1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best overall
3. Best autofocus
4. Best for beginners
5. Best hybrid camera
6. Best budget camera
7. Best for low light
8. Best lightweight camera
9. Best DSLR
10. Best micro four-thirds
11. Best all-rounder
12. Camera FAQs
13. How we test
One of the best cameras is the starting point for anyone's journey into photography, but if you're new to the camera market, it can be confusing trying to get your head around the wide range of different camera options available. Should you go for a DSLR or mirrorless camera? Do you want a full-frame, ASP-C or Micro Four Thirds? Luckily, whether you're a beginner looking for your first camera or a relative pro looking to upgrade your kit, this guide will take you through all the benefits and drawbacks of each option to help you find the camera that's right for you.
All the cameras on this list have been reviewed by experts, who have tried and tested them out in the field on a range of different subjects to put them through their paces. Every camera is one that our reviewers would personally recommend and use, so you can be sure you're buying a reliable and quality product. We've included models to suit all different skill levels and budgets, ensuring that there's something on the list for everyone.
If you already have some idea of what you'd like, you can check out our more specific guides on the best beginner cameras, best mirrorless cameras and best cameras for astrophotography. We also have several guides on camera accessories that you might need to complete your kit, including the best zoom lenses, best lenses for astrophotography and best tripods.
The quick list
Here are our top picks in a 'quick view' layout. For more information about each camera, click 'read more below'.
Best overall
We can't think of a camera that is more versatile. It's best for professional shooters with a big budget, but it is more than capable in all shooting scenarios.
Best autofocus
The successor to the popular A7R IV, this camera does everything the previous model did and more, with class-leading AI-based autofocus and hugely detailed images.
Best for beginners
This small and lightweight camera is a pleasure to shoot with. Travel vloggers will appreciate the excellent eye tracking and autofocus, as well as the lack of a recording limit.
Best hybrid camera
This previously sat at the top of our best cameras list thanks to its fast autofocusing and massive 61MP full-frame back-illuminated CMOS sensor and 4K UHD 30p video.
Best budget camera
This lightweight camera is suited to candid street photography with a super quick power-up time. It has an appealing retro design, is easy to use and boasts a great sensor for the price.
Best for low light
The Canon EOS R5 feels great in the hand, with excellent image stabilization and fast autofocus. But it is quite expensive and the features are overkill for casual shooters.
Load the next 4 products ↴
Best lightweight camera
This small and lightweight APS-C camera certainly packs a punch — it's perfect for traveling and has a ton of features to capture stunning stills and video.
Best DSLR
Despite being an old DSLR, this camera still holds its own. The impeccable weather sealing makes it robust and durable and it offers an incredible 45.4MP stills and 4K UHD 30p video.
Best Micro Four Thirds camera
This camera weighs less than 1 lb but is still packed with useful functionality. The autofocus system is fast, there are five stops of in-body stabilization and the large LCD screen is remarkable.
Best all-rounder
The Fujifilm X-T5 is another small-bodied camera that is a good all-rounder. It has a classic aesthetic and features two SD memory card slots and impressive low-light performance.
Best cameras we recommend for photos and videos 2024
Why you can trust Space.com Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test and review products.
Best overall
✅ You can afford it: This is a big investment but it's worth it if you'll be in the industry for years to come.
✅ You shoot stills and video: This camera is just as impressive at both of these tasks
❌ You're looking or something lightweight and portable: This model is significantly heavier and bigger than its predecessor. It looks and feels like a professional camera.
🔎 Nikon Z8: Professionals need to look no further — if you combined all the best parts of the flagship Nikon Z9 and the best DSLR in the world, the Nikon D850, you'd be left with this heavy-hitter; the Nikon Z8. ★★★★★
If you're a beginner photographer, you'll likely be put off by the price tag of the Nikon Z8 — it comes in around $4,000. But for everyone else, this is an absolutely excellent camera that doesn't disappoint in any way. If you're a professional or a serious enthusiast with a big budget, the Nikon Z8 does everything you could possibly want it to with gusto.
