Best Cameras in January 2024: for Every Photography Enthusiast

Camera, in photography, device for recording an image of an object on a light-sensitive surface.

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Best Cameras

The best Cameras for photography can help you improve your stills game, no matter how much experience you have or how new you are to the hobby. We’ve put the best cameras from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Panasonic, and other big names in photography through a lot of tests. As cool as it is to have fancy video features these days, most consumer cameras are still mostly used for taking pictures.

There are a lot of great cameras out there, including many that are versatile enough to work with all types of photography. You can find a camera that’s great for documenting your travels, one that can take pictures of beautiful landscapes, or one that can keep up with sports and wildlife.

Picking a camera that fits your needs, budget, and comfort level is the most important thing. It is important to remember that the lens you use can make a huge difference in how well your camera works overall. Most of the time, buying a cheaper camera body with better lenses is better than buying a more expensive camera body with cheap lenses. Here are the names of the best cameras.

What is a camera?

A camera is an optical device that takes pictures or videos using either an electronic image sensor or a light-sensitive material like photographic film. Cameras work by using a combination of different mechanical parts and ideas. These are the exposure control, which controls how much light gets to the film or sensor, the lens, which focuses the light, the viewfinder, which shows a preview of the scene, and the film or sensor, which takes the picture.

Why is it important to choose the right camera?

There are many reasons why picking the right camera is important. Some of the most important are:

📷 Image quality: The most important thing for many photographers is image quality. A good camera will capture pictures that are sharp, clear, and have the right colors. This is especially important if you want to print your pictures or put them up in a big way.

📸 Features: Each camera has its own set of features. Some cameras are better for taking pictures of people, while others are better for capturing breathtaking landscapes. It’s important to choose a camera that has the features you need for the kind of photography you want to do.

🤲 Ergonomics: The way a camera is built is crucial for comfort and ease of use. If your camera is too big or heavy, it can be cumbersome for long periods of use. It’s important to pick a camera that fits well in your hands and is easy to use.

💰 Price: Cameras can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Before you go shopping, you should figure out how much money you can spend.

🏷️ Brand: There are a lot of different brands of cameras on the market. Some camera brands are more well-known than others, and some are renowned for making better cameras. It’s important to do your homework and pick a brand you can trust.

Best Cameras Comparison Table

Some of the best cameras on the market, such as DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and compact models, are shown in the comparison table. The table compares important things like resolution, sensor size, image stabilization, video features, and ways to connect. It is meant to help people find the best camera for them based on their needs and preferences.

CameraSensorResolutionContinuous Shooting SpeedVideo ResolutionLatest Offers
Sony A670026MP APS-C BSI CMOS26 MP11fps60p,60i,24p fpsCheck Deal
Canon EOS R130.3MP full-frame CMOS24.1MP20fps8K60pCheck Deal
Sony A7 IV33MP full-frame CMOS33MP10fps4K60pCheck Deal
Nikon Z9II45.7MP full-frame CMOS45.7MP12fps8K30pCheck Deal
Fujifilm X-H2S26.1MP APS-C CMOS26.1MP40fps6K60pCheck Deal

Sony A6700

Overall, this is one of the best camera

Best Cameras
FeatureSpecification
Sensor APS-C BSI CMOS
Resolution26 MP
Card slots1x UHS-II SD
Battery life570 / 550
Weight493g (17.4 oz)
Dimensions122 x 69 x 64mm
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Reasons to Buy:

  • Advanced features
  • Fast autofocus
  • High-resolution sensor
  • Excellent image quality
  • Versatile shooting modes

Reasons not to buy:

  • Expensive
  • Limited touchscreen functionality
  • Smaller lens selection compared to some other brands

Sony’s latest APS-C mirrorless camera for enthusiasts is the a6700. It has a 26MP BSI CMOS sensor with image stabilization and a full set of features for taking photos and making videos. Even though the a6700 has a lot of new technology, the fact that it has a second control dial on the front might be the most important change.

