With the development of the Z Mount in recent years, Nikon has solidified its place as one of the top camera manufacturers in the world.
I’ll break everything down for you in this guide, but if you want to know my top pick, it’s the Nikon Z6II. This camera does everything well from stills to video and has all the features even a professional could want.
The new Z Mount also means a big change in terms of which cameras I would recommend if you’re looking for the best Nikon camera. Nikon’s future is mirrorless and its DSLRs are being discontinued. So there are some cameras that you should avoid despite how good they are.
Depending on your specific needs in a camera, you may want to go in a different direction, that’s why I also created these buying guides based on what you are using the camera for…
- Best Nikon Camera For Beginners
- Best Nikon Camera For Sports
- Best Nikon Camera For Wildlife Photography
- Best Nikon Camera For Portraits
- Best Nikon Camera For Wedding Photography
- Best Nikon Camera For Landscape Photography
If those categories aren’t what you’re looking for then keep reading for my breakdown of the best overall options in the Nikon Lineup.
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Nikon Z6 II
The second version of the Z6 has improved focusing, an exceptional sensor, and dual card slots while the Z mount means you’ll have some of the best lenses on the market available to you. This camera does everything very well from stills to video.
The Nikon Z6 II has been my top overall camera recommendation since shortly after its release. It’s a camera that does everything you could possibly ask from a camera and is also reasonably priced compared to other full-frame mirrorless cameras.
This is the camera that I use on a regular basis and one that I would recommend to anyone from a skilled photography enthusiast to a professional photographer.
Z6II Tech Specifications
- Lens Mount: Nikon Z
- Megapixels: 24.5
- Sensor Size: Full-Frame (35.9 x 23.9mm) backside illuminated (BSI) sensor
- Sensitivity Range: ISO 100-52,200 (expands to 50-204,800)
- Monitor: 3.2-inch tilting, 1.04m dots
- Continuous shooting speed: 14fps
- Stabilization: 5-axis in body
- Viewfinder: EVF, 3.69m dots
- Screen: Tilting 3.2 inch 1,040,000-dot touchscreen
- Max video resolution: 4K UHD at up to 60p
- Memory Card: 2 slots (1 XQD/CFexpress and 1 SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-II)
- Dimensions: (W x H x D): 134 x 100.5 x 69.5 mm / 5.3 x 4 x 2.8-inches
- Weight (battery incl.): 705g /1lb. 4.9oz
When it comes to low-light performance, dynamic range, overall image quality, build quality, and ergonomics…the Z6 II is arguably the best camera on the market, especially at this price range.
The one shortcoming of this camera is that it lacks the super high-resolution sensor of the Z7II. But, unless you are shooting work that specifically requires that kind of resolution, the 24.5 MP of the Z6II is more than enough for almost all kinds of photography.
Landscape photographers may want to go with the Z7 II for its resolution but you’ll be giving up the shooting speed of the Z6 II. If you want both high resolution and high frame rate then you’ll need to more than double your investment and get a Z9.
Pros
- One of the best cameras overall
- Excellent low light performance
- 11 frames per second
- Does everything well (stills and video)
Cons
- Reasonable price for full-frame but still pricey
- 24.5 MP might not be enough for some
Of course, the Z6 II falls behind the Z9 in a few different categories. But with the larger and heavier body as well as the hefty price tag, the Z9 is more of a specialty lens for pros that need that kind of performance.
Most of you, and most professional photographers as well, will be able to get everything you need in the Z6 II, which is why it’s at the top of the list. Keep reading if you want to know more about the Z7 II and Z9.
Nikon Z50
Nikon’s crop sensor option for the Z Mount system is an excellent camera that has a ton of great features like eye autofocus and focus stacking with excellent image quality all in an easy-to-handle body that is perfect for beginners.
The Nikon Z50 is an excellent crop-sensor camera in the Nikon Z Mount system. In short, this is my top recommendation for beginners because it is less expensive than its full-frame counterparts but still has all the features you need to develop good photography skills for shooting just about anything.
Z50 Tech Specifications
- Lens Mount: Nikon Z
- Megapixels: 20.9
- Sensor Size: APS-C / DX (23.5×15.7mm) CMOS
- Sensitivity Range: ISO 100-52,200 (expands to 204,800)
- Monitor: 3.2-inch tilting, 1.04m dots
- Continuous shooting speed: 11fps
- Stabilization: None in body
- Viewfinder: EVF, 2.36m-dot OLED
- Max video resolution: 4K UHD at up to 30p
- Memory Card: 1 slot (SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I)
- Dimensions: (W x H x D): 127 x 94 x 60 mm / 5 x 3.7 x 2.36-inches
- Weight: 450g /14oz (body only)
The biggest highlight here is that despite being a crop-sensor camera, it has the exact same lens mount as the full-frame Nikon Z cameras. There are two benefits to this.
First, the Z mount is arguably the best mount on the market today. Its size and design allow Nikon to produce lenses that lead the pack in image quality while also making it easier to build smaller and more compact lenses without sacrificing that image quality.
Second, it means that even with somewhat of an “entry-level” camera, you can start building your kit of full-frame Z Mount lenses and they will work perfectly on this camera. Then, if you add a Z5 or Z6II to your bag, you won’t need any new lenses.
Even though the Z50 is smaller than the full-frame Z mount cameras, it still has excellent ergonomics. The decently sized grip is welcome and not always found on crop-sensor mirrorless cameras.
There are some negatives, though.
Because this is a crop sensor camera, the low light performance and dynamic range aren’t as good as the more expensive Z5 or Z6II cameras. Of course, this is expected given the price difference, but if you want a camera that works great in low-light situations like parties, natural light portraits after sunset, evening street photography, or others, then you may want to check out the Z5 below.