Our full Nikon Z8 review is seriously gushing, and the bottom line is that this is the best camera body on the market right now. We think it has all the best bits from Nikon's flagship Nikon Z9 and the excellent Nikon D850 DSLR. No matter what type of shooting you prefer, this beast is up for the job.
This camera shines in both video and still photography. We were impressed by its ability to support various high-quality video formats like N-Log, ProRes, and Raw HQ. When capturing still images, it can shoot at speeds of up to 120FPS, which is amazing for fast-moving subjects such as sports. Plus, it performs exceptionally well in low-light conditions, making indoor shooting effortless.
If you're into astrophotography or enjoy shooting in low-light settings, you'll appreciate its customizable night vision mode. When this mode is activated, it shows only red pixels and dims the rear screen, helping to maintain your night vision. It's a really cool feature that we wish more cameras offered.
The one minor downside of the Nikon Z8 is its size and weight — it's a bit bulky and heavy. So, if you're looking for something compact and easy to carry while traveling, this might not be the best choice. However, considering its impressive power, we think this trade-off is definitely worth it.
- Read our full Nikon Z8 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Outstanding build quality, but it's big and heavy. |
| Performance | Starlight mode enables autofocus detection down to an unheard of -9EV. |
| Functionality | Night vision mode for astrophotographers. |
Best autofocus
✅ You shoot portraits or weddings: The new AI-based autofocus system is on another level and makes shooting people easier than ever.
✅ You shoot multiple styles: This camera excels at most photographic styles and video, so if you like to shoot many different subjects then this could be the camera for you.
❌ You mainly shoot astro: We noted that due to so many megapixels, the images were very noisy. Fine for occasional astro with AI denoise in post-processing, but there are better options for astro.
🔎 Sony A7R V: The Sony A7R V builds on the power of its predecessor with its higher resolution EVF and LCD screen, more stops of image stabilization and a new AI autofocus unit, but the massive 61MP sensor provides too much noise for astrophotography. ★★★★½
The Sony A7R V is one of the best all-rounder cameras you can buy, with a huge 61MP sensor that captures highly detailed images and 8K video, alongside a new industry-leading autofocus system powered by AI. Known as Real Time Recognition, this system uses deep learning to distinguish between a vast range of subjects — far more than any previous camera we've used. It can detect subjects like cars, trains, planes, animals and insects, and when focusing on humans, it can distinguish between body parts as varied as eyes, noses, necks, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees and ankles. This really is a game-changer and makes the A7R V an absolute dream to use.
Another new feature that we loved is the 4-axis, multi-angle 3.2-inch LCD screen, which is a vast improvement over the tilt-only screen featured on its predecessor, the A7R IV. This screen is extremely versatile and can handle just about any angle you might choose to shoot at with no neck craning needed. You can flip it out to the side and spin it around to shoot vlogs or selfies, or you can tilt it down and out to bring the screen away from the ports when you're connecting up microphones or monitors. To top it all off, it's 63% higher in resolution than the screen on the A7R IV, making it vivid and detailed to use.
In terms of performance, we found the color depth and dynamic range to be impressive, even when shooting in sunny conditions with sharp shadows. It also has a whopping eight stops of image stabilization, which is great for low-light shooting and even enabled us to shoot cityscapes handheld under street lighting at night. However, it does suffer from a bit of image noise when taking the ISO above 6400, so it may not be the best choice for specialist astrophotographers.
- Read our full Sony A7R V review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Most versatile LCD screen yet. |
| Performance | Sony's autofocus just keeps getting better thanks to the new AI system. |
| Functionality | Eight stops image stabilization proves great for low light. |
Best for beginners
✅ You're a casual vlogger: The screen fully articulates which is great for vlogging and selfies. No more guesswork.
✅ You want to produce razor-sharp images: This camera's performance is incredible. You'll be able to shoot beautiful color-rich images, even in low light.
❌ You are a filmmaker: There have been problems with overheating when recording lots of video.
