The Z6II is Nikon's do everything camera. It can handle landscapes, portraits, sports, and even has exceptional video capability that is competitive with the top video mirrorless cameras on the market. If you're going to buy one mirrorless camera, this is the one.
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
Megapixels
24.5 MP
Sensitivity
ISO 100-52,200
Sensor Size
Full Frame
Stabilization
5-Axis In Body
Continuous Shooting
14 frames per second
Monitor/Screen
3.2-inch tilting 1.04m dots
Viewfinder
EVF, 3.69m dots
Dimensions
5.3 x 4 x 2.8-inches
Weight
705g / 1lb. 4.9oz
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.
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
Megapixels
20.9 MP
Sensitivity
ISO 100-52,200
Sensor Size
Crop Sensor (1.5x)
Stabilization
None In-Body
Continuous Shooting
11 frames per second
Monitor/Screen
3.2-inch tilting, 1.04m dots
Viewfinder
EVF, 2.36m-dot
Dimensions
5 x 3.7 x 2.36-inches
Weight
450g / 14oz
The Z30 is very similar to the Z50 but the absence of a viewfinder makes it smaller and a little less expensive. This is also a great option if you plan on vlogging as well.
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
Megapixels
20.9 MP
Sensitivity
ISO 100-52,200
Sensor Size
Crop Sensor (1.5x)
Stabilization
None In-Body
Continuous Shooting
11 frames per second
Monitor/Screen
3.2-inch tilting, 1.04m dots
Viewfinder
None
Dimensions
5.1 x 2.9 x. 2.4 inches
Weight
395g / 14oz
The Z7II is a high-resolution camera that is all about the highest image quality. Its 45.7 MP sensor is perfect for landscapes or anyone that needs to print large. However, it lacks the shooting speed and video features that you'll find in other Z bodies.
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
Megapixels
45.7 MP
Sensitivity
ISO 64 to 25,600
Sensor Size
Full Frame
Stabilization
5-axis in body
Continuous Shooting
10 fps (w/ single point AF)
Monitor/Screen
3.2-inch tilting, 1.04m dots
Viewfinder
EVF, 3.69m dots
Dimensions
5.3 x 4 x 2.7" inches
Weight
1lb. 4.9oz
If you are looking for the most compact option that still has manual controls and will allow you to learn photography, this is a good option at a lower price point.
Lens Mount
Fixed Lens
Megapixels
16 MP
Sensitivity
ISO 100 to 6400
Sensor Size
Full Frame
Stabilization
Optical
Continuous Shooting
4.7 frames per second
Monitor/Screen
3.2-inch tilting, 1.04m dots
Viewfinder
EVF, 1.66m dots
Dimensions
4.5 x 2.8 x 1.6 inches
Weight
11.6 oz.
The Z5 is Nikon's most affordable full-frame entry point into the Z mount system. While it lacks some of the more advanced features of the Z6II, it is a very capable camera adand great for beginners.
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
Megapixels
24.3 MP
Sensitivity
ISO 100 to 52,200
Sensor Size
Full Frame
Stabilization
5-axis in body
Continuous Shooting
4.5 frames per second
Monitor/Screen
3.2-inch tilting, 1.04m dots
Viewfinder
EVF, 3.69m dots
Dimensions
5.3 x 4 x 2.8 inches
Weight
1lb. 4.9oz
The Z9 is everything a professional could ever want in a camera. High resolution, fast continuous shooting, and video capabilities on par with the best mirrorless cameras on the market. It's overkill for most, but if money is no object, this is the ultimate camera.
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
Megapixels
45.7 MP
Sensitivity
ISO 64 to 25,600
Sensor Size
Full Frame
Stabilization
5-axis in body
Continuous Shooting
20 frames per second
Monitor/Screen
3.2-inch tilting, 1.04m dots
Viewfinder
EVF, 3.69m dots
Dimensions
5.9 x 5.9 x 3.6 inches
Weight
3 lbs.
Nikon has stopped development of new DSLRs and F-mount lenses. If you're investing in a new Nikon camera, go mirrorless or you'll end up having to switch soon anyway.
DSLR Cameras
These cameras are around the same price as the Z30 but larger and have no detachable lens. They don't even have an option to shoot in manual mode so you can't even use them to learn.
Coolpix P950/P1000