The best Nikon SLR for video recording will depend on your objectives and needs. I have my favorites and I hope the ones reviewed below help you to decide yours.
The first DSLR Camera with High Definition (HD) movie mode was the Nikon D90. It captured movies at 1280 x 720 (720p) 24 fps with mono sound. The HDTV quality and HDMI output made it a favorite from the beginning.
Since then Nikon continues to pioneer HD video recording in DSLR’s. Newer models after the D90 included full HD (1080p), full time auto focus and full time manual controls. Then came 4k Ultra High Definition (UHD) and Full Frame 4k UHD video recording.
Nikon’s digital SLR cameras continue to be a favorite of professional photographers. Even professional bloggers and videographers use a Nikon video camera.
Nikon also offers cheaper models that offer professional quality for beginners. This is a bonus for those aspiring videographers starting for the first time.
Below is some of the best Nikon DSLR video cameras for you to review before making your decision to buy.
A Great Nikon Camera For Video Quality Is The Nikon D750
The Nikon DSLR D750 is the perfect instrument to unlock your artistic potential. Furthermore, the camera is great if you are someone who finds inspiration in the outdoors. Without breaking stride, you can shift between photographs and video.
Drawing inspiration from the D4S and D810, the D750 offers stunning quality images. This Nikon video camera has wi-fi connectivity built-in and a 3.2-inch 1,229k dot tilting vari-angle LCD. The Nikon D750 camera provides outstanding performance for cinematic video.
The D750 allows you to generate quality only achieved with a full frame DSLR. Its full frame capabilities will impress photographers who are upgrading from a DX-format DSLR.
Ideal for filmmakers seeking a lightweight DSLR to make a production come to life. The D750 is an ideal camera for capturing B-Roll footage. And if you’re a photographer who enjoys sharing your work online, this camera is the one for you.
What Makes The Nikon D750 Great For Videographers
The D750 boasts a feature set that is unique among full-frame DSLR’s of its size. It utilizes the effective 51-point, 15 cross-type sensor AF system from Nikon. It is excellent for video because it has a 91,000-pixel RGB sensor and 3D Color Matrix Metering III.
Shooting 6.5 fps at full resolution, it is quick and responsive. It offers video with high clarity, fluid time-lapse sequences up to 9,999 shots taken in-camera. All with breathtaking crispness and vibrant color.
Use the LCD screen to record videos or a supported mobile phone or tablet when using Live View. The D750 is as good at filming and videography as for capturing lifestyles and occasions.
Record Full HD 1080 video at 60/50/30/25/24p while also recording compressed and un-compressed video. While recording, you can manually adjust the ISO, shutter speed, and aperture.
Thanks to its energy-efficient EXPEED 4 processor, you can record up to 55 minutes. Real time effects like Selective Color, Color Sketch and Miniature Effect are available. Add them and more to still photos and HD films with the Special Effects mode.
Movie Specifications
Movie Format: MOV (Video compression: H.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding (AVC))
Features Of The Nikon D750
Sensor And CPU
An Expeed 4 processing engine and a 24.3 million pixel CMOS sensor make up the D750’s core components. Over the sensor, the camera features an anti-aliasing filter.
The FX-format CMOS sensor is 35.9 mm x 24 mm in size and you can record full HD video up to 60p.
A native sensitivity range of ISO 100–12,800 is possible with this sensor and CPU combo. By adjusting the extension settings, this becomes ISO 50-51,200.
Using Power Aperture Control and Auto ISO allows effortless exposure and iris transitions. The 3.2-inch tilting Vari-angle LCD allows for recording at both low and high angles.
Compatible Lenses For The Nikon D750
The whole lineup of FX and DX NIKKOR lenses is compatible with the Nikon D750. (See this pdf chart from Nikon)
Auto Focus Nikkor Lenses
Conclusion On The Nikon D750 Camera For Video Recording
The D750 is great as a best Nikon slr for video choice for a full frame sensor camera. And it is much cheaper than the new mirrorless cameras.
A fantastic DSLR camera, the D750 has a quick and accurate AF system. For an older model Nikon DSLR I find this to be a great buy still for many videographers and photographers.
Both amateur and professional videographers will value the stereo microphone and headphone interfaces. Professional bloggers will appreciate perfecting audio levels before and during recording.