❌ You are an astrophotographer or want lots of lenses: The range of APS-C lenses (RF-S) is seriously limited. You can use full-frame RF lenses but you'll have to be mindful of the 1.6x crop factor, not good for astro.
🔎 Canon EOS R7: A powerful crop sensor camera that can get near full-frame results and can handle almost anything you throw at it with ease. We love it. ★★★★½
With the EOS R7, Canon have produced a powerful crop sensor that almost rivals full frame cameras, while being more compact and more affordable, making it a fantastic option for beginners looking for a quality starter camera. It features seven stops of in-body image stabilization, which is unusual for an APS-C camera, alongside pro-grade autofocus and handy dual SD card slots. If you're in the market for an APS-C camera, you'll struggle to find one better than this.
The camera is small and lightweight, which makes it comfortable to hold and ideal for traveling, although it might feel a little too small for those with larger hands given that it is not compatible with a battery grip. It comes with a fully articulated screen which is great for vlogging or shooting selfies and also makes it easy to shoot low to the ground or at unusual angles without having to contort yourself to check your composition.
The 32.5MP sensor offers extremely sharp images and pleasing colors, with very little noise on images even when shooting at ISOs of around 6000. For a camera at this price point, we were very impressed with the autofocus and eye tracking on both human and animal subjects. It also produces crisp, clear 4K video, with the autofocus and eye tracking working well on video, too.
One of the only downsides to this camera is the limited options of APS-C lenses (RF-S) currently available. Since they're producing such high-quality crop sensor cameras like this one, we hope Canon will be looking to expand their range of compatible lenses in the near future.
If you want a lightweight Canon that's also full-frame, take a look at our Canon EOS R8 review. We gave it four and a half out of five stars.
- Read our full Canon EOS R7 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Small and lightweight for travel. |
| Performance | Impressive tracking. |
| Functionality | Up to 30FPS — provided you have a fast card. |
Best hybrid camera
✅ If you shoot lots of portraits, weddings or studio work: The autofocus is incredible, and it has many customizable buttons to get your setup just right.
✅ You dabble in astrophotography: This camera would be a perfect match for astrophotographers of any skill level. You can use the shots right out of the camera up to ISO 6400 before you start to see any unfavorable noise.
❌ 61 megapixels might be overkill: Many photographers won't need this level of detail (or file size) and can save money on lower-resolution cameras.
❌ You want to shoot fast action sports: There are other cameras with higher burst speeds.
🔎 Sony A7R IV: Despite the big price tag, this is an incredible camera in a class of its own. For landscape photographers, studio portraits, or professional wedding photography, this is a fantastic choice. ★★★★½
While the Sony A7R V may have stolen the limelight from the A7R IV, this is still an excellent camera. And its lower price point means it still has an audience. As long as this camera is still available, it's going to impress whoever picks it up.
One of our favorite things about the Sony A7R IV is its huge 61-megapixel sensor. It's great at picking up small, intricate details and it handles low light conditions extremely well.
It's a great choice for astrophotography too, and it performs so well that it's secured a place in our best cameras for low-light photography guide.
In our Sony A7R IV review, we compared the camera to its predecessor, the Sony A7R III. Even though some of the upgrades may not seem significant at first glance, they make a considerable difference in practical use. Even subtle changes, like the more prominent and tactile buttons, greatly enhance the camera's usability, especially if you're wearing gloves or shooting in low-light environments.
The Sony A7R IV is not cheap, but if you're looking for a long-term investment, you won't find much better for shooting weddings, portraits, studio work and landscapes. Plus, now that it's not the newest model in the A7R range, it's come down in price a bit compared to when it was first released. We also used the Sony A7R IV when we reviewed the Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM, and we think this camera and lens pairing is a match made in heaven.
- Read our full Sony A7R IV review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Superb build quality. |
| Performance | Bright, sharp and colorful images. |
| Functionality | High megapixel sensor means more image noise. |
Best budget camera
✅ You want something stylish: The classic aesthetic of this camera is very appealing and timeless.
✅ You're a beginner: This camera is easy to get to grips with, even for total newcomers, its also reasonably priced.
