Last Updated on December 9, 2023 by Sharon Advik
Growing up, I’ve always searched for mediums for self-expression and creativity.
The urge to express myself uniquely in front of others without using words has been embedded within me from a very young age.
For this reason, I find photography a perfect option.
Event photography has allowed me to capture natural moments as they happen, which can create a sense of authenticity and emotion in the images.
Whether weddings, birthdays, or anniversaries, every occasion has enabled me to tell a story through a series of images, giving a glimpse into the atmosphere and energy of the event.
To make this genre of photography a wonderful experience, I trust Nikon and opt for the best Nikon camera for event photography every time.
Which is the Best Nikon Camera for Event Photography?
Here are my recommended top 6 Best Nikon Camera for Event Photography:-
Nikon Z9: (Best Nikon Camera for Event Photography)
There is no better event than a wedding to capture the couple’s big day’s emotions, feelings, and memorable moments.
As a professional photographer, I’ve always tried my best to tell the wedding story through the images I take, from the preparations in the morning to the dancing at the reception.
To help reflect the true essence of wedding photos, I’ve always trusted the Nikon Z9, the best Nikon camera for event photography.
Features:
- Model: Nikon Z9
- Effective Megapixels: 45.7 MP
- Image sensor: 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Stacked CMOS sensor)
- Shutter speeds: 1/32000 to 30 seconds
- ISO range: 64-256,000 (expandable till 32-102,400)
- Storage: CFexpress (Type B) and XQD
- LCD: OLED with color balance
- Dimension: 149 x 150 x 91mm
- Weight: 1340g
ISO / Shutter Speed:
The ISO range of the Z9 is 64-25600. ISO in wedding photography depends on the venue’s lighting conditions and the photograph’s desired effect.
A word of advice for newbies – always use the lowest ISO possible to achieve proper exposure.
It has a maximum shutter speed of 1/32000 second, which can be helpful for wedding photography to freeze fast-moving action or use fast aperture lenses in bright light.
Aperture / Depth of Field:
For wedding shoots, I used a wide aperture such as f/1.8 or f/2.0 to create a shallow depth of field and blur the background for a more visually pleasing and romantic image.
White Balance / Frame Rate:
It has a maximum frame rate of 20,30, or 60 fps in continuous shooting mode.
This high frame rate can help capture fast-moving action during a wedding shoot, such as the bride and groom’s first dance or candid moments on the dance floor.
Why is this camera the best?
I love how spacious this camera is.
It has dual card slots, a valuable feature for wedding photography as it made it easy for me to back up images and ensured I never ran out of space.
Overall, it is a powerful and versatile camera that offers a range of features ideal for capturing high-quality wedding images.
Conclusion:
Along with a high ISO range, image stabilization, and excellent memory, it has high fps continuous shooting and buffers up to 200 RAW images.
Hence, the camera is perfect for capturing candid moments and action shots during the wedding.
Nikon Z 6II: (Best Nikon Camera for Event Photography)
While working for an LA photographic studio, I was given a corporate event for coverage.
It was a different genre than I had done in the past.
The transition from fun events like weddings to covering formal events was quite a journey.
To ensure that I did not mess up taking pictures of the speakers, guests, setup, and overall event, I trusted the Nikon Z 6II.
Trust me, it didn’t disappoint me, and I can easily name it the best Nikon camera for event photography.
Features:
- Model: Nikon Z 6II
- Effective Megapixels: 24 MP
- Image sensor: BSI-CMOS sensor
- Shutter speeds: 1/8000 to 30 seconds
- ISO range: 100-51,200
- Storage: CFexpress B and SD (UHS-II)
- LCD: 2.1M-dot tilting screen
- Dimension: 134 x 101 x 68 mm
- Weight: 675g
ISO / Shutter Speed:
It has a native ISO range of 100-51200, extending to 50-204800.
This wide range allows for shooting in various lighting conditions, including low-light situations commonly found at corporate events.
However, it’s important to note that the image will have more noise as the ISO value increases.
Aperture / Depth of Field:
As it was a corporate event with enough light around the stage and the audience, I chose an optimum aperture of f/4 to f/5.6.
It created a shallow depth of field, creating a nice bokeh effect in the background and keeping the speaker on stage t in focus.
White Balance / Frame Rate:
It has a maximum frame rate of 14 frames per second.
It made it suitable for capturing fast-moving action movements like team-building activities during the session.
As the environment was dimly lit, I opted for the Auto WB mode to let the camera do a perfect job.
Surprisingly, it turned out well.
Why is this camera the best?
It is a successor to the Nikon Z6 and features an updated image processor, dual memory card slots, and improved autofocus performance.
I loved its 24-megapixel sensor, 4K/UHD video recording, and high-resolution electronic viewfinder.
These advanced features enabled me to take high-resolution and crisp photos.
Conclusion:
It is a full-frame mirrorless camera that is well-suited for every event, including business ones.
