The Best Digital Cameras for 2023

If you have an idea of what type of camera you want, check our top overall recommendations below. Otherwise, scroll down for a detailed look at the most popular camera classes and our favorites in those categories.

Our goal is to help you find a camera that suits your needs, regardless of whether you’re a family photographer looking for something better than a smartphone, or an enthusiast trying to decide between an SLR and a mirrorless camera system.

Shopping for a digital camera? We’re here to help. Our reviews cover everything from pocket-friendly models to high-end gear for pros. It’s a diverse space that can be difficult to navigate if you don’t spend all of your free time reading photo blogs and talking about your favorite new lens on an enthusiast forum.

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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

Canon EOS R6 Mark II

Best Full-Frame Camera Overall

4.5 Outstanding

Why We Picked It

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is our favorite full-frame camera for most people. It snaps attractive 24MP photos and has a class-leading autofocus system that smartly recognizes people, animals, and vehicles. With 12fps (mechanical) and 40fps (electronic shutter) bursts available, it’s especially suitable for action shots, while stabilized 4K60 video should please filmmakers and vloggers.

Who It’s For

If you want a full-frame camera, the R6 Mark II should be near the top of your list. The big sensor means you can get soft, defocused backgrounds, while the best-in-class autofocus system ensures wildlife and sports specialists won’t miss their shots. It’s also an easy sell if you already own Canon SLR or RF lenses. Creators with Sony glass can look to the a7 IV as an alternative because it offers competitive performance for the same price.

PROS

• Stabilized full-frame sensor
• Class-leading autofocus
• Superb picture quality
• Magnesium body with dust and splash protection
• Sharp EVF and swing-out touch LCD
• 40fps tracking with e-shutter
• Full-width 4K60 with 10-bit color
• 6K support over HDMI

CONS

• Limited third-party lens support
• Fragile micro HDMI port

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$2,499.00 Amazon

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Canon EOS R6 Mark II Review

Canon EOS R7

Best Crop-Sensor Camera for Moving Subjects

4.5 Outstanding

Why We Picked It

The Canon EOS R7 is a mirrorless camera tailor-made for photographers who want to capture sports, wildlife, and other subjects that call for fast, accurate autofocus. And the R7 excels at identifying people, pets, wildlife, and race cars. The 32.5MP APS-C format image sensor matches well with telephoto lenses, offers plenty of resolution for crops, and supports 4K60 video for cinema and vlogs. Weather-protected, magnesium construction makes the R7 a camera you can take out into the world.

Who It’s For

The R7 is a good fit for photo enthusiasts and pros alike, especially those with an eye for action photography and a need for 15fps subject tracking. As a main camera, the R7 is versatile enough for landscape and studio work, too, while video is an option for cinema projects. Family photographers may miss a built-in flash, however, and should look at the EOS R10 or Fujifilm X-T30 II instead. We also see the EOS R7 as a good backup camera for pros with an EOS R5 or R3, as well as SLR holdouts looking to upgrade from an EOS 7D or 90D series body.

PROS

• Excellent value
• Stabilized 32.5MP sensor
• Magnesium body material resists dust and splashes
• Class-leading autofocus with subject recognition
• Fires at 15fps with mechanical shutter
• 4K60 video with 10-bit C-Log3 or HDR

CONS

• Love-it or hate-it hybrid rear control wheel
• So-so EVF for an enthusiast camera
• Electronic shutter not ideal for freezing action

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$1,499.00 Amazon

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Canon EOS R7 Review

GoPro Hero11 Black

Best Action Camera

4.5 Outstanding

Why We Picked It

The GoPro Hero11 Black is the camera for video-first creators who want to document outdoor adventures, dives, extreme sports, or just vlog. It supports 5.3K60 and 4K120 resolution, records incredibly stable footage without the need for a gimbal, and is small enough to mount pretty much anywhere. The 8:7 format sensor offers flexibility to pull out 16:9 and 9:16 video from the same clip. Optional accessories like the Media Mod cage and microphone, as well as the ultra-wide Max Lens mod, make it a bit more versatile than budget action cams. We also like that it’s waterproof to 33 feet.

Who It’s For

GoPro started as a brand for surfers, so if Point Break is your favorite movie, consider yourself in the target market. Video-first adventure seekers should find the Hero11 a good fit for slow-motion action shots. Meanwhile, vloggers should like the frontside color monitor and cool video features, such as moving time-lapses.

