Nikon is another big name in mirrorless camera development. Nikon was the leading provider of DSLR cameras long before mirrorless camera have entered the market a decade ago. In this article, I will highlight the best Nikon mirrorless cameras that you can consider as a beginner or as a Nikon mirrorless camera enthusiast!
Although recent numbers show Nikon’s market share in the mirrorless cameras segment has declined, Nikon remains a formidable brand that is always being considered by many!
Here are 5 of the Best Nikon Mirrorless Cameras
It may have taken Nikon a while to pinpoint its mirrorless camera offerings, but the Nikon Z range/segment promises to offer Nikon’s best mirrorless cameras that would compete with other leading brands!
Below are 5 best Nikon mirrorless cameras covering the Full-frame system as well as the APS-C format!
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1. Nikon Z5
An entry level full-frame mirrorless camera (this is basically a full-frame mirrorless camera for beginners). Superior performance on variety of scenes, intuitive operation for your liking and a wide range of other options to explore!
Featured key specs:
| Type | Mirrorless (with support for interchangeable lens) | WiFi | Yes (built-in) |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z mount (compatible lenses Z mount NIKKOR; F mount NIKKOR- mount adapter required) | Bluetooth | Yes |
| Sensor | Full-frame (CMOS sensor) | HDMI port | Yes (micro-HDMI) |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 6 image-processing engine | USB port | Yes |
| Effective Pixel | 24.3MP | Mic port | Yes |
| ISO sensitivity | 100-51200 steps 1/3 or 1/2 EV (Expanded: 50-102400) | Headphone port | Yes |
| Burst speed | 4.5fps | Flash | External flash via hot shoe |
| Still Image format | JPEG, RAW (NEF, 12 or 14 bit) | Storage media | 2 slots SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II compatible) |
| Video | MOV, MPEG-4 | Battery | EN-EL15c Lithium-ion |
| Video format | MPEG-4, H.264 | Battery life | 470 shots (CIPA) |
| LCD/TFT Monitor | 3.2” Tilting Touchscreen (1.04M dots) | Approx. dimension | 134.0 x 100.5 x 69.5 mm |
| View Finder | OLED EVF (3.69M dots) | Approx. weight | 675g (including battery) |
Notable reviews:
- Pros
- Very good resolution and dynamic range
- Excellent performance in higher ISO
- Outstanding ergonomics – good body build, responsive touch panel and controls
- Good JPEG image output
- Dependable eye and face detection- good AF tracking performance
- USB charging
- Cons
- Burst speed only 4.5fps
- 4K video is cropped (1.7x) – overall video quality is not very detailed
- No built-in flash
2. Nikon Z50
Nikon’s first APS-C system camera to be introduced. A good value camera for beginners and enthusiasts if bought with bundled twin kit lens!
With its compact body and excellent build, Nikon Z50 is a good Nikon mirrorless camera choice for travel and everyday capture of important moments!
Featured key specs:
| Type | Mirrorless (with support for interchangeable lens) | WiFi | Yes (built-in) |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z mount (compatible lenses Z mount NIKKOR; F mount NIKKOR- mount adapter required) | Bluetooth | Yes |
| Sensor | APS-C (CMOS sensor) | HDMI port | Yes (micro-HDMI) |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 6 image-processing engine | USB port | Yes |
| Effective Pixel | 20.9MP | Mic port | Yes |
| ISO sensitivity | 100-51200 steps 1/3 and 1/2 EV (Expanded: 204800) | Headphone port | No |
| Burst speed | 11fps | Flash | Built-in (supports external flash via hot shoe) |
| Still Image format | JPEG, RAW (NEF, 12 or 14 bit) | Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible) |
| Video | MOV, MPEG-4 | Battery | EN-EL25 Lithium-ion |
| Video format | MPEG-4, H.264 | Battery life | 320 shots (CIPA) |
| LCD/TFT Monitor | 3.2” Tilting Touchscreen (1.04M dots) | Approx. dimension | 126.5 x 93.5 x 60.0 mm |
| View Finder | OLED EVF (2.36M dots) | Approx. weight | 450g (including battery) |
Notable reviews:
- Pros
- Good value mirrorless camera for beginners
- Good ergonomics- compact body with good grip
- Outstanding image quality
- Good 4K video quality
- User-friendly controls and on-screen menu
- Very good dynamic range
- USB charging
- Cons
- DX Z-mount lens (APS-C) only few selections are available
- No in-body stabilization
- AF tracking at times drift away from targeted subject
3. Nikon Z fc
If you are looking for a Nikon branded mirrorless camera with a classic or retro design, the Nikon Z fc is an APS-C system that is ideal for beginners who love classic designs.
Nikon Z fc is basically the fraternal twin of Nikon Z50 and almost shares the same capabilities and specifications except for the aesthetic part!