It has a high-resolution sensor allows for sharp and detailed photos, fast autofocus, and built-in stabilization for steady shots.
Nikon Z7II: (Best Nikon Camera for Event Photography)
Living a life as a professional photographer also means covering your family events.
So, I had to do the same for my nephew’s daylight birthday event.
I ensured that I captured special moments and memories from the celebration perfectly.
So we can look back on it and cherish it for years.
I have been working with Nikon’s Z series for a while, so I chose the Nikon Z 7II.
It did justice with vivid colors at the birthday party.
If I had to recommend the best Nikon camera for event photography, it is this one from the Series.
Features:
- Model: Nikon Z7 II
- Effective Megapixel: 45.7 MP
- Image sensor: 35.9 mm x 23.9 mm (CMOS sensor)
- ISO range: 64 – 25,600
- Shutter speeds: 1/8000 to 30 sec
- Storage: SD /UHS-II /SDHC and SDXC memory cards/ CFexpress (Type B)
- LCD: Tilting TFT, Touch-Sensitive LCD
- Dimension: 134 mm x 100.5 mm x 69.50 mm
- Weight: 615g
ISO / Shutter Speed:
A good starting point for ISO on this camera for daylight shooting is between 100 and 200.
As for shutter speed, a good starting point would be 1/1000s for fast-moving subjects or 1/125s for slower-moving subjects or for creating motion blur.
As the whole event was about capturing the fun-filled moments with the kids running around, a 1/500th second shutter speed was enough for me.
Aperture / Depth of Field:
It has a wide aperture range, with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 at the widest end of the lens and f/22 at the narrowest end.
As a result, the DoF range expands, making it suitable for daylight shooting.
I used a wider aperture for shallow DoF and a blurred background to capture candid pictures of my nephew.
White Balance / Frame Rate:
It has a maximum frame rate of 10 fps in continuous high-speed shooting mode.
It applies to both daylight and low-light shooting conditions.
It also has a Silent Live View mode that allows continuous shooting up to 5 fps.
Why is this camera the best?
It is a great daylight shooting camera, allowing high-resolution images with excellent detail and clarity.
The camera also has a wide dynamic range, producing excellent color and tones in bright lighting.
Conclusion:
The Nikon Z7 II is a full-frame mirrorless camera with excellent image quality and performance.
It has a 45.7-megapixel sensor that can capture detailed and sharp images in various lighting conditions.
Nikon Z fc: (Best Nikon Camera for Event Photography)
Capturing wedding photos isn’t an easy job.
It requires much effort to capture every intricate detail of the dresses, accessories, makeup, and whatnot.
Plus, capturing candid moments of the couple is the hardest part, as you need to capture sharp shots without blurring them.
After being assigned one such event, I borrowed the Nikon Z fc to test whether it was the best Nikon camera for event photography.
Read below and decide for yourself.
Features:
- Model: Nikon Z fc
- Effective Megapixel: 21.5 MP
- Image sensor: 23.5 x 15.7 mm (APS-C) CMOS
- ISO range: 100 to 51,200 (expandable up to 100 to 204,800)
- Shutter speeds: 1/4000 – 30 Seconds
- Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
- LCD: Free-Angle/ Tilting Touchscreen LCD
- Dimension: 8.1 x 7.3 x 4.6 inches
- Weight: 862g
ISO / Shutter Speed:
I used this camera with an ISO range of 100-1600 for wedding photos.
This allowed a good balance of light and detail while maintaining minimum noise.
However, depending on the lighting conditions and desired effect, you should adjust the ISO to higher or lower.
It’s always good to take test shots and adjust as needed.
Aperture / Depth of Field:
It was a daylight wedding shoot, so a wider aperture wasn’t the best option.
Hence, I set the camera’s aperture to f/2.8 to create a shallow DoF.
It is ideal for candid photos as the blurred background enhances the subject in focus.
White Balance / Frame Rate:
This camera by Nikon records up to 30 fps using the UHD 4D recording setting.
For shooting wedding videos, this feature is ideal.
The final result in this setting was steady, crisp, and vibrant enough not to miss any detail of the subject and the background.
Why is this camera the best?
This full-frame mirrorless camera offers high image quality, fast autofocus, and advanced video capabilities.
It has a wide selection of compatible lenses, including fast prime lenses and versatile zoom lenses, which can help capture different types of shots during a wedding.
Conclusion:
This camera from the Z series is a full-frame mirrorless camera, similar to the Z6 and Z7.
It is well-suited for wedding photography, offering high-resolution sensors, fast autofocus, and excellent image quality.
Additionally, the compact and lightweight design of the mirrorless camera body made it easy for me to move around during the ceremony.
Nikon Z5: (Best Nikon Camera for Event Photography)
My photography agency got a contract to cover sporting events at Auburn University.
An action-packed event is one of the most challenging genres of photography.
Capturing clear images during fast-paced games is challenging.
I needed to get the angle and composition accurate throughout the event.
The sports were indoors and outdoors, so I had to switch the camera settings often.
