Nikon has been a top player for cameras for ages. If you’re looking for the best Nikon cameras for beginners, you’ve come to the right place. I’m excited to show you my top 5 picks!
Overview
| Camera | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon Z 50 | Best Overall | ~$850 | ★★★★★ |
| Nikon D3400 | Best Budget Option | ~$300 | ★★★★☆ |
| Nikon Z 5 | Cheapest Full-Frame | ~$1,000 | ★★★★★ |
| Nikon Z 6II | Best Quality Camera | ~$1,500 | ★★★★★ |
| Nikon D7200 | Best DSLR Option | ~$1,000 | ★★★★☆ |
Best Nikon Cameras for Beginners
1. Nikon Z 50
✅ Affordable Price
✅ Great Image Quality
✅ Crisp 4K Recording
✅ Intuitive Design for Beginners
✅ Lightweight Build
❌ Autofocus could be better
❌ No in-body stabilization
The Nikon Z 50 is a perfect fit for anybody who wants to dip into photography. The camera is incredibly easy to use and has a really nice compact size. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.
On a technical side, the Z 50’s 20.9 MP sensor and high ISO of 51200 produce clean, noise-free images in low light, making it perfect for taking stunning pictures and videos even in challenging lighting conditions.
Eye detection is another feature I love, and 4K video recording tops it off. It’s a fantastic camera overall that is perfect for beginners, and I’m sure you will have great fun with it!
Most Important Specs:
| ★★★★☆ Sensor | APS-C 22 Megapixels 5568 x 3712 |
| ★★★★★ ISO | Auto, 100-51200 (expands to 204,800) |
| ★★★★☆ Shutterspeed | 1/4000 sec |
| ★★★★★ Autofocus | Contrast & Phase Detection 209 Focus Points |
| ★★★★★ Measurements | 450 g (0.99 lb / 15.87 oz) 127 x 94 x 60 mm (5 x 3.7 x 2.36″) |
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
2. Nikon D3400
✅ Very good value at just $400 with a kit lens
✅ Impressive Image Quality for its class
✅ Autofocus is surprisingly fast
❌ Grip material is not high-quality
❌ Few options for advanced users
If you’re a beginner looking for a reliable and affordable camera, the Nikon D3400 is a great option. It offers a solid feature set and delivers excellent image quality for a really affordable price.
The Nikon D3400 is a great camera for beginners who want to learn photography. The quality is one of the best among other cameras with a DX crop sensor, and even the autofocus works really well despite only having 11 autofocus points.
Of course, I’m missing some advanced features and options, but that’s probably on me for being spoiled by high-end cameras! For $300 you’ll get one of the best Nikon cameras for beginners out there.
Most Important Specs:
| ★★★★★ Sensor | APS-C 24 Megapixels 6000 x 4000 |
| ★★★★☆ ISO | Auto, 100-25600 |
| ★★★★☆ Shutterspeed | 1/4000 sec |
| ★★★☆☆ Autofocus | Contrast & Phase Detection 11 Focus Points |
| ★★★★★ Measurements | 445 g (0.98 lb / 15.70 oz) 124 x 98 x 76 mm (4.88 x 3.86 x 2.99″) |
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
3. Nikon Z 5
✅ Very good autofocus
✅ Full-Frame sensor for exceptional image quality
✅ Perfect for Low-Light Conditions
❌ No lens hood provided
❌ Slow Frame Rate
If you definitely want a full-frame camera but still want a cheap and affordable option, the Z 5 is your way to go.
The Z 5 is Nikon’s most compact and lightweight full-frame interchangeable lens Z series camera, which is great if you want to carry your camera around a lot. Also, it is the cheapest full-frame camera Nikon offers!
The autofocus is absolutely great for most beginners, as it snaps onto the subjects fast and produces clear and crisp photos. And – of course – due to the full-frame sensor, you will have an exceptional low-light performance and image quality, making it one of the best Nikon cameras for beginners.
Most Important Specs:
| ★★★★★ Sensor | Full-Frame 24 Megapixels 6016 x 4016 |
| ★★★★★ ISO | Auto, 100-51200 (expands to 50-102400) |
| ★★★★★ Shutterspeed | 1/8000 sec |
| ★★★★★ Autofocus | Contrast & Phase Detection 273 Focus Points |
| ★★★★★ Measurements | 675 g (1.49 lb / 23.81 oz) 134 x 101 x 70 mm (5.28 x 3.98 x 2.76″) |
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
4. Nikon Z 6II
✅ Good Price for a Full-Frame Camera
✅ Robust Build, Comfortable Use
✅ Solid Specs for Cheap Price
❌ Steep Learning Curves for Beginners
❌ Lack in-body Flash
If you have a few more bucks to spare, the Nikon Z 6II should be your choice. With its full-frame mirrorless hybrid design, this camera excels in speed, image quality, and video performance.
