The best Nikon camera in 2024: perfect cameras for beginners, enthusiasts and pros

Nikon Z8 being reviewed by Adam Waring, editor of N-Photo magazine
(Image credit: Digital Camera World)

Nikon is one of the most iconic camera brands in existence, with well over 100 years of history under its belt, and I've been using Nikon gear for years, particularly in my previous role as editor of Nikon-specfic magazine N-Photo, where I've tested, used or owned every Nikon Z-series mirrorless ever made, as well as a fair number of DSLRs.

Nikon cameras have long been the starting point for photo buffs taking their first foray into 'serious' photography. But Nikons aren't just for newbies – the Japanese giant is the go-to brand for professional photographers and enthusiastic amateurs alike!

This rundown zeroes in on Nikon's newest Nikon Z-series mirrorless cameras, like the groundbreaking Nikon Z8, enthusiast-level Nikon Z6 III, and cut-price Nikon Z30 (if you don't mind the lack of a viewfinder), but also features a few DSLRs that are still holding a place in Nikon's lineup, including what I would argue is the finest DSLR ever made by anyone: the mighty Nikon D850.

There are still a lot of DSLR fans out there, but with mirrorless tech reigning supreme, I would expect these to be phased out soon. Nikon's DSLRs can still charm with good features at a good price, as well as a rugged build and lens options galore. You can dig deeper into our DSLR vs mirrorless breakdown in full.

Nikon makes a wide range of cameras, covering everything from the prestige Nikon Z9, with features that will suit the most demanding of professionals, through to more everyday cameras such as the Nikon Z6 II, and also more casual photographers and vloggers with the Nikon Z50 (soon to be replaced by the Nikon Z50 II, which will make its way into my guide in the coming weeks, once I've finished testing it). Fans of retro styling are well catered for too, with the retro-inspired Nikon Zfc and Nikon Zf (depending on your preference for a DX of FX sensor). Yep, with so many models to choose from, it's a bit of a minefield picking the best camera for your needs, but don't dispair, I'm here to help!

Now, I have skipped the Nikon CoolPix compact cameras here like the Nikon P1000, and its insane 125x zoom – but don't sweat it, we've got other guides for the best point-and-shoot, best waterproof, and best bridge cameras.

My guide splits the top Nikon cameras into the best cameras for every user – so without further ado, let's uncover the perfect Nikon for you!

Adam Waring using a Nikon D850 in Snowdonia
Adam Waring

Adam is News Editor at Digital Camera World, and has several years of experience as a photography journalist, most notably as editor of Nikon bible N-Photo magazine. An undisputed Nikon know-all, he has put his unrivaled knowledge into practice, testing and reviewing Nikon cameras for this guide.

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The best Nikon camera in 2024

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The best Nikon camera overall

(Image credit: Digital Camera World)
The baby Z9

Specifications

Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: Full-frame
Megapixels: 45.7MP
Autofocus: 493-point hybrid phase/contrast detect
Screen type: 3-inch bi-directional tilting touchscreen, 1.04m dots
Maximum continuous shooting speed: 20fps
Movies: 8K
User level: Professional

Reasons to buy

+
8K 60p video resolution
+
120fps burst shooting

Reasons to avoid

-
Screen isn't fully articulated
-
High burst rates compromise resolution

The Z8 is being pushed by Nikon as "a baby Z9", with an almost identical feature set. The only real difference right now is that it has a more compact body (without the Z9's "pro" vertical grip and bigger battery) and it costs over a grand less. There is the option of adding a grip, too, should you need to carry an extra battery and have vertical control buttons

It's capable of 8K 60p video recording or 8K 30p with an enormous 2-hour record limit. Nikon decided to remove the mechanical shutter completely, which means the camera is capable of 120fps continuous shooting and has a max shutter speed of 1/32000 sec, which makes it perfect for sport and bird photography.

The ferocious autofocus is capable of ten kinds of recognition: human eyes, faces, heads, and upper bodies; animal eyes, heads, and bodies; and cars, aircraft, planes, trains, and motorbikes.