This makes it the first camera in Sony’s a6x00 series that can be controlled with both the forefinger and thumb, instead of just the thumb. This makes the camera the same as the Sony a7 series and most other cameras that cost more than $1,000. Overall, this is one of the best camera you can buy right now.

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight design, making it highly portable and ideal for travel.
  • Great ergonomics and customizable controls for a comfortable shooting experience.
  • 4K video recording with various frame rate options and video features.

Cons

  • Higher price compared to some competitor models in its class.
  • Limited touchscreen functionality.
  • Smaller lens selection compared to other camera brands.

Canon EOS R1

The best Camera For Photography

Best Cameras
FeatureSpecification
SensorFull-frame CMOS
Megapixels30+
Autofocus SystemDual Pixel CMOS AF II
ISO Range100-102400
Continuous Shooting20+ fps
Video Recording8K @ 30fps, 4K @ 120fps
ViewfinderElectronic OLED EVF
LCD Screen3.2-inch fully articulating
ConnectivityWi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC
Battery LifeApprox. 800 shots per charge
WeightApprox. 900g (body only)

Reasons to Buy:

  • 24MP full-frame sensor with DIGIC X processor
  • 40fps continuous shooting
  • 8K video recording
  • Dual card slots (CFexpress and SD)
  • In-body image stabilization

Reasons not to buy:

  • Very expensive
  • No in-body flash
  • No 10-bit video recording

At this point, the Canon EOS R1 must be one of the cameras that has been talked about and rumored about the most. Canon is still dragging out the long, painful wait for what will eventually be its best professional camera that can beat all of its competitors. Still, this is one of the Best Cameras that you can buy right now.

In fact, the rumors about this camera have been going around for so long that many of the original rumors are now mostly wrong. The good people at Canon Rumors have come through with a long list of the latest (and, hopefully, most accurate) information about the Canon EOS R1.

Pros

  • High-resolution sensor for stunning image quality.
  • Advanced autofocus system for precise and fast focusing.
  • Impressive 8K video recording capabilities.

Cons

  • High-resolution files may require more storage space.
  • Professional-grade features may have a steep learning curve for beginners.

Sony A7 IV

Best Upper Mid-Range Camera For Photography

Best Cameras
SpecificationsDetails
Sensor TypeFull-frame (35.7 × 23.8 mm)
Resolution30.4 megapixels
ISO Range100-32000 (expandable to 50-102400)
Autofocus Points693 phase-detection AF points
Image Stabilization5-axis in-body image stabilization
Continuous ShootingUp to 10 frames per second
Video Recording4K UHD at 30p/24p, Full HD at 120p
Viewfinder3.0-inch tilting LCD touchscreen
ConnectivityWi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB Type-C, HDMI, NFC
WeightApprox. 665 g (including battery and memory card)
Check Price

Reasons to Buy:

  • 33MP BSI CMOS sensor
  • 5-axis image stabilization
  • 693 phase-detection autofocus points
  • 4K video recording at up to 60fps

Reasons Not to Buy:

  • No in-body image stabilization for lenses that don’t have it
  • No 120fps 4K video recording
  • Limited HDMI output

It was never going to be simple to follow Sony’s brilliant A7 III, but the Sony A7 IV is a respectable sequel and is one of the best cameras that you can buy right now. It’s an intriguing mirrorless alternative for hybrid shooters and comes with a new 33MP sensor that performs well in both still and video situations. While a price increase means it is no longer an entry-level full-frame camera like its predecessor, the Bionz XR processor provides strong performance that more than makes up for the additional cost. Overall, this is one of the Best Cameras that you can buy right now.

Additionally, Sony’s A7 IV benefits from improvements like 10-bit video capability and a buffer depth that seems to never stop when using a Express card, as well as its industry-leading autofocus capabilities. In our studies, we discovered that this buffer is more generous than the majority of shooters will require, with image quality favoring resolution above low-light performance. Do check our article on Sony A7 IV review to know more about this amazing camera.

