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10 Best Nikon Cameras 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Nikon Z6III Mirrorless Camera 28-400mm Lens Kits

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,267
Lens Compatibility
Autofocus System
Build Quality and Ergonomics

Most important from
165 reviews

Lens Compatibility
The camera delivers amazing photo quality, especially when paired with high-end lenses like the 24-70mm f/2.8.
Autofocus System
Its autofocus system is impressively fast and reliable, with specialized modes for tracking birds and jets.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
The grip is comfortable, though the body feels a bit small for average-sized hands, suggesting that adding a battery pack could improve handling.

The Nikon Z6III is a versatile full-frame mirrorless camera well-suited for enthusiasts and semi-professionals who want strong photo and video performance in one package. It has a 24.5-megapixel sensor that captures detailed images suitable for most photography needs without being overly complex. Its wide ISO range (100 to 204,800) allows shooting in very low light, though image noise may increase at extreme settings. The autofocus system is fast and accurate, with 299 points and advanced subject recognition, making it reliable for capturing moving subjects or portraits.

Video features are impressive, offering up to 6K resolution at 60 frames per second and slow-motion options, plus professional audio and monitoring tools, which benefit video creators. Built-in image stabilization helps keep shots steady even when using the included 28-400mm lens, which covers a broad zoom range suitable for landscapes to distant subjects. The electronic viewfinder is bright and sharp, providing a clear view in various lighting conditions.

On the downside, the camera is relatively heavy at over 5 pounds, which may be tiring for long handheld use. It’s also not water-resistant, so extra care is needed in wet environments. While it offers USB-C and wireless connections for modern compatibility, there’s no built-in flash, which might require additional accessories for low-light fill lighting. The Nikon Z6III kit provides a powerful and flexible tool for photographers interested in a broad focal range and strong video capabilities, though it leans towards users willing to manage its weight and carry extra gear for certain situations.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,267
Lens Compatibility
Autofocus System
Build Quality and Ergonomics

Most important from
165 reviews

Lens Compatibility
The camera delivers amazing photo quality, especially when paired with high-end lenses like the 24-70mm f/2.8.
Autofocus System
Its autofocus system is impressively fast and reliable, with specialized modes for tracking birds and jets.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
The grip is comfortable, though the body feels a bit small for average-sized hands, suggesting that adding a battery pack could improve handling.
#2

Nikon Z6 III with 24-70mm f/4 Lens | Full-Frame mirrorless Stills/Video Camera with 6K/60p Internal RAW Recording | Nikon USA Model

Rating
9.4
Video Capabilities
Build Quality and Ergonomics
Lens Compatibility

Most important from
165 reviews

Video Capabilities
The camera pairs well with professional video equipment, offering excellent footage quality, though some video settings like frame rates above 60fps require cropping, which may be a limitation for some users.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
The grip design is notably comfortable, allowing for extended shooting sessions without fatigue.
Lens Compatibility
The camera delivers stunning photo quality, especially when paired with a high-quality lens, making it a powerful combination for photography enthusiasts.

The Nikon Z6 III is a full-frame mirrorless camera that offers excellent image quality with its 24.5-megapixel sensor, suitable for both photos and videos. It performs well in low light thanks to a wide ISO range from 100 to 204800, allowing you to capture clear shots even in darker environments. The autofocus system is advanced, using hybrid phase detection with 299 focus points and improved subject recognition, making it faster and more reliable, especially for moving subjects and faces.

Video capabilities are impressive, supporting internal 6K RAW recording at 60 frames per second, as well as slow-motion options, which is great if you want high-quality video or creative effects. The electronic viewfinder is bright and sharp, providing a clear view even in bright conditions, and the camera's body feels solid and ergonomic, making it comfortable to hold for long shooting sessions. It comes with a versatile 24-70mm f/4 lens, which covers a good range from wide-angle to short telephoto, suitable for most types of photography.

The camera lacks built-in flash and is not water-resistant, so extra care might be needed in challenging weather. Additionally, while it offers excellent video features, beginners might find some settings a bit complex to navigate at first. This camera is well-suited for enthusiasts and professionals who want a powerful, flexible tool for both stills and video work.

Rating
9.4
Video Capabilities
Build Quality and Ergonomics
Lens Compatibility

Most important from
165 reviews

Video Capabilities
The camera pairs well with professional video equipment, offering excellent footage quality, though some video settings like frame rates above 60fps require cropping, which may be a limitation for some users.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
The grip design is notably comfortable, allowing for extended shooting sessions without fatigue.
Lens Compatibility
The camera delivers stunning photo quality, especially when paired with a high-quality lens, making it a powerful combination for photography enthusiasts.
#3

Nikon Z 8 with Zoom Lens | Professional full-frame mirrorless hybrid stills/video hybrid camera with 24-120mm f/4 lens | Nikon USA Model

Rating
9.4
Autofocus System
ISO Range
Video Capabilities

Most important from
214 reviews

Autofocus System
The autofocus system is incredibly fast and accurate, making it easy to track fast-moving subjects like basketball games with DSLR-like responsiveness.
ISO Range
Images are impressively sharp, with high ISO performance allowing use of an f/4 lens indoors without sacrificing quality.
Video Capabilities
Despite a plastic body, the camera delivers superb video quality including internal 8K at 60fps and 4K at 120fps, though it can experience overheating during extended outdoor shoots.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
The Z 8 feels lightweight and compact for its class, with the option to add a vertical grip to mimic the larger Z 9 ergonomics.

