The perfect Nikon digicam for skilled pictures is not solely a DSLR. Ever because the mirrorless Z system debuted in 2018, skilled photographers have the choice of each full-frame DSLRs, just like the D6, and high-end mirrorless fashions just like the Z7 II and the flagship Z9.
The perfect Nikon cameras are sturdy and constructed for velocity. And so they haven’t all the time been full-frame. Prior to now, among the greatest APS-C cameras you might purchase had been made by Nikon, such because the highly effective D500.
However right this moment Nikon is seeking to set a brand new market customary because the go-to system for professionals with its new Z9. The Z9, with its 8K video functionality and eschewing of a mechanical shutter, screams the long run. And although we’re all nonetheless ready for its wider launch, it ought to firmly sit on the high of all greatest skilled cameras lists, in addition to being the very best Nikon digicam for skilled pictures.
But it surely additionally doubtless prices greater than your automobile. And it’s not the one choice for jobbing professionals. Nikon has quite a lot of cameras in its vary tailor-made for various skilled wants.
The perfect Nikon cameras for skilled pictures you should buy right this moment
Beneath are our picks for the very best skilled Nikon cameras from the corporate’s present vary. All of our picks are based mostly on our expertise testing these cameras, and we’ve damaged them down by style that can assist you select the best choice for you.
For extra data on skilled cameras throughout all manufacturers, take a look at a few of our different guides beneath. And for a deeper dive into the numerous totally different digicam varieties and options out there, try our vary of digicam shopping for guides.
- Greatest skilled cameras for rookies and college students
- Greatest skilled DSLRs
Nikon Z9
Specification
- Digicam sort: Full-frame mirrorless digicam
- Introduced: twenty eighth October 2021
- Lens mount: Nikon Z
- Sensor: Full-frame (FX 35.9 x 23.9mm) 45.7MP stacked bottom illuminated (BSI) sensor
- Processing engine: Expeed 7
- Stabilisation: 5-axis sensor shift giving 6EV shutter velocity compensation
- Sensitivity: ISO 64-25,600, expandable to ISO 32-102,400
- Most steady capturing price: 20fps for as much as 1000+ uncooked (excessive effectivity) information or 685 uncooked (excessive effectivity *) information, 30fps for as much as 1000+ normal-quality Jpegs, or 120fps normal-quality 11Mp Jpegs
- Autofocus system: Hybrid with section and distinction detection
- Part detection factors: 493
- AF-area modes: Pinpoint (out there in picture mode solely), single-point, dynamic-area (S, M, and L; out there in picture mode solely), wide-area (S and L), and auto-area AF, 3D-tracking (out there in picture mode solely), subject-tracking AF (out there in video mode solely)
- Video decision: 8K (7680 x 4320): 30p (progressive)/25p/24p, 4K (3840 x 2160): 120p/100p/60p/50p/30p/25p/24p, Full HD (1920 x 1080): 120p/100p/60p/50p/30p/25p/24p
- Video file format: MOV, MP4
- Video compression: Apple ProRes 422 HQ (10 bit), H.265/HEVC (8 bit/10 bit), H.264/AVC (8 bit)
- Viewfinder: 0.5-inch 3.69-million-dot, 3,000-nit OLED viewfinder
- Display: 3.2-inch 2,100,000-dot 4-way-tilting touch-screen
- Storage: Twin XQD/CFexpress
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 149 x 149.5 x 90.5 mm / 5.9 x 5.9 x 3.6 inches
- Weight: 1340 g / 2 lb. 15.3 ozwith battery and reminiscence card however with out physique cap and accent shoe cowl, Physique solely: 1160g / 2 lb. 9 oz.
The Nikon Z9 provides nearly every part skilled and fanatic photographers may need from a digicam. It’s huge and heavy for a mirrorless digicam, but it surely’s additionally twin-gripped, weather-sealed and a bit lighter than the Nikon D6.
Its 45.7Mp sensor is great and capable of seize a excessive stage of element with out over-stretching the digicam’s noise management.
There’s additionally 20fps full-resolution capturing for uncooked information, 30fps for Jpegs and 120fps capturing at 11Mp, paired with what appears to be like like a superb AF system with super-sticky Eye-detection.