Pros

  • Stabilized full-frame imaging and video
  • 33MP resolution leaves room to crop
  • 4K60 video with 10-bit color sampling

Cons

  • 6fps burst shooting at highest quality settings
  • Omits Pixel Shift multi-shot mode
  • Rear display not as crisp as competitors

Nikon Z9II

Best Mid-Range Camera

Best Cameras
FeatureSpecification
SensorFull-frame CMOS
Megapixels45+
Autofocus SystemHybrid AF
ISO Range64-25600
Continuous Shooting20+ fps
Video Recording6K @ 60fps, 4K @ 120fps
ViewfinderElectronic OLED EVF
LCD Screen3.2-inch tilting
ConnectivityWi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC
Battery LifeApprox. 1000 shots per charge
WeightApprox. 950g (body only)

Reasons to Buy:

  • 45.7MP full-frame CMOS sensor
  • EXPEED 7 image processor
  • 120fps continuous shooting
  • 4K/60fps video recording

Reasons Not to Buy:

  • No built-in flash
  • No headphone jack

The Nikon Z9 costs $5,500 and weighs nearly three pounds (1,340g). It is a mirrorless camera that looks like a brick and has more buttons and features than I have had time to test in the almost two months I have had it. It has a new full-frame 45.7MP stacked CMOS sensor that, thanks to the new Expeed 7 image processor, can take RAW photos at 20+fps for more than 1,000 frames (if you use a fast enough card).

And the video specs are better than the best specs on Sony’s A1 and Canon’s R5. They have 12-bit 8K 60fps or 4K 120fps in Nikon’s RAW video format, N-RAW. You can also shoot up to 5K at 30fps in ProRes RAW. Thus, this is one of the Best Cameras that you can buy right now.

Pros

  • Excellent battery life for extended shooting sessions.
  • Lightweight design for a flagship full-frame camera.

Cons

  • Comparatively lower ISO range.
  • 6K video files might be demanding on storage and processing.

Fujifilm X-H2S

Best Budget Camera

Best Cameras
FeatureSpecification
SensorAPS-C X-Trans CMOS
Megapixels32+
Autofocus SystemIntelligent Hybrid AF
ISO Range100-51200
Continuous Shooting20+ fps
Video Recording4K @ 60fps, 10-bit 4:2:2
ViewfinderElectronic OLED EVF
LCD Screen3.0-inch vari-angle
ConnectivityWi-Fi, Bluetooth
Check Price

Reasons to Buy:

  • Fast burst shooting up to 40fps with continuous autofocus
  • 50.1MP stacked CMOS sensor with excellent image quality
  • Improved autofocus system with animal eye AF
  • 6.2K video recording at up to 60fps

Reasons Not to Buy:

  • No in-body image stabilization
  • Heavier than some other APS-C cameras

The Fujifilm X-H2S, which has since been joined by the higher-resolution X-H2, is an interesting follow-up to the X-H1 from 2018. At the time, the Fujifilm X-H1 was different from the other cameras in Fujifilm’s X Series. The camera was bigger, had a bigger grip, and a big screen on top that showed information. It looked like a combination of the GFX and X series. Overall, this is one of the Best Cameras that you can buy right now.

The X-H1 was also Fujifilm’s most “hybrid” camera up until that point. The new top-of-the-line camera was the first in the X Series to have image stabilization built into the body and the first to be able to record DCI 4K video with internal log (F-log) recording.

Pros

  • Vari-angle LCD screen for flexible composition and vlogging.
  • Lightweight and portable, ideal for travel and street photography.
  • Extensive ISO range for low-light shooting.

Cons

  • Smaller sensor compared to full-frame alternatives.
  • Limited battery life for extended shooting sessions.

