Best Nikon mirrorless cameras to buy now

We’re counting off the best Nikon mirrorless cameras you can buy right now – and many of them listed below are at greatly discounted prices this month in the run up to the end of the year. While Nikon had a few false starts with mirrorless (we don’t talk about the 1 series any more), the introduction of its Z series in 2018 marked the beginning of a new era, and has since seen the manufacturer become one of the top players in the mirrorless space.

For professionals, enthusiasts and beginners alike, Nikon’s mirrorless range has a lot to offer, with superb image quality, top-flight features and a fantastic lens range. Top of the range is the professional flagship, the Nikon Z9, which is one of the most impressive and technologically advanced cameras we’ve ever seen.

More recently we’ve seen the arrival of the retro styled Nikon Zf, a full-frame counterpart to the Nikon Z fc, which is one of the most compelling options for beginners as well as the Nikon Z6 III, which is a great all-round option which incorporates many of the Nikon Z8‘s pro features in a smaller and more affordable package.

We’ve tested and reviewed every single Nikon mirrorless camera that has been released, and this guide is built on our findings. When we review cameras, we don’t just look at how they perform in a lab, but think critically and holistically about what kind of photographer or videographer would find them useful. Accordingly, we’ve advised for each camera on our list as to the type of image-making it excels at (as well as what types it might not be so good for), and to whom it’s best suited. We only recommend cameras that our team has tested, and aim to provide clear, helpful, unbiased insights.

If you’re not sure on the technical terminology, don’t worry – we’ve put an explainer section at the bottom of this page, complete with some of the questions we most frequently get asked about mirrorless cameras and the Nikon range. Want more options? We also have a guide to the best Nikon DSLRs, and an explainer on the pros and cons of DSLRs vs mirrorless if you’re still on the fence about which type is right for you. For now though, let’s look at the best Nikon mirrorless cameras to buy right now.

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The best Nikon mirrorless cameras – here is our quick list:

Looking for the best deal on Nikon cameras? Not only will you find the best Nikon cameras, but you’ll also find some of the best Nikon camera deals, as our ‘Buy now’ buttons are setup to automatically take you to the best prices, from trusted retailers, plus you’ll also find a list of other retailers below each camera, so you can find the right deal for you.

• Best professional Nikon mirrorless: Nikon Z9 – Buy now
• Best Nikon mirrorless for beginners: Nikon Z50 – Buy now
• Best Nikon mirrorless for low light: Nikon Zf – Buy now
• Best Hybrid Nikon mirrorless: Nikon Z6 III – Buy now
• Best budget full-frame Nikon mirrorless: Nikon Z5 – Buy now
• Best high-resolution Nikon mirrorless: Nikon Z7 II – Buy now
• Best all-round Nikon mirrorless: Nikon Z6 II – Buy now
• Best Nikon mirrorless for wildlife: Nikon Z8 – Buy now
• Best second-hand Nikon mirrorless: Nikon Z7 – Buy now
• Best Nikon mirrorless for vlogging: Nikon Z30 – Buy now
• Best Nikon mirrorless for style: Nikon Z fc – Buy now

Read on to learn more about each camera’s strengths and weaknesses, based on the findings of our review team. Once you’ve chosen a Nikon mirrorless camera, you’ll want some of the best Z-mount lenses for Nikon to go with it. First, here are our best Nikon mirrorless cameras you can buy…

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Best professional Nikon mirrorless: Nikon Z9

At a glance:

• Price $5,497 / £4,999 body-only
• 45.7 megapixel full-frame sensor
• 30fps shooting (120fps at 11 megapixels)
• 6-stop in-body image stabiliser
• 8K video
• AI subject-detect autofocus
• 3.69-million-dot electronic viewfinder

What a camera this is. The Nikon Z9 is the firm’s mirrorless professional flagship, a spiritual successor to its single-digit DSLRs like the D5 and D6. For years these cameras were a mainstay of professional sports shooters, and the incredible speedster that is the Z9 continues in that grand tradition.

First, the headline specs. The Nikon Z9 is capable of shooting 45.7MP full-resolution raws at 20 frames per second, and can do so for more than 1,000 frames. Switch to JPEGs and it’ll manage 30 fps – drop the resolution down to a still-useable 11MP, and it’ll shoot at a staggering 120fps.

