10 Best Nikon Cameras 2025 in the United States

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.

The Nikon Z 7II is a high-resolution full-frame mirrorless camera designed for professional photographers who require detailed and sharp images. With a whopping 45.7 megapixels, it captures incredible detail, making it ideal for landscape photography, studio work, and large prints. The camera's robust autofocus system with 493 points ensures fast and accurate focusing, even in challenging conditions. It also offers a wide ISO range up to 102400, which helps in low-light situations, though very high ISO might introduce some noise.

Video enthusiasts will appreciate its ability to shoot 4K UHD videos at up to 60 frames per second, providing smooth motion and the option to slow down footage in post-production. The build quality is solid and ergonomic, designed for comfortable handling during long shoots. Additionally, the dual card slots offer flexibility and peace of mind, especially useful for wedding and event photographers who need reliable storage options. The included 24-70mm f/4 lens is versatile, suitable for a range of shooting scenarios from wide-angle to short telephoto. However, it may not be the fastest lens available in terms of aperture.

The camera supports a wide range of NIKKOR Z lenses and can also use older F-mount lenses with an adapter, giving users a lot of flexibility. On the downside, the camera is quite heavy at 3 pounds, which might not be ideal for travel photographers. The battery life is decent, but for extended shoots, having extra batteries or the vertical battery grip is recommended. The touchscreen is tilting but not fully articulating, which might limit some angles for video recording. The Nikon Z 7II is a powerful tool for professionals looking for high-resolution images and robust performance in both stills and video.

The Nikon Z50 II is a compact mirrorless camera that offers a range of features suitable for both photography enthusiasts and casual users. One of its standout strengths is the 20.9-megapixel DX format (APS-C size) sensor, which provides superior image quality compared to typical smartphone cameras. This makes it a great option for those looking to step up their photography game. The camera's lightweight design ensures it is portable and easy to carry, fitting comfortably in small bags. It comes equipped with two versatile NIKKOR Z DX lenses (16-50mm and 50-250mm), both featuring image stabilization, which is beneficial for capturing sharp images across various focal lengths.

The Z50 II also excels in video capabilities with 4K UHD/60p recording and a 120p slow-motion feature in Full HD, making it a solid choice for videographers. The built-in electronic VR further enhances video stability. For those who enjoy creative control, the camera offers 31 built-in presets and the ability to create and save custom Picture Control presets, adding versatility to your shooting experience. The autofocus system is another strong point, capable of tracking nine distinct subjects, including pets and vehicles, with dedicated modes for birds and airplanes to ensure accuracy. This makes it particularly useful for wildlife and action photography.

On the downside, the camera's maximum ISO of 51,200 might not perform as well in extremely low-light conditions, and the maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 seconds could limit some high-speed photography scenarios. Additionally, while the camera boasts an impressive array of features, those looking for a more professional-grade option might find the lack of weather resistance a drawback. The built-in flash and wireless photo sharing via the Nikon SnapBridge app add convenience, but the camera does not include a remote. In summary, the Nikon Z50 II is well-suited for travel, vlogging, and everyday photography, offering a blend of excellent image quality, creative flexibility, and user-friendly features.