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Best Nikon Camera for Beginners (Top 11 for All Budgets!)

We’ve compiled a list of the best Nikon cameras for beginners. Nikon is one of the most well-respected camera brands. They’ve been making cameras for generations. And they still make fantastic digital cameras. This includes some of the best cameras for beginners.

Product specifications and highlights restored from our saved catalogue records. The original article date and recommendations are unchanged.

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Nikon D3500
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The Nikon D3500 tops our list. That won’t be a surprise to many. And we’re sure it is at the top of many other beginner camera lists. It’s a modern classic and one of the best Nikon cameras in any division. But if the D3500 isn’t for you, we have plenty of other Nikon cameras to choose from.

What is the Best Nikon Camera for Beginners?

The Nikon D3500 is the best Nikon DSLR camera for beginners. And that’s not the only DSLR camera on our list. We also included Nikon’s best beginner mirrorless cameras.

Nikon also makes excellent compact cameras for beginners. And we list bridge cameras for beginners, too. With the latter, you get the best of compact and interchangeable-lens cameras.

Nikon D3500 on a concrete pier in Barcelona
© Christopher Bryan-Smith

You can’t go wrong with a Nikon camera. Maybe you’re into sports or fashion photography. Or maybe landscapes or portraits are your favorite style of photography. It doesn’t matter where your interests lie. Nikon has you covered.

If you need more information on what to look for in a beginner camera, skip to the FAQ section at the bottom. It’ll help you find the exact Nikon camera you need. If you still feel lost, check out our article on buying a camera.

Here is a quick overview of Nikon’s best cameras for beginners.

11 Best Nikon Cameras for Beginners

Now we go into more detail about the best Nikon cameras for beginners. We include cameras of all types, from compact to mirrorless cameras. You’ll find the best Nikon camera for any beginner.

You’ll find a Nikon camera on a tight budget. And there are Nikon cameras for beginners with a bit more to spend. Some of our main links include a kit lens. Or you can just buy the camera body and lens separately where possible.

Nikon D3500

Nikon D3500
Resolution
24 MP
Sensor
APS-C
Video
Full HD
Weight
615 g

Highlights

  • Guide modes for absolute beginners
  • Fantastic image quality for an entry-level camera
  • Terrific low light performance

Trade-Offs

  • No touchscreen
  • No 4K video
  • No Wi-Fi, only Bluetooth
  • Screen does not rotate

Nikon Z50

Nikon Z50
Resolution
21 MP
Sensor
APS-C
Video
4K
Weight
450 g

Highlights

  • Outstanding low light performance
  • Compact and lightweight camera body
  • 4K video features

Trade-Offs

  • 20.8 MP sensor resolution is lower than many close competitors
  • Poor battery life
  • Only one memory card slot
  • Limited native APS-C lenses

Nikon Coolpix P1000

Nikon Coolpix P1000
Resolution
16 MP
Sensor
1/2.3”
Video
4K
Weight
1415 g

Highlights

  • Great 125x optical zoom lens
  • Vibration reduction image stabilization
  • 4K video at 30 fps

Trade-Offs

  • Image quality drops off at longer focal lengths
  • Frame rate buffer fills quickly
  • No touchscreen
  • No weather sealing
  • Bulky and heavy body

Nikon Coolpix S9900

Nikon Coolpix S9900
Resolution
16 MP
Sensor
1/2.3”
Video
Full HD
Weight
289 g

Highlights

  • Pocket-sized camera with plenty of features
  • 30x optical fixed lens zoom
  • Remote camera control with Wi-Fi connectivity

Trade-Offs

  • Image resolution is lagging behind newer compact cameras
  • No option for manual focus control
  • No RAW shooting capabilities
  • LCD screen isn't a touchscreen
  • No environmental sealing for all-weather shooting

Nikon D5600

Nikon D5600
Resolution
24.2 MP
Sensor
APS-C
Video
Full HD
Weight
465 g

Highlights

  • Fantastic image quality
  • Advanced 39-point AF with specialist modes
  • Compatible with any Nikon F-mount lens

Trade-Offs

  • Autofocus isn't great in video mode
  • No dual memory card slots
  • No USB charging
  • No Nikon Fine-Tune function to adjust AF for specific lenses

Nikon Z fc

Nikon Z fc
Resolution
21 MP
Sensor
APS-C
Video
4K
Weight
445 g

Highlights

  • Face and eye detection AF
  • 4K video with stereo mics for sound recording
  • Tactile manual exposure controls

Trade-Offs

  • Slow performing kit lens
  • No optical image stabilization
  • It lacks a built-in flash
  • No joystick
  • Battery life isn't great

Nikon Z5

Nikon Z5
Resolution
24 MP
Sensor
Full Frame
Video
4K
Weight
675 g

Highlights

  • Excellent image quality
  • Advanced autofocus system with subject tracking
  • Fantastic in low light