The camera has outstanding good specs for its price, by far the best on this list:
- The low-light performance is top-notch, with great ISO and a full-frame sensor.
- The Shutterspeed is solid and adequate for any beginner.
- And with 273 Autofocus points you’ll never get a blurred shot.
So, if you want a top-of-the-line camera that can do it all, the Nikon Z 6II is definitely worth considering.
Most Important Specs:
| ★★★★★ Sensor | Full-Frame 25 Megapixels 6048 x 4024 |
| ★★★★★ ISO | Auto, 100-51200 (expands to 50-204800) |
| ★★★★☆ Shutterspeed | 1/8000 sec |
| ★★★★★ Autofocus | Contrast & Phase Detection 273 Focus Points |
| ★★★★☆ Measurements | 705 g (1.55 lb / 24.87 oz) 134 x 101 x 70 mm (5.28 x 3.98 x 2.76″) |
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
5. Nikon D7200
✅ Great for Mastering the Basics
✅ Weather-sealed Body
✅ Amazing Low-Light performance
❌ No in-body stabilization
❌ Camera is a bit heavier
If you want a DSLR, the D7200 is a great option for you! Even though mirrorless cameras have become more and more popular, DSLRs are still great to use and will teach you all you need for photography.
DSLRs are a bit heavier than most mirrorless cameras, but the D7200 is still quite ergonomic and nice to use. The strongest point is the low-light performance, with up to 102,400 ISO points. With these, you can shoot in any condition!
The body is also weather-sealed, which is nice for any adventurers out there!
Most Important Specs:
| ★★★★☆ Sensor | APS-C 24 Megapixels 6000 x 4000 |
| ★★★★★ ISO | Auto, 100-25600, expands to 102400 (black and white only) |
| ★★★★★ Shutterspeed | 1/8000 sec |
| ★★★★☆ Autofocus | Contrast & Phase Detection 51 Focus Points |
| ★★★★☆ Measurements | 765 g (1.69 lb / 26.98 oz) 136 x 107 x 76 mm (5.35 x 4.21 x 2.99″) |
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
Buying Guide
As a beginner, choosing the right camera can be a daunting task. There are many features to consider, but don’t worry, I’m here to help you out! Here are some key features that you should look for when choosing the best Nikon cameras for beginners:
Sensor Size
The size of the camera’s sensor is an important factor to consider. The larger the sensor, the more light it can capture, resulting in higher image quality. As a beginner, you may not need the largest sensor available, but it’s important to choose a camera with a decent-sized sensor.
I would recommend an APS-C or even a full-frame (biggest) sensor to beginners.
ISO
ISO is a measure of the camera’s sensitivity to light. A higher ISO allows you to take photos in low-light situations without having to use a flash. However, a high ISO can also result in more noise in your photos. Look for a camera with a good ISO range, but don’t worry too much about the highest ISO available. Anything above 15000 ISO points is good.
Shutter Speed
Shutter speed determines how long the camera’s shutter stays open when taking a photo. A faster shutter speed is ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects, while a slower shutter speed can create motion blur. Look for a camera with a range of shutter speeds to give you more creative control. I would go with at least 1/4000 sec.
Video
If you plan on taking videos with your camera, look for one that can shoot in at least 1080p resolution. Some cameras even offer 4K video, but keep in mind that this will require more storage space and a faster computer to edit.
Measurements
The size and weight of the camera can also be important factors to consider, especially if you plan on carrying it around with you. Look for a camera that feels comfortable in your hands and is easy to use. The best Nikon cameras for beginners I presented all weigh around 500 – 700 grams, which fits nicely in any hand.
Autofocus
Also, consider the camera’s autofocus system. Look for a camera with a fast and accurate autofocus system to help you capture sharp photos. Some cameras even offer features like eye detection autofocus, which can be especially helpful for portrait photography.
Also, focus points can give you a great idea of how well the autofocus might perform.
Price
Last but not least – the price. You should expect to spend about $500 for your first camera. If you go much cheaper, the quality you’ll receive will suffer. And obviously, the more you spend, the better your camera will be!
My Opinion on the Best Nikon Camera for Beginners
If you want a Nikon as your first camera, that’s a great choice! I definitely recommend the I were you, I would definitely go with the Nikon Z 50, as it is a great overall camera to start off with and is definitely affordable for most beginners. It will teach you everything you need and give you a great head-start in photography!
If you’re on a budget, instead, have a look at the Nikon D3400. With just $300, it is incredibly affordable and still produces beautiful photos that will make any beginner photographer happy.
Now you’ve got everything you need to decide on the best Nikon cameras for beginners! If you need some other recommendations or want to read some photography guides, have a look at these:
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Do you have other recommendations for the best Nikon cameras for beginners? Let us know in the comments down below!
