When it comes to photography, Nikon has always been a brand that photographers trust. Their range of APS-C cameras is particularly popular due to their convenience and quality. Choosing the best APS-C Nikon camera can be a daunting task, given the variety of features and options they offer. Therefore, to help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of the top 10 best APS-C Nikon cameras for you. This comprehensive reviews and buying guide will discuss the features, pros, cons, and customer feedback of each camera on the list to help you choose the best APS-C Nikon camera for your needs.
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Last update on 2023-11-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A Brief Overview of Aps C Nikon Cameras
APS-C Nikon cameras are designed to give photographers an affordable yet advanced option for capturing high-quality images. These cameras use a crop sensor that is smaller than a full-frame sensor, which allows for smaller, lighter camera bodies and lenses. Despite the smaller size, APS-C Nikon cameras still offer impressive features such as high-speed continuous shooting, advanced autofocus systems, and 4K video recording capabilities.
Some popular APS-C Nikon cameras include the Nikon D500, which features a 20.9-megapixel sensor and 153-point autofocus system, and the Nikon Z50, which is a mirrorless camera with 4K video and a compact design. These cameras are well-suited for both amateur and professional photographers who want a versatile and reliable camera system that won’t break the bank.
10 Best Aps C Nikon Cameras to Buy This Year
- Sensor cleaning swab size: 16mm (0.63in), sensor cleaning swab perfectly fitting the APS-C sensor.
- Soft microfiber swab, no scratch, let clean more assured.
- Detergency: Sensor cleaning swab capable of snug-fitting and cleaning the sensor.
- High quality: Sensor cleaning swab with the free-alcohol cleaner can protect your optical coating.
- Quantity: Camera cleaning kit including 10pcs of sensor cleaning swabs + 10ml sensor cleaner.
- 16-50Mm zoom range equivalent to a 24-75mm lens in 35mm format
- Built-in VR image stabilization up to 4. 5 Stops
- Smallest DX interchangeable lens
- Features an assignable control ring
- Minimum Focus Distance : 0.66 ft. (0.2m.) at 24mm zoom position, 0.76 ft. (0.23m.) at 35mm zoom position, 0.82 ft. (0.25m.) at 16mm.zoom position, 0.99 ft....
- Ultra compact: The smallest DX format lens ever, now with a special edition silver finish.
- Image stabilized: Built-in VR image stabilization counteracts hand-held camera shake for steadier videos and sharper photos.
- Fast autofocus: Uses a fast, nearly silent stepping motor for autofocusing.
- Reduces aberrations: Extra-low Dispersion and Aspherical glass elements reduce color defects for sharper, clearer images with outstanding contrast.
- Custom control ring: Turn the ring on the lens to control focusing, aperture, ISO or exposure compensation.
- Bright f/1.4 maximum aperture suits working in low-light conditions and also affords greater control over the depth of field. Integrated manual aperture ring...
- The SMT stepping motor enables quick, quiet, and precise autofocus performance along with a full-time manual focus override. Additionally, an internal focusing...
- To adjust the aperture automatically, turn the aperture knob at the bottom of the lens to A, which means the camera controls the aperture; To adjust manually,...
- The lens adopts HD Nano Multilayer Coating & STM Step Motor, 11 elements in 10 groups, 9 aperture blades, including 2 ED lenses and 2 high refraction index lens
- 💙【Professional Camera Cleaning Kit】-Used for cleaning grease, fingerprints, stains and dirt on camera lenses, microscopes, telescopes, glasses and other...
- 💙【Sensor Cleaning Swabs】-Absorb and remove invisible particles and dirt. Compatible with APS-C sensor.
- 💙【Uni-body air blower】-The blower will guide the air flow to blow away dirt and dust from the lens or camera sensor.
- 💙【Hard Shell Protective Case】-Tidy up all cleaning kits and other accessories and protect them to avoid accidental collisions when outdoors.
- 💙【Double Sided Lens Cleaning Pen】-This tool has a dust brush on one side and a special non-liquid cleaning element on the other side which is designed to...
- Compact Ultra-wide Angle Lens: This 13mm ultra-wide-angle lens is designed for APS-C-format Nikon Z-mount mirrorless cameras. The compact lens design and...
- Large Aperture: Bright f/1.4 maximum aperture suits working in low-light conditions and also affords greater control over depth of field. This lens is...