This is all paired with an intelligent, class-leading subject-detection autofocus system that’s capable of recognising such specific things as faces, animals, cars, birds and more. What’s more, unlike Canon and Sony’s system, there’s no need to specify in advance what it is to look for. Whether the subject is moving or in the corner of the frame, this system hits it with almost unerring accuracy.

We speak from experience here, having put the Nikon Z9 through an extensive testing procedure. It is an incredible camera that just works.

It powers up in seconds and keeps going for ages on a single battery charge. It can shoot completely silently, and has a high-efficiency raw format that keeps file sizes down with no noticeable impact on image quality – incredibly useful for those fast burst speeds! On occasion, but not often, the autofocus landed on the wrong subject, or saw a face where there wasn’t one.

Of course, it all comes at a cost. The Nikon Z9 is a high-end pro camera and is priced as such. For many users it will simply be out of reach. If it’s within your budget, however, it is quite simply one of the best cameras we’ve ever tested.

Best for: action, wildlife and sport photography, professional photographers

Read our Nikon Z9 review

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Best Nikon mirrorless for beginners: Nikon Z50

At a glance:

• Price $857 / £899 body-only
• 20.9 megapixel APS-C sensor
• Tilting touch screen
• 11fps shooting
• 4K video
• 2.36-million-dot electronic viewfinder

Completely new to Nikon mirrorless cameras? Start here. The Nikon Z50 is one of the cheapest models in the line-up, and is a solid all-rounder that’s ideal for getting to grips with the system. It was the first in the series to use an APS-C sensor (or DX-format, as Nikon calls it), and while it’s not outwardly as stylish as, say, the Fujifilm X series of APS-C cameras, the Nikon Z50 has a lot going for it.

With 11fps burst shooting, it is quite rapid, and the hybrid autofocus system does a great job of keeping up with the action. Its 209 phase detection AF points cover the vast majority of the frame, and both Eye and Face Detection AF are on board. The viewfinder and touchscreen are also first-rate for a camera of this class, providing an immersive handling experience.

At the time of the Nikon Z50’s release, there weren’t very many natively DX-format lenses for Z-mount. Four years later and there still aren’t; which is annoying if you’ve invested in a camera like the Z50. The full-frame lenses will still work on the Z50, but tend to be both bulky and expensive, which sort of negates the point of buying a cheaper APS-C camera.

Best for: travel, entry-level photographers

Read our Nikon Z50 review

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Best retro Nikon mirrorless for low light: Nikon Zf

At a glance:

• Price $1,997 / £2,149 body-only
• 24.5MP full-frame sensor
• 14fps shooting
• 4K video
• 3.69-million-dot electronic viewfinder

Nikon’s newest entry on the block, the fabulous Nikon Zf is successor to several different cameras at once. On the surface, it’s the latest entry in the Z series, and can be seen as a bigger brother to the similarly retro-styled Nikon Z fc, which has an APS-C sensor rather than a full-frame (see further down for more on that camera).

However, the Zf is other things too. It’s a throwback to Nikon’s immensely admirable heritage in film SLRs, with a body styled after famous analogue cameras like the Nikon FM2. It’s also something of a re-work of the Nikon Df DSLR; a retro throwback that was rather overpriced at launch (and can be picked up more reasonably second-hand now) – a concept that was interesting, but missed the mark.

The Nikon Zf is more than just an aesthetic joy, though. It’s a comprehensively featured full-frame mirrorless camera. And, thanks to advancements in Nikon’s latest Expeed 7 processor, is one of the best low-light shooters on the market. The Zf offers a native ISO sensitivity up to 64,000, expandable to 204,600; and with a full-frame sensor of fairly low resolution of 24.5MP, produces ultra-clean images even at higher sensitivities. Having eight stops of in-body stabilisation is helpful, too.

Read our Nikon Zf review.

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Best Hybrid Nikon mirrorless: Nikon Z6 III

At a glance:

• $2,497 / £2,699 body only
• 24.5 MP partially-stacked full-frame CMOS sensor
• ISO 100-64,000 (standard)
• Up to 20fps shooting
• 6K 60fps N-RAW video recording
• 8-stop in-body stabilisation
• 5.76m-dot electronic viewfinder
• 3.2in, 2.1m-dot fully articulated screen

The Z6 III features a first of its kind partially stacked CMOS sensor that carries the same benefits as a full-stacked sensor, however at a lower cost. These advantages are faster, more responsive focusing, reduced rolling shutter distortion with the electronic shutter, faster continuous shooting, improved video specs, and a more fluid viewfinder experience.