Panasonic Lumix GH6

Best Point-And-Shoot Camera

Best Cameras
FeatureSpecification
SensorMicro Four Thirds MOS
Megapixels24+
Autofocus SystemDepth from Defocus (DFD) AF
ISO Range100-25600
Continuous Shooting30+ fps
Video Recording8K @ 24fps, 4K @ 120fps
ViewfinderElectronic OLED EVF
LCD Screen3.2-inch fully articulating
ConnectivityWi-Fi, Bluetooth
Check Price

Reasons to Buy:

  • Excellent video quality, with support for up to 5.7K60 and 4K120 video recording
  • Versatile hybrid camera that can also be used for stills photography
  • Excellent image stabilization system

Reasons Not to Buy:

  • Battery life is not great
  • Autofocus performance could be better, especially for tracking moving subjects

Since the GH Lumix series came out, the world of mirrorless filmmaking has become more focused on full-frame cameras. However, the Panasonic Lumix GH6 shows that the Micro Four Thirds sensor format is still alive and well. The GH6 is small and light, but it has a huge number of video options and great image quality.

It also has great handling and image stabilization, and its contrast-based autofocus may be the best we’ve seen on a Panasonic camera. It also works well as a still camera. The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II from last year was just a starter. The Panasonic Lumix GH6 is the main course for aspiring filmmakers who want a small camera with a lot of room for creativity. For now, this is one of the Best Cameras that you can buy right now.

Pros

  • Depth from Defocus AF system provides reliable focusing performance.
  • Impressive 8K video recording capabilities for professional video work.

Cons

  • Smaller sensor may have limitations in producing shallow depth of field effects.
  • 8K video files may be demanding on storage and processing resources.

Nikon Z FC

The best full-frame hybrid for enthusiasts

Best Cameras
SpecificationsDetails
Sensor TypeFull-frame (35.9 × 23.9 mm)
Resolution20.9 megapixels
ISO Range100-51200 (expandable to 50-204800)
Autofocus Points209 phase-detection AF points
Image StabilizationIn-body image stabilization (up to 5 stops)
Continuous ShootingUp to 11 frames per second
Video Recording4K UHD at 30p/25p/24p, Full HD at 120p/100p
Viewfinder2.36m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder
ConnectivityWi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB Type-C, HDMI
WeightApprox. 445 g (including battery and memory card)
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Reasons to Buy:

  • Gorgeous retro design
  • Excellent ergonomics
  • Great value for money
  • Good image quality

Reasons Not to Buy:

  • Plasticky build quality
  • Slow kit lens
  • Autofocus not as good as some rivals

While flagship mirrorless cameras often garner the most attention from expert users, manufacturers are also attempting to woo a few more casual shooters with more affordable models. Take the Nikon Z mirrorless system and the Nikon Z FC as an example. One of the more recent models in the lineup, it’s an APS-C camera with retro style that ups its cool factor and is very similar to the earlier Z50. This is undoubtedly one of the best cameras that you can buy right now.

This camera has it where it counts with 11 fps burst shooting, a 2.36 million dot electronic viewfinder, and the capacity to record 4K 30p video. You’ll enjoy the Nikon Z FC hybrid autofocus technology since it makes rapid work of capturing even swiftly moving subjects.

Pros

  • Fairly priced entry into Z mount
  • Decent image quality potential
  • Gorgeous styling

Cons

  • Slow kit lens doesn’t represent camera’s true capability
  • Autofocus not a patch on Canon’s EOS R
  • Incredibly bright focus assist light at night

Nikon Z6 II

The best APS-C camera for enthusiasts

Best Cameras
SpecificationsDetails
Sensor TypeFull-frame (35.9 × 23.9 mm)
Resolution24.5 megapixels
ISO Range100-51200 (expandable to 50-204800)
Autofocus Points273 phase-detection AF points
Image StabilizationIn-body image stabilization (up to 5 stops)
Continuous ShootingUp to 14 frames per second
Video Recording4K UHD at 60p/30p, Full HD at 120p/60p
Viewfinder3.69m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder
ConnectivityWi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB Type-C, HDMI
WeightApprox. 705 g (including battery and memory card)
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Reasons to Buy:

  • Excellent image quality, especially at high ISOs
  • Fast and accurate autofocus
  • 5-axis in-body image stabilization
  • Dual memory card slots

Reasons Not to Buy:

  • Battery life could be better
  • No dedicated AF Area button
  • Menu system can be a bit daunting

For a very long time, the Nikon Z6 ruled our list of the best cameras. Although the Nikon Z6 II is simply a modest sequel, it ought to be on the shortlist of everyone searching for a full-frame camera. The Z6 II is worth the extra money if you can afford it, but the Z6 continues to offer fantastic value and is one of our top picks from our testing. Easily one of the Best Cameras available on the market.