- Excellent Optical Design: 14 elements in 11 groups, 4 ED glass, 2 aspherical lenses, and 2 high refraction index lenses, which can effectively suppress colour...
- STM stepping motor: The SMT stepping motor enables quick, quiet, and precise autofocus performance along with a full-time manual focus override. Additionally,...
- EXIF Data Readable: All EXIF data is recorded so you know you were using this lens, the aperture you were shooting at and all other relevant information as if...
- Ideal Portability: The portability of the pancake lens makes it easy to carry. And it is suitable for a variety of subjects such as portraits, street...
- Eye Recognition Focus: Accurate and agile eye tracking makes it easy to capture wonderful moments when taking photos, and helps to shoot smooth images when...
- STM Stepping Motor: TTArtisan AF 27mm F2.8 XF lens adopts the STM+leading screw stepping motor, which is small in size and smooth in focusing.
- Click Aperture Ring: The lens is designed with an independent click aperture, so you can have a more convenient and faster shooting experience than switching...
- Metal Material: The lens barrel and mount are made of aviation aluminum, and the metal texture perfectly matches the retro vibe of Fuji cameras.
- 50-250mm zoom range equivalent to a 75-375mm lens in 35mm format
- Built-in VR image stabilization up to 5 stops
- Features an assignable control ring
- Image Stabilization: Optical
- Lens Not Attached : MANUAL LENS need you to enable "M mode " or "Release without lens" in the setting of camera
- Meike APS-C lens mirrorless nikon Z mount cameras Z50 Z30 Zfc and for Z5, Z6, Z7 under APS-C mode
- The lens is a fully manual lens, all metallic construction, well-built, light weight and compact
- Lens construction: 7 elements 5 groups, aperture range of f0.95 - f16
- Metal body, lightweight and portable. Weight 420g
- A Carry-anywhere Lens: The 7artisans 18mm F6.3 II Lens is a tiny wide-angle lens that looks like a body cap when mounting on your camera, which makes it perfect...
- APS-C Format Lens: The 7artisans 18mm F6.3 II is designed for Nikon Z-mount mirrorless cameras and provides a 27mm equivalent focal length.
- Manual Lens: Fixed f/6.3 aperture and fixed focus, with a minimum focus distance of 30cm, with a simple and intuitive design.
- Fully-metal Construction: The Lens is fully metal built with a compact size, and weighs only 58g.
- Wide Compatibility: It fit for APS-C Nikon Z-mount Cameras Z50 ZFC Z30 and Z5 Z6 Z7 Z6II Z9 Under APS-C Mode
Last update on 2023-11-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How Does Buying Aps C Nikon Cameras benefit you?
There are several reasons why Aps C Nikon Cameras are a great choice for photography enthusiasts who are looking to upgrade their gear. These cameras offer superior image quality, improved low-light performance, and a range of lens options to choose from, making them the perfect choice for capturing stunning images.
Larger sensor size
The larger sensor size of an APS-C Nikon camera compared to a smaller sensor size of a point-and-shoot or smartphone camera enables it to capture more light, resulting in better image quality and improved low-light performance. The larger sensor also has a greater depth of field, allowing for the background to blur more significantly, creating a smoother and more professional look to the images.
In addition, the larger sensor size enables the APS-C Nikon camera to capture more detail and provide more control over depth of field and framing. This is especially beneficial for portrait photography, product photography, and landscape photography. Overall, the larger sensor size in APS-C Nikon cameras leads to higher quality images with more versatility and creativity in photography.
Greater depth of field
Greater depth of field is an important feature of APS-C Nikon Cameras when we want to capture a scene with a lot of details and a wide range of distances. This is because APS-C Cameras have a smaller sensor size compared to full-frame cameras; therefore, they have a larger crop factor, which effectively increases the focal length of the lens mounted on the camera. As a result, we get a wider apparent depth of field, which means that a larger portion of the image will appear in focus.
This can be particularly useful when capturing landscapes or architecture, where we need everything from the foreground to the background to be sharp and clear. With an APS-C camera, we can use a smaller aperture (higher f-number) to increase the depth of field without sacrificing the shutter speed or ISO. This gives us more control over the exposure and helps us achieve a sharper and more detailed image. Additionally, greater depth of field can also be helpful in street photography and other situations where we need to capture a subject quickly without worrying about focus accuracy.
