Buying Guide / Nikon
EST. 1917 / Tokyo, Japan / Z MOUNT

Nikon

Nikon's Z-mount mirrorless system has matured rapidly, delivering exceptional image quality and build. From the flagship Z9 to the retro-styled Zf, Nikon offers a compelling range. Their legacy F-mount glass remains compatible via adapter.

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7
Product Lines
2
Buy Now
2
Neutral
2
Caution
1
Don't Buy
MIRRORLESS / APS-C / ENTRY

Z50

Current model: Z50II
Buy Now
$1097
Current Released
2024-11-07
Days Since Update
Avg Cycle
1854 days
Generations
2
Product Lifecycle Progress
Released Expected Update (~1854d)
Specifications
Resolution: 20.9 MP
Sensor: APS-C
Max Video: 4K 60p
Type: Mirrorless
Key Features
EXPEED 7 processor
Subject detection AF
Compact DX-format
Vlog modes
Generation History
Z50 2019-10-10
$857
Nikon's first DX-format Z-mount camera
Z50II 2024-11-07
$1097
EXPEED 7, subject detection AF, major upgrade
Our Take
Freshly updated entry-level Z mount. Best time to buy into Nikon DX.
MIRRORLESS / FULL FRAME / ENTHUSIAST

Z6

Current model: Z6III
Buy Now
$2497
Current Released
2024-06-17
Days Since Update
Avg Cycle
1035 days
Generations
3
Product Lifecycle Progress
Released Expected Update (~1035d)
Specifications
Resolution: 24.5 MP
Sensor: Full Frame
Max Video: 6K 60p
Type: Mirrorless
Key Features
Partially stacked CMOS
6K 60p
Blackout-free shooting
Subject detection
Generation History
Z6 2018-08-23
$1997
Nikon's first full-frame mirrorless
Z6II 2020-10-14
$1997
Dual processors, dual card slots
Z6III 2024-06-17
$2497
Partially stacked sensor, 6K 60p, huge leap
Our Take
Recently updated all-rounder. Early in cycle — excellent time to buy.
MIRRORLESS / FULL FRAME / PROFESSIONAL

Z7

Current model: Z7II
Don't Buy
$2997
Current Released
2020-10-14
Days Since Update
Avg Cycle
783 days
Generations
2
Product Lifecycle Progress
Released Expected Update (~783d)
Specifications
Resolution: 45.7 MP
Sensor: Full Frame
Max Video: 4K 60p
Type: Mirrorless
Key Features
45.7MP full frame
Dual EXPEED 6
IBIS
4K 60p
Generation History
Z7 2018-08-23
$3397
Nikon's first high-resolution mirrorless
Z7II 2020-10-14
$2997
Dual processors, improved AF
Our Take
Over 5 years old. The Z8 effectively supersedes it. Only buy at deep discount.
MIRRORLESS / FULL FRAME / PROFESSIONAL

Z8

Current model: Z8
Neutral
$3997
Current Released
2023-05-10
Days Since Update
Generations
1
Specifications
Resolution: 45.7 MP
Sensor: Full Frame
Max Video: 8K 60p
Type: Mirrorless
Key Features
Z9 sensor in compact body
8K 60p
No mechanical shutter
Dual card slots
Generation History
Z8 2023-05-10
$3997
Z9 internals in a smaller, lighter body
Our Take
Compact Z9 variant. Mid-cycle with strong value — solid professional choice.
MIRRORLESS / FULL FRAME / FLAGSHIP

Z9

Current model: Z9
Caution
$5497
Current Released
2021-10-28
Days Since Update
Generations
1
Specifications
Resolution: 45.7 MP
Sensor: Full Frame
Max Video: 8K 60p
Type: Mirrorless
Key Features
45.7MP stacked CMOS
120fps shooting
8K 60p internal
No mechanical shutter
Generation History
Z9 2021-10-28
$5497
Nikon's mirrorless flagship — 8K60, stacked sensor
Our Take
Over 4 years old but continuously improved via firmware. Z9 II likely coming.
MIRRORLESS / FULL FRAME / ENTHUSIAST

Zf

Current model: Zf
Neutral
$1997
Current Released
2023-09-20
Days Since Update
Generations
1
Specifications
Resolution: 24.5 MP
Sensor: Full Frame
Max Video: 4K 60p
Type: Mirrorless
Key Features
Retro design
24.5MP full frame
Dedicated dial controls
Pixel Shift
Generation History
Zf 2023-09-20
$1997
Heritage design meets modern Z-mount tech
Our Take
Beloved retro-styled full frame. Mid-cycle and highly popular — comfortable buy.
MIRRORLESS / APS-C / MID-RANGE

Zfc

Current model: Zfc
Caution
$1057
Current Released
2021-07-01
Days Since Update
Generations
1
Specifications
Resolution: 20.9 MP
Sensor: APS-C
Max Video: 4K 30p
Type: Mirrorless
Key Features
Heritage design
Dial controls
APS-C compact
DX Z mount
Generation History
Zfc 2021-07-01
$1057
FM2-inspired retro DX mirrorless
Our Take
Over 4 years old — Zfc II expected soon given Nikon's retro popularity.
Z F
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