Overall, though, there is literally nothing this camera can't do: it gives you speed, resolution, ruggedness and video capability in one. And it's cheaper than the Z9.

Read more: Nikon Z8 review

The best Nikon camera for style

(Image credit: Gareth Bevan / Digital Camera World)
Best vintage-looking Nikon camera

Specifications

Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: FX
Megapixels: 24.5
Lens mount: Nikon Z
Screen: 3.2-in 2100k-dot vari-angle TFT touch-sensitive LCD
Viewfinder: 3690k-dot (Quad VGA) OLED
Max shooting speed: 14fps
Max video resolution: 4K 60p

Reasons to buy

+
Stunning retro design and build quality
+
Manual dials
+
Full frame sensor
+
Autofocus smarts from the flagship Z9

Reasons to avoid

-
Lack of matching lenses
-
Very Shallow grip
-
Articulating screen and hinge are not flush with the body

Don't let its vintage looks deceive you, the Nikon Zf is a fantastic modern digital camera. Internally, this is the closest to a new Z6 III right now, with its 25MP full-frame sensor and Nikon's cutting-edge Expeed 7 processor, the Zf offers much better autofocus and subject tracking, as well as solid 4K video performance.

I really love the Nikon Zf for its retro design which is sure to immediately win over any vintage camera enthusiasts. From the moment I laid my hands on this camera, it stirred up a wave of nostalgia for the bygone days of shooting film. The Zf body has a fantastic build quality with more substantial and robust brass dials, and a weighty feel reminiscent of the iconic Nikon FM2 that served as its inspiration.

I found that the Zf’s minimal grip is uncomfortable to hold for long periods, and wish I had a Smallrig extended grip when testing. Also, there is a lack of Nikon vintage-style lenses natively for the Z mount, which limits you to modern-looking Nikon lenses, or old Nikon lenses via a mount adapter, which spoils the aesthetic somewhat.

Read more: Nikon Zf review

The best Nikon camera for most people

Best Nikon camera for most people

Specifications

Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: Full frame CMOS
Megapixels: 24.5MP
Monitor: 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, 2100k dots
Continuous shooting speed: 14fps
Viewfinder: EVF, 3,690k dots, 100% coverage
Max video resolution: 4K UHD at 30p (60p via update)
User level: Enthusiast/Professional

Reasons to buy

+
Two memory card slots
+
Improved burst shooting
+
Superior AF performance

Reasons to avoid

-
No articulating screen
-
4K 60p video is cropped

This isn't the latest Z6, that honor goes to the brand new Nikon Z6 III, although I have decided to keep the previous model on the list for the time being as not only is it still a really dependable camera for a huge range of photographers, since the release of the new model – it can be found heavily discounted!

The Nikon Z6 II itself was a light refresh of the original Z6, with a second memory card slot and a faster processor bringing a bump to burst shooting, now up to 14fps, and the ability to record 4K video at 60fps. it's a terrific all-round camera at a very good price, and this camera's build quality, design, and handling are excellent – as is its in-body stabilization.

The 24MP sensor sounds only a small step up from Nikon's 20.9MP APS-C mirrorless models, but in combination with the much larger full-frame sensor area, it delivers a big leap in image quality, especially in low light. If you're into vlogging and filmmaking, not just stills, this is the Nikon to get.

Read more: Nikon Z6 II review

The best Nikon camera for enthusiasts

Best retro-style camera

Specifications

Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: APS-C CMOS
Megapixels: 20.9MP
Monitor: 3.2-inch tilting, 1.04m dots
Continuous shooting speed: 11fps
Viewfinder: EVF, 2.36m dots
Max video resolution: 4K UHD at 30p
User level: Beginner/enthusiast

Reasons to buy

+
Glorious looks
+
Dial-based controls

Reasons to avoid

-
Z50 is cheaper
-
Few DX Z-mount lenses

The Nikon Z fc stands out as a fantastic blend of modern features and retro styling, making it one of the more interesting mirrorless options on the market. This camera’s design is clearly inspired by Nikon's vintage models, particularly the FM2, and is bound to appeal to photographers who appreciate a nostalgic aesthetic. However, it’s not all about looks – the Z fc delivers in performance as well.