Higher image quality
Aps C Nikon Cameras are known for their superior image quality due to the crop factor of the sensor. The APS-C sensor is larger than the sensors found in point-and-shoot cameras, which results in better image quality. The larger sensor gives the camera more room to capture more light and details, resulting in images that are clearer, sharper, and more vibrant.
Another advantage of Aps C Nikon Cameras is their ability to create stunning bokeh, a visually pleasing blurred background effect. The larger sensor allows for a shallower depth of field, making it easier to create this effect. This feature is desirable for portrait, nature, and wildlife photographers who want to isolate their subject while adding a beautiful aesthetic to their images.
For these reasons, professional and amateur photographers alike choose Aps C Nikon Cameras for their superior image quality and its ability to create stunning bokeh effects.
Greater low-light performance
The low-light performance of a camera refers to its ability to capture clear and vivid images in dimly lit or poorly lit environments. This is an important feature for photographers who need to take pictures in situations where the lighting conditions are less than ideal, such as in a dimly lit restaurant or at a party. Aps C Nikon Cameras are known for their superior low-light performance, thanks to their larger sensors and better noise reduction technology.
A larger sensor enables the camera to capture more light and produce images with less noise, which means the resulting images are sharper, clearer, and more vibrant. This is especially useful when shooting in low light, as the camera can take in more light and produce a better image even in darker conditions. Overall, the superior low-light performance of a Aps C Nikon Camera makes it an excellent choice for photographers who need to capture high-quality images in challenging lighting conditions.
What Things to Consider when Buying Aps C Nikon Cameras?
One of the most important aspects of photography is having the right gear. With so many options on the market, it’s crucial to understand what factors to consider when purchasing a camera, especially if you’re looking for the best APS-C Nikon camera.
Budget
Considering a budget before buying an APS-C Nikon camera is important for several reasons. First and foremost, setting a budget limit will allow you to choose a camera that fits within your financial means, preventing overspending and financial strain. Additionally, having a budget limit can help narrow down the options available and make the decision-making process easier.
Furthermore, considering your budget before buying an APS-C Nikon camera will also allow you to allocate funds for necessary accessories such as lenses, memory cards, and tripods. These accessories can significantly enhance the quality of your photography, but may also come at a cost. By taking your budget into account, you can ensure that you have enough financial resources to purchase the necessary accessories to get the most out of your camera.
Lens compatibility
Lens compatibility is an important factor to consider before buying a Nikon APS-C camera. Nikon APS-C cameras have a smaller sensor than full-frame cameras, which means that they have a crop factor of 1.5x. This means that any lens mounted on an APS-C camera will have its effective focal length multiplied by 1.5x. For example, a 50mm lens will become a 75mm lens on an APS-C camera. This crop factor affects the field of view, so it is important to choose lenses that are suitable for the smaller sensor size.
It is also important to note that not all Nikon lenses are compatible with APS-C cameras. Nikon lenses that are designed for full-frame cameras may not cover the entire sensor of an APS-C camera, which can result in vignetting and distortion. Therefore, it is important to check the compatibility of the lens before purchasing it. By selecting lenses that are compatible with APS-C cameras, photographers can ensure they are getting the most out of their camera and lenses.
Image quality
Image quality is one of the most important factors to consider when buying an APS-C Nikon camera. APS-C sensors are smaller than full-frame sensors, which can potentially compromise image quality, especially in low-light situations. However, Nikon has developed cutting-edge technology to produce high-quality images even with smaller sensors.
When considering image quality, there are several factors to keep in mind. One is the number of pixels in the sensor, which affects the resolution and detail of the images. Another is the dynamic range of the camera, which determines its ability to capture detail in both bright and dark areas of an image. Finally, the quality of the lens used with the camera is also critical to image quality. Overall, by considering image quality, photographers can ensure that they get the best possible results from their APS-C Nikon camera.
Autofocus system
The Autofocus (AF) system is an essential feature that should be considered before buying any APSC Nikon camera. A high-quality AF system ensures that the camera focuses on the subject accurately and quickly. This is particularly important if you are shooting moving subjects, such as birds, animals, or sports events. A fast and accurate AF system not only helps you capture the right moment but also reduces the risk of losing sharpness while capturing the shot.