❌ You're a professional: The 'c' in the name signifies this camera was designed with casual shooters in mind. Pros will find it limiting so should opt for another model.
🔎 Nikon Z fc: The Nikon Z fc is an impressive bit of design and a gorgeous camera to look at and use. On the inside, it's capable and easy to get to grips with for most casual users. ★★★★½
Another Nikon entry in this guide, and one that you'll also find topping the list in our best beginner cameras guide, is the Nikon Z fc. It's a gorgeous, timeless-looking camera that is a joy to use. It's well-suited to casual users (which is what the 'c' in the name signifies), thanks to its straightforward use and user-friendly approach to camera controls.
We think Nikon could do with improving the continuous shooting option mode, so if you're a professional looking to shoot sports or action, you may want to choose a different model. However, for other types of photography, the noise reduction performance is outstanding. Even in low-light situations, you can raise the ISO and still capture remarkable photos. We tested this in our hands-on Nikon Z fc review and could push the ISO to ISO 12,800 and still achieve acceptable images with minimal unwanted noise — very impressive.
The autofocus is designed to prioritize people, maintaining pin-sharp focus on their faces. This feature is ideal for capturing candid street photos, portraits or important events like weddings, where capturing fleeting moments is crucial. The quick and responsive touchscreen ensures you won't miss any spontaneous shots, and the camera is fast overall, ready to start shooting in less than a second after turning it on.
- Read our full Nikon Z fc review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Retro styling is incorporated tastefully. |
| Performance | Noise control works superbly. |
| Functionality | Lens options suit a range of content creators. |
Best for low light
✅ If you're a semi-pro photographer looking to upgrade: This is a camera for life; it's one of the most complete cameras Canon has ever produced.
❌ You're a filmmaker: There have been problems with overheating when recording lots of video.
❌ You don't like to carry spare batteries: The battery life is a little disappointing when compared with competitor models.
🔎 Canon EOS R5: One of the best cameras on the market at the moment and possibly Canon's finest-ever technical achievement. A superlative but very expensive package. ★★★★½
In our Canon EOS R5 review, we said this camera has one of the best autofocus systems we've ever used. That's high praise, but it's not the only thing the R5 has going for it. It's an excellent camera all round, and whatever type of photography you shoot, you'll find the Canon EOS R5 more than capable.
With its 45MP full-frame sensor, this camera captures an impressive level of detail in photos, perfect for creating large prints. Its tracking feature performs exceptionally well in following eye and head movements, making it an excellent option for portrait photography. Also, its fast autofocus makes it highly capable of capturing fast action scenes like sports and concerts.
With an outstanding 15-stop dynamic range and superb noise control, the R5 excels at bringing out fine details, even in low-light conditions. It captures a ton of data that you can enhance during editing, which is fantastic for astrophotographers aiming to highlight each star in the sky. Plus, it can record stunning high-quality 8K RAW video footage, making it incredibly attractive for videographers.
The large flip-around screen is ideal for vloggers and content creators since it eliminates the need for any additional monitors while recording. We think this is one of Canon's most complete packages, and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend it, provided you can stretch your budget that far.
- Read our full Canon EOS R5 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | A heavy, sturdier design than some other mirrorless cameras. |
| Performance | Superlative resolution and image quality. |
| Functionality | Battery life is slightly compromised. |
Best lightweight camera
✅ You're at enthusiast level: We wouldn't recommend this as a main camera for pros, but enthusiast photographers will love it.
✅ You're a vlogger: The fully articulating touchscreen is great for vloggers, plus, it's small and lightweight — perfect for travel.
❌ You're a pro: While it would be great as a second camera, it's not powerful enough as a main camera if you're a professional.
🔎 Sony A6700: Packed with advanced features and cutting-edge technology, the Sony A6700 is sure to impress both amateur and professional photographers alike. It's the closest thing to a full-frame camera in a crop sensor body. ★★★★
The Sony A6700 is a feature-packed APS-C camera that features some of the latest technology in a compact and lightweight body that is weather-sealed for shooting outside. It fits nicely into your hand and boasts a fully articulated touchscreen which is highly versatile and makes it easy for vloggers and content creators to see themselves while recording. You'll also find a new front dial which conveniently lets you change all three exposure settings from the body itself rather than having to navigate through the menus.