Equipped with a 20.9MP APS-C sensor, the Z fc produces excellent image quality, comparable to its sibling, the Nikon Z50. It shares the same EXPEED 6 processor and an 11fps burst mode, making it quite versatile for everyday photography needs. Where the Z fc really shines is in its fully articulating screen, which adds a layer of flexibility for vlogging or creative shooting angles, a feature that sets it apart from the Z50’s tilt-only display.

What I love most about the Nikon Z fc is how Nikon has seamlessly integrated modern technology with a classic feel. Whether you're just getting started in photography or you're a seasoned pro looking for something different, the Z fc offers plenty of charm while still delivering solid performance. Keep in mind, though, that it’s more of a statement piece. If you’re after pure functionality at a lower price, the Z50 offers essentially the same specs in a more understated body.

Ultimately, the Z fc is perfect for those who value aesthetics alongside capability, but it might not be the most practical option for heavy-duty work.

Read more: Nikon Z fc review

The best Nikon camera for sports

(Image credit: James Artaius)
Best Nikon camera for professionals

Specifications

Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: Full frame CMOS
Megapixels: 47.5MP
Monitor: 3.2-inch, 2,100k dot 4-axis tilting touchscreen
Continuous shooting speed: 20fps RAW (up to 1,000 buffer), 30fps hi-res JPEG, 120fps lo-res JPEG
Viewfinder: EVF, 3,690k dots, 100% coverage
Max video resolution: 8K at 60fps
User level: Professional

Reasons to buy

+
120fps burst and deep buffer
+
8K 60p video
+
Deep-learning autofocus

Reasons to avoid

-
Only 11MP at 120fps
-
Some features arriving later

The Nikon Z9 stands out as one of Nikon’s most advanced cameras, and it's designed with professional photographers in mind. As the flagship mirrorless model, it features a robust 45.7MP full-frame sensor and offers both exceptional still image quality and 8K video recording at 60p. The Z9’s stacked sensor allows for extremely fast readout speeds, enabling continuous shooting at up to 120fps in JPEG (albeit with reduced resolution at 11MP), making it perfect for high-speed action and wildlife photography.

One of the key innovations of the Z9 is the absence of a mechanical shutter, replaced entirely with an electronic shutter, offering shutter speeds up to 1/32,000 sec. Combined with the deep learning autofocus system, which excels at detecting and tracking subjects from people to animals, this camera is a powerful tool for any professional setting. However, while the autofocus is strong, it may not quite match the precision found in Canon's or Sony's systems. For video enthusiasts, the Z9 delivers impressive 8K footage, with an option for longer recording times without overheating – an area where many competitors struggle.

This camera’s ergonomics are also top-tier, with a fully weather-sealed body, integrated vertical grip, and a substantial battery, making it ideal for long shoots and working in challenging environments. On the downside, the Z9’s screen isn’t fully articulating, which may be a limitation for those needing flexible angles for certain shots. But if you're after a compact alternative with similar capabilities, the Nikon Z8 might be worth considering, as it offers nearly identical specs in a smaller, more affordable package – which is why it is top of my list.

However, the Nikon Z9 is a powerhouse for professional photographers, particularly those working in fields like sports, wildlife, and high-end videography, delivering a combination of speed, quality, and ruggedness that is hard to beat at this level.

Read more: Nikon Z9 review

The best Nikon DSLR camera

(Image credit: Future)
Some cameras just grow on you... and grow, and grow. The classic Nikon D850 does that for us

Specifications

Type: DSLR
Sensor: Full frame
Megapixels: 45.7MP
Monitor: 3.2-inch tilting, 2,360k dots
Viewfinder: Optical pentaprism
Continuous shooting speed: 7fps
Max video resolution: 4K UHD
User level: Professional

Reasons to buy

+
High MP and fast burst shooting
+
Solid, weather-sealed body
+
Better battery life than mirrorless models

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive

Mirrorless camera fans will often complain about the size and weight of DSLRs, and they have a point. The Nikon D850 is a big bruiser of a camera compared to the Nikon Z models.