Trade-Offs

  • Autofocus loses accuracy in low light
  • Limited 4.5 fps burst with AF support
  • Fewer Z-mount lenses than F Mount
  • 4K video is cropped

Nikon Z30

Nikon Z30
Resolution
20 MP
Sensor
APS-C
Video
4K
Weight
405 g

Highlights

  • 4K video and Full HD streaming
  • Vari-angle screen and selfie modes
  • Face and eye recognition AF system for stills and videos

Trade-Offs

  • Has no viewfinder, only an LCD screen
  • No electronic shutter for quicker burst or silent shooting
  • Video is cropped 1.3x when using the electronic vibration reduction system
  • The battery life is disappointing for a Nikon camera

Nikon Coolpix B500

Nikon Coolpix B500
Resolution
16 MP
Sensor
1/2.3”
Video
Full HD
Weight
541 g

Highlights

  • 40x optical zoom lens
  • Image quality beats most smartphones
  • Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity

Trade-Offs

  • Average image quality
  • Can't shoot RAW image files
  • No electronic viewfinder
  • No touchscreen
  • No 4K video

Nikon D7500

Nikon D7500
Resolution
20.9 MP
Sensor
APS-C
Video
4K
Weight
720 g

Highlights

  • Weather-sealed body for all conditions
  • Fast and reactive 59-point AF system
  • Incredible battery life

Trade-Offs

  • Images not as sharp as other cameras
  • Limited to crop sensor (DX) lenses
  • No USB charging
  • Just one memory card slot

Nikon Coolpix A1000

Nikon Coolpix A1000
Resolution
16 MP
Sensor
1/2.3”
Video
4K
Weight
330 g

Highlights

  • 16 MP resolution from a 1-inch sensor
  • 4K video recording
  • Frames from video footage can be used as still photos

Trade-Offs

  • Image resolution has fallen behind newer compact cameras
  • Narrow max aperture of f/3.4
  • No environmental sealing so it's vulnerable outdoors
  • Disappointing battery life with only 250 shots when fully charged

Our Verdict

Those are our picks for the best Nikon cameras for beginners. The winner won’t be a surprise to many. The Nikon D3500 is the best Nikon camera for beginners. Correction… it’s the best camera for beginners of any brand! It has everything a new photographer needs to get started.

But the Nikon Z50 is our top choice if you want a mirrorless camera. Then we have the Nikon CoolPix P1000 and CoolPix S9900 if you want something simple. We’ve also included more advanced models, like the D7500 and Z5. Then there’s the CoolPix B500 if you have a tight budget.

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Nikon D3500
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Nikon is one of the top camera brands. They have cameras for any skill level. And that includes the beginner category. Their entry-level DSLRs are second to none. And they’re the best way to get started with photography.

FAQs for Best Nikon Cameras for Beginners

Now we’ll answer the most-asked question about Nikon cameras for beginners. This info will help you find the beginner camera you’re looking for.

What is the Best Nikon Camera for Beginners?

The Nikon D3500 is the best beginner DSLR camera. The guide mode makes it easy to get started. You also have the Nikon Z50 if you want a camera with a mirrorless sensor. The camera settings are ideal for beginners. It’s also a good hybrid camera for beginners.

You can compare D3500 and Nikon Z50 camera specs here.

Is Nikon Good for Beginners?

Nikon is one of the best brands for beginners. The Nikon D3500 sets the standard for beginner cameras. And they have plenty of other options for new photographers. The Nikon Z50 is good for photos and videos. And the Z30 is ideal for vlogging and streaming. You can also check out the Nikon Z5 if you want to jump straight to a full frame sensor.

Nikon DSLR next to a backpack on a windowsill
© Kamil Feczko

Is Nikon or Canon Better for Beginners?

Both brands produce excellent cameras for beginners. Nothing quite touches the D3500 for absolute beginners. But the Canon EOS Rebel T8i is one of the best entry-level DSLRs. The image quality is about the same. But it beats its Nikon rival for max video resolution. It has more hybrid features. But Canon EOS Rebel T8i does cost more. Compare them in detail.

Is Nikon Sharper than Canon?

There’s very little between Nikon and Canon in this department. Sharpness often comes down to the lenses. And both have excellent lenses for their beginner cameras. Nikon DSLRs use F-mounts—their widest range of lenses. Canon uses EF lenses for their entry-level DSLRs. And this is another extensive collection of lenses. It’s hard to pick a winner.

What is the Best Nikon Camera for Professional Photography?

The Nikon D850 is a popular camera with professional photographers. It has advanced features like image stabilization and Ultra HD video capture. The Z6 II is Nikon’s best mirrorless camera for professionals. It’s packed with features. Both have outstanding performance for photos and videos. You can compare them in detail.

Written by Chris Bryan-Smith for CameraReview. Updated June 2023.
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