One of the standout features of this camera is its new AI-based autofocus system which covers seven different focus areas — human, animal/bird, insect, car/train and airplane. Within that, you also have access to a ton of customization options. Whilst we noticed a few teething problems with the new system, such as when there are multiple faces in the field of view, the AI generally enables it to track subjects much more effectively than any previous models.
We found this camera to be fine for occasional astro shots, but the noise does start to become noticeable at ISOs exceeding 5000, so it probably wouldn't be the best choice as your primary astro camera. But somewhere the camera really excels is video. The 5-axis stabilization now works on video as well as still images and it also boasts an electronic stabilization system for when the camera is moving, known as Active SteadyShot. The quality of the video is excellent, and notably better than the camera's predecessor. You can shoot video in 4K at up to 60p at 1.04x sensor crop and 120p at 1.58x sensor crop. This, alongside the fully articulated screen, makes it an ideal pick for vloggers and videographers.
- Read our full Sony A6700 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Fully articulating touchscreen. |
| Performance | Impressive AI-powered autofocus. |
| Functionality | Image stabilization is unusual in an APS-C camera. |
Best DSLR
✅ You're going to be shooting astro: This is one of the best cameras for astrophotography, despite its age.
✅ You'll shoot in very cold temperatures: The D850 is weather-sealed and made from magnesium alloy. The manual states it can shoot in temperatures 0 °C to 40 °C (+32 °F to 104 °F).
❌ You are looking for something light and portable: If this is one of your key criteria, opt for an inherently lighter mirrorless camera
❌ You're worried about being left behind: This camera is now six years old, and most companies have or are phasing them out to focus on their mirrorless products.
🔎 Nikon D850: A 45.4MP monster, the Nikon D850 will capture every single star you can possibly see and then some thanks to its wide ISO range. ★★★★½
Mirrorless cameras may be the way of the future, but DSLR isn't dead yet — and the Nikon D850 proves that all too well. If you need a camera that can do anything, then this is it. Despite being over five years old, it can compete with just about anything on the market. In fact, we like this camera so much that we've also featured it in our best cameras for astrophotography, best Nikon cameras for 2022 and best DSLR camera guides.
As we said in our in-depth Nikon D850 review, this is a camera that excels in numerous scenarios. And with a huge, huge array of F-mount lenses available for it, it's adaptable to just about any type of photography you need it for. Yes, it may be slower than the latest mirrorless camera models on the market, but its respectable 9FPS when using an additional battery grip is perfectly adequate for capturing wildlife or sporting events.
If you prefer the traditional photography experience, this camera features a spacious optical viewfinder that provides a real-time view of your scene, unlike a small screen. For video recording, it offers an impressive 4K UHD resolution at 30FPS, and you can create slow-motion videos in 1080p resolution at 120FPS, allowing you to capture and slow down fast-paced action for a stunning cinematic effect.
This camera, geared towards professionals, comes with a hefty price tag, but it's worth every penny. It's ruggedly built, weather-sealed and can withstand harsh conditions without compromising on performance. Additionally, the backlit buttons are a nice touch, eliminating the need for a headtorch when shooting astrophotography and preserving your night vision.
- Read our full Nikon D850 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Back-illuminated buttons for astro. |
| Performance | Wide-ranging ISO sensitivity. |
| Functionality | Lots of easy to access buttons and switches. |
Best Micro Four Thirds
✅ You're a travel photographer: This camera weighs less than 1 lb but is not lacking in functionality. That said, you can get stunning results by simply staying in 'auto' mode.
✅ You're 'upgrading' from a smartphone: You can pick up this camera and get shooting straight away. The controls are intuitive, and the large LCD screen will feel familiar.
❌ You're a vlogger or keen videographer: Though this camera is more than capable of shooting stunning 4K videos, you'll probably want something with a mic port.