The Nikon Z9 goes past what’s provided by the Nikon D6 whereas at £5,299/€6,299 it prices round £1,000 much less and provides stiff competitors to the Sony A1 and Canon EOS R3.
We’re nonetheless ready for its wider launch, however we’ve spent a while capturing with it and it truly is the digicam you’ve been ready for.
Learn our Nikon Z9 Evaluation
Worth when reviewed
£5299
€6299 Verify present value
For
- New 45.7Mp full-frame sensor sensor
- Superior AF system
- Sturdy, weatherproof construct
Towards
- No mechanical shutter
- Firmware updates to come back in 2022 to get the total video function set
Nikon D6
Specification
- Digicam sort: DSLR
- Introduced: twelfth February 2020
- Sensor: 20.8Mp full-frame (35.9 x 23.9mm) CMOS
- Lens mount: Nikon F
- Processing engine: Expeed 6
- Viewfinder: Eye-level pentaprism with 100% protection, 0.72x magnification (with 50 mm f/1.4 lens at infinity, -1.0 m-¹), 17mm eye-point and -3 to +1 m-¹ diopter adjustment
- Display: Fastened 3.2–inch 2359k-dot TFT touch-sensitive LCD
- Sensitivity: ISO 100 to 102,400, expandable to ISO 50-3,280,000
- Steady capturing: As much as 14 fps, Steady Low: 1 to 10 fps, Steady Excessive: 10 to 14 fps, Quiet: 1 to five fps
- Shutter velocity: 1/8000 to 30sec, Bulb; Time; X250
- Autofocus system: Viewfinder: TTL phase-detection with 105 focus factors, all cross-type, 15 at f/8, Stay view: Distinction-detect AF, focus level chosen by digicam when face detection or subject-tracking is used.
- AF-area mode: Viewfinder: Single-point AF; 9-, 25-, 49-, or 105- level dynamic-area AF; 3D-tracking; group-area AF; group-area AF (C1); group-area AF (C2); auto-area AF, Stay view: Face-detection AF, wide-area AF, normal-area AF, subject-tracking AF
- Video resolutions: 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD); 30p (progressive), 25p, 24p, 1920 x 1080; 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p, 1280 x 720: 60p, 50p, 1920 x 1080 crop: 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p¹; Precise body charges for 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, and 24p are 59.94, 50, 29.97, 25, and 23.976 fps respectively
- Storage: Twin CFexpress (Kind B) and XQD reminiscence playing cards
- Connectivity: USB-C, HDMI Kind C, 3.5mm mic port, 3.5mm headphone port, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Battery: One EN-EL18c rechargeable Li-ion battery
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 160 x 163 x 92mm / 6.3 x 6.5 x 3.7inches
- Weight: 1450g / 3 lb. 3.2 oz. with battery and two CFexpress playing cards, 1270 g / 2 lb. 12.8 oz. physique solely
The Nikon D6 is an outstanding DSLR that has the identical 20.8Mp full-frame sensor because the D5 and solely makes a couple of updates on its predecessor. For a lot of, probably the most vital modifications introduced by the D6 are seen within the viewfinder-based autofocus (AF) system.
Though the Nikon D6 has 105 AF factors somewhat than the 153 of the D5, all 105 factors are user-selectable on the D6 whereas solely 55 of them are selectable on the D5. That provides photographers larger management over the focusing.
Additionally, all 105 of the D6’s AF factors are cross-type, which suggests they’re extra delicate than customary linear sort AF factors.
These AF factors will be chosen individually or in teams of 27 or 15. Alternatively, the digicam can choose which of the 105 level to make use of routinely in Auto-Space AF mode. There are additionally 17 customisable AF level teams out there, which suggests the AF sample will be set to suite the topic and capturing scenario.
The Nikon D6 additionally has a top-shooting price of 14fps (frames per second) with steady AF, which suggests it’s effectively outfitted to seize split-second moments at sports activities occasions and the like.
Just like the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III, the Nikon D6 is a dual-gripped digicam, and it’s huge and heavy, but it surely’s additionally constructed to outlive intensive use by the hands of knowledgeable photographer.
Discover the most recent offers on the Nikon D6 at Amazon UK and Amazon US.
