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 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.

The Nikon Z5 II is a full-frame mirrorless camera with a 24.5-megapixel sensor, offering good resolution for both photos and videos. Its ISO range is very wide, up to 204,800, which means it can perform well in low light, and the built-in optical stabilization helps keep shots steady. The autofocus system is advanced, automatically recognizing subjects like people, animals, and vehicles, and it works well even in very dim conditions. For video, it supports up to 4K recording at 30 frames per second, suitable for casual videography and vlogging. The included 24-200mm telephoto zoom lens is versatile, covering wide-angle to telephoto shots, making it a great all-in-one option for travel or everyday use.

The camera features a bright electronic viewfinder and a 3.2-inch articulating screen, helpful for shooting at various angles. Dual memory card slots add reliability for storage. The body is designed for comfort and durability, feeling familiar to users switching from DSLRs. Wireless connectivity lets you easily transfer images to your phone or cloud services, adding convenience.

A downside is the lens aperture range (f/4-6.3), which is a bit slower in low light compared to faster lenses, and the camera weighs nearly 4 pounds, which might be noticeable for extended handheld use. The Nikon Z5 II with its versatile lens presents a solid choice for beginners and enthusiasts wanting a reliable, full-frame system for photography and video without overwhelming complexity.