The electronic viewfinder has been updated to an extremely bright 4000nits with improved colour gamut this results in a large, sharp, super-bright viewfinder that displays natural-looking colours.

Another important improvement over its predecessor is the Nikon’s 3D tracking technology first time featured in the Z6 line, alongside its capable subject detection system that recognises people, animals, vehicles, and planes; eye-tracking is also onboard. Autofocus is specified to work in staggeringly low light of -10EV.

Featuring 8 stops in body image stabilisation and internal 12-bit RAW video recording at 60fps, in either 6K or 4K resolution, also record slow-motion footage in Full HD at 240fps, complete with audio the Z6 III is a hybrid shooter’s dream.

Read our FULL review of the Nikon Z6 III.

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Best budget full-frame Nikon mirrorless: Nikon Z5

At a glance:

• Price $1,297 / £1,249 body-only
• 24.3 megapixel full-frame sensor
• 4.5fps shooting
• 4K video
• 3.69-million-dot electronic viewfinder

For a cheaper full-frame mirrorless, the Nikon Z5 is good value. It has a well-performing full-frame sensor and similar great handling to the more expensive Z6 II; albeit with some key compromises.

Although the resolution of the sensor is similar to that of the Z6 II, the Z5’s is not back-side illuminated, so does not perform quite so well in lower light conditions. It’s also not quite as quick, especially when it comes to frame rates – so is not optimal for shooting action, sports or wildlife.

What you do get is a good performer for static subjects, and access to the full-frame system without spending a fortune – which makes it ideal for beginners and those upgrading to full-frame for the first time.

Best for: beginners, those new to full frame

Read our Nikon Z5 review

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Best high-resolution Nikon mirrorless: Nikon Z7 II

At a glance:

• Price $2,297 / £2,949 body-only
• 45.7 megapixel full-frame sensor
• Up to 10fps shooting
• 4K video
• 5-stop in-body image stabiliser
• Eye-detection autofocus
• 3.69-million-dot electronic viewfinder

A high-resolution full-frame model for serious enthusiasts and professionals, the Nikon Z7 II delivers a comprehensive shooting experience while fixing some of the flaws of the first version. It’s got two card slots now, with a second UHS-II SD slot in addition to the CFExpress B/XQD slot from the original Z7.

In testing, we found the Nikon Z7 II to deliver exactly the kind of sublime quality we’ve come to expect from the series, thanks to its 45.7MP back-illuminated full-frame sensor. The camera performs beautifully at all its standard ISO settings, and while noise starts to creep in at ISO 12,800 and 25,600, results are still perfectly acceptable.

The electronic viewfinder is big and beautiful enough to give pause to even the most die-hard DSLR enthusiast (though its raw resolution lags behind that of rivals from the likes of Canon and Sony). Plus, the Z7 II can achieve a decent burst speed of 10fps, with a deep shot buffer.

It’s not the biggest upgrade over the original Z7, and isn’t supposed to be; the original camera is still on sale as a compelling, cheaper alternative. In either case, you get an exceptional mirrorless camera, with perfectly pitched handling, and the ability to produce superb images. It’s hard to ask for more than that.

Best for: landscape photographers, macro photographers, portrait photographers

Read our Nikon Z7 II review

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2nd Best all-round Nikon mirrorless: Nikon Z6 II

At a glance:

• Price $1,597 / £1,999 body-only
• 24.5 megapixel full-frame sensor
• 14fps shooting
• 5-stop in-body image stabilisation
• 4K video
• 3.69-million-dot electronic viewfinder

The Z6 II is a solid all-rounder that for many Nikon mirrorless photographers is likely to be the sensible choice. Its megapixel count of 24.5MP does not compete with the Z7 II, it’s still a highly effective camera with a lot going for it – and having a less pixel-crowded sensor does offer a few advantages of its own.

The Nikon Z6 II does an excellent job in low light, focusing accurately and producing clean, low-noise images in dim conditions. You can nudge the ISO levels up to 12,800 and still get perfectly usable images.

While the autofocus system offers the same 273 phase detection AF points as the previous Z6, it boasts an improved algorithm. In use, the system is reliably accurate and generally seems to intuit your intentions much better than the Z6 ever did. Having Face- and Eye-detection is also handy, especially for street and portrait work.

We have completed a Nikon Z6 II long-term test in addition to our full review, and it really is an impressive camera. The lack of a fully articulating touchscreen may annoy some, but otherwise, it really is a camera that’ll do just about everything.

