Best Nikon Mirrorless Cameras in 2023

Although Nikon owns only around 14% of the mirrorless camera market share, it’s a brilliant choice in 2023 for a mirrorless camera. Based on our tests and experience, the best Nikon mirrorless camera is the Z7 II, although it’s pretty expensive (priced at around $3,000).

A great full-frame budget camera with similar performance but a lower resolution is the Nikon Z6 II, priced at around $2,000. The Nikon Z9 is the way to go if you need state-of-the-art performance, although it is prohibitively expensive at $6,000. For those on a low budget, we recommend Nikon Z5 for beginners and Nikon Z fc for the retro-lovers.

What To Consider

Price: Mirrorless cameras are slightly more expensive than their equally performing DSLR counterparts. When buying a camera, remember that price is directly related to the camera’s performance. We know that everyone wants the best possible camera, but if you’re not a pro, there’s simply no reason to pay $5,000 for features you’re never going to need. Therefore, settle for a camera with everything you require without paying for the extras.
Resolution: How many megapixels you need in a camera depends on how you will use the photos. For large prints (i.e., bigger than 50x50cm), you should pick at least a 40MP sensor. But if you’re a hobbyist who will only upload photos online, around 20MP is more than enough.
Dynamic range: When shooting in difficult light conditions, such as at sunset or in poorly lit rooms, having a high dynamic range will preserve details you would otherwise lose due to clipping. Therefore, a high dynamic range is essential for landscape, wedding, wildlife, and real estate photographers.
Additional features: Each year, mirrorless cameras are getting more and more features, so it’s easy to get lost in the numbers and fancy names. While most people benefit from excellent internal stabilization and better battery life, most never use 10 FPS burst shooting and 8K video capabilities.

Best Nikon Mirrorless Cameras of 2023

Best Overall

Nikon Z7 II

5.0

Photutorial Score

Price: $2,996
Resolution: 45.7MP
Image stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
ISO: 64–25,600

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Why We Picked It

The Nikon Z7 II improves on everything great about the original Z7. The Z7 II can shoot continuous bursts at 10 frames per second thanks to updated processing. It can also record UHD 4K 60p and external 10-bit video in N-Log or HLG (HDR) modes. The BSI CMOS sensor with 45.7MP resolution provides high-resolution shooting, excellent low-light performance, and fast readout speeds. The USB Type-C port enables in-camera or continuous power for charging on the go or extended shooting.

With UHD 4K video recording and Full HD 1080p video recording, the Z7 II is also a powerful multimedia camera. Thanks to 493 phase-detection autofocus points that cover 90% of the image area, you’ll achieve sharp images and video effortlessly. The rugged magnesium alloy body is dust and weather-resistant, making it ideal for use in harsh environments. An electronic OLED viewfinder with 3.6 million pixels is integrated for comfortable viewing at eye level. Built-in SnapBridge connectivity lets you transfer low-resolution images to your smartphone or tablet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Best native ISO 64 low-ISO quality
Great dynamic range
Autofocus rivals similarly priced alternatives
Robust, weather-sealed construction
Friendly ergonomics
Customizable buttons/controls
4K 60 fps SD card slot is nice.
5-axis control
Handling and durability
High-quality photos

Cons

Minor ergonomic flaws remain unchanged from the Z7
EVF resolution is lower than competitors
Tilt-angle display, not vari-angle
Shooting speeds are average
No internal 10-bit video recording
A minor update
Rivals have superior AF for action.

Who It’s For

The Nikon Z7 II is the best choice for professional photographers who need a high-resolution sensor with the best possible dynamic range and a weather-resistant camera. It’s a must for photographers who need all the latest features, including improved stabilization, excellent video recording capabilities, and others.

Best Value

Nikon Z6 II

4.5

Photutorial Score

Price: $1,996
Resolution: 24.5MP
Image stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
ISO: 100–51,200

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Why We Picked It

The Nikon Z6 II mirrorless camera is an updated version of the Nikon Z6 mirrorless camera. It features dual EXPEED 6 image processors for better buffering performance and a faster shooting rate of 14 frames per second. In addition, firmware version 1.10 enables UHD 4K shooting at frame rates of 60p and 50p. The camera also features two memory card slots for more versatile file storage. When shooting externally, the camera also supports HDR (HLG) mode, which creates instant HDR-compatible video files for instant playback.