Featured key specs:
| Type | Mirrorless (with support for interchangeable lens) | WiFi | Yes (built-in) |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z mount (compatible lenses Z mount NIKKOR; F mount NIKKOR- mount adapter required) | Bluetooth | Yes |
| Sensor | APS-C (CMOS sensor) | HDMI port | Yes (micro-HDMI) |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 6 image-processing engine | USB port | Yes |
| Effective Pixel | 20.9MP | Mic port | Yes |
| ISO sensitivity | 100-51200 steps 1/3 EV (Expanded: 204800) | Headphone port | No |
| Burst speed | 11fps | Flash | External flash via hot shoe |
| Still Image format | JPEG, RAW (NEF, 12 or 14 bit) | Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible) |
| Video | MOV, MPEG-4 | Battery | EN-EL25 Lithium-ion |
| Video format | MPEG-4, H.264 | Battery life | 300 shots (CIPA) |
| LCD/TFT Monitor | 3.0” vari-angle Touchscreen (1.04M dots) | Approx. dimension | 134.5 x 93.5 x 43.5 mm |
| View Finder | OLED EVF (2.36M dots) | Approx. weight | 445g (including battery) |
Notable reviews:
- Pros
- Classic/vintage look
- Outstanding image quality
- Dedicated dial based controls
- Good video quality without cropping (4K, FHD)
- Dependable AF system- good AF tracking performance (human and animal detection)
- USB charging
- Cons
- Nikon Z50 is basically cheaper
- DX Z-mount lens (APS-C) only few selections are available
- No built-in flash
4. Nikon Z6 II
An upgraded version full-frame mirrorless camera from the original Nikon Z6 model. Probably an all-around camera for beginners that are looking to own their first-ever full-frame mirrorless camera!
Featured key specs:
| Type | Mirrorless (with support for interchangeable lens) | WiFi | Yes (built-in) |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z mount (compatible lenses Z mount NIKKOR; F mount NIKKOR- mount adapter required) | Bluetooth | Yes |
| Sensor | Full-frame (CMOS sensor) | HDMI port | Yes (type C) |
| Image Processor | Dual EXPEED 6 image-processing engine | USB port | Yes (type C) |
| Effective Pixel | 24.5MP | Mic port | Yes |
| ISO sensitivity | 100-51200 steps 1/3 or 1/2 EV (Expanded: 204800) | Headphone port | Yes |
| Burst speed | 14fps | Flash | External flash via hot shoe |
| Still Image format | JPEG, RAW (NEF, 12 or 14 bit) | Storage media | CFexpress (type B), XQD, SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II compatible) |
| Video | MOV, MPEG-4 | Battery | EN-EL15c Lithium-ion |
| Video format | MPEG-4, H.264 | Battery life | 410 shots (CIPA) |
| LCD/TFT Monitor | 3.2” Tilting Touchscreen (2.1M dots) | Approx. dimension | 134.0 x 100.5 x 69.5 mm |
| View Finder | OLED EVF (3.69M dots) | Approx. weight | 705g (including battery) |
Notable reviews:
- Pros
- Improved maximum continuous shooting/burst speed (14fps)
- Excellent AF performance
- Very good image quality
- Outstanding ergonomics – good body build and good grip
- USB charging
- Cons
- Did not improve LCD – the same tilting touchscreen
- 4K video not very detailed as it will be cropped at 60p
- No built-in flash
5. Nikon Z7 II
An upgraded version full-frame mirrorless camera from original Nikon Z7 model. Plenty of resolution and excellent 4K video captures. A desirable mirrorless camera for Nikon users and enthusiasts!
Featured key specs:
| Type | Mirrorless (with support for interchangeable lens) | WiFi | Yes (built-in) |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z mount (compatible lenses Z mount NIKKOR; F mount NIKKOR- mount adapter required) | Bluetooth | Yes |
| Sensor | Full-frame (CMOS sensor) | HDMI port | Yes (type C) |
| Image Processor | Dual EXPEED 6 image-processing engine | USB port | Yes (type C) |
| Effective Pixel | 45.7MP | Mic port | Yes |
| ISO sensitivity | 64-25600 steps 1/3 or 1/2 EV (Expanded: 32-102400) | Headphone port | Yes |
| Burst speed | 10fps | Flash | External flash via hot shoe |
| Still Image format | JPEG, RAW (NEF, 12 or 14 bit) | Storage media | CFexpress (type B), XQD, SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II compatible) |
| Video | MOV, MPEG-4 | Battery | EN-EL15c Lithium-ion |
| Video format | MPEG-4, H.264 | Battery life | 420 shots (CIPA) |
| LCD/TFT Monitor | 3.2” Tilting Touchscreen (2.1M dots) | Approx. dimension | 134.0 x 100.5 x 69.5 mm |
| View Finder | OLED EVF (3.69M dots) | Approx. weight | 705g (including battery) |
Notable reviews:
- Pros
- Outstanding ergonomics – very good body build, excellent grip and well-placed dials/controls
- Very good image quality as well as dynamic range
- Good video quality
- Effective 5 axis image stabilization system
- USB charging
- Cons
- Did not improve LCD – the same tilting touchscreen
- EVF with lower resolution as compared to its competitors
- No built-in flash
Final Thoughts
Nikon might have entered late in the mirrorless camera race, nonetheless, all its offerings has been up to the challenge to rival its competitors!
If you are a Nikon avid user of DSLR and trying to switch to Nikon mirrorless, the above models are all capable of providing great images and video captures, making them an all-around mirrorless camera!
While if you’re a beginner looking for your first-ever Nikon mirrorless camera, you can consider the above models that fit your need.
The deciding factor will be your budget (as I have always emphasized)!
In closing, Nikon Z50 is the current model that my brother Ronnie (co-founder of My Mirrorless Cameras) is using, which he was able to get at a promotional price with two lenses bundled.
So it was a very good purchase and the best deal with great value for money!
Please leave us a comment if you have anything to share or have questions and will try to answer them to the best of our knowledge!
About Rowe Medialdea:
Hi, I’m Rowe, a mirrorless camera and photography enthusiast. We have created this site to be of help (especially to beginners) by producing easy-to-understand content about mirrorless cameras! Welcome to our website!