Best for: All-rounder photographers without a huge budget

Read our Nikon Z6 II review

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Best Nikon mirrorless for wildlife: Nikon Z8

At a glance:

• Price $3,797 / £3,789 body-only
• 45.7 megapixel full-frame sensor
• 20fps shooting (120fps at 11 megapixels)
• 8K video
• AI subject-detect autofocus
• 3.69-million-dot electronic viewfinder

The Nikon Z8 is a serious camera for serious shooters. On its release, Nikon explicitly drew comparisons with the D850, one of the most popular DSLRs of all time. The D850’s combination of high resolution and high-speed shooting made it a particular hit with wildlife photographers – the Nikon Z8 is a continuation of that tradition.

Of course, the Nikon Z9 already did that, so in practice, the Nikon Z8 is basically a slimmed-down, cheaper version. This is no bad thing; the Z9 is spectacular, but expensive and bulky, so the Z8 makes more sense for a lot of users. You still get to shoot 45.7MP images at high frame rates, and take advantage of Nikon’s AI-powered subject-detection autofocus. The fastest shutter speed is a lightning-fast 1/32,000sec, and you even get the Z9’s 11MP 120fps shooting mode for those times you need to be faster than fast. 8K video is on board, too.

There is little to criticise about this camera, as we discovered in our in-depth Nikon Z8 review. It’s pricier than the Z7 II, which sports the same resolution, so is only really worth the money if you really need the speed. Some photographers may prefer two UHS-II SD slots rather than one SD and one CFexpress (or XQD) as this necessitates a more expensive card – but that’s to nitpick. If the Z8 fits your budget, and you want the speed it offers, there’s every reason to snap one up.

Best for: Professionals needing a powerful, durable and compact camera

Read our Nikon Z8 review

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Best second-hand Nikon mirrorless: Nikon Z7

At a glance:

• Used price around $1,700 / £1,150 body-only
• 45.7MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor
• 9fps shooting
• Single XQD card slot
• 4K 30p video
• 5-axis stabilisation

The original Nikon Z7 was one of the first cameras out of the gate for the Z system. As such, it’s an interesting object to look back on, exemplifying many great things about the series as well as the mis-steps Nikon made on its first go.

So, let’s get the cons out of the way: the Nikon Z7 only has one memory card slot. Booooo. This is a bit of a head-scratcher as it instantly makes the camera a non-starter for photographers who need an extra card as backup insurance against data corruption – wedding photographers, event photographers, photojournalists etc.

To make matters worse, the single slot in question was designed to accept only the expensive and increasingly irrelevant XQD card format (it has since been patched to accept CFexpress, which is still expensive, but is at least widely used).

However, if you can get over this, the Nikon Z7 delivers the exact same full-frame resolution as its successor, the Z7 II, and does so for about half the price on the second-hand market. This kind of full-frame quality for about $1,600 / £1,500 is a hell of a deal, storage quirks notwithstanding, and the handling of this camera is wonderful. It’s nicer to use than its Sony contemporaries, sitting comfortably in the hand, and its viewfinder is gorgeous.

The image quality is simply stunning in pretty much any lighting conditions, and the 5-axis stabilisation is highly effective – even more so when paired with stabilised Z-mount lens. While it doesn’t boast the kind of futuristic AI-powered subject-detection autofocus we’d later see on the likes of the Z9, it still does an excellent job of locking onto and tracking moving subjects. Like all the best Nikon cameras, it just works.

Read our full Nikon Z7 review.

Check out second-hand prices for the Nikon Z7 on MPB.

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Best Nikon mirrorless for vlogging: Nikon Z30

At a glance:

• Price $607 / £699 body-only
• 20.9 megapixel APS-C sensor
• 11fps shooting
• Single card slot
• No viewfinder
• Uncropped 4K video

Aimed squarely at vloggers, the Nikon Z30 shapes up as a natural rival to similarly priced vlogging cameras like the Sony ZV-E10, with the same APS-C sensor. But as the Z system is much younger than Sony’s E-mount, you won’t have such a gargantuan selection of optics to choose from.

Still, on its own terms, the Nikon Z30 is an impressive camera. As we found in our full test and review, its comfortable grip makes for solid handling. The camera is easy to use one-handed, with the flip-around screen handy for self-taping. There’s no viewfinder, but a vlogging camera does not really need one, and it help keeps the weight down to a slender 405g. Not bad!

