5 Best Nikon Mirrorless Cameras – Best for Beginners and Enthusiasts

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:

TypeMirrorless (with support for interchangeable lens) WiFiYes (built-in)
Lens Mount Nikon Z mount (compatible lenses Z mount NIKKOR; F mount NIKKOR- mount adapter required)BluetoothYes
SensorFull-frame (CMOS sensor)HDMI portYes (micro-HDMI)
Image ProcessorEXPEED 6 image-processing engineUSB portYes
Effective Pixel24.3MPMic portYes
ISO sensitivity100-51200 steps 1/3 or 1/2 EV (Expanded: 50-102400)Headphone portYes
Burst speed4.5fpsFlashExternal flash via hot shoe
Still Image formatJPEG, RAW (NEF, 12 or 14 bit)Storage media2 slots SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II compatible)
VideoMOV, MPEG-4BatteryEN-EL15c Lithium-ion
Video formatMPEG-4, H.264Battery life470 shots (CIPA)
LCD/TFT Monitor3.2” Tilting Touchscreen (1.04M dots)Approx. dimension134.0 x 100.5 x 69.5 mm
View FinderOLED EVF (3.69M dots)Approx. weight675g (including battery)

Notable reviews:

  • Pros
  1. Very good resolution and dynamic range
  2. Excellent performance in higher ISO
  3. Outstanding ergonomics – good body build, responsive touch panel and controls
  4. Good JPEG image output
  5. Dependable eye and face detection- good AF tracking performance
  6. USB charging
  • Cons
  1. Burst speed only 4.5fps
  2. 4K video is cropped (1.7x) – overall video quality is not very detailed
  3. 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:

TypeMirrorless (with support for interchangeable lens) WiFiYes (built-in)
Lens MountNikon Z mount (compatible lenses Z mount NIKKOR; F mount NIKKOR- mount adapter required)BluetoothYes
SensorAPS-C (CMOS sensor)HDMI portYes (micro-HDMI)
Image ProcessorEXPEED 6 image-processing engineUSB portYes
Effective Pixel20.9MPMic portYes
ISO sensitivity100-51200 steps 1/3 and 1/2 EV (Expanded: 204800)Headphone portNo
Burst speed11fpsFlashBuilt-in (supports external flash via hot shoe)
Still Image formatJPEG, RAW (NEF, 12 or 14 bit)Storage mediaSD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
VideoMOV, MPEG-4BatteryEN-EL25 Lithium-ion
Video formatMPEG-4, H.264Battery life320 shots (CIPA)
LCD/TFT Monitor3.2” Tilting Touchscreen (1.04M dots)Approx. dimension126.5 x 93.5 x 60.0 mm
View FinderOLED EVF (2.36M dots)Approx. weight450g (including battery)

Notable reviews:

  • Pros
  1. Good value mirrorless camera for beginners
  2. Good ergonomics- compact body with good grip
  3. Outstanding image quality
  4. Good 4K video quality
  5. User-friendly controls and on-screen menu
  6. Very good dynamic range
  7. USB charging
  • Cons
  1. DX Z-mount lens (APS-C) only few selections are available
  2. No in-body stabilization
  3. 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:

TypeMirrorless (with support for interchangeable lens) WiFiYes (built-in)
Lens MountNikon Z mount (compatible lenses Z mount NIKKOR; F mount NIKKOR- mount adapter required)BluetoothYes
SensorAPS-C (CMOS sensor)HDMI portYes (micro-HDMI)
Image ProcessorEXPEED 6 image-processing engineUSB portYes
Effective Pixel20.9MPMic portYes
ISO sensitivity100-51200 steps 1/3 EV (Expanded: 204800)Headphone portNo
Burst speed11fpsFlashExternal flash via hot shoe
Still Image formatJPEG, RAW (NEF, 12 or 14 bit)Storage mediaSD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
VideoMOV, MPEG-4BatteryEN-EL25 Lithium-ion
Video formatMPEG-4, H.264Battery life300 shots (CIPA)
LCD/TFT Monitor3.0” vari-angle Touchscreen (1.04M dots)Approx. dimension134.5 x 93.5 x 43.5 mm
View FinderOLED EVF (2.36M dots)Approx. weight445g (including battery)

Notable reviews:

  • Pros
  1. Classic/vintage look
  2. Outstanding image quality
  3. Dedicated dial based controls
  4. Good video quality without cropping (4K, FHD)
  5. Dependable AF system- good AF tracking performance (human and animal detection)
  6. USB charging
  • Cons
  1. Nikon Z50 is basically cheaper
  2. DX Z-mount lens (APS-C) only few selections are available
  3. 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:

TypeMirrorless (with support for interchangeable lens) WiFiYes (built-in)
Lens MountNikon Z mount (compatible lenses Z mount NIKKOR; F mount NIKKOR- mount adapter required)BluetoothYes
SensorFull-frame (CMOS sensor)HDMI portYes (type C)
Image ProcessorDual EXPEED 6 image-processing engineUSB portYes (type C)
Effective Pixel24.5MPMic portYes
ISO sensitivity100-51200 steps 1/3 or 1/2 EV (Expanded: 204800)Headphone portYes
Burst speed14fpsFlashExternal flash via hot shoe
Still Image formatJPEG, RAW (NEF, 12 or 14 bit)Storage mediaCFexpress (type B), XQD, SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II compatible)
VideoMOV, MPEG-4BatteryEN-EL15c Lithium-ion
Video formatMPEG-4, H.264Battery life410 shots (CIPA)
LCD/TFT Monitor3.2” Tilting Touchscreen (2.1M dots)Approx. dimension134.0 x 100.5 x 69.5 mm
View FinderOLED EVF (3.69M dots)Approx. weight705g (including battery)

Notable reviews:

  • Pros
  1. Improved maximum continuous shooting/burst speed (14fps)
  2. Excellent AF performance
  3. Very good image quality
  4. Outstanding ergonomics – good body build and good grip
  5. USB charging
  • Cons
  1. Did not improve LCD – the same tilting touchscreen
  2. 4K video not very detailed as it will be cropped at 60p
  3. 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:

TypeMirrorless (with support for interchangeable lens) WiFiYes (built-in)
Lens MountNikon Z mount (compatible lenses Z mount NIKKOR; F mount NIKKOR- mount adapter required)BluetoothYes
SensorFull-frame (CMOS sensor)HDMI portYes (type C)
Image ProcessorDual EXPEED 6 image-processing engineUSB portYes (type C)
Effective Pixel45.7MPMic portYes
ISO sensitivity64-25600 steps 1/3 or 1/2 EV (Expanded: 32-102400)Headphone portYes
Burst speed10fpsFlashExternal flash via hot shoe
Still Image formatJPEG, RAW (NEF, 12 or 14 bit)Storage mediaCFexpress (type B), XQD, SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II compatible)
VideoMOV, MPEG-4BatteryEN-EL15c Lithium-ion
Video formatMPEG-4, H.264Battery life420 shots (CIPA)
LCD/TFT Monitor3.2” Tilting Touchscreen (2.1M dots)Approx. dimension134.0 x 100.5 x 69.5 mm
View FinderOLED EVF (3.69M dots)Approx. weight705g (including battery)

Notable reviews:

  • Pros
  1. Outstanding ergonomics – very good body build, excellent grip and well-placed dials/controls
  2. Very good image quality as well as dynamic range
  3. Good video quality
  4. Effective 5 axis image stabilization system
  5. USB charging
  • Cons
  1. Did not improve LCD – the same tilting touchscreen
  2. EVF with lower resolution as compared to its competitors
  3. 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 Author - My Mirrorless Cameras

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!


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