Best Nikon Camera for Beginners in 2025

The best Nikon camera for beginners depends on your budget, preferences, and photography goals. For most beginners, we recommend the Nikon D3500 or the Nikon Z50. The D3500 is an excellent entry-level DSLR that's easy to use and affordable, while the Z50 is a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera with advanced features and excellent image quality.

Both Nikon and Canon offer excellent cameras for beginners, and the choice between the two often comes down to personal preference. Nikon cameras are known for their user-friendly interface, excellent autofocus systems, and wide range of lenses. Canon cameras, on the other hand, are praised for their image quality, color science, and extensive lens selection. We recommend trying out both brands to see which one feels more comfortable in your hands.

Both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras have their advantages and disadvantages. DSLRs are generally more affordable, have a wider range of lens options, and offer optical viewfinders, which some photographers prefer. Mirrorless cameras, on the other hand, are more compact and lightweight, have faster autofocus systems, and offer electronic viewfinders with useful features like focus peaking and exposure preview. For beginners, a mirrorless camera like the Nikon Z50 or Z fc might be a better choice due to its portability and ease of use, but a DSLR like the D3500 or D5600 is also a great option.

The lenses you should buy depend on the type of photography you're interested in. For beginners, we recommend starting with a versatile all-in-one zoom lens, such as the Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR or the Nikon Z DX NIKKOR 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR. These lenses are lightweight, affordable, and cover a wide range of focal lengths, making them suitable for everyday photography. If you're interested in portrait photography, consider adding a prime lens like the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S. For landscape photography, a wide-angle lens like the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED or the Nikon Z DX NIKKOR 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 VR would be a good choice.

As a beginner, you don't need to spend a fortune on a camera. You can find excellent entry-level cameras for under $1,000, including both DSLRs and mirrorless models. The Nikon D3500, for example, is an affordable entry-level DSLR that offers great performance and features for beginners. If you're willing to spend a bit more, the Nikon Z50 is a great mirrorless option that offers advanced features and better image quality. Ultimately, the amount you should spend depends on your budget and how serious you are about photography. It's better to start with a more affordable camera and invest in good quality lenses and accessories than to spend a lot of money on a high-end camera that you may not fully utilize.