A number of enhancements are made possible by the additional Expeed 6 processor, including a new 14 fps burst mode (up from 12 fps on the Z6) and several useful autofocus improvements. Along with the added XQD/CFexpress port and additional UHS-II card slot, a firmware update added a new 4K/60p video mode.

Pros

  • Touchscreen interface
  • Fantastic handling
  • In-body image stabilisation good for handheld shooting

Cons

  • Limited native lens selection at launch
  • Single memory card slot
  • Screen only tilts

Fujifilm X-S10

The best Fujifilm camera

Best Cameras
SpecificationsDetails
Sensor TypeAPS-C (23.5 × 15.6 mm)
Resolution26.1 megapixels
ISO Range160-12800 (expandable to 80-51200)
Autofocus Points425 phase-detection AF points
Image Stabilization5-axis in-body image stabilization
Continuous ShootingUp to 20 frames per second
Video Recording4K UHD at 30p/25p/24p, Full HD at 240p/200p/120p
Viewfinder2.36m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder
ConnectivityWi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB Type-C, HDMI
WeightApprox. 465 g (including battery and memory card)
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Reasons to Buy:

  • Excellent image quality
  • Very effective IBIS
  • Tilting/flippy touchscreen display
  • Versatile video features

Reasons Not to Buy:

  • No weather sealing
  • Autofocus performance could be better for sports and action photography

The only drawback we can find with the Fujifilm X-S10 is the lack of the external exposure controls of the higher-end X-series cameras, but even then it’s obvious that this isn’t an “amateur” camera, as the handling and build quality are immediately noticeable. Overall, this is one of the best cameras that you can buy right now.

Fujifilm fans may be disappointed by switch to traditional mode dial, but this camera has very wide appeal, especially in this price range, and offers perhaps the best balance of performance, quality, and value in the APS-C mirrorless camera market, thanks to its excellent build quality and handling. We rate this new camera higher than our previous favorite, the X-T30, in part because of its rear vario display.

Pros

  • Flip screen
  • Good build
  • IBIS ​

Cons

  • Limited to 4K 30fps recording
  • Single UHS-I memory card slot
  • No weather sealing

Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II

The best camera for beginners overall

Best Cameras
SpecificationsDetails
Sensor Type1.0-inch CMOS
Resolution20.1 megapixels
ISO Range125-12800 (expandable to 25600)
Autofocus Points31-point contrast-detect AF system
Image StabilizationOptical image stabilization
Continuous ShootingUp to 8.2 frames per second
Video RecordingFull HD at 60p/30p
LCD Screen3.0-inch LCD touchscreen
ConnectivityWi-Fi, NFC, USB 2.0, HDMI
WeightApprox. 206 g (including battery and memory card)
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Reasons to Buy:

  • Excellent image quality, especially in low light
  • Fast autofocus and burst shooting
  • Large, bright touchscreen display
  • Compact and lightweight design

Reasons Not to Buy:

  • Only 1080p video recording
  • Slow battery life
  • No viewfinder

Canon still has a good number of high-quality compacts in its PowerShot line, despite investing the majority of its time and resources in its mirrorless range these days. We particularly suggest the PowerShot G9 X Mark II because it is small enough to be carried around with ease and is suitable for use as a point-and-shoot camera. Currently, this is one of the Best Cameras that you can buy right now.

The G9 X Mark II is an extremely alluring package thanks to its 1-inch sensor, which offers a noticeable improvement in quality over the smartphone camera you always have with you. It also features a 28-84mm optical zoom lens, burst shooting at 8.1 frames per second, and intuitive touchscreen focusing. In practice, the G9 X Mark II performed admirably.

