10 Best Nikon Video Cameras 2025 in the United States

The Nikon Z 8 is a professional full-frame mirrorless stills and video hybrid camera, making it an excellent choice for both photographers and videographers. It boasts an impressive 45.7MP CMOS sensor and a powerful EXPEED 7 processing engine, ensuring high-quality images and quick processing times. The camera stands out with its advanced autofocus system, which uses deep learning to detect and track a wide range of subjects, even in very low light conditions. This makes it great for capturing fast-moving subjects like wildlife or sports events.

Additionally, the camera supports high-resolution video recording up to 8K/60p and 4K/120p, allowing for stunning video quality. It also offers internal 12-bit N-RAW and ProRes RAW recording for professional video production. The Nikon Z 8 includes impressive image stabilization and audio capabilities, with a 3.5mm stereo mini-pin jack for external microphones, ensuring clear and steady video recordings. Battery life is decent, but could be a limitation for long shooting sessions.

Connectivity options are strong with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, and HDMI, allowing for easy transfer of photos and videos. However, it’s not water-resistant, so it's not ideal for harsh weather conditions. The camera is on the heavier side at 1.81 pounds, which might be tiring during long shoots. The Nikon Z 8 offers a wide range of file formats and flexible shooting modes, making it versatile for different photography styles. While the camera is a bit pricey, it’s a solid investment for professionals who need a reliable, high-performance camera for both photography and videography.

The Nikon Z 9 is a professional-grade mirrorless camera designed for high-quality photography and videography. Its standout feature is the 45.7MP full-frame CMOS sensor, which ensures exceptional image resolution and detail. Coupled with the EXPEED 7 processor, it delivers quick and efficient performance, making it suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects with its powerful autofocus system and high frame rates. The camera can shoot 8K video at 30 frames per second and 4K slow-motion video at 120 frames per second, making it versatile for various video applications.

The autofocus system, with 493 points, utilizes deep learning for subject detection, ensuring accurate tracking of people, animals, and vehicles without needing to change settings manually. This is particularly useful for videographers who need reliable autofocus during dynamic scenes. The dual image stabilization enhances video and photo quality by reducing blur caused by camera shake. Audio capabilities include support for AAC format and headphone output, which is crucial for professional video production to monitor sound quality.

Battery life is robust, allowing over 2 hours of continuous 8K recording, which is impressive for extended shoots. Connectivity options are comprehensive, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, Ethernet, and HDMI, making it easy to transfer files and connect to other devices. However, the camera is relatively heavy at 3 pounds, which might be a drawback for handheld shooting over long periods. Additionally, it does not include a remote, which could be inconvenient for some users. Despite these minor issues, the Nikon Z 9’s advanced features make it an excellent choice for professional photographers and videographers looking for top-tier performance and versatility.

The Nikon D7500 DSLR is a strong choice for photographers and videographers who want solid video capabilities combined with excellent still image quality. It features a 20.9MP APS-C sized sensor that performs well in various lighting conditions, thanks to a very wide ISO range up to 164,000. For video, it supports 4K Ultra HD recording at 30 minutes per clip and Full HD at higher frame rates, providing sharp and detailed footage. The autofocus system is impressive with 51 focus points, including 15 cross-type sensors, helping to keep moving subjects sharp during video and photos. The camera offers an 18-140mm zoom lens, which gives a versatile focal length range suitable for many shooting situations.

For video stabilization, it relies on digital methods rather than built-in optical stabilization, which may lead to less smooth footage if you are shooting handheld without additional gear. Audio recording is stereo but lacks advanced controls or inputs for external microphones, which could be a downside if you want professional sound quality. Battery life is decent for DSLR standards but expect to carry spares for longer shoots. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making it easy to transfer images and videos wirelessly to other devices. The tilting touchscreen LCD adds convenience for composing shots at various angles.

This camera suits enthusiast photographers and videographers who want high-quality 4K video and fast autofocus in a sturdy DSLR body but may need extra stabilization tools for smoother video capture.