The Nikon Z 8 is a powerful full-frame mirrorless camera designed for professionals who want top-tier performance for both photos and videos. It features a large 45.7-megapixel stacked CMOS sensor that delivers highly detailed images, and a wide ISO range up to 102,400 for shooting in various light conditions. Its autofocus system is one of Nikon’s most advanced, using deep learning to track a wide variety of subjects accurately, even in very low light, making it excellent for fast action or wildlife photography.

For video, the Z 8 supports impressive internal 8K at 60 frames per second and 4K at 120 fps, plus 12-bit RAW recording options, giving videographers lots of flexibility and high-quality footage. The camera includes sensor-shift image stabilization to help keep shots steady, which is useful for both stills and video. The included 24-120mm f/4 lens covers a versatile zoom range suitable for landscapes, portraits, and general photography.

Build quality and ergonomics are solid, with a fully electronic viewfinder offering 100% coverage and a tilting touchscreen that’s easy to use. The camera is fairly lightweight for its capabilities, weighing just over 3 pounds, and supports dual memory card slots for extended shooting. While the bundled lens’s maximum aperture of f/4 isn’t very fast for low light or shallow depth of field compared to prime lenses, and the camera relies on sensor-shift stabilization rather than in-lens stabilization, it offers blazing-fast continuous shooting speeds up to 120 fps that benefit specific action photography scenarios. The Nikon Z 8 with the 24-120mm zoom lens is an excellent choice for professionals and serious enthusiasts seeking a versatile, hybrid camera excelling in both high-resolution stills and cutting-edge video capabilities, particularly for dynamic subjects.

Rating
9.4
Autofocus System
ISO Range
Video Capabilities

Most important from
214 reviews

Autofocus System
The autofocus system is incredibly fast and accurate, making it easy to track fast-moving subjects like basketball games with DSLR-like responsiveness.
ISO Range
Images are impressively sharp, with high ISO performance allowing use of an f/4 lens indoors without sacrificing quality.
Video Capabilities
Despite a plastic body, the camera delivers superb video quality including internal 8K at 60fps and 4K at 120fps, though it can experience overheating during extended outdoor shoots.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
The Z 8 feels lightweight and compact for its class, with the option to add a vertical grip to mimic the larger Z 9 ergonomics.

Buying Guide for the Best Nikon Cameras

Choosing the right Nikon camera can be a rewarding experience, but it requires some understanding of the key specifications and how they align with your needs. Whether you're a beginner, enthusiast, or professional, knowing what to look for will help you make an informed decision. Here are the key specs to consider when selecting a Nikon camera.
Sensor SizeThe sensor size in a camera determines the quality of the images it can produce. Larger sensors, like full-frame sensors, capture more light and detail, making them ideal for professional photography and low-light conditions. APS-C sensors are smaller but still offer excellent quality and are often found in mid-range cameras, suitable for enthusiasts and hobbyists. If you're a beginner or need a compact camera, a smaller sensor like a Micro Four Thirds might be sufficient. Consider what kind of photography you plan to do and choose a sensor size that matches your needs.
MegapixelsMegapixels refer to the resolution of the camera's sensor, indicating how many millions of pixels it can capture. Higher megapixels mean more detail, which is beneficial for large prints and cropping images without losing quality. Cameras with 20-30 megapixels are typically sufficient for most users, providing a good balance between detail and file size. If you're a professional or need extremely high resolution for commercial work, you might look for cameras with 40+ megapixels. For everyday use and sharing online, even 12-16 megapixels can be adequate.
ISO RangeISO range measures the camera's sensitivity to light. A wider ISO range allows for better performance in various lighting conditions, from bright daylight to low-light environments. Cameras with a high maximum ISO (e.g., 25600 or higher) are great for low-light photography, such as night scenes or indoor events. If you often shoot in well-lit conditions, a camera with a moderate ISO range (e.g., up to 6400) will suffice. Consider your typical shooting environments and choose a camera with an ISO range that matches your needs.
Autofocus SystemThe autofocus system determines how quickly and accurately the camera can focus on a subject. Advanced autofocus systems with more focus points and faster performance are crucial for action, sports, and wildlife photography. If you need precise focus for fast-moving subjects, look for cameras with sophisticated autofocus capabilities. For general photography, a basic autofocus system with fewer focus points may be adequate. Think about the types of subjects you will be photographing and choose a camera with an autofocus system that meets those demands.
Video CapabilitiesIf you plan to shoot videos, consider the camera's video capabilities. Look for features like 4K resolution, frame rates, and video-specific settings. Cameras with 4K video offer high-quality footage, suitable for professional videography and future-proofing your content. For casual video recording, Full HD (1080p) might be enough. Additionally, check for features like microphone input, headphone jack, and in-body stabilization if you need better audio and smoother video. Your video needs will guide you in choosing the right camera.
Build Quality and ErgonomicsThe build quality and ergonomics of a camera affect how comfortable it is to use and how well it can withstand different conditions. Professional cameras often have robust, weather-sealed bodies that can handle tough environments, making them suitable for outdoor and travel photography. Mid-range and entry-level cameras might be lighter and more compact, which can be beneficial for everyday use and portability. Consider how and where you will use the camera and choose one that feels comfortable in your hands and meets your durability requirements.
Lens CompatibilityNikon cameras come with different lens mounts, such as F-mount for DSLRs and Z-mount for mirrorless cameras. The availability and compatibility of lenses can significantly impact your photography experience. If you already own Nikon lenses, ensure they are compatible with the camera you choose. For new users, consider the range of lenses available for the camera system and how they align with your photography needs. A versatile lens lineup can enhance your creative possibilities and future-proof your investment.

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