Best Nikon Full Frame Cameras - Reviews and a Buying Guide

Nikon has been in the imaging and optics industry for about a century now, and it is safe to say that they have mastered the art of making quality cameras to meet photographers’ needs. Most photographers are turning to Nikon full frame cameras, and there are good reasons for this. A full-frame camera is one with a 35mm sensor, the largest in the market today.

For the last about 12 years, this brand has launched several full-frame cameras, with some being the best in the market today. We understand that choosing the best for your needs can be overwhelming, and that is why we have reviewed the best 4 of them for you below.

Nikon D850

If you are looking for a Nikon full frame camera with the best combination of superior features, you should consider getting Nikon D850.

Image and 4k video quality

This DSLR camera has 45 megapixels, which is the highest for any Nikon full frame DSLR camera. It lacks an optical low pass filter but has an ISO base of 64. The combination of these three features results in the best image quality associated with the Nikon D850.

When it comes to videos, this camera shoots 4k videos of up to 30 frames per second for Ultra HD videos and up to 60 frames per second for 1080p Full HD video. It also has three in-camera modes for slow motion and a DX crop mode, and it gives crystal clear videos in both 35 DX and full-frame formats.

BSI sensors

Another significant feature of this unit is that it uses BSI technology. The use of BSI sensors makes this camera ideal for shooting in low light scenes. The sensors’ wiring is located at the sensors’ back surface, facilitating lower noise levels, better signal to noise ratio, and generally cleaner, more transparent images.

Magnesium build

Its chassis is made using magnesium allow, and it has been sealed to withstand different weather conditions. This construction enables this unit to repel dust and moisture.

Pros

• Sturdy construction

• Best image quality

• Comes with a battery grip

• It has a touchscreen that can be tilted

• Ideal for 4k videos

Cons

• Quite pricey

• Lacks an in-built flash

• It is bulkier than most of the other Nikon cameras reviewed here.

Nikon D750

If you are looking for Nikon’s best full-frame compact camera, you should consider 24.0 MP Nikon D750.

24.3-megapixel resolution and 1080 video quality

This DSRL camera comes with an Expeed 4 processor and a 23.4 MP CMOS sensor. This allows one to shoot at ISO sensitivity of between 100 and 12,800. It also enables one to shoot 1080 videos at high as 65 fps while recording up to 60p Full HD Videos. Further to an in-built Mono speaker and a Stereo microphone, this full frame compact camera has a port for headphones and another for microphones making it an excellent choice for top-notch videography.

Lens and lenses mount

Nikon D750 comes with a 24.0 F mount that is compatible with about 308 lenses including 3rd party lens. This makes D750 the camera compatible with the widest variety of lenses today.

Viewfinder and LCD

This camera has a tilting 3.2-inch LCD Display, which is bigger than average. Its optical viewfinder has a 0.7x magnification ratio and 100 percent coverage to ensure that the display on the viewer is precisely the same as the image shot.

Magnesium alloy construction

Magnesium Allow is used to reinforce the body of this camera to give it a sturdy construction. The camera is also sealed for weathering, which is necessary for outdoor shooting.

Built-In Wi-Fi

Another attractive feature of this Nikon full-frame camera is its in-built Wi-Fi. First, install Nikon Wireless Mobility Utility App to your mobile device then switch on the Wi-Fi network of the camera to connect. This feature enables you to view, copy, and share photos using your mobile device.

Pros

• It has built-in Wi-Fi

• It is enabled for face detection camera focusing

• Comes with 2 SD card slots

• It has a good battery that facilitates up to 1230 shots

Cons

• It lacks image stabilization

• It is not touch screen enabled

Nikon Z6

Nikon Z6 was one of the first two cameras under this brand’s Z system, the other is the pricier, Z7. Even after being in the market for almost three years, Nikon Z6 is still the best full frame mirrorless camera you can buy.

24-Megapixel resolution and 4K video

At 24 MP, the images shot using this camera are impressively sharp and vibrant in color. With a built-in image stabilization feature, the camera has slow shutter speed, even when shooting in lowly lit scenes. The feature ensures image sharpness consistency even for handheld shots.