🔎 Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV: A small, lightweight camera that offers a great balance between usability, quality and an easy-to-understand, beginner-friendly interface. ★★★★
If you're looking for your first "proper" camera, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a great choice. For those moving from a bridge camera or their smartphone for the first time, it's a fantastic choice, and it's a very capable camera despite its small body.
If you're new to photography, simply stick with the 'auto' mode on the M10 Mark IV, and you'll be amazed by the results. However, its manual dials and settings are straightforward to navigate, so you'll quickly become comfortable with manual shooting as well.
After putting it through its paces in our hands-on Olympus OM-D E- M10 Mark IV review, we can happily recommend it as an excellent everyday-use camera. With a beginner-friendly interface and 16 in-camera filters, including HDR, Gentle Sepia and Instant Film, we think it offers the ideal balance of convenience, quality and style.
Despite its pocket-sized design, this camera is not lacking in features. It may be compact, but it's loaded with functionality. Unlike some smaller cameras that can be difficult and fiddly to handle, this one is an exception. It feels solid, and the ergonomic design of the right-hand grip makes it comfortable to use with one hand.
The surprisingly large LCD screen is remarkable, with excellent clarity and resolution with over 1 million dots. All of the dials and menus are easy to navigate and feel intuitive, even when you're using it for the first time.
- Read our full Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Lightweight design aids portability. |
| Performance | 5-axis image stabilization is a welcome addition for vloggers. |
| Functionality | A variety of modes bring depth to a beginner-friendly camera. |
Best all-rounder
✅ You're looking for a good all-rounder to travel with: The 40 MP sensor and high-speed processor is neatly packed into a compact and lightweight body.
❌ You want a fully articulating screen: This one tilts but doesn't flip, so avoid this if you plan on taking selfies or vlogging.
🔎 Fujifilm X-T5: With a 40-megapixel sensor and high-speed processor, the X-T5 packs a lot into a compact body, although the traditional handling and APS-C sensor isn’t ideal for night sky photography. ★★★★
If you're looking for a camera that's both user-friendly and incredibly versatile, the Fujifilm X-T5 is definitely worth considering. Its compact and lightweight build makes it perfect for travel and everyday use, yet it boasts impressive in-body image stabilization (IBIS) with a dynamic range of seven stops — a feature usually found on much more expensive cameras.
In our Fujifilm X-T5 review, we praised its fast processor, which is perfect for capturing quick-moving scenes like sports or events where you want to catch every moment. The built-in image stabilization (IBIS) also contributes to this, ensuring steady shots even in low-light settings. If you're into astrophotography, this camera is a fantastic option to consider.
We love the traditional, retro aesthetic of the camera, although its manual control dials take a little while to get used to. But once you get the hang of it, you'll likely find it better than swishing through menus on a screen.
We think the Fujifilm X-T5 is also one of the best cameras around for timelapse photography. If you are looking for different options for this shooting style, pop over to our list of the best cameras for timelapse videos.
- Read our full Fujifilm X-T5 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Control dials for ISO, shutter speed, exposure compensation. |
| Performance | Image stabilization is good in low light. |
| Functionality | Battery life is noticeably impressive. |
Best cameras for photos and videos 2024: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best camera I can buy?
The Nikon Z8 is the best camera overall. Based on our extensive testing, we've rated it the full five out of five stars. Professionals need not look any further. It is outstanding.
The Sony A7R V, which we rated four and a half out of five stars comes next because of its outstanding image quality and excellent all-round features.
How to choose the best camera for photos and videos?
The size and detail of a camera's image sensor will always be paramount when looking for the best camera. Full-frame cameras generally perform better than crop-sensor APS-C counterparts or Micro Four Thirds cameras because they can provide a wider dynamic range and lower image noise which is especially useful when photographing in low light.