A positive development is the addition of a tilting screen to a full-frame camera. A handy Zebra Pattern in Live View or Video Mode indicates areas subject to burn out.
Nikon states that it has a 430-shot battery life when using the EN-EL15 Li-ion battery with a flash. The number of pictures without the flash increases to up to 1,230. For extended shooting, Nikon has now released the MB-D16 battery pack to go with the D750.
Despite the full frame cameras many professional features, Nikon is targeting amateurs too. The majority of the features an enthusiast would desire are present.
Renewed models are proving to provide a reliable, high video quality option. And Amazon provides a 90 money back guarantee. All this for a cheaper price than the upgraded 780 model (see review below).
The features above give the D750 the distinction of best Nikon slr for video recording.
Pros
Cons
A Great Nikon DSLR For Video Is The D780
The D780 Nikon camera is the successor to the D750 Nikon camera. Major improvements include auto focus performance, image processing, speed and video capability.
The new features and improvements over the previous model (the D750) impress me very much. One such new feature is 4K high resolution videos along with HD 1080 video resolution.
A 24.5MP FX full frame sensor with backside illumination graces the D780. This combined with a next generation EXPEED 6 processor, is exceptional and impressive.
The sensor enables the Nikon DSLR to capture exceptional light under all conditions. Even with a shallow depth of field or low light, the end result is incredible realistic images and videos.
A powerful 273-point phase-detection AF system in Live View enhances images and videos.
Equipped with much improved continuous shooting speed (17% faster than the D750) at 12 FPS. This will excite the action photographers and many videographers alike.
What Makes The D780 One Of The Best Nikon SLR’s For Video Recording
All the advanced DSLR cameras tested and ranked, showed the D780 to rank third best. In comparison the much better D850 ranked first.
The D780 has some of the technologies from the more sophisticated D850. For example, both cameras use the 180k RGB metering and scene recognition system.
The D780 can shoot UHD 4K up to 29.97 frames per second, which is the largest video difference. If you prefer you can always shoot in Full HD video or Full HD in slow motion. As you can see below, many more options than its predecessor the D750.
Video Specifications
Movie Format: MOV (Video compression: H.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding (AVC))
It has an excellent battery life allowing for up to 2260 shots. It also comes with USB in-camera charging.
Compatible Lenses For The D780
This Nikon video camera is also compatible with the whole lineup of FX and DX NIKKOR lenses. Using the same Nikon F mount as the D750 means that 400+ lenses are available.
DX Nikkor lenses can’t take advantage of the full frame sensor. So buy non-DX lenses if you want to benefit by using the full frame sensor.
To use DX Nikkor lenses the right way, the video camera will change to the cropped mode. Vignetting will appear around the edges if you use them in standard mode.
Unfortunately the camera doesn’t include in-body image stabilization. So look for lenses with Vibration Reduction for F mount if that is imortant to you. Of the 400+ lenses only a few provide Vibration Reduction image stabilization.
When used with Nikkor lenses, such as the 35mm f/1.4G AF-S and the 85mm f/1.4G, the D780 produces images of the highest quality.
So Is The Nikon D780 The Best Nikon Video Camera For Video Recording
I find the Nikon D780 to be one of the best Nikon video cameras on the market. And that is saying something as I also think the D750 is a great Nikon video camera.
It combines exceptional features from two DSLR and Mirrorless cameras, i.e. the D750 and Z6. And as a result creates a wonderful all-purpose still and video DSLR camera.
It is well-made, pleasant to use during shooting, and has a wide range of customization options. Above all, it is light weight and small for a full frame Nikon DSLR video camera.
The majority of the time, autofocus performance is superb. But discrepancies between live view and the viewfinder autofocus could lead to confusion.
Compared to the D750, the D780 is much better shooting bursts of shots thanks to the larger buffer. And if you want the extra speed, switch to Live View for 12fps.
A full-frame DSLR for enthusiasts, the Nikon D780 is a great Nikon camera for video. If you’re a beginner, it is still a good Nikon camera for video shooting.
This Nikon video camera is among the most practical I’ve ever seen. I doubt the D780 is at fault if you’re having trouble achieving good exposures and fine focus. Even in low light it is one of the best Nikon cameras for recording videos.
