overview 14 comments
Narrowing down the best cameras in the world is no easy task when there are so many different models to choose from. There are interchangeable-lens mirrorless cameras and DSLRsused by pros and hobbyists alike. You've also got your fixed-lens compact cameras and superzoom bridge cameras, not to mention rugged action camsto capture high-octane actionfootage.The good news is that whether you're a beginner looking to buy your first mirrorless or DSLR camera or a seasoned photographer looking to upgrade to a newer body, there's most certainly a camera out there for you.
We've bought and tested over 100cameras in our lab, and below, you'll find our top recommended cameras fordifferent budgets and experience levels.If you're looking for a camera to shoot videos with, you can also try our recommendations for the best vlogging camerasor the best 4k cameras. If you want more affordable entry-level options, check out our picks for the best beginner camerasinstead.
-
Best Camera
Canon EOS R6 Mark II 8
Current Deal: The Canon EOS R6 Mark II has dropped in price by $500 at Amazon.com. Get Deal
See All Deals
Travel Photography
7.9
Landscape Photography
8.2
Sport & Wildlife Photography
8.3
Raw Photo Performance
8.6
Vlogging
7.8
Studio Video
9.2
Action Video
5.8
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
Full FrameSee all our test results
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is the best full-frame mirrorless camera that we've tested. This enthusiast-level model can do pretty much everything you need, whether it's high-quality stills or advanced video work. It improves upon the original Canon EOS R6 with a higher-resolution sensor, faster burst shooting, better heat management, and improved video features, including uncropped 4k recording at up to 60 fps—all thatin a highly ergonomic, weather-sealed bodywith an intuitive user interface and controls.
The only realdownside of the R6 Mark II is that Canon is still building out its RF lens lineup, so there are fewer native and third-party options to choose from, but that's slowly changing. You can also adapt older EF lenses without issue if you get an adapter. If you're looking for a camera with a more established lens ecosystem, theSony α7 IVis right up there with the Canon for image quality and versatility. However, it has a slower max burst rate when shooting uncompressed RAW files, and it only shoots 4k 60 fps video in crop mode. You can't go wrong with either of these cameras, but we prefer the Canon for those reasons.
See our review
-
Best Camera For Video
Panasonic LUMIX S5 II 15
Travel Photography
8.0
Landscape Photography
8.7
Sport & Wildlife Photography
7.7
Raw Photo Performance
8.9
Vlogging
7.7
Studio Video
9.4
Action Video
5.6
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
Full FrameSee all our test results
If you'd like a more capable videography and filmmaking camera, the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II is an excellent full-frame option with some seriously impressive video specs. Theseincludea wide array of recording formats and resolutions, with oversampled 4k recording at up to 60 fps and open gate 6k recording at up to 30 fps. It also supports V-Log recording and internal 10-bit 4:2:2 color—all at a remarkably competitive price for what you get. Unlike the original Panasonic LUMIX S5, the S5 II also has phase-detection autofocus, making it that much better for those who prefer AF to manually pulling focus.
If you need even more advanced features, like external RAW video output and Apple ProRes support, you can opt for the Panasonic LUMIX S5 IIX variant. Alternatively, the Fujifilm X-H2S is a video powerhouse with internal ProRes codecs, external RAW video output, anda stacked sensor that keeps rolling shutter distortion to a minimum. However, it's significantly pricier than the LUMIX S5 II.
See our review
-
Best Upper Mid-Range Camera
Fujifilm X-T5 10
Travel Photography
8.2
Landscape Photography
8.1
Sport & Wildlife Photography
8.3
Raw Photo Performance
8.1
Vlogging
7.4
Studio Video
8.9
Action Video
6.9
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
If the above cameras sound like overkill for your needs, but you're still a photography enthusiast, the Fujifilm X-T5 could be the perfect fit. Its dedicated exposure dials evoke the feel and handling of classic SLR cameras and make it easy to adjust settings on the go, which is great for street photography. The camera's also weather-sealed, with in-body image stabilization to help you shoot more stable handheld shots at slower shutter speeds and a versatile three-way tilting screen.
However, the real selling point of this camera is its 40 MP APS-C sensor, which captures incredibly detailed images with plenty of leeway to crop and edit. Film simulation profiles also make it easy to change the look of your images in-camera, and the camera boasts some impressive video specs, to boot. Overall, if you're looking for something a bit cheaper and more portable than something like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, this is an excellent choice.
See our review
-
Best Mid-Range Camera
Sony α6700 17
Travel Photography
8.3
Landscape Photography
8.2
Sport & Wildlife Photography
8.3
Raw Photo Performance
7.9
Vlogging
7.8
Studio Video
8.3
Action Video
7.6
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
The Sonyα6700 is one of the best all-around mid-range cameras. This hybrid model uses the same lens mount as theSony α7 IV, offering a wide range of native and third-party lens options. Its relatively portable body makes it easy to take wherever you go, and its built-in stabilization makes it a good option for video work and handheld shooting. Plus, it has one of the best autofocus systems on the market, great for fast subjects like wildlife and sports,and it'sone of the few cameras in its class that can capture 4k video at 120 fps.