But this size works in your favor if you're shooting with big, heavy lenses, and most pro lenses are big and heavy! This is a handling factor that many mirrorless users don't take into account. Being a DSLR, the D850 has a bright, clear optical viewfinder that many photographers still prefer over a digital display, no matter how good the latter.

The D850's 45.7-megapixel sensor produces quite a superb image quality, yet it can still maintain a shooting speed of 7 frames per second or 9 frames per second with the optional battery grip.

Even without the grip, the D850 has an amazing battery life of 1840 shots – far more than any mirrorless rivals – and it comes with two memory card slots; one for an XQD/CFexpress card and one for regular SD/SDHC/SDXC.

Read more: Nikon D850 review

The best Nikon camera for vlogging

(Image credit: Rod Lawton/Digital Camera World)
Best for vlogging

Specifications

Sensor: 20.9MP
AF points: 209-point hybrid
ISO range: 100-51,200 (exp. 204,800)
Video: Uncropped 4K UHD 30p
Memory card: SD/SDHC/SDXC, UHS-I
LCD: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1040k dots
Max burst: 11fps
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, SnapBridge, USB-C, micro HDMI, microphone
Size: 128 x 73.5 x 59.5mm
Weight: 350g

Reasons to buy

+
Best-in-class build quality
+
Nikon’s most affordable Z camera
+
Proper vari-angle screen

Reasons to avoid

-
No headphone socket
-
Absent EVF limits stills potential
-
No in-body stabilization

The Nikon Z30 is an impressive entry-level mirrorless camera specifically designed for vloggers and content creators. It features a 20.9MP APS-C sensor and offers uncropped 4K video recording, making it a versatile tool for both video and stills. One of the camera's standout features is its compact and lightweight body, weighing just 350g, which is perfect for those who need portability without sacrificing quality.

For vloggers, the Z30 excels thanks to its fully articulating 3-inch touchscreen, which allows for easy framing, especially in selfie mode. It also includes built-in stereo mics and a 3.5mm microphone port, ensuring you have options for improved audio quality. However, it lacks a headphone socket, which some creators might miss for audio monitoring during shoots.

While it's optimized for video, the Z30 still holds its own in photography, offering up to 11fps continuous shooting. However, it does lack an electronic viewfinder (EVF) and in-body image stabilization, which may be limiting for those looking to use it primarily for stills or in low-light conditions.

For creators looking for a budget-friendly option with solid video capabilities, the Nikon Z30 is a compelling choice. It provides high-quality video and audio features in a portable package, although it may not satisfy those seeking advanced still photography tools or stabilization options.

Read more: Nikon Z30 review

The best entry-level Nikon camera

(Image credit: Digital Camera World)
Best entry level Nikon camera

Specifications

Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: APS-C CMOS
Megapixels: 20.9MP
Monitor: 3.2-inch tilting, 1.04m dots
Continuous shooting speed: 11fps
Viewfinder: EVF, 2.36m dots
Max video resolution: 4K UHD at 30p
User level: Beginner/enthusiast

Reasons to buy

+
Good value from the start
+
Compact body and kit lens
+
4K video and 11fps shooting

Reasons to avoid

-
No in-body stabilization
-
Still only a few 'native' lenses

The Nikon Z50 is a much smaller camera than Nikon's full-frame 'Z' models, but it clearly shares the same design DNA. Despite its small size, it has a good grip and good external controls, and the retracting 16-50mm kit lens is remarkable not just for its pancake lens dimensions but for its overall performance.

Nikon may have come to the APS-C mirrorless market comparatively late, but it's come in with a camera that has so many good points it's hard to know where to start – but we will highlight the 4K video, 11fps shooting... and the fact that its Z mount is identical to that on the larger cameras, so you can use dedicated Nikkor Z DX lenses, full frame Nikkor Z lenses, and regular Nikon DSLR lenses via the FTZ adapter.

Best of all, the Z50 is a terrific value, especially when bought as a twin-lens kit. This is a great value camera for both beginners and enthusiasts, though we would like to see a few more DX lenses coming out.

Read more: Nikon Z50 review