Moreover, a good AF system will also make your life easier while capturing video footage. It allows you to switch between autofocus and manual focus smoothly and also ensures that the camera re-focuses quickly and accurately when the subject changes position. Thus, if you want to have a smooth and effortless shooting experience with your Nikon APSC camera, choosing a model with a high-quality AF system is crucial.
Battery life
When considering purchasing an APS-C Nikon camera, it is important to take into account the battery life of the device. These cameras tend to have a shorter battery life compared to full-frame cameras or DSLR cameras, as they are smaller and have less space for a larger battery. This may not seem like a significant factor at first, but for photographers who frequently shoot outdoors or for long periods of time, battery life can become a major concern.
A shorter battery life can result in missed shots or a need to carry multiple batteries, which can be cumbersome and add extra weight to gear bags. Additionally, shooting in cold weather can also reduce battery life, further emphasizing the need for a camera that can hold a charge for an extended period. Therefore, considering battery life before purchasing an APS-C Nikon camera can ensure that photographers can capture the shots they need without worrying about running out of power.
FAQs
What is APS-C sensor size and how it is different from a full-frame sensor?
APS-C sensor size is a type of digital camera sensor that is commonly used in consumer level digital cameras. It is smaller than a full-frame sensor, with a crop factor of 1.5 or 1.6, which means that it captures a smaller area of the scene compared to a full-frame sensor. This results in a “zoomed in” effect, making the field of view narrower. APS-C sensors are popular because they are more affordable than full-frame sensors while still producing high-quality images.
Full-frame sensors, on the other hand, capture a scene at a wider angle because they are larger in size. They are typically found in professional-grade cameras, and they come with a higher price tag. Full-frame sensors tend to produce images with better low-light performance, better dynamic range, and shallower depths of field. Additionally, because they capture more of the scene, they are better suited for wide-angle photography.
What are the advantages of APS-C Nikon cameras over full-frame ones?
APS-C Nikon cameras have the advantage of being smaller, lighter, and more affordable than full-frame cameras. This means that they are more portable and easier to carry around, making them ideal for travel and outdoor photography. They also tend to have longer battery life and faster burst rates, which can be beneficial for capturing action shots. Another advantage is that APS-C lenses are typically cheaper than full-frame lenses, as they do not need to cover as large of an imaging circle.
While full-frame cameras have the advantage of offering higher resolution, better low-light performance, and shallower depth of field, APS-C cameras can still produce excellent image quality and are a great option for beginners or those on a budget. Additionally, APS-C cameras can utilize the same lenses as full-frame cameras, allowing for more versatility and room to upgrade in the future. Overall, APS-C Nikon cameras are a great choice for those looking for a compact and affordable camera with excellent image quality and performance.
Does Nikon offer any APS-C mirrorless camera options?
Yes, Nikon offers APS-C mirrorless camera options under its Z series line. The Nikon Z50 is the company’s only APS-C format mirrorless camera and features a 20.9MP sensor, 209-point hybrid autofocus system, and 4K video recording. It is designed as an entry-level option for those looking to upgrade from a smartphone or compact camera to a more versatile and capable interchangeable lens system.
Overall, the Nikon Z50 is a compact and lightweight camera that offers an attractive balance of image quality, performance, and user-friendly features. It’s also compatible with Nikon’s extensive range of F-mount lenses via an optional adapter, making it a compelling option for existing Nikon users looking to switch to a mirrorless system.
Can all Nikon lenses be used with APS-C cameras or are there specific lenses for this sensor size?
All Nikon lenses can be used with APS-C cameras as Nikon lenses are designed to be compatible with all their DSLR cameras, whether it has an APS-C or full-frame sensor. However, due to the crop factor of APS-C sensors, some lenses may have a narrower field of view and may not provide the same wide-angle coverage as they would on a full-frame camera. Nikon also produces specific lenses designed only for APS-C sensor cameras, known as DX lenses, which are optimized for the smaller sensor.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are a professional photographer or just looking to upgrade your camera, choosing the best APS-C Nikon camera can be overwhelming. However, by considering the features and specifications listed in our reviews and buying guide, you can make an informed decision for yourself. These cameras offer cutting-edge technology, excellent image quality, and superior performance that allow you to capture life’s most precious moments with ease. So whether you are taking portraits, capturing landscapes, or shooting videos, the best APS-C Nikon cameras will definitely meet your expectations. Invest in one today to take your photography skills to the next level.