Learn our Nikon D6 Evaluation
Worth when reviewed
£6299
$6496.95 Verify present value
For
- 14fps capturing with steady focusing
- Very good AF system to be used with the viewfinder
- Nice low-light efficiency
Towards
- Distinction detection AF in Stay View and video mode
- Fastened display is irritating in Stay View mode
- Enormous value
Nikon Z7 II
Specification
- Digicam sort: Full-frame mirrorless digicam
- Introduced: 14th October 2020
- Lens mount: Nikon Z
- Sensor: Full-frame (FX 35.9 x 23.9mm) 45.7MP bottom illuminated (BSI) sensor
- Processing engine: Twin Expeed 6
- Stabilisation: 5-axis in-body VR
- Sensitivity: ISO 64-25,600, expandable to ISO 32-102,400
- Most steady capturing price: 10fps for as much as 200Jpegs or 77 12-bit uncompressed uncooked information, 9fps with 14-bit uncooked information
- Autofocus system: Hybrid with section and distinction detection
- Part detection factors: 493
- Video decision: 4K (3840 x 2160) 60/50/30/25/24p, Full-HD (1920 x 1080) 120/100/60/50/30/25/24p, Gradual-motion mode 1920 x 1080 30p x4/25p x4/24p
- Viewfinder: 0.5-inch 3.69-million-dot digital viewfinder
- Display: 3.2-inch 2,100,000-dot tilting touch-screen
- Storage: Twin slot 1 XQD/CFexpress and 1 SD/SDHC/SDXC
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 134 x 100.5 x 69.5mm / 5.3 x 4 x 2.8-inches
- Weight: 705g with battery and reminiscence card however with out physique cap, 615g physique solely
Whereas the 45.7Mp Nikon Z7 II has loads in widespread with the superb Nikon Z7 and makes use of a lot of the identical know-how (together with the identical sensor), the mark II digicam has a second reminiscence card slot which suggests it addresses the principle concern that photographers had concerning the authentic digicam. One slot accepts XQD or CFexpress playing cards whereas the opposite is for SD-type playing cards and is UHS-II compliant
Nikon additionally doubled the Z7 II’s processing energy compared with the Z7 II by giving it two Expeed 6 processing engines. This enabled a lift within the steady capturing price from 9fps to 10fps and allows 4K capturing at 60P.
That further processing energy additionally allows Eye-detection AF for people and animals in video mode in addition to stills, and enhances the low-light functionality of the autofocus system.
The Nikon Z7 II has the identical construct and dealing with because the Z7, Z6 and Z6 II, and it’s the very best interface out there in a Nikon digicam so far.
You’ll find the most recent offers on the Nikon Z7 II at Amazon UK and Amazon US.
Learn our Nikon Z7 II Evaluation
Worth when reviewed
£2999
€3442 / $2996.95 Verify present value
For
- Excessive-quality sensor
- Wonderful person interface and management format
- Weatherproof construct
Towards
- A vari-angle display is of extra use than a tilting display for portrait orientation photographs
- The viewfinder decision is not class-leading
- The Eye-detection AF is not a match for Sony’s or Canon’s most up-to-date techniques
Nikon D850
Specification
- Digicam sort: Full-frame (FX) DSLR
- Introduced: twenty fourth August 2017
- Lens mount: Nikon F
- Sensor: 45.7Mp full-frame (35.9 x 23.9mm) backside-illuminated CMOS
- Most steady capturing price: 7fps as customary, 9fps with the non-compulsory MB-D18 Multi-Energy Battery Pack for as much as 51 14-bit lossless compressed uncooked information or 170 12-bit lossless compressed uncooked information
- Autofocus system: Viewfinder: Multi-CAM 20K autofocus sensor 153 focus factors (together with 99 cross-type sensors and 15 sensors that help f/8), of which 55 (35 cross-type sensors and 9 f/8 sensors) can be found for choice, Stay view: Distinction detection
- Viewfinder: Optical pentaprism sort
- Display: Tilting, touch-sensitive 3.2-inch TFT LCD with 2,359,000 dots
- Dimensions: 146×124×78.5mm / 5.8×4.9×3.1inches
- Weight: 1,005g / 2lb 3.5oz with battery and XQD reminiscence card however with out physique cap, 915g /2lb 0.3oz digicam physique solely
Probably the most well-liked digicam of 2017, the Nikon D850 is a superb all-rounder which provides each lovers and professionals a improbable efficiency. The AF system was inherited from the then top-of-the-line D5, whereas the 45.7 million pixel sensor permits for some very good element copy.