In addition to the current 30p frame rate, a future firmware update will add a UHD 4K 60p recording. In addition, the Z6 II features 273 phase-detection autofocus points covering 90% of the image area. Full HD 1080p video recording up to 120p for slow-motion playback is also supported. The camera features a rugged magnesium alloy body that is dust and weather-resistant, making it ideal for use in harsh environments. It also features a 3.6 million pixel OLED electronic viewfinder for easy eye-level viewing. Finally, the camera has SnapBridge connectivity, allowing the seamless transfer of low-resolution images.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Excellent image quality at high ISO values
Well-designed menus and buttons
EVF with high magnification without delay or flickering
Continuous servo autofocus with eye control (AF -C) works well
Best-in-class AF -S autofocus in low-light conditions
Two slots for memory cards
Ultra-slow-motion 4K (60 FPS) and 1080p are now possible (120 FPS)
Travel-friendly, compact design
The competitive starting price of $2000

Cons

AF-C for tracking birds needs improvement.
LCD can only be tilted, not tilted or rotated.
No ultra-high resolution sensor shift mode.
A cluttered live view requires a dedicated button.
EVF sensor sensitivity is still too high, despite temporary correction.
Unilluminated buttons
Drive mode cannot be assigned to the U1/U2/U3 key or a user-defined key.
When you turn the camera off and on again, the self-timer

Who It’s For

The Nikon Z6 II is the Z7’s little brother, still capable of excellent performance, although it has a slightly smaller sensor. Therefore, the Nikon Z6 II is not suitable for large prints but excellent for any type of photography.

Best Performance

Nikon Z9

4.4

Photutorial Score

Price: $5,989
Resolution: 45.7MP
Image stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
ISO: 64–25,600

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Why We Picked It

Nikon has been a little late in launching its professional high-performance mirrorless camera, but the Nikon Z9 was worth the wait. It far surpasses the Canon EOS R3 in terms of video performance. It can shoot video in 8K 60p or 8K 30p and has a recording time of up to 2 hours. Nikon has done away with the mechanical shutter, so the Z9 can shoot at 120 frames per second with a maximum shutter speed of 1/32,000, making it ideal for sports and bird photography.

The Z9’s camera is equipped with Deep Learning AF, which allows it to recognize nine different types of objects: human eyes, faces, heads, and torsos; animal eyes, heads, and bodies; as well as cars, planes, trains, and motorcycles. It has 493 AF points, the same as the Nikon Z7 II. That’s impressive until you realize that the Canon EOS R3 has 4,779 AF points. The Sony A1 and the Canon EOS R3 cost significantly more than the Z9.

Pros & Cons

Pros

120 fps
Can record for 2+ hours in video modes
USB is useful
Uncompromising 7k video
Durability
New 45.7 MP full-frame sensor

Cons

The body is large and heavy.
Additional cost for CFexpress or XQD card.
No quick way to set automatic ISO min shutter speed.
There is no fold-out display.

Who It’s For

The Nikon Z9 is the best pro hybrid (for photos and video) for professional photographers who do not care about the budget.

Best for Beginners

Nikon Z5

4.3

Photutorial Score

Price: $1,297
Resolution: 24.3MP
Image stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
ISO: 100–51,200

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Why We Picked It

Nikon has recently done an excellent job developing its Z family of full-frame mirrorless cameras with the flagship Z7 II and the bold APS-C variant Z50. However, there seemed to be no entry-level camera for the full-frame lineup. That’s what has now happened with the Nikon Z5, a fashionable compact camera with full-frame capabilities at an affordable price.

In other respects, the Z5 is inspired by professional bodies, with dual card slots and 4K UHD video. However, continuous filming at more than 4.5 frames per second is impossible. If this is your first time shooting with a full-frame camera, you’ll be spoiled for choice, as it’s fully waterproof, has five-stage image stabilization, and has a great electronic viewfinder. We like the affordable price of this camera—it’s much cheaper than the Nikon Z6 II—and its helpful retractable kit lens.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Very good handling
Even with the kit lens, the camera is small and compact.
Built-in VR
Has focus stacking
WiFi and Bluetooth are options for connectivity.
Two slots for memory cards
A very good AF system
Full frame sensor and small size

Cons

Slow frame rate
No lens hood included
Nikon Z6 is cheaper
Tilting display, no variable angle 4K videos are cropped 1.7x

Who It’s For

Available at a relatively low price for a full-frame mirrorless camera, Nikon Z5 is an excellent choice for beginners. Thanks to its great specs, it’s also a solid choice for intermediate-level photographers.