The D780 is a great choice for videographers who want a powerful DSLR-based solution. It also has earned the best Nikon slr for video recording classification.
Pros
Cons
The Best Enthusiast Level Nikon Video Camera Is The D7100
I’d be remiss if I didn’t write about the Nikon D7100 as I have owned it for 10 years. I love this camera and it has served me well over the years.
Yes the D7200 and D7500 are step ups to the D7100 but for the extra expense, I decided to stay with my D7100.
Nikon released a new firmware update for my D7100 in 2022. It fixed some minor issues but the point is they’re still thinking of us ole timers.
But as of this date (2023) you can’t buy a new D7100 anymore only a refurbished or renewed one. It comes with Amazon’s 90 day guarantee. By then you will know whether the camera does what it is supposed to. Even a used one in great shape will last and serve you well.
I know some of you are wondering about the lack of 4K video and for what I need 1080 HD is fine. I don’t see any issues with shooting Youtube videos in 1080 HD for a novice or enthusiast.
But I always post process my videos after shooting them anyways. I find I can make them better by keeping them short and splicing later.
I find it inexpensive ($31 US, $41 CAD) to pay Adobe to use Premiere Pro for a month when I need to. Included is 100GB of cloud storage, Step-by-step tutorials and more.
(affiliate link)
I will record my videos and save them until I have enough work to edit for a month and cancel afterwards. When I need the app again I re-subscribe for another month then rinse and repeat.
The D7100 is still a great Nikon dslr for video even with 1080 HD only.
If you are a professional vlogger than upgrade to a better Nikon like the D780 or a mirrorless camera. But if all you want is a great video without all the bells and whistles than look no further.
What Makes The D7100 A Great Video Camera For Enthusiasts
Create a recording in one of various high-definition formats, such as 720@30/60p, 1080@50/60i, or 1080@24/25/30p.
The D7100 offers full-time manual exposure control and auto focus when filming movies.
A very accurate 2016px RGB sensor evaluates every scene. It looks at brightness, color, contrast and subject distance. This provides exceptional full-time autofocus during video recording.
It also comes with a built-in stereo microphone and a jack for an external stereo mic. And there are jacks for headphones and HDMI. Combined with the mic capabilities it provides excellent reproduction and quality in cinematography.
The two SD card slots provide more recording time if needed. Smooth playback on HDTVs or external monitors is possible via the 60i feature if needed.
Install Nikon’s free Wireless Mobile Utility app on your smartphone or tablet. Then you can take advantage of the remote control feature to take shots as a Live View monitor.
Movie Specifications
Movie Format: MOV (Video compression: H.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding (AVC))
If you got an hour watch the “Shooting Video With The Nikon D7100” YouTube video from Quick Pro Camera Guides. You’ll learn a lot on how to use the video functions of the D7100.
Shooting Video With The Nikon D7100
Conclusion Why The D7100 Ranks As A Best Nikon SLR For Video Recording
Can the D7100 rank as a best Nikon slr for video, the short answer is yes.
For enthusiasts and novices the D7100 is the ideal camera for recording video. If you prefer to shoot in 4K than a mirrorless camera or the D780/D850 full frame camera is for you.
When the camera is in 1.3x crop mode, you have the ability to shoot video in 1080 60i.
I wasn’t impressed with the loss of detail when using the 1.3x crop mode.
Through its HDMI port, the D7100 allows for the recording of uncompressed video.
This is like shooting stills in high bit-depth raw format. Which gives you more color grading freedom in post-production.
Uncompressed video has a big file size, thus it’s routed to an external recorder.
I like the dedicated movie record button next to the shutter release button. It’s easy to reach with a lock feature when you turn off Live View and/or choose stills.
If you want to change the aperture in movie mode, you have to exit Live View, make your changes and re-enable.
Image quality is good for enthusiasts and novices when shooting video for the web or sharing. If you want exceptional video footage than look at full frame or mirrorless cameras.
All in all I like my Nikon D7100 for shooting videos. For my needs, it handles the job well.
For the price it is selling at today (50+% less) compared to newer models, I find it to be a bargain. The perfect learning tool for beginners and enthusiast photographers.
The D7100 also deserves honorable mention as a best Nikon slr for video recording.