The optical viewfinder is the most important ever discovered on a Nikon DSLR, whereas the tilting touch-sensitive display is available in helpful for sure topics. Silent capturing is enabled whenever you use Stay View, which is nice for discreet pictures the place it’s good to be quiet.
Though the D850 will not be primarily geared toward sports activities and motion photographers, it’s 7fps most capturing price offers you one thing to work with – and you may enhance that to an much more usable 9fps by including an non-compulsory battery grip. Whereas the Sony A9 might have the D850 crushed in some key areas (akin to body price), for professionals working within the area, the D850’s battery life is a lot extra workable.
Total the D850 is a fantastically versatile DSLR that produces high-quality photographs, whereas being extra inexpensive than the professional-level D6.
Discover the most recent offers on the Nikon D850 at Amazon UK and Amazon US.
Learn our Nikon D850 assessment
Worth when reviewed
£3500
$3296.95 Verify present value
Nikon Z6 II
Specification
- Digicam sort: Full-frame mirrorless digicam
- Introduced: 14th October 2020
- Lens mount: Nikon Z
- Sensor: Full-frame (FX 35.9 x 23.9mm) 24.5MP bottom illuminated (BSI) sensor
- Processing engine: Twin Expeed 6
- Stabilisation: 5-axis in-body VR
- Sensitivity: ISO 100-51,200, expandable to ISO 50-204,800
- Most steady capturing price: 14fps for as much as 200Jpegs or 124 12-bit uncompressed uncooked information
- Autofocus system: Hybrid with section and distinction detection
- Part detection factors: 273
- Video decision: 4K (3840 x 2160) 30/25/24p (60P to come back with free firmware replace in Feb 2021), Full-HD (1920 x 1080) 120/100/60/50/30/25/24p, Gradual-motion mode 1920 x 1080 30p x4/25p x4/24p x5
- Viewfinder: 0.5-inch 3.69-million-dot digital viewfinder
- Display: 3.2-inch 2,100,000-dot tilting touch-screen
- Storage: Twin slot 1 XQD/CFexpress and 1 SD/SDHC/SDXC
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 134 x 100.5 x 69.5mm / 5.3 x 4 x 2.8-inches
- Weight: 705g with battery and reminiscence card however with out physique cap, 615g physique solely
Whereas it has the identical 24.5Mp backside-illuminated full-frame sensor as the unique Nikon Z6, the Nikon Z6 II has two Expeed 6 processing engines as an alternative of 1. Nikon additionally added an SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) card slot alongside the XQD/CFexpress card slot of the unique digicam to deal with one of many issues that many photographers raised concerning the authentic digicam.
Due to the additional processing energy, the Z6 II has a most steady capturing price of 14fps, 2 fps increased than the Z6, with full autofocus and metering functionality. That price will be maintained for 200 Jpegs or 124 uncompressed 12-Bit uncooked information.
Just like the Z6, the Z6 II has a local sensitivity vary because the Z6, ISO 100-51,200 (expandable to ISO 64-204,800) and a 273-point hybrid focusing system that covers 90% of the sensor.
Nevertheless, the monitoring and low-light AF efficiency of the Z6 II has been improved and the newer digicam can focus at -6EV with an f/2 or quicker lens.
As well as, the Z6 II’s human and animal eye AF operates in video mode in addition to in stills mode.
You’ll find the Nikon Z6 II on eBay, John Lewis & Companions, Wex Photographic and Amazon UK and Amazon US.
Learn our Nikon Z6 II Evaluation
Worth when reviewed
£1999
€2262 Verify present value
For
- Excessive-quality sensor
- Wonderful person interface and management format
- Weatherproof construct
Towards
- Eye detection will be unreliable in video mode
- Video Information menu not customisable
- 4K 60fps capturing will incur a 1.5x crop issue