The Fujifilm X-S20 is another great option at this price point. It has a few features thatthe Sony lacks, like 6.2k recording and external RAW video output, but its AF system isn't quite as reliable, and 4k recording maxes out at 60 fps. Ergonomically, some people may prefer its centered viewfinder over the offset rangefinder EVF on theα6700, but that comes down to personal preference.
See our review
-
Best Entry-Level Camera
Canon EOS R10 9
Travel Photography
7.8
Landscape Photography
7.8
Sport & Wildlife Photography
8.4
Raw Photo Performance
7.5
Vlogging
7.6
Studio Video
8.3
Action Video
4.9
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
The Canon EOS R10 is one of the best entry-level cameras we've tested, offering a ton of value for its price. Though it lacks some of the high-end features found ontheSonyα6700, like in-body image stabilization (IBIS) and weather-sealing, it's a very well-rounded camera. Its APS-C sensor captures excellent image quality for its class, and the camera has a highly effective autofocus system and quick burst shooting. All that, plus a highly accessible user interface and controls, make it one of thebest mirrorless cameras for beginners.
Though its video features are somewhat limited, with heavily cropped 4k 60 fps recording and significant rolling shutter distortion, it still offers a wide range of frame rate options and can even record10-bit 4:2:2 video internally in its HDR PQ mode. Overall, it's a bit more accessible than thesimilarly priced Fujifilm X-S10, butif you need IBIS, the X-S10 is a great alternative that still holds its own andhas the added benefit ofa more established lens lineup to choose from. That said, its autofocus is much less reliable than that of the R10.
See our review
-
Best Budget Camera
Canon EOS R50 9
Travel Photography
7.9
Landscape Photography
7.5
Sport & Wildlife Photography
8.0
Raw Photo Performance
7.4
Vlogging
8.0
Studio Video
8.1
Action Video
4.9
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
If you're on a tighter budget, the Canon EOS R50 is the best budget mirrorless camera you can buy brand new. As Canon's most affordable camera, this small but mighty APS-C option is a great choice for beginners thanks to its highly intuitive controls and a comprehensive auto mode that'll help you get a feel for the basics of photography. And since it's part of the same RF mount system as high-end full-frameCanons like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, there's an easy upgrade path if you eventually want to move up to a full-frame body.
With 4k video recording at up to 30 fps, it's a solid vlogging cam, too. If, however, you're looking for an even more compact system with more lens options, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a great alternative and even includes IBIS for steadier handheld shooting. Just be aware that its autofocus system is much less reliable than the autofocus on the R50.
See our review
-
Best Cheap Camera
Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D 5
Travel Photography
6.7
Landscape Photography
6.8
Sport & Wildlife Photography
6.0
Raw Photo Performance
6.9
Vlogging
2.6
Studio Video
3.2
Action Video
2.5
Body Type
DSLRMirrorless
NoSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
"Cheap cameras" is almost an oxymoron. It's hard to come by a good camera for truly cheapunless you start looking at used models, which is a valid optionfor those on a tight budget. Still, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D is one of the best cheap and budget camerasyou can buy brand new. This no-frills DSLR is as basic as interchangeable-lens cameras come, but it has a high-resolution sensor and a well-established lens ecosystem with a wide range of good options.
While you can't record 4k video and don't even get a tilting screen, the camera feels good in the hand and has a long battery life, allowing you to get out and practice shooting throughout the day. Its autofocus is much more rudimentary than mirrorless models like the Canon EOS R50, but it's serviceable for anyone who's just getting started. Ultimately, if you're on a very tight budget, this is a solid starter camera.
See our review
Recent Updates
-
Apr 10, 2024: We've verified that the picks still represent the best cameras for user needs based on their performance, price, and availability.
-
Mar 14, 2024: We've replaced the Sony α7 IV with the Canon EOS R6 Mark II because the R6 II is on sale and performs slightly better. We've also added the Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D as the 'Best Cheap Camera' to round out the list.
-
Feb 15, 2024: Replaced the Fujifilm X-H2S with the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II as the 'Best Camera For Video' because of the better value it offers for most non-professional video shooters.
-
Jan 19, 2024: Replaced the Fujifilm X-S10 with the Canon EOS R10 because of its more accessible user interface and slightly better video specs. Added the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II to Notable Mentions as a highly capable video/hybrid option.
-
Dec 20, 2023: Added extra links to other use-based articles throughout, and added mention of the Canon EOS R10 as a cheaper alternative to the Fujifilm X-S10.
All Reviews
Our recommendations aboveare what we think are currently the best camerasto buy for most people, according to their needs. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability (no cameras that are difficult to findor almostout of stock in the U.S.).
If you would like to choose foryourself, here's the list of all our camera reviews, ordered by price. Be careful not togetcaught up in the details. There is no single perfect camera. Personal taste, preference, and shooting habits will matter more in your selection.