It's also important to consider lens availability when buying into a camera system. The main competitors listed here like Nikon, Canon, Sony and Olympus all have a wide range of camera lenses that is also complemented by third-party lens manufacturers like Sigma, Tamron and more. We've also tested and ranked the best lenses for astrophotography and best zoom lenses. Each will come with different maximum apertures, altering the camera's settings whilst shooting to maintain good exposures so be sure to pick the lens that's right for your shooting subject. If in doubt, get the widest maximum aperture you can but bear in mind they will be more expensive.
What camera type is best for photography?
Overall, the Nikon Z8 is the best type of camera for photos, according to our in-depth reviews of all the most popular camera models on the market. However, the best camera for an individual depends on its intended use.
Astrophotographers will need to seek out full-frame cameras that handle high ISO noise well to produce clean night sky shots. However, portrait and wedding photographers may need a camera with an electronic shutter to remain quiet when shooting intimate moments. Further still, wildlife, sports and action photographers will need a camera with a high frame burst speed to capture fast-moving subjects.
We highlight which camera is best for what purposes in this guide, but we also have other helpful pages, such as the best cameras for beginners which are typically smaller and less expensive, best mirrorless cameras and best dslr cameras that concentrate on their respective camera types and the best cameras for low light for those that love golden hour and the blue moment.
Don't forget we also look at the best camera phones and best cameras for timelapse as well.
What are the top five cameras?
The Nikon Z8, Sony A7R IV, Nikon Z9, Canon EOS R7 and Canon EOS R5 are the top five cameras in the world right now. After testing every single model, we've given them four and a half stars out of five each, and in the case of the Nikon Z8, five stars!
They give extensive stills and video detail, can keep up with even the most power-hungry professional photographers and deliver outstanding functionality.
What cameras do professionals use?
This depends on the type of photography a professional shoots and there are many professionals that shoot with every camera brand out there. However, Nikon, Canon and Sony are most common, but manufacturers such as Panasonic, Leica, Hasselblad, Olympus and more are favoured by some.
What types of cameras are there?
There are two main types of cameras on the market when advancing from compacts and smartphones: DSLR and mirrorless. Though increasingly DSLR lines are being discontinued by many manufacturers as they refocus their efforts on mirrorless models.
On DSLRs, the view through the viewfinder is piped up the lens by a mirror and prism arrangement, while on a mirrorless camera, the viewfinder is electronic where a live feed from the sensor is displayed on a small screen. Mirrorless cameras are newer tech and tend to be smaller and lighter. You can see more comparisons in our guide to DSLR vs mirrorless cameras.
What camera features do I need?
Features like in-body image stabilization, fast burst shooting speeds, 4K or 8K video capture and an interchangeable lens format will suit most varied shooting conditions.
Connectivity is important too, so look for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi synchronization (and the appropriate app or computer software to accompany it). Plus, check for wired connections such as USB-C or ethernet if fast file transfer is important to you.
Do I need to buy a tripod?
Yes, in many cases one of the best tripods will help take sharper, clearer photos by steadying the camera during exposure. This is crucial if you're interested in astrophotography or landscape photography as it allows longer shutter speeds and lower ISO sensitivities to get sharp images with minimal noise.
This is also useful for shooting at slow shutter speeds to create artistic, blurred shots of subjects such as clouds or waterfalls. If you need to travel light then see our top picks of the best travel tripods, too.
How we test the best cameras for photos and videos
To guarantee you're getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best cameras to buy, here at Space.com we make sure to put every camera through a rigorous review to fully test each product. We consider a number of factors when testing including functionality, design and construction as well as the camera's performance.
We either have expert staff or freelance contributors who are experts in their area carefully review each camera. That means you get a fair insight backed up with a personal experience of each model so you can rely on the judgement based on price, destined use and class. It would be inappropriate to compare a small crop-sensor DSLR with a 60MP full-frame mirrorless camera directly, even if each camera was a top performer in its class, for example.
When it comes to testing cameras, we like to consider the technology on offer, as well as how easy it is to operate and whether or not it can produce high-end videos and images. We also like to suggest any extra kit or accessories that would enhance a photographer's experience.
With complete editorial independence, Space.com are here to ensure you get the best buying advice on cameras, whether you should purchase an instrument or not, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.
Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: community@space.com.