Video footage looks excellent, with uncropped 4K available at up to 30p, and a Flat colour profile that is is ideal for grading (it’s not quite a Log profile, but it’s close). Full HD is also available at up to 120p, bringing slow-motion into play.

There are a couple of omissions. We found that the lack of a headphone jack compromises the Z30’s usefulness somewhat for video – having no way to accurately monitor your audio mid-shoot could cause problems. Also, while the lack of in-body stabilisation was presumably a sacrifice to keep the cost and weight down, it does make it harder to use the Z30 for run-and-gun shooting (and the cost-savings are somewhat negated anyway if you end up having to buy a gimbal).

Best for: vloggers on a budget

Read our Nikon Z30 review

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Best Nikon mirrorless for style: Nikon Z fc

At a glance:

• Price $957 / £899 body-only
• 20.9 megapixel APS-C format sensor
• 11fps shooting
• 4K video
• Vari-angle screen
• Retro-styled body
• 2.36-million-dot electronic viewfinder

Using the same base specifications as the Z 50, the Z fc should appeal to all of those that want something that not only performs well, but also looks the part too.

With its attractive retro styling, it’s quite possibly the best looking Nikon Z camera – or at least, it was before the Nikon Zf arrived. But it’s not just a looker – another advantage is the use of a vari-angle screen, which is a bit more flexible and useful than the tilting version found on the Z50.

Which you opt for may also come down to price – sometimes the Z50 is cheaper, sometimes its the Z fc – so it’s worth shopping around to make sure you get the best deal.

Best for: vloggers, travel, entry-level photographers

Read our Nikon Z fc review

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How to choose a Nikon mirrorless camera – key specs explained

What is a mirrorless camera anyway? As the name implies, it lacks a mirror in the camera body, unlike a DSLR, which uses a reflex mirror system to reflect an image into an optical viewfinder. There are plenty of other camera types that don’t use mirrors, like compacts and action cameras, but the term ‘mirrorless’ has come to refer specifically to interchangeable-lens cameras. See our piece on DSLR vs mirrorless for a more detailed explanation.

Focusing specifically on Nikon mirrorless cameras, here are the key specs you’ll want to pay attention to when choosing the right model for you.

Sensor: Sensor size is an important consideration when choosing any camera. In the Nikon mirrorless system you have two choices: full-frame, or a smaller APS-C sensor (Nikon calls them FX and DX, respectively). The larger full-frame sensors are better for image quality, especially in low light. However, APS-C cameras are not only more affordable, but also lighter weight and good to travel with. We have a full outline of the key pros and cons of sensor sizes in our guide to full-frame vs APS-C.

Resolution: This refers to how many pixels the sensor has, expressed in megapixels (MP). The more megapixels, the more detail in images. This is great for printing, but demands more storage space and does increase the cost of the camera.

Screen & viewfinder: Almost all of Nikon’s mirrorless cameras have electronic viewfinders – only the vlogger-focused Z30 leaves it off. Size and resolution are the key specs to pay attention to here; the bigger the EVF, the better the shooting experience. Screen-wise, all Nikon mirrorless cameras have LCD screens that offer some kind of movement, either tilting or fully articulating. The latter is useful for video, especially recording pieces to camera, though photographers can also make use of it to explore unusual shooting angles.

Image stabilisation: All of Nikon’s full-frame cameras include in-body image stabilisation (IBIS). None of Nikon’s APS-C models offer it, which is something to think about – particularly if you’re likely to be using them with long lenses or in low light with slow shutter speeds. That said, you can mitigate for the lack of IBIS by always using lenses with stabilisation (Nikon calls it VR, or ‘Vibration Reduction’), or by using a tripod.

Frame rate: Also referred to as burst speed or continuous shooting speed, this is how fast the camera can fire off shots sequentially. A high burst rate is useful for capturing fast action – though it’s also worth checking a camera’s buffer depth, i.e. how many shots it can capture in a burst before it has to slow down and catch up.

Video: All Nikon mirrorless cameras can shoot 4K video, and the flagship Z9 and Z8 even offer 8K for high-end users.

Lens options: You might be thinking this is a redundant category, given that all the cameras on this list use the Z mount. However, things work slightly different with the APS-C DX-format models in the series (currently the Z50, the Z30 and the Z fc), as their smaller sensor incurs a 1.5x crop factor on the focal length of the lens.