PROS

• Great-looking 5.3K60 video
• 4K120 and 2.7K240 slow-motion
• 10-bit color sampling
• Numerous time-lapse modes
• Waterproof to 33 feet
• Solid touch interface and voice command support
• Subscription service with useful features

CONS

• Not ideal for long-form recording or macro work
• One battery won’t get you through the day

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$449.00 Amazon

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$439.89 Walmart

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GoPro Hero11 Black Review

Panasonic Lumix DC-S5

Best Entry-Level Full-Frame for 4K

4.5 Outstanding

Why We Picked It

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 is one of the more affordable full-frame cameras available and we especially like its extra-wide 20-60mm kit zoom, which is particularly useful for cityscapes, landscapes, and vlogs. For the price, it’s also hard to beat the full-frame 24MP photos and 10-bit 4K; we really love the way the S5 handles, too. On the downside, its L-Mount lens system isn’t as fully-formed as rivals Canon or Sony. Its contrast-detection focus system isn’t as good for action shots as alternatives that rely on phase detection, either.

Who’s It For

If you’re looking to make vlogs and want the full-frame look, the S5 is a solid starting platform. Its front-facing screen, 5-axis sensor stabilization, and 10-bit 4K are all marks in its favor. For photography the picture quality is excellent, and a 96MP multi-shot mode is an option for landscape, architectural, and macro specialists. For action, the 6fps tracking focus system is limiting, though, so think about a fast crop-sensor camera like the EOS R7, or a midrange full-framer like the Sony a7 IV if you need more speed.

PROS

• Excellent 24MP full-frame sensor
• 5-axis IBIS
• Improved DFD focus system
• 10-bit 4K60 video
• 5.9K ProRes Raw with Ninja V
• Dust and splash protection
• Superb ergonomics
• Dual SDXC card slots

CONS

• L-mount lens library still growing
• Tracking focus limited to 6fps

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$1,497.99 Amazon

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Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Review

Sony a6400

Best APS-C Sony for Photography

4.5 Outstanding

Why We Picked It

Fresher cameras from other manufacturers give it a run for its money, but the crop-sensor Sony a6400 still offers capable subject tracking, 11fps drive, and 4K30 video. The huge library of E-mount lenses it supports is also a major selling point because it gives you so many options to expand your creativity.

Who It’s For

If you want access to the E-mount for your photography or mixed media creations, this is the best way to get into the Sony mirrorless system at a reasonable price.

PROS

• Compact build.
• 24MP APS-C image sensor.
• Quick, accurate autofocus.
• 11fps continuous drive.
• Large, sharp EVF.
• Selfie LCD.
• Built-in flash and hot shoe.
• 4K video without recording limit.

CONS

• Omits in-body image stabilization.
• Flip-up screen not ideal for vloggers.
• Some operational frustrations.
• External charger not included.
• Only full-frame lenses are weather sealed.
• UHS-I card slot.

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$898.00 Amazon

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Sony a6400 Review

Sony a7 IV

Best Full-Frame Lens Library

4.5 Outstanding

Why We Picked It

The Sony a7 IV is a real do-it-all mirrorless camera. It sports a 33MP full-frame sensor, a plus for wildlife photogs who want to crop but don’t want to spend big on a 7R IV model, superb tracking autofocus with 10fps, and stabilized 10-bit 4K60 video for vloggers. There are loads of lenses available too, with plenty of both affordable and high-end options. Third-party lens makers, including Sigma and Tamron, bolster Sony’s FE lens line.

Who’s It For

Creators shopping for a full-frame camera that can handle nearly any task should take a close look at the a7 IV. The SLR-style body pairs well with lenses big and small, while a front-facing LCD is an option for present-to-camera video. It’s an easy pick as an upgrade for creators coming from a Sony a6000-series mirrorless or older a7. If you have Canon lenses or accessories, the EOS R6 Mark II is likely a better fit as is the Z 6 II if you’re on the Nikon ship. But for photogs without system baggage, the a7 IV is a great starter camera, especially for folks who want to try different lenses.

PROS

• Stabilized full-frame imaging and video
• 33MP resolution leaves room to crop
• 4K60 video with 10-bit color sampling
• Tracks subjects at up to 10fps
• Configurable controls
• Subject recognition for people, animals, and birds
• Large lens library

CONS

• 6fps burst shooting at highest quality settings
• Omits Pixel Shift multi-shot mode
• Rear display not as crisp as competitors
• Eye detection focus isn’t spot-on with current firmware

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$2,498.00 Amazon

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$2,498.00 B&H Photo Video

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Sony a7 IV Review

Olympus Tough TG-6

Best Rugged, Waterproof, and Pocketable Point-and-Shoot

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The Olympus Tough TG-6 is the last high-quality tough camera standing; thankfully, it’s good enough to earn our enthusiastic recommendation. The pocket-friendly snapshot cam is built to withstand drops and high-pressure environments, with a 50-foot underwater rating. The zoom lens is a bright f/2 at the wide end with a 24mm angle for divers, and we especially love the option to add a macro light for close-up work. For many, a tough camera is one you take with you when don’t want to risk destroying your smartphone—the TG-6 fits the bill and manages good picture quality to boot.

