenses, the D6 would make for a spectacular asset for sports shooters and/or wildlife photographers, due to its stellar autofocus performance.

The D6 is built around a 20.8MP full-frame sensor, and has a better processor, and full compatibility with CFExpress cards, plus inbuilt Wi-Fi.

Still image quality is excellent, yet keep in mind that the D6 is bulky and heavy, and truth be told, that makes you feel like a real photographer when carrying it.

This big solid beast of a camera is naturally overkill for most photographers out there, as it offers 14 frames per second shooting and a brand-new 105-point, all cross-type focusing system, plus Eye AF in 3D Tracking and Auto Area AF modes, Wi-Fi and GPS built-in, not to mention very good image quality.

Bottom line, if you’re looking for a professional camera for stills, and you’re into capturing fast action, the D6 has your name on it.

Nikon Z50

A High-Performing Mainstream-Oriented Nikon Camera

Z 50 is a compact and lightweight (333g) camera that presents one of the best Nikon cameras available on the market, thanks to its combination of performance and features. This is the first DX mirrorless camera in the Nikon portfolio and it’s an excellent product that delivers photos and videos of amazing quality.

Its 20.9 MP sensor, combined with EXPEED 6 image processor, does more than a fine job allowing it to capture 30fps 4K videos, as well as 120fps Full HD slow-motion videos, while also supporting more than a solid burst shooting rate of 11fps.

Z 50 camera is fitted with both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity and is fully compatible with NIKKOR Z lenses, as well as F Mount NIKKOR Lenses (they demand a separately sold adapter). Moreover, it is equipped with a 2.36-million dot OLED EFV, very accurate and fast AF, with 209 focus points and excellent tracking capabilities, as well as plenty of additional features, such as special filters, effects, and so on.

This camera comes with on-sensor phase detection, decent 320 shots battery life, and native ISO sensitivity that goes from 100 to 51200 mark.

All in all, Z 50 offers quite a lot for its value, with only a few downsides, such as not that great action performance. In other words, this is a great mirrorless camera and a great buy if DX-format is what you are seeking in the first place.

Nikon Z fc

A Modern Take on Old School Cameras

The Nikon Z fc looks like a seventies camera, but in reality it’s a plastic-made DX format mirrorless modern technical wonder with a price just a little bit over $1000 with a NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 (SE) lens.

As expected, the Z fc is aimed at amateur photographers, and it can be best described as a triumph of design at an honest price. To make a long story short, the Nikon Z fc is designed to deliver a different shooting experience compared to a Z50 at an affordable price, and that’s great in our book.

There’s no weather proofing in the Z fc, and the large full frame sensor is missing in action, but the vari angle screen is awesome, and embodies the company’s fusion concept, as in “new meets old” in a cool kind of way.

Let’s talk a little shop, shall we? We must begin with the fact that the Z fc is the second mirrorless camera from Nikon to feature an APS-C crop sensor, after the Z50 of course. The Z50 and the Z fc are basically the same under the hood, but the shooting experience is very different, due to design differences.

The f thing stands for fusion, and the Z fc is inspired from a serious full frame workhorse, the Nikon FM2 respectively, i.e. it’s a camera that will last you for years if taken care of.

The specs are respectable, i.e. you’ll end up with a 20.9MP sensor, 4K video capability up to 30fps, continuous tracking AF for basically anything, and an excellent vari-angle touch screen.

So, bottom line, if you’re looking for old school design with modern technology and functionality, and you can live with an all plastic design (the FM2 was metal), the Nikon Z fc will definitely fit the bill in all respects.

Nikon COOLPIX P1000

Awesome Point and Shoot Nikon Camera Under $1000

Nikon COOLPIX P1000 is another camera worth a closer look. This one of the best point and shoot cameras has awesome telescope-like zoom thanks to its powerful 3000mm equivalent NIKKOR ED glass lens. And all this is hidden in a compact bridge zoom camera design.

Nikon COOLPIX P1000 gives also a chance to control some features such as smooth focus control ring, snapback subject acquisition checking and AF/MF switching. Note that smooth control ring lets you adjust focus in MF mode or exposure as well as white balance or ISO in AF mode just from the lens barrel without even looking away from the viewfinder.

All images produced by this point and shoot camera are always accurate and sharp as there is a built-in image stabilization that comes with a Dual Detect Optical Vibration Reduction system which stabilizes both vertical and horizontal movements. Nikon COOLPIX P1000 also provides 4K ultra HD video with stereo sound. What is more, there is an HDMI port for recording and playback to an external monitor, a mic jack for optimal sound capture, and a hot-shoe for some other filmmaking accessories.

Nikon Z 7II

Incremental Upgrade to the Z7 -1 at a More Affordable Base Price

The Nikon Z 7II is an FX format full-frame mirrorless camera that retails currently for approximately $3000, give or take, and it’s basically the second-gen Z7, with increased processing power and added support for dual-memory cards.

Compared to the previous generation, the Z7 2 is a bit faster, and the support for dual memory cards will definitely please the pros, yet its AF system is not quite on par with the best in the business. However, considering the price and the stellar 45MP image sensor, the Z7 2 is still one of the best mirrorless digital cameras around.

Another design improvement worth mentioning is the support for a proper vertical grip, which was an issue with the previous generation, and to describe it in a few words, we would say that the Nikon Z 7II is priced and built for professional photographers and/or serious hobbyists with a lot of money to spend.

The body is built using magnesium alloy, and features high quality components, including internal sealing to protect against dust and splashes. The camera comes in at 4.0 by 5.3 by 2.7 inches (HWD) and weighs 1.4 pounds, and features IBIS aka in-body image stabilization.

Strangely enough, Nikon failed to add a multi shot mode, a feature common in high-end cameras. Ergonomics are top notch, menus are easy to navigate through a 4-way directional pad or via touch, you get all the connectivity features you’ll ever need, stuff like Wi-Fi 2.4GHz and 5GHz, Bluetooth 4.2, USB-C, mini HDMI, GPS, microphone, and headphone, plus a 3690k-dot OLED EVF, with 100% coverage, and 0.8x magnification.

The camera uses a Dual-core EXPEED 6 image processor, 493-point hybrid phase/contrast AF, has an ISO range of 64 to 25,600 (exp. 32-102,400), and in terms of video capability, you get uncropped 4K UHD up to 30p, and cropped 4K UHD up to 60p.

Nikon D780

Excellent Build Quality and Great Performance in One

Nikon D780 is an exquisite device that offers an excellent combination of features, performance, and great build quality, that altogether make it one of the best DSLR cameras available on the market. This camera is fitted with a 24.5MP full-frame CMOS sensor, very fast AF, with 273 phase-detect points and a dedicated AF-On button, as well as an excellent battery.

More importantly, its sensitivity ranges from ISO 100 to 51200 and can be increased to a range from ISO 50-204800, while its improved buffer allows for up to 68 14-bit shots in RAW format. To make things even better, Nikon D780 delivers almost class-leading 4K 30fps video that makes it not only a great choice for photography, but for filming as well.

Moreover, this camera also provides very good eye and face detection features, as well as precise AF that, joined with the camera’s BSI design, increases image clarity and reduces noise levels, making a real difference. More importantly, it creates images of excellent quality.

When talking about other aspects of the Nikon D780, you should know that it comes with two UHS-II SD card slots; that it is fitted with a 3.2” touchscreen, and that its burst shooting goes up to 12fps with live view, or 7fps when shooting with the viewfinder.

In other words, excellent versatility and functionality are guaranteed and the only thing that remains is to go to a shop and get yourself one.