10 Best Nikon Cameras 2025 in the United States

The Nikon D7500 DX-Format Digital SLR is designed for both photography enthusiasts and professionals. It boasts a 20.9 MP APS-C sensor, ensuring high-quality images. The expansive ISO range (50-164000) allows for excellent performance in varying light conditions, making it suitable for diverse shooting environments. Its 51-point autofocus system, including 15 cross-type sensors, offers precise and fast focusing, vital for action and wildlife photography. Continuous shooting at up to 8 frames per second is another highlight, ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects.

Video capabilities are strong, with 4K UHD and 1080p full HD options, making it a versatile camera for videography as well. The large, tilting 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen enhances usability, especially for shooting at unconventional angles. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth ensure easy sharing and connectivity via the Nikon SnapBridge app. The camera's build quality is robust, with ergonomics designed for comfortable handling during prolonged use. Lens compatibility is wide, supporting all Nikon F mount lenses.

However, there are some drawbacks. The camera lacks dual memory card slots, which could be a limitation for professionals needing immediate backups. Furthermore, while it has digital image stabilization, it lacks in-body optical stabilization, which may affect handheld shooting stability. Lastly, its relatively heavy weight (1.66 pounds) might be a concern for those seeking a more portable option. The Nikon D7500 is a highly capable DSLR with advanced features that cater to both photography and videography, though some aspects may not meet every user's needs.

The Nikon Z 8 is a top-tier professional full-frame mirrorless camera that excels in both still photography and video. Its standout feature is the 45.7-megapixel stacked CMOS sensor paired with Nikon's EXPEED 7 processing engine, delivering exceptionally detailed images. The advanced autofocus system, enhanced by deep learning, ensures sharp focus even in very low light conditions, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects like animals and vehicles.

For videographers, the Z 8 supports impressive internal 8K/60p and 4K/120p video recording, along with options for RAW and ProRes RAW formats, offering high-quality video production capabilities. It also boasts rapid continuous shooting speeds of up to 120 fps, perfect for action shots. The camera's build quality is robust, though it does lack water resistance, which might be a concern for those shooting in challenging environments.

With a 3.2-inch tilting touch screen and excellent viewfinder resolution, it provides a user-friendly interface. Battery life is reasonable but may require spares for extended shoots. Lens compatibility is extensive, supporting a wide range of Nikon Z lenses. However, the camera is relatively heavy at 1.81 pounds, which might be cumbersome for prolonged handheld use. In summary, the Nikon Z 8 is a versatile and powerful tool for professional photographers and videographers looking for high-resolution imagery and advanced video capabilities, though its weight and lack of water resistance are notable considerations.

The Nikon COOLPIX P950 is a versatile camera that boasts a 16.0 megapixel CMOS sensor and an impressive 83x optical zoom, which can be extended to 166x with Dynamic Fine Zoom. This makes it ideal for capturing distant subjects, such as wildlife or sports events. It also offers built-in Bird and Moon modes, simplifying the process of taking specific types of photos. The camera can record 4K UHD videos, providing high-quality video capture, and features a variety of scene modes for different shooting conditions.

However, the camera's ISO range goes up to 12800, which may not perform as well in low-light situations compared to higher-end models with better ISO capabilities. The autofocus system uses contrast detection, which is generally slower than phase detection, but it does offer both auto and manual focus options. Weighing around 1000 grams, the P950 might feel a bit heavy for extended use, although its build quality is robust. The electronic viewfinder covers 100% of the frame with a resolution of around 2.36 million dots, ensuring clear and accurate framing.

While the camera is not water-resistant, making it less suitable for harsh weather conditions, its ergonomics and build quality make it comfortable to handle during typical use. Lens compatibility is a non-issue with the built-in 24-2000mm equivalent lens, providing a wide range of focal lengths without needing to change lenses. The Nikon COOLPIX P950 is a good choice for general photography enthusiasts looking for a camera with substantial zoom capabilities and 4K video recording, though it might not meet the needs of those requiring superior low-light performance or faster autofocus for action shots.