Who It’s For

The TG-6 is the camera to get if you’re a thrill-seeker, outdoors enthusiast, or recreational diver in want of a pocketable, hard-to-destroy digital camera. It’s our top recommendation if your eye is slanted toward still images over video, and especially if you love macros—the TG-6 is a great close-up camera. Video fans chasing the POV look should opt for a GoPro Hero11 Black instead.

PROS

• Tough, waterproof build.
• Add-on lenses and macro lights available.
• Sharp rear LCD.
• Wide aperture lens.
• 4K video.
• Wi-Fi.

CONS

• Not a touch screen.
• LCD can pick up scuffs and scratches.
• Video feature lag behind action cameras.
• Wi-Fi app pushes spammy notifications.

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$499.99 Amazon

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$379.00 B&H Photo Video

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Olympus Tough TG-6 Review

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII

Best Premium Compact

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII is, simply put, the best pocket camera out there. It sports a big Type 1 sensor for blurred backgrounds and good results in tough light, along with a long 24-200mm equivalent zoom for versatile coverage and a clever pop-up viewfinder. Autofocus is topflight too, while a stacked CMOS sensor supports 20fps bursts and 4K video.

Who It’s For

The RX100 VII is a camera for die-hard photogs who want a quality camera with a pocketable form factor, price be damned. Its lens covers a wide range of angles, so you can get an epic landscape views and zoom in on the local fauna, too. Meanwhile, the EVF supports eye-level shots for photography.

PROS

• Sharp 8x zoom lens.
• Electronic viewfinder.
• 1-inch sensor design.
• 20fps capture with subject tracking.
• Eye detection for people and pets.
• Tilting touch screen.
• 4K video with external microphone port.

CONS

• Expensive.
• Can’t start video while images are writing to card.
• Limited touch functions.

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$1,298.00 Amazon

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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII Review

Canon EOS R10

Best Sub-$1,000 Camera for Action

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The EOS R10 is the most affordable entry-point to the EOS R system, but it offers much better than basic performance. We love its versatility as an easy-to-use automatic camera for beginners and a fully manual one for long-time enthusiasts. Creators of all skill levels can benefit from autofocus that can identify and track people, pets, birds and wildlife, and motorsports vehicles at a 15fps pace. If you’re stepping up from a Canon Rebel SLR, you can use the EF-EOS R adapter to bring your current lenses along for the ride.

Who It’s For

Creators looking to jump into the EOS R system who put more preference on fast focus over the slower-but-full-frame EOS RP can look to the R10 as an affordable entry point. It’s the mirrorless body that makes the most sense for EOS Rebel owners mulling an upgrade. We also prefer its autofocus to the X-T30 II, so you should opt for the R10 if you’re into wildlife or sports photography.

PROS

• Superb subject recognition and autofocus
• 15fps mechanical and 23fps electronic shutter
• Solid ergonomics and control layout
• Articulating display
• Built-in flash
• 4K60 video in SDR or HDR
• Already works with more lenses than any EOS M body
• Supports Canon SLR lenses via an adapter

CONS

• Image sensor isn’t stabilized
• 8-bit SDR video doesn’t have flat profile
• Basic CMOS sensor doesn’t match up with BSI chips
• So-so battery life

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$879.00 Amazon

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$870.00 Walmart

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Canon EOS R10 Review

Sony ZV-1

Best for Vlogging

3.5 Good

Why We Picked It

Out of all the recent attempts to make a camera just for vlogging, we think the Sony ZV-1 is the best option. The pocket camera sports a front-facing screen and a really, really good microphone, along with a bright f/1.8-2.8 zoom and Type 1 sensor for defocused backgrounds. For video, 4K30 and 1080p slow-mo are available.

Who It’s For

The ZV-1 is the camera to get if you want to start vlogging, but don’t want to buy a ton of lenses, accessories, and other gadgets. You might still want to add a gimbal for Steadicam-smooth footage, but you can get sharp videos and good sound from the ZV-1 right out of the box. Sony also has a swappable lens model, the ZV-E10, for more advanced creators, but that model requires you to invest in some additional accessories to get the best results.