Pros

  • Can focus in low light at wide angle
  • Very good hue accuracy
  • Pretty good macro mode

Cons

  • Mediocre battery life
  • No 4K UHD video recording
  • Display can be difficult to see in bright light

Nikon Z5

The best premium compact for beginners

Best Cameras
SpecificationsDetails
Sensor TypeFull-frame (35.9 × 23.9 mm)
Resolution24.3 megapixels
ISO Range100-51200 (expandable to 50-102400)
Autofocus Points273 phase-detection AF points
Image StabilizationIn-body image stabilization (up to 5 stops)
Continuous ShootingUp to 4.5 frames per second
Video Recording4K UHD at 30p/25p/24p, Full HD at 60p/50p/30p/25p
Viewfinder3.69m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder
ConnectivityWi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB Type-C, HDMI
WeightApprox. 675 g (including battery and memory card)
Check Price

Reasons to Buy:

  • Built-in image stabilization
  • Weather sealing
  • Focus stacking

Reasons Not to Buy:

  • No touchscreen
  • No 10-bit video
  • No in-body flash

Nikon Z 5 FX-format Mirrorless Camera, NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 Zoom Lens, and Nikon FTZ II Mount Adapter are included in the package. Nikon’s quick, thorough EXPEED 6 image processing system powers the Z 5. The camera’s incredible photo and video quality, autofocus performance, low-light capabilities, distortion reduction, image clarity, color reproduction, and other features are all made possible by this technology.

Accelerated shutter speeds With shutter speeds as quick as 1/8000 of a second, you may stop time and record events that are imperceptible to the human eye. That speed can also be utilized to regulate the brightness of your photo while using wide aperture settings to create blurred backgrounds and narrow depths of field. So, if you want one of the Best Cameras, we highly recommend this product.

Pros

  • Double SD card slots
  • Easy-to-change settings via on-body buttons
  • Weather sealed

Cons

  • Tilt screen, but no flip screen
  • No built-in flash
  • Cropped 4K video

Different types of cameras

There are a lot of different kinds of cameras, and each has its own pros and cons. Here are some of the most popular camera types:

📷 Digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras are the most popular type of camera for serious photographers. They come with a big image sensor, lenses that can be switched out, and a bright optical viewfinder. DSLR cameras are also pretty tough and can take a lot of abuse. But they can be big and heavy, and they can cost more than other kinds of cameras.

📷 Mirrorless cameras: As a more compact alternative to DSLRs, mirrorless cameras are becoming more and more popular. They have a lot of the same features as DSLRs, like a big image sensor and lenses that can be switched out, but they are smaller and lighter. Mirrorless cameras are also usually cheaper than DSLRs. But their batteries tend to last less long, and their electronic viewfinders aren’t always as bright as optical viewfinders.

📷 Point-and-shoot cameras: The most common type of camera for casual photographers is the point-and-shoot. They are small and light, so they are easy to move around with. A lot of point-and-shoot cameras are also very cheap. But their image sensors are smaller than those of DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, which can make the quality of the pictures they take worse.

📷 Action cameras are made to be used in extreme situations, like when you’re playing sports, hiking, or camping. They are small and strong, and you can put them on helmets, handlebars, and other places. Action cameras usually have wide-angle lenses that are great for catching action that is happening quickly. But their image sensors are smaller than those in other types of cameras, which can make them less good in low light.

FAQs

Who is the EOS R for?

Those who want to shoot sports or things that move quickly, as well as those who need the best image quality for landscapes or video work. With a 30MP sensor, great color reproduction, and on-sensor autofocus, the EOS R can take some very sharp and beautiful photos.

What does the R mean in Canon cameras?

The “R” in EOS R comes from the first letter of “Reimagine optical excellence,” which is Canon’s development concept for both the EOS R system as a whole and this EOS R camera, which kicked off the new system.

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