What is the Best Nikon Camera Under $1000?
- Best Nikon Camera Under $1000: Nikon Z50
- Best Nikon Camera Under $1000: Nikon Z fc
- Best Nikon Camera Under $1000: Nikon Z5
- Final Thoughts on the Best Nikon Cameras Under $1000
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: 20.9MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
- ISO: 100 - 51,200 (expandable to 100 - 204,800)
- Lens Mount: Nikon Z Mount
- Speed: 11.0 fps
- Autofocus: 209 focus points
- Video: Up to 4K/30p & 1080p/120p
- Size/Weight: 127 x 94 x 60 mm / 450 grams
- Battery Life: 320 shots
- Stabilization: No
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: 20.9MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
- ISO: 100 - 51,200 (expandable to 100 - 204,800)
- Lens Mount: Nikon Z Mount
- Speed: 11.0 fps
- Autofocus: 209 focus points
- Video: Up to 4K/30p & 1080p/120p
- Size/Weight: 135 x 94 x 44 mm / 445 grams
- Battery Life: 300 shots
- Stabilization: No
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: 24.3MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
- ISO: 100 - 51,200 (expandable to 50 - 102,400)
- Lens Mount: Nikon Z Mount
- Speed: 4.5 fps
- Autofocus: 273 focus points
- Video: Up to 4K/30p & 1080p/60p
- Size/Weight: 134 x 101 x 70 mm / 675 grams
- Battery Life: 470 shots
- Stabilization: Yes
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Nikon Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S
- Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
- Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 V RS
- Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S
- Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 V RS
Nikon is one of the premier brands in the photography industry, and if you are looking for a great deal on a Nikon camera, this guide is for you! Here, we share three of the best Nikon cameras under $1000 on sale today. Please note that while there are plenty of amazing Nikon DSLR cameras, this article only focuses on Nikon mirrorless cameras.
With that said, one killer resource with heaps of used Nikon mirrorless cameras in stock and a place I have bought and sold countless photo and video gear throughout the years is MPB. They are a trustworthy and reliable online platform that sells used photo and video kit at unbeatable prices.
Furthermore, every camera at MPB is dutifully hand-inspected by professional product specialists and backed by a six-month warranty, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free. Another fantastic feature of MPB is that you can trade in and sell your old camera equipment to help offset the cost of new-to-you gear you want and need.
Now, let’s dive in and learn which best Nikon camera under $1000 is perfect for you and your needs!
Table of Contents
Best Nikon Camera Under $1000: Nikon Z50
The first camera on our list is the Nikon Z50. It’s an entry-level mirrorless camera released in 2019 featuring a 20.9-megapixel APS-C image sensor. Thanks to its low cost (roughly $600), portable size, and easy-to-use controls, the Z50 is the best Nikon camera under $1000 for beginner photographers.
Two wonderful beginner-friendly features are the fast autofocus (AF) and various creative shooting modes. The AF has subject-tracking and face/eye-detection capabilities and reliably captures sharp, non-blurry images. On the other hand, the 20 creative picture modes use automatic settings to create fun and unique photos (without editing).
As a video camera, the Z50 outperforms similarly priced competitors from popular brands like Canon and Sony. It has 4K/30p video capabilities and records 1080p/120p slow-motion video directly in the camera. Additionally, new-and-improved audio controls allow you to adjust the microphone's volume and apply a wind filter.
A few more cool features of this camera include eleven frames per second burst shooting, a tilting rear screen with touch sensitivity, and Wi-Fi for quickly transferring images to your mobile devices.
Here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of this best Nikon camera under $1000:
Check out the video above by Nikon Europe to learn more about the Nikon Z50 and how to get the most out of this budget-friendly camera.
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Best Nikon Camera Under $1000: Nikon Z fc
Next up is the Nikon Z fc. It debuted in 2021, and thanks to its deep feature set and retro design, it has been one of Nikon’s most-sold cameras ever since. It’s the best Nikon camera under $1000 for YouTubers, vloggers, and fashion-conscience millennials. Today, the average price for a used Nikon Nikon Z fc is just over $700.
While it boasts many of the same key features as the slightly older Nikon Z50, including an identical 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor, the Z fc has received some noticeable upgrades. Stylistically, it shares the same timeless black and silver design as classic film cameras. Also, it has three top dials to control shutter speed, exposure compensation, and ISO.
It has made the biggest jump, though, in terms of video features. The stunning 4K/30p and 1080p/120p video frame rates are the same, but the Z fc now has a fully-articulated rear screen and a microphone jack. The articulated screen helps you properly frame selfie videos and is a must-have for YouTubers and vloggers.
Here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of this best Nikon camera under $1000:
Check out the video above by Jared Polin to learn the good, the bad, and the ugly about the throwback Nikon Z fc.
Best Nikon Camera Under $1000: Nikon Z5
Finally, there’s the powerful Nikon Z5. It launched in 2020 and is the only Nikon mirrorless camera covered in this guide to feature a full-frame image sensor. Courtesy of its large sensor, high-resolution, and impressive photo/video specs, it’s the best Nikon camera under $1000 for enthusiasts and professionals.
While there are many things to love about the Z5, its signature feature is the 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The IBIS adds up to five stops of exposure to your content, dramatically improving the camera's low-light performance. Moreover, it makes handheld video shooting possible by reducing unwanted camera shake.
More professional features of the Nikon Z5 are its hybrid autofocus (AF), fully weather-sealed body, and dual SD slots. The AF uses phase-detection and contrast-detection technology to cover 90% of the frame. The weather-sealed body makes the camera more durable and is ideal for outdoor photography. And the two memory card slots improve workflow speeds.
This one-of-a-kind camera can be yours today for the incredibly low price of only $900. If you have a slightly higher budget, three other great Nikon mirrorless cameras to consider are the Nikon Z6, Nikon Z7, and Nikon Z6 II.
Here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of this best Nikon camera under $1000:
Check out the video above by Ralph Mayhew Photography to learn everything there is to know about shooting with the advanced Nikon Z5.
Final Thoughts on the Best Nikon Cameras Under $1000
All three mirrorless cameras highlighted in this article are jam-packed with amazing specs, making them ideal options for photographers, videographers, and hybrid shooters. So, regardless of which best Nikon camera under $1000 you ultimately decide upon, we promise you will be thrilled with your purchase!
And as a bonus, here’s a list of a few of the best Nikon Z Mount lenses for photo and video. They are compatible with every Nikon Z mirrorless camera and are on sale now for never-before-seen prices only at MPB!
