The Best Cameras for Photography

We test and rate scores of cameras and lenses each year, from pocket-friendly models to high-end medium format systems. Here’s everything you need to know to pick the best digital camera for you.

Most digital cameras now come with advanced video features that would impress any videographer, but the bread and butter of most cameras is still photography. Whether you are searching for the perfect camera to document your travel adventures, a model that can capture beautiful landscapes, or a fast camera to keep up with sports and wildlife, there’s no shortage of options out there, including many that are well-rounded enough to suit all manner and styles of photography. What’s most important is choosing a camera that fits your needs, budget, and ergonomic preferences.

In this guide, we’ve split our picks up into three sections. First, we’ve picked out a couple of beginner cameras that are good for starting out; next we get into mid-range enthusiast models for those who already have an idea what they like; and lastly, we’ve chosen the best cameras for professionals and experts.

Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless Camera Body – Silver

Compared to its predecessor, the X-T4 has better autofocus capability. Fujifilm says its subject tracking system is faster now that it considers color and shape as well as distance information. It can also shoot 240fps videos at 1080p. The X-T4 is built around a new shutter mechanism, which is one of the changes that allows it to shoot at 15 frames per second. The new mechanism features improved damping and is rated to last 300,000 cycles: twice the rating given to the X-T2 shutter,

Brand	Fujifilm
Model Number	X-T4 Body – Silver
Compatible Mountings	Fujifilm X
Photo Sensor Technology	CMOS
Auto Focus Technology	Contrast Detection
Effective Still Resolution	26.1 MP

Panasonic LUMIX S5 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera, 4K 60P Video Recording with Flip Screen

Aiming to appeal to both photographers and videographers, it includes updates to Panasonic’s DFD autofocus system, new creative photo modes, and video features that come close to matching both the GH5 and the much more expensive S1H. camera built around the same sensor as the Panasonic S1, but in a smaller, more affordable body. In fact, despite having a full-frame sensor, the S5 is smaller in every dimension than its Micro Four Thirds sibling, the GH5.

Brand	Panasonic
Model Number	DC-S5BODY
Compatible Mountings	Leica L
Photo Sensor Technology	CMOS
Auto Focus Technology	Contrast Detection
Effective Still Resolution	24.2 MP
Photo Sensor Size	Full Frame (35mm)
Video Capture Resolution	2160p

Sony Alpha 7 IV Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera

Nearly four years after Sony released its highly successful A7 III hybrid full-frame mirrorless camera, it finally launched a follow up. The A7 IV brings a raft of new features and improvements like a higher-resolution 33-megapixel sensor, improved video specs and updated AI-powered autofocus. However, at $2,500 it’s also $500 more than the A7 III was at launch.

Number	ILCE7M4/B
Compatible Mountings	Sony E
Photo Sensor Technology	CMOS
Auto Focus Technology	Contrast Detection
Effective Still Resolution	33
Photo Sensor Size	Full Frame (35mm)
Video Capture Resolution	4320p

Canon PowerShot SX70 HS Digital Camera

The 65x zoom is the main attraction but the 4K video capability, high-quality EVF and screen are also very attractive on a bridge camera at this level. The results are reasonable for a camera with this sensor size but we recommend staying to ISO 800 or lower, so it’s most suited to use in good light. While we like the handling and features, the quality of the results in low light makes the SX70 HS less versatile than we’d like. It’s a good choice for days out with the family.

Brand	Canon
Photo Sensor Technology	CMOS
Auto Focus Technology	Multi area, Contrast Detect, Sensor
Effective Still Resolution	20.3 MP
Video Capture Resolution	2160p
Color	Black
Lens Type	Zoom

Nikon Z 6II Mirrorless Digital Camera with Z 24-70mm f/4 Lens, Black (1663)

Nikon has taken one of our favorite mirrorless cameras and addressed its main weaknesses. While it might not be class-leading in key areas, it’s the Z6 II’s strong performance across the board that makes it such a compelling choice.

The Nikon Z6 II is the follow-up to the company’s first full-frame mirrorless camera, the Z6. Now over three years old, the Nikon Z6 is the former holder of our best mirrorless camera crown. But there’s still room for improvement, and with the Z6 II Nikon has opted to retain the core spec and design of the Z6, while addressing its weaknesses.

Model Name	Z6 Mark II
Brand	Nikon
Form Factor	Mirrorless
Skill Level	Amateur, Professional
Special Feature	Time-lapse
Colour	Black
JPEG quality level	Basic, Fine, Normal
White balance settings	Auto
Lens Type	Wide Angle

Sony Alpha ILCE-7C Compact Full Frame Camera

With the launch of the A7S III, Sony proved that it still rules the full-frame mirrorless camera market, despite impressive rival products from Canon. On the APS-C side, however, it keeps building the same cameras over and over using recycled parts from past models, with the only real improvements being the autofocus system.

Model Name	ILCE-7C/SQ IN5
Brand	Sony
Form Factor	Mirrorless
Skill Level	Professional
Special Feature	Time lapse
Colour	Silver
JPEG quality level	Basic, Fine, Normal
White balance settings	Auto

Nikon D850 45.7MP Digital SLR Camera (Black) with AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm

Leading up the release of the Nikon camera D850, there were a number of rumors about what the camera would be. As we all patiently waited for the release of this amazing camera, anticipation snowballed. Now, let me lay out some understanding of my background with Nikon DSLR camera bodies… I started with the Nikon D90, then the D700, then the D800, and finally the D810. Each one of these cameras – like the D850 – had a laundry list of rumors. On a side note, Nikon D3500 is preferred over Nikon D850 because of the compact size of D3500

Model Name	D850
Brand	Nikon
Form Factor	DSLR
Skill Level	Amateur, Professional
Special Feature	Time lapse
Colour	Black
JPEG quality level	Basic, Fine, Normal
White balance settings	Auto

CANON Digital Camera EOS Rebel SL3 (BK) Body

Today, Canon EOS models span a broad range from inexpensive but highly capable entry-level models to some of the most sophisticated professional SLRs on the market. Generally (in the US, at least), you’ll find Canon EOS models with model numbers beginning with a letter are consumer through prosumer models, while those that begin with numbers are prosumer through professional models. At the top of the Canon EOS product line are the legendary 1-series.

Model Name	EOS Rebel
Brand	Canon
Form Factor	DSLR
Skill Level	Amateur, Professional
Special Feature	Time Lapse
JPEG quality level	Basic, Fine, Normal
White balance settings	Auto
Age Range (Description)	Adult
Continuous Shooting Speed	5 fps

GoPro Hero 10 Black

The GoPro Hero 10 Black is the company’s most recent addition to its action camera lineup. I’ve had a chance to spend almost eight weeks with the camera to find out if the on-page specs translate to real-world usage? Here’s what I loved about the Hero 10 while using it in my day-to-day life and short travels.

Camcorder type	Action Camera
Brand	GoPro
Model Name	‎CHDHX-101-RW
Special Feature	Waterproof, Low Light
Video Capture Resolution	1080p
Has Image Stabilisation	Yes
Optical Zoom	1 x
Item Weight	0.2 Kilograms

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