10 Best Nikon Mirrorless Cameras 2026 in the United States

The Nikon Z 7II is a powerful full-frame mirrorless camera designed for both photography and videography, making it an excellent choice for serious enthusiasts or professionals. With a stunning 45.7MP sensor, it captures incredibly detailed still images, which is a major plus for high-resolution work like landscape or portrait photography. Its autofocus system is robust, boasting 493 points, ensuring quick and accurate subject detection, which is crucial in fast-paced settings like weddings or sports.

One of its standout features is the dual card slot for storage, which offers flexibility and security when capturing important moments. The camera also supports a wide range of NIKKOR Z lenses, as well as many F-mount lenses with the FTZ adapter, giving photographers a variety of options to choose from.

In terms of video capabilities, the Z 7II shoots in 4K UHD at 60p, providing high-quality footage that can be easily edited for post-production work. The inclusion of USB-C for constant power helps ensure that filmmakers can shoot without worrying about battery life during longer projects. However, the Z 7II may not be the best option for everyone. While its features are robust, the camera can be somewhat bulky and heavier compared to other mirrorless options, which might be a drawback for those looking for a compact travel camera. Moreover, the price point can be steep for beginners or casual users who may not need all these advanced features. Battery life is decent but could be better, especially during intensive video shoots. Lastly, those new to mirrorless systems may find the learning curve a bit steep due to its extensive menu systems and settings.

The Nikon Z 8 is a professional-grade full-frame mirrorless camera that excels in both still photography and video. Its standout feature is the 45.7MP stacked CMOS sensor, which delivers highly detailed and vibrant images. Coupled with the EXPEED 7 processing engine, this camera ensures fast and efficient performance.

The advanced autofocus system, which uses deep learning technology, is highly effective, allowing for precise tracking of various subjects, even in low light conditions. This makes it particularly valuable for wildlife and sports photography. Video enthusiasts will appreciate the internal 8K/60p and 4K/120p recording options, as well as the ability to record in 12-bit N-RAW and ProRes RAW formats, ensuring professional-quality video output.

The camera also supports flexible still image file formats, including RAW 14-bit and JPEG 8-bit, which is great for different post-processing needs. Photographers will find the portrait features like Skin Softening and Improved White Balance very useful for achieving excellent skin tones. The continuous shooting speeds of up to 120 fps are impressive, making it perfect for capturing fast action. On the downside, the camera is not water-resistant, which may be a limitation for outdoor or adventure photography in harsh conditions. Additionally, its weight of 1.81 pounds might be a consideration for those who prefer lighter gear. Carrying extra batteries is advisable for extended shoots. The Nikon Z 8 is a powerful tool for professional photographers and videographers who require high performance and versatility in their work.

The Nikon Z5 II with the 24-200mm telephoto zoom lens is a solid choice for photographers and videographers looking for a versatile full-frame mirrorless camera. It offers a 24.5MP full-frame sensor that delivers sharp, high-resolution images suitable for travel, weddings, or vlogging. Its autofocus system is impressive, automatically recognizing multiple subjects like people and animals, and performs well even in very low light down to -10EV. The camera can shoot continuously at up to 30 frames per second, which is excellent for capturing fast action. Video quality is strong, supporting 4K UHD recording, making it suitable for casual videography.

The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is bright and detailed, providing a comfortable shooting experience especially for users transitioning from DSLRs. Battery life is decent, and the camera supports dual UHS-II SD card slots for ample storage. The included 24-200mm lens covers a wide range from wide-angle to telephoto, which adds flexibility for various shooting scenarios. However, the lens’s maximum aperture of f/4-6.3 means it's less ideal in very low-light conditions without boosting ISO.

While the camera features good image stabilization and wireless connectivity for easy sharing, it is somewhat bulky at nearly 4 pounds, which might be heavy for extended handheld use. The Nikon Z5 II also benefits from Nikon’s cloud features and a limited-time Adobe Lightroom subscription, adding value for those who want to streamline their workflow. This camera is well-suited for enthusiasts seeking a dependable all-rounder with strong autofocus and video features, though it may not be the best fit for professionals needing faster lenses or ultra-compact gear.