For indoor games, I gathered enough light for sharp images.
For outdoor sports, the weather could have been better.
Hence, I needed a camera to withstand harsh weather and take exemplary fast-action photos.
For this, I trusted the Z5, the best Nikon camera for event photography.
Features:
- Model: Nikon Z 5
- Effective Megapixel: 24 MP
- Image sensor: 35.9 x 23.9 mm (CMOS)
- ISO range: 100-51200 (expands to 50-102400)
- Shutter speeds: 1/8000 sec
- Storage: Two SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II compatible)
- LCD: 3.2 inches, tilting screen
- Dimension: 134 x 101 x 70 mm
- Weight: 675g
ISO / Shutter Speed:
The native ISO range for this camera lies between 100-51,200.
However, I used a fast ISO and shutter speed for a sporting event to freeze the action and prevent blur.
I recommend using a shutter speed of 1/1000th of a second.
As for ISO, I kept it moderate between 400-500 to prevent noise in the image.
However, if the lighting conditions are poor, you may need to increase the ISO to achieve a faster shutter speed.
Aperture / Depth of Field:
Even though the maximum aperture of the Nikon z 5 allows shooting up to f/5.6.
I used a fast aperture such as f/2.8 or f/4 for my event.
Hence, I achieved a shallow depth of field, which isolated the subject from the background, making it stand out more.
White Balance / Frame Rate:
The camera has 4 fps for continuous shooting in the electronic shutter mode.
This makes it suitable for capturing action sequences.
I used the AWB for color grading as I was running short of time to adjust it manually.
Why is this camera the best?
The compatibility of this camera is what I loved the most about it.
It can work with Nikon’s extensive Z-mount lenses, which offer high-quality optics and fast apertures.
It is a versatile and reliable camera suitable for various photography needs.
Conclusion:
Overall, it is a full-frame mirrorless camera known for its excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and solid build quality.
It also has many features that suit amateur and professional photographers, including a 24.3-megapixel sensor, 5-axis in-body image stabilization, and 4K video recording.
Nikon D850: (Best Nikon Camera for Event Photography)
An event as memorable as a convocation deserves pictures using a timeless classic such as the D850 by Nikon.
It’s undoubtedly the best Nikon camera for event photography.
From extended battery life to a weather-resistant body, everything is top-notch.
I took candid portraits of the fresh grads and satisfied each of them.
Features:
- Model: Nikon D850
- Effective Megapixel: 45.7 MP
- Image sensor: (35.9 x 23.9 mm) (BSI-CMOS)
- ISO range: 64-25,600 (Expandable to 102,400)
- Shutter speeds: 1/8000 sec
- Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II supported) + XQD
- Viewfinder: (2,359,000-dot)
- Image stabilizer: NA
- Dimension: 146 x 124 x 79 mm
- Weight: 1005g
ISO / Shutter Speed:
The ISO and shutter speed for candid portraits with the D850 will depend on the lighting conditions and the desired effect.
However, a general starting point could be ISO 200-400 and a shutter speed of 1/125-1/250 seconds.
This will allow for a fast enough shutter speed to freeze any movement and a low enough ISO to keep noise to a minimum.
Aperture / Depth of Field:
The camera’s aperture can go up to f/7.
I used a wide aperture such as f/1.8 or f/2.8 for candid portraits.
It enabled me to create a shallow depth of field, which blurred the background and made the subject stand out.
White Balance / Frame Rate:
Compared to others, this model can shoot up to 7fps in continuous shooting mode.
It makes it easy to capture fun-filled moments and expressions accurately.
I set the color temperature for the daylight shoot at 5000K to get warm hues in the pictures.
Why is this camera the best?
The camera boasts a full-frame sensor with 45.7 megapixels, allowing for incredibly detailed and high-resolution images.
It also has a wide ISO range, making it capable of producing sharp images in various lighting conditions.
Its advanced auto-focus system has a 153-point system, providing a fast and accurate focus for candid shots.
Conclusion:
The Nikon D850 is a classic camera with exceptional image quality, advanced features, and a resistant body.
It’s a versatile and reliable camera perfect for a wide range of photography.
If you’re a newbie looking for a camera that serves all your basic needs for capturing photos at any event, this camera is an ideal choice.
CONCLUSION:
All the cameras we will discuss in this article are all right, guys.
Do you guys have any experience with these cameras? What are your thoughts on them?
Which is your Best Nikon Camera for Event Photography?
Is there a camera you love to use for event photography that I didn’t mention in this article?
Would you please leave your thoughts and comments below?
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I am a Professional and Certified Digital Photographer born in the USA. I have been in this field of photography for 22 years, and in these years, I have used many photography lenses and Cameras, which I want to share here on this website about my experience. The idea for Bestoflens.com is to provide honest information about different Lenses and Camera products in the format of a “Best lenses for AYZ” list. I want this website to be the last destination for people to pick the best Cameras and lenses to fit their needs. You can find our unbiased reviews here on Bestoflens.