Best for Retro Lovers

Nikon Z fc

3.9

Photutorial Score

Price: $1,097
Resolution: 20.9MP
Image stabilization: /
ISO: 100–51,200

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Why We Picked It

The Nikon Z 50 is a good camera with some weaknesses that keep it from being great. First and foremost, the build quality is a bit shaky and feels a bit cheap in places. The camera is also relatively small, which is a plus for portability, but to take full advantage of the size, you’ll need to use small lenses.

Focusing is quite fast but can be a bit slow at times, and the animal feature AF does not work for horses, which is unfortunate. Image quality is good, but the lack of image stabilization can make it challenging to get good shots. The EVF is also quite sensitive and can easily be misaligned. Overall, the Nikon Z 50 is a good camera, but it is not without its weaknesses.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Affordable Z-mount entry
Acceptable image quality
Elegant, ergonomic
Video quality
Affordable
Countless dials

Cons

Plastic construction
Slow kit lens does not show the camera’s potential.
Canon EOS R autofocus is superior.
Incredible night focus light 20.9 MP.
Lack of DX Z-mount lenses
Indestructible
Unsupported UHS-II

Who It’s For

Thanks to its retro and compact design, it’s a good choice for anyone who appreciates the retro look of cameras and travel photographers.

How Our Picks Compare

Feature	Nikon Z7 II	Nikon Z6 II	Nikon Z9	Nikon Z5	Nikon Z fc
Price	$2,996	$1,996	$5,989	$1,297	$1,097
Lens Mount	Nikon Z	Nikon Z	Nikon Z	Nikon Z	Nikon Z
Resolution	45.7 MP	24.5 MP	45.7 MP	24.3 MP	20.9 MP
Sensor type	35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full-frame) CMOS	35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS	35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS	35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS	23.5 x 15.7 mm (APS-C) CMOS, 1.5x crop factor
Image stabilization	Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis	Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis	Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis	Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis	–
ISO	64–25,600 (Extended: 32–102,400)	100–51,200 (Extended: 50–204,800)	64–25,600 (Extended: 32–102,400)	100–51,200 (Extended: 50–102,400)	100–51,200 (Extended: 50–204,800)
Continuous shooting	10 fps up to 50 frames	14 fps up to 124 frames	20 fps up to 1,000 frames	4.5 fps	11 fps
Bit Depth	14-Bit	14-Bit	14-Bit	14-Bit	14-Bit
Monitor	3.2”, 2.1M dots, tilting touchscreen LCD	3.2”, 2.1M dots, tilting touchscreen LCD	3.2”, 2.1M dots, tilting touchscreen LCD	3.2”, 1.04M dots, tilting touchscreen LCD	3”, 1.04M dots, tilting touchscreen LCD
Viewfinder	Electronic (OLED), 3.69M dots	Electronic (OLED), 3.69M dots	Electronic (OLED), 3.69M dots	Electronic (OLED), 3.69M dots	Electronic (OLED), 2.36M dots
Autofocus	493 points	273 points	493 points	273 points	209 points
Weight	1.4 lb / 615 g	1.4 lb / 615 g	2.6 lb / 1160 g	1.3 lb / 590 g	13.8 oz / 390 g
Dimensions (W x H x D)	5.3 x 4 x 2.7″ / 134 x 100.5 x 69.5 mm	5.3 x 4 x 2.7″ / 134 x 100.5 x 69.5 mm	5.9 x 5.9 x 3.6″ / 149 x 149.5 x 90.5 mm	5.28 x 3.96 x 2.74″ / 134 x 100.5 x 69.5 mm	5.3 x 3.7 x 1.8″ / 13.5 x 9.4 x 4.6 cm

Lens Mount

All Nikon mirrorless lenses have a Z-mount, denoted by the “Z” in their names. This means that they are fully compatible with all Z-mount lenses. The Z-lineup currently supports wide-angle and medium-range lenses very well but lacks telephoto lenses. There are now only four actual telephoto lenses.