This mirrorless Nikon camera supports 4K video shooting at 3840 x 2160, 24p, 25 p, and 30p in frame rates. Should you opt for Full HD video shooting, this camera offers up to 120p. It also has slots for microphone and headphones.

Screen and viewfinder

The tilting 2.1M dots screen is touch-sensitive and comes in handy when shooting from complex angles. Furthermore, it comes with an electronic viewfinder that is bright and wide and delivers 3.6 M dots, one of the best viewfinders today.

Body construction

This camera is smaller than most DSLRs, and thus if you are transitioning, ensure that you grip the camera well. Besides that, this unit has a plastic body, and a rubber cover inside the barrel protects the camera and lens from dust.

The deep grip and lightweight construction of this camera make it ideal for tasks that require on to handhold the camera for long.

Pros

• Great value for money

• It has image stabilization

• Ideal handling for extended periods

• Compact size

• Has a touch-sensitive screen

Cons

• It only has one XQD Card slot

• Only compatible with a limited range of native lens

Nikon D800

If you are looking for the cheapest full frame camera that still delivers excellent results for fashion, studio, and wedding photography, you should look at Nikon D800, whose price has since been reduced.

36.3 megapixel resolution and 1080p video

This camera has an impressive 36.3-megapixel sensor, which gives quality images for both RAW and JPEG photos. It has a decent ISO range of between 100 and 6400 than can be expanded to 50 to 25,600. It shoots videos under a 1080p mode and has frame rates of 30, 24, or 25 fps under in Full HD mode and 50, 30, 25, or 60 fps at 720p, which is decent unless you are looking for the best specs in the market. The battery of this unit supports up to 900 shots.

LCD and viewfinder

This unit’s viewfinder has a 100% field of view in FX mode and about 97% when you adjust the frame. The 921,000 dots 3.2” LCD is wide and dazzling, but it’s not the best in the market. It also comes with two slots for SD memory card and Compact Flash. It is worth noting that this camera has large file sizes.

Magnesium alloy build

The camera’s body is made using a magnesium alloy, giving it a rugged feel to facilitate a reliable deep grip. It is also fully weather-sealed to prevent water and dust from entering the camera, making it an excellent choice for outdoor photography.

Pros

• It has a wide variety of shooting options

• It has a sturdy construction and full weathering.

• It delivers excellent image quality

• Dual cards

Cons

• Quite noisy at higher ISOs

• It is relatively heavy at 900g.

Best NIKON Full Frame Camera Buying Guide

Even after you have read about the best Nikon full frame cameras in the market today, you might still find it hard to select the best unit for your needs. We have prepared for you a guide to help you make an informed decision. Below are the features to consider when making a purchase decision.

Resolution

All full-frame cameras measure about 36mm x 24mm; the megapixels are where the difference comes in. If you are considering printing the photos in enlarged images, choose one with high megapixels such as the Nikon D850.

Weight and size

Whether you are a wedding, landscape, portrait, events, or food photographer, you need to consider the size and weight of the camera you will buy. Mirrorless cameras tend to be lighter than DSLRs, but the weight difference might not be much when the lens is included. Nikon Z6 is lighter than all the other Nikon cameras in this review.

Mirrorless Vs. DSLRs

Mirrorless cameras are increasingly becoming more popular than DSLR. Mirrorless cameras do not DSLR’s complicated internal mirror system making them lighter and smaller. However, mirrorless cameras cannot accommodate larger batteries, so the battery life is less impressive than that of a DSLR. Further, a DSLR has an optical viewfinder, which shows the same image as what you view through the lens as opposed to an electronic viewfinder of mirrorless cameras.

Video and 4K

Full-frame cameras are known to deliver excellent video and image quality. But if you are looking for the best specs in the market, Nikon Z6 and D850 are your best bet because they shoot 4K video.

Conclusion

All the 4 Nikon full frame cameras are top quality for your photography and videography needs. You need to outline your specific needs before going shopping. Our guide above will help you put your preferences into perspective and make your decision making easier.