The Only Nikon Cameras Worth Buying in 2026
If you're buying a Nikon camera in 2026, the best options are no longer new — they're refurbished. You can pick up cameras like the Nikon D850 for under £900 that were used professionally for years. But not every Nikon is worth buying anymore.
Nikon's reputation for optical excellence and build quality makes their refurbished cameras particularly attractive. The F-mount DSLR system, used for decades, means a huge supply of quality used lenses is available. Nikon's Z-series mirrorless cameras, while newer, are increasingly available refurbished at compelling prices. Nikon bodies are often praised for their ergonomics and the quality of their optical viewfinders.
Lens Ecosystem Note
F-mount lenses work on Z-series bodies via the FTZ adapter, preserving your lens investment when upgrading from DSLR to mirrorless.
Key Strengths
- Outstanding optical viewfinders
- Excellent build quality
- Huge F-mount lens ecosystem
- Strong dynamic range in RAW files
Best For
Landscapes, wildlife, sports, studio
Which Nikon is right for you?
Nikon D5600
Best Value
Typical Refurb Price
£250 – £400
Nikon FM2
Best Overall
Typical Refurb Price
£150 – £300
Popular Nikon cameras worth buying right now
Nikon D850
Typical Refurb Price
£900 – £1,400
Shutter Life
200k actuations
Key Features
- 45.7MP BSI full-frame sensor
- Outstanding dynamic range
- 153-point AF system
- 4K timelapse
Watch Out For
- Premium price even used
- Check shutter count — rated 200k
Nikon D750
Typical Refurb Price
£400 – £650
Shutter Life
150k actuations
Key Features
- 24.3MP full-frame sensor
- Tilting LCD screen
- Excellent low-light performance
- Wi-Fi built in
Watch Out For
- Older model — check firmware is updated
- Inspect shutter for oil on blades (early units)
Nikon D5
Typical Refurb Price
£1,200 – £1,800
Shutter Life
400k actuations
Key Features
- 12 fps continuous shooting
- Legendary autofocus system
- Professional build quality
- Weather-sealed body
Watch Out For
- Premium price even refurbished
- Check shutter count — rated 400k
Nikon Z6
Typical Refurb Price
£900 – £1,300
Shutter Life
200k actuations
Key Features
- 24.5MP full-frame sensor
- Dual SD card slots
- 4K 30fps video
- In-body image stabilisation
Watch Out For
- Check SD card slot door for wear
- Verify IBIS is functioning correctly
Nikon Z6 II
Typical Refurb Price
£850 – £1,200
Shutter Life
200k actuations
Key Features
- Dual EXPEED 6 processors
- Dual card slots (CFexpress + SD)
- 4K 60fps video
- In-body image stabilisation
Watch Out For
- Check CFexpress slot door for wear
- Verify IBIS is functioning correctly
What most people get wrong about Nikon
Buying the newest model
The latest Nikon isn't always the best value. Older flagships often outperform newer entry-level bodies and cost significantly less on the used market.
Ignoring shutter count
A Nikon with 80,000 actuations is a better buy than one with 150,000, even if the price is similar. Always ask for shutter count before purchasing.
Overlooking ecosystem costs
Buying a Nikon body is just the start. Factor in the cost of lenses and accessories before committing to the system.
Quick specs comparison
| Model | Type | Sensor | Typical Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon D850 | DSLR | Full-Frame BSI CMOS | £900–£1,400 | 45.7MP BSI full-frame sensor |
| Nikon D750 | DSLR | Full-Frame CMOS | £400–£650 | 24.3MP full-frame sensor |
| Nikon D5 | DSLR | Full-Frame CMOS | £1,200–£1,800 | 12 fps continuous shooting |
| Nikon Z6 | Mirrorless | Full-Frame BSI CMOS | £900–£1,300 | 24.5MP full-frame sensor |
| Nikon Z6 II | Mirrorless | Full-Frame BSI CMOS | £850–£1,200 | Dual EXPEED 6 processors |