The Best Nikon DSLR Cameras of 2022

Along with the slightly lower-end Z6, the Nikon Z7 is Nikon's first stab at a true professional-grade mirrorless camera. For Nikon, "professional grade" has a very specific meaning, and it's not something the company throws around lightly. Generally speaking, it's something Nikon reserves for only the very best cameras in its lineup, with previous full-frame models like the D610 notably falling short of the mark.

With the Z7, Nikon is finally coming around to the same conclusion as the rest of us: mirrorless designs are the future. The Z7 sheds the traditional mirror box that sits at the heart of DSLRs, resulting in a lighter, slimmer camera overall. The Z7 still feels like a Nikon camera in your hand, but with a more streamlined internal design everything can (and does) happen faster, with fewer steps, and fewer compromises.

The end result is perhaps the best camera body Nikon has ever made. Though long-standing Nikon enthusiasts will have to decide what to do with their existing gear—the Z system has a new lens mount and requires adapters to work with older F-mount lenses—Nikon already has enough support in the form of native Z lenses and adapters to make the switch relatively painless.

For stills photographers who want a dependable, powerful, flexible camera, it's difficult to beat the D810. It takes incredible shots, works with almost any Nikon lens from the past 50 years, and is fast enough for all but the most demanding news and sports work. It's a superb camera in every way, and one of the best Nikon DSLRs we've tested. If you're looking to step up your skills, the D810 should be on your radar. Read our full review of the Nikon D810.

The Nikon D4, launched back in 2012, was a revolutionary camera that combined fast burst shooting, superb ergonomics and control, and professional video options. As it has done with previous generations of pro DSLRs, Nikon followed it up with a subtle refresh, this time touting greater dynamic range, improved continuous shooting speed with autofocus, and a ludicrous top ISO of 409,600. Read our full review of the Nikon D4S..

With weather sealing, a built-in autofocus motor, and some nifty video and timelapse features, the D7200 is built with sports, wildlife, and even amateur prosumer photographers in mind. It may sit in a weird middle spot in Nikon's lineup, since it's around the same price as the full-frame D610, but for sports and wildlife photographers who don't need full-frame and want weather-sealing, the D7200 is a great choice. Read our full review of the Nikon D7200.