Pros
Cons
Nikon Coolpix P1000 Is A Great DSLR Like Compact Camera For Shooting Videos
Okay not a real SLR digital camera I know but it is a fantastic compact camera for beginners. It has a lot of dslr like features incorporated into the camera. I chose to write about this camera after using its amazing video shooting qualities.
As long as you are aware of its limits, the Nikon Coolpix P1000 is an excellent point and shoot camera. The image quality of a true DSLR will always be superior to the Nikon Coolpix P1000.
But for a beginner who wants to learn about photography and shoot YouTube videos, it is perfect. And it includes time-lapse and super-lapse recording modes.
The sensor is small like a smartphone sensor so some issues will occur in low light situations. But by switching to manual mode or AP and adjusting ISO to 3200 or 6400, you can squeeze more light from the sensor.
A 125x zoom (24-3000mm focal length) feature works more like a telescope than a lens. The Dual Detect Optical Vibration Reduction technology helps provide quality images.
Depending on focal length, Nikon’s “Dual Detect VR” minimizes camera vibration by up to 5 stops. But, two significant tradeoffs with long-range lenses are atmospheric distortion and aperture.
When the aperture opening becomes smaller, a gradual softening of the image occurs. Sharpening by Nikon can somewhat mitigate this, but only so much.
Another trade-off at longer focal lengths, “Heat Haze” (atmospheric distortion) will present itself. So don’t let your expectations with this compact camera get too high.
Even despite the above mentioned trade-offs, I recommend the Nikon Coolpix P1000. It is a great point and shoot camera with awesome video shooting qualities.
What Makes The Nikon Coolpix P1000 Great Camera For Video
There is nothing that even comes close to the P1000’s remarkable zoom range. Yet, as a camera for video it also compares to lower end dslrs. It has a respectable ability to shoot videos at 4K without cropping.
With real stereo sound, create stunning video footage in 4K UHD (3840 x 2160 at 30p). In manual mode, you can change focus, exposure, and more while shooting videos. This will allow you more creative freedom.
For recording and playing back to an external monitor, it has an HDMI connection. For optimum sound capture, it also has a jack for an external microphone. The hot shoe allows the addition of extra filming accessories when needed.
The time-lapse and super-lapse recording modes let you produce incredible fast-motion video. A 10-second film created using time-lapse mixes static photos taken at adjustable intervals. While the Super-lapse option is good for shooting video at speeds of 2, 4, 10, 20, and 30 times faster than normal.
Lens shift and electrical VR combine for excellent image stabilization while capturing videos.
Movie Specifications
Movie Format: MP4 (Video: H.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding (AVC), Audio: Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) stereo)
Individual movies cannot be longer than 29 minutes regardless of memory disk size. Recorded video sizes cannot exceed 4GB or they get split into 2 files. This means you can’t play back the files together without post processing.
For example, after recording 2160/30p (4k UHD) for approximately 6 minutes you reach 4GB. And 2160/25 (4k UHD) for 7 minutes also reaches 4GB. In both instances, the files split into 2.
Using a free video editing program like Windows Movie Maker will combine them again. Or if you have more current movie editing software use that instead.
Conclusion For The Nikon Coolpix P1000
I’m satisfied with the Nikon Coolpix P1000 generally speaking. I’m still putting all its features to the test.
Shooting images of birds and other stationary wildlife was excellent. But shooting wildlife that is moving has its difficulties with auto focus.
I also enjoyed shooting photos of flowers and close ups where the camera shined in that regard.
Using AF, with landscape shots taken in the 50mm to 1600mm focal range worked well for me. But I found switching to manual focus provided better detailed subjects overall.
Keep in mind it has limitations and a sturdy tripod is a must at longer focal lengths. It would be best using the timer or remote control in this instance also.
I found this camera to work better when shooting video rather than images. Shooting a video at 3000mm I found the quality was impressive compared to an image taken at the same range.
This camera isn’t for advanced shooters, a professional blogger or a professional photographer. But for beginners and enthusiasts it will be fine.
For those beginners and enthusiasts seeking an all-in-one camera, it’s far from perfect. But still a lot of fun so I recommend it for learning photography.
Even though it isn’t a slr I still consider it to have best Nikon slr for video recording features.