Compared to the standard DSLR Nikon lenses (denoted by “F” or simply missing the letter “Z” in the name), the Z-mount lenses are relatively new and quite expensive. In addition, there are far fewer Z lenses, so finding the best one for your needs is more complicated.

A good workaround for many photographers, especially long-time Nikon customers, is Nikon’s FTZ adapter, which allows you to use NIKKOR F lenses with your Z-mount mirrorless camera. Coincidentally, FTZ received an update that improved its performance, design, and a lower price—now called Nikon FTZ II.

Best Z-mount Lenses For Nikon Mirrorless Cameras

Best Wide Angle

NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S: This is the best super-wide angle lens for beginners and intermediates.
NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S: A pro-level upgrade to the 14-30mm f/4 S with excellent performance across the frame and a fixed aperture at all focal lengths.
NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S: A professional, weather-sealed prime lens built with sturdy materials. It’s also relatively lightweight compared to similar alternatives.

Best Standard

NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S: A fantastic kit lens with the Nikon Z6 II and a few other models. It covers a useful focal length range for landscape photography. You can get decent bokeh and macro shots thanks to the fixed aperture and good minimal focusing distance.
NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S: This lens is a pro-upgrade of the 24-70 f/4 S. It has an even wider fixed aperture and is slightly sharper towards the corners.
NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR: This is another kit lens with a broad focal length range, covering everything from wide-angle to telephoto. Because of the higher zoom range, it performs slightly worse than the 24-70mm f/4 and doesn’t have a fixed aperture.
NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3: This 24-50mm is a small lens with great performance. Its images are impeccably sharp. It feels good in the hand, folds up for transport, and focuses fast.
NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S: A very similar lens to the kit 24-70mm f/4 S but with a slightly broader focal length range and comparable performance.
NIKKOR Z 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR (Standard and Silver): It is very compact and foldable. It has an effective focal length of 24-75mm on APS-C format cameras, making it an appealing all-arounder suitable for a wide range of photography.

Best Telephoto

NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S: The only not-so-expensive telephoto lens for Nikon mirrorless cameras. However, at $2,200, it is still out of reach for most photographers.
NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S: A fantastic macro (and telephoto) lens. It has a perfect image stabilization system and a short minimum focusing distance, which allows you to get very close to subjects. It also produces decent bokeh.
NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S: This is the ultimate lens for professional sports and wildlife photographers.

Should You Get a Mirrorless or DSLR Camera?

Mirrorless cameras have no distinct advantage over DLSRs in terms of performance except that they are lighter. Despite both being able to deliver excellent photos, you should get a mirrorless camera in 2023. The main reason is that mirrorless cameras are steadily gaining popularity, while DSLRs are declining. Some brands have already stopped manufacturing their DSLRs.

For example, Nikon has already announced that it will discontinue its DSLRs. In late 2021, Canon indicated that the EOS-1D X Mark III would be its last pro DSLR. With that in mind, buying a DSLR and a bunch of lenses isn’t a good idea in 2023, as they will soon lose support and no one will buy them from you.

How We Picked and Tested

The writer of this article has a wealth of experience with cameras and photography. He has been a photographer for over ten years and has worked in a camera retail store for over two years. Recently, when he decided to upgrade to a mirrorless camera, he tested, reviewed, and researched all the best mirrorless cameras on the market. His final decision was between the Canon EOS R6, Sony a7 III, and Nikon Z6 II. After many testing rounds, he bought the Nikon Z6 II, which he has used for over a year.

The article was further fact-checked and verified by other professional photographers who are also experienced mirrorless shooters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Nikon Mirrorless Cameras Worth It?

Nikon mirrorless cameras are a fantastic choice 2023. They are affordable compared to Canon, provide a much better user experience than Sony, and come with full-frame sensors even on cheaper models.

What is the best Nikon mirrorless vamera?

The Nikon Z7 II is Nikon’s best mirrorless camera overall. The Nikon Z6 II has the best price-to-performance ratio. At the same time, the Nikon Z9 is best for professionals, the Nikon Z5 is best for beginners, and the Nikon Z fc adds retro style to an otherwise powerful camera.