5 best Nikon DSLR and mirrorless cameras to buy in 2024

Steve McCurry’s Afghan Girl from 1984 and Tank Man from 1989 are two of the most iconic photos ever captured. The common thread between those two photos is that they were both captured using a Nikon camera. McCurry used a Nikon FM2 to capture the iconic portrait for National Geographic, while photographer Jeff Widener used a Nikon FE2 to capture the iconic protest.

These and many other iconic images catapulted Nikon to the pedestal of photography. There was once a time when you could not go back to any other camera after shooting with a Nikon camera. While the popularity of smartphone cameras and mirrorless cameras tested Nikon’s ability, the Nikon camera still sets the benchmark for imaging experience, and these are the top Nikon cameras in 2024 if you are looking for one.

DSLR and Mirrorless: 5 best cameras from Nikon in 2024

Nikon has been the go-to camera brand for a lot of beginners in photography even while it enjoyed popularity among professional photographers and enthusiasts. In 2024, the best Nikon cameras have to be its Z series mirrorless cameras, but its DSLR cameras continue to hold strong with their price and extensive lens system.

ALSO READ: Best mirrorless cameras in India in 2024

Whether you are looking for a DSLR or a mirrorless camera, Nikon offers a broad range of competitive imaging systems across price ranges. Here are the best DSLR and mirrorless cameras from Nikon.

1. Nikon Z9

2. Nikon Zf

3. Nikon D850

4. Nikon Z6 II

5. Nikon D7500

1. Nikon Z9

The Nikon Z9 is arguably the best that Nikon has to offer for photography right now. It is a mirrorless camera designed for professionals with 45.7MP stills, 8K video recording, 120fps continuous shooting and a max shutter speed of 1/32,000. The intimidating set of features makes the Nikon Z9 one of the best professional mirrorless camera systems out there and is particularly aimed at sports photographers using the Nikon D6.

It is a professional tool with great autofocus and image stabilisation with a fully weather-sealed build. The only downside of shooting with the Nikon Z9 is that 120fps shooting is restricted to 11MP and its screen does not fully articulate. If you are looking for a more compact offering then look at Nikon Z8 instead.

2. Nikon Zf

The Nikon Zf is your gateway to travel back to the glorious era of film cameras. It comes with a stunning retro design that screams vintage like Nikon FM2 but is paired with modern digital camera features. It has a 24MP sensor and the manual dials are certain to win over even the sceptics.

The use of a full-frame sensor, an Expeed 7 processor, and autofocus smarts similar to the flagship Nikon Z9 means this camera means business. If you are looking for nostalgia without compromising on the benefits of a modern camera system then Nikon Zf will appeal to you.

3. Nikon D850

The Nikon D850 is not only the epitome of DSLRs but also a classic. Sure, it is huge and bulky compared to mirrorless cameras but that weight allows it to be used with big, heavy professional lenses. The D850 has a 45.7MP sensor that produces extraordinarily good image quality while maintaining a speed of 7 frames per second or 9 frames per second with the optional battery grip.

It has an incredible battery life of 1,840 shots and comes with two memory card slots. There is also a bright and clear optical viewfinder that will make your mirrorless camera friends go green with envy.

4. Nikon Z6 II

A good camera will win even without packing the highest-end specs and the Nikon Z6 II proves that right. It comes with a 24MP full-frame sensor offering excellent dynamic range and a phase-detect autofocus system.

ALSO READ: Everything to know before buying your first interchangeable lens digital camera

The mirrorless camera produces excellent video with support for 10-bit 4:2:2 N-Log output possible over HDMI. While the Z-series lens system is improving, you might want to try the F-to-Z mount adapter to use legacy Nikon lenses and get creative with this camera.

5. Nikon D7500

The Nikon D7500 is another one of those recognisable cameras from Nikon’s DSLR lineup. It features a 20.9MP DX-format image sensor and is powered by the Expeed 5 image-processing engine. The camera offers a wide ISO range from 100 to 51,200 and its 51-point AF system ensures accurate subject detection. It is capable of recording 4K videos at 30 frames per second and supports high-speed continuous shooting at 8 frames per second.

In an age where consumer electronics and gadgets become obsolete in a relatively short period, Nikon DSLRs continue to charm with excellent features, rugged build and a plethora of lens options.

ALSO READ: Nikon Z6III full frame mirrorless camera launched in India

However, it is the mirrorless camera system from Nikon that is fast becoming normal among enthusiasts as well as professional photographers. Whether you choose Nikon DSLR or mirrorless camera, you won’t be missing out on Nikon’s trademark imaging experience.