This means, for example, a lens that provides a 35mm focal length on the Nikon Z7 II will provide a 52mm equivalent focal length when mounted to the Z50. There are a few Z-mount lenses specifically designed for DX-format cameras, though admittedly not very many so far.

Best Nikon mirrorless cameras: frequently asked questions

Which is the best Nikon mirrorless for wildlife?

There is a straightforward answer to this question, albeit one that a lot of people aren’t going to like – the best Nikon mirrorless camera for wildlife is the Nikon Z9. It just is. Out-of-this-world burst shooting capabilities, the intelligent subject-detect autofocus that can lock onto animals and birds, the sublime 45.7MP image quality – it all works seamlessly in tandem, and makes the Nikon Z9 not just one of the best Nikon mirrorless cameras for wildlife, but one of the best wildlife cameras you can buy, full-stop.

Of course, with a price tag of $5,500 / £5,000 for just the body, the Nikon Z9 is not going to be a realistic option for a lot of people. The Nikon Z8 is essentially a slimmed-down version of the Z9 with a lot of the same internals; however, at $3,800 / £3,800, it’s still not exactly budget-friendly.

For a more modestly priced option, the Nikon Z6 II is a good choice for wildlife. Its focusing system is reliable and accurate, and it keeps on going when the light gets low. Its full-frame sensor produces great-looking 24.5MP images, and wildlife photographers can take advantage of the 14fps burst mode. It costs around $1,600 / £2,000.

If this is also too high a price, then an APS-C model could be a good choice. The Nikon Z50 ticks a lot of boxes for wildlife photographers, with a compact, portable body and 11fps burst shooting. It’s a reliable little all-rounder, and it’s hard to argue with the street price of around $860 / £900.

Plus, the small sensor size means the effective focal length of your lenses will be extended by 1.5x – so, for example, a 50mm lens will behave like a 75mm lens. This can be immensely useful when hunting for images of shy wildlife subjects.

Can you use Nikon mirrorless cameras with F-mount DSLR lenses?

Yes, you can mount Nikon F-mount lenses to your Nikon Z-mount camera, and in many cases still enjoy full functionality of features like autofocus and stabilisation. All you need is a Nikon FTZ adapter, which slots between the camera and lens. There’s also an FTZ II adapter at $250 / £249, which is basically the same but has a redesigned construction that keeps out of the way of some of the function buttons on the Z9. Adapters are easy to find; you can get the FTZ adapter from MPB for around $160-170 / £155.

Be aware that this process only works in one direction – you can’t adapt mirrorless Z lenses onto F-mount DSLRs. This is because DSLRs have a thicker body to allow room for the mirror, so any Nikon Z lens would be mounted too far from the sensor to focus.

Which Nikon mirrorless cameras have an articulating screen?

The Nikon Zf and the Nikon Z fc have fully articulating screens, as does the vlogging-focused Nikon Z30. The Nikon Z9 and Z8 receive half points here, as they have two-way tilting screens that are pretty close to fully articulating.

Other Nikon mirrorless cameras, including the Z5, Z50, Z6 II, Z7 II, Z6 and Z7, use various types of tilting screens, rather than fully articulating.

What do FX and DX mean on Nikon cameras?

‘FX’ and ‘DX’ are the terms Nikon uses to denote sensor size. Its full-frame cameras are ‘FX’ cameras, while its APS-C models are labelled ‘DX’. This also applies to lenses; a DX lens is one that only fits APS-C cameras, while an FX lens will work with both. For more on the difference between sensor sizes, check out our rundown of full-frame vs APS-C.

How many megapixels do I need in a Nikon camera?

The answer to this question will vary from user to user – but if you have to ask, then chances are good that you don’t need that many. The Nikon Z50 offers 20.9MP of resolution, and realistically for the average photo-taker this is plenty. If you are planning to make prints of your images, or want the flexibility of being able to losslessly crop into your images in editing, then a camera with more resolution will be beneficial – just be aware that with more pixels comes the need for more storage on cards and hard drives.

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Text by Amy Davies, with contributions from Jon Stapley.

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Once you’ve found the perfect camera for you, have a look at some of the best Nikon Z-mount lenses. Or have a look at more buying guides, and our latest reviews. 

Related reading:

• The 12 best Nikon DSLR cameras ever
• Best full-frame mirrorless cameras in 2024
• The best mirrorless cameras you can buy right now
• Nikon invites you to the cloud for firmware updates, free colour profiles

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