PROS

• Compact form factor
• Flip-out touch screen
• Bright, sharp zoom lens
• Excellent in-camera audio
• External mic and flash support
• 4K video capture

CONS

• A wider-angle lens would be welcome
• Limited touch features
• Face detection struggles when wearing protective mask
• Underwhelming battery life
• No in-camera flash

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$748.00 Amazon

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Sony ZV-1 Review

Buying Guide: The Best Digital Cameras for 2023

Which Point-and-Shoot Camera Has the Best Image Quality?

It’s no secret that smartphones have seriously hurt the demand for entry-level point-and-shoot cameras. The latest from Apple, the iPhone 14, is a better camera than any low-cost compact, and Android fans can get excellent snapshots with handsets like the Samsung Galaxy S23 or the Google Pixel 7. High-end phones are expensive, but if you’re already buying a fancy handset, there’s no reason to buy a low-end camera, too. If you’ve embraced smartphone photography, peruse our top camera phone picks to help find your next phone and check out our tips for taking the best smartphone photos.

If you aren’t a smartphone user or have opted to go for a basic model without a high-end camera, you can buy any number of sub-$100 no-name cameras at online retailers, but I’d avoid them like the plague. If you can spend more than $100, we recommend you stick with Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, and Sony.

Most sub-$200 cameras stand apart from smartphones because they pack decent zoom power, though they largely rely on older CCD sensor technology. The 20MP CCD sensors common across the current generation offer plenty of resolution, but suffer in dim light and top out at 720p video quality.

If you stretch your budget up to $400, you can find cameras with more modern CMOS image sensors and longer zoom lenses—30x is the standard at this point. 1080p video is common, and you often get small electronic viewfinders, Raw shooting options, and quick autofocus. Pure image quality isn’t any better than a midrange smartphone though; the zoom lens is the main advantage.

Which Camera Is Best for Underwater Use?

Olympus Tough cameras are waterproof
(Credit: Paul Maljak)

A rugged, waterproof camera is a good option if you’re an outdoor adventurer, snorkeler, beachgoer, or just a bit of a klutz. For around $450, the Olympus Tough TG-6 is our favorite; it’s easily the best rugged compact available today. If you don’t want to spend that much, you can get a Ricoh WG-70 for under $300, or the slim Panasonic Lumix TS30 for less than $200. We broke down our favorite waterproof cameras in a separate story.

You can also go the action cam route. You get better video and quality still images from the GoPro Hero11 Black or DJI Osmo Action 3, but you give up zoom power in the process. It’s a trade-off you might want to make, especially if you’re interested in slow-motion video. For more, click through to see our favorite action cams.

Small Camera, Big Sensor: The Best Premium Compacts

You might scratch your head when you see pocket cameras with fixed lenses selling for anywhere from $400 to $1,300. After all, you can get an interchangeable lens model for the same price. But these slim, premium shooters target a very specific market—photographers who already own a mirrorless camera or SLR and a bunch of lenses, but want something small as an alternative.

Pocket cameras with Type 1 (also called 1-inch class) sensors compete with iPhones on image quality, offer some zoom power, and have sounder ergonomics for handheld photography. These models dominate our top point-and-shoot list.

Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II
(Credit: Jim Fisher)

If you’re interested in a basic big-sensor model, the Canon G9 X Mark II is a solid pick for under $500. You can spend more on a G7 X Mark III to add a tilt screen and step up to a better lens, or go for our Editors’ Choice G5 X Mark II and its eye-level electronic viewfinder. Canon’s G series competes with the long-running Sony RX100 family—they’re all fine cameras.

Some enthusiast-oriented models pair even bigger sensors (from Micro Four Thirds up to full-frame) with a quality prime lens. The Fujifilm X100V is the best of the bunch, and one of the few compacts available with a big optical viewfinder. Unfortunately, it’s not often in stock.

Its competitors vary greatly in concept and form. The Ricoh GR III and IIIx are built for urban documentary imaging, with ergonomics titled for one-handed operation and a snapshot focus mode for focus-free imaging.

Fujifilm X100V
(Credit: Jim Fisher)

And we can’t forget to mention the Leica Q2 Monochrom, one of the few digitals out there with a sensor solely for black-and-white imaging, or the Q2 and its color sensor. These aren’t big tent cameras, but it can be rewarding to stray from the beaten path.

Zoom in Close: Is a Bridge Camera Worth It?

You can opt for a fixed-lens camera that’s similar in size and shape to an SLR—a bridge camera. These models tend to have really long lenses—the Nikon P1000 has the most optical zoom power (125x). Long lenses require some extra care to use, so these cameras usually include an eye-level EVF, a hot shoe to mount accessories, and an articulating display.

Canon PowerShot SX70 HS
(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)

Bridge models might look like interchangeable lens cameras, but typically don’t do well in dim light. Our favorite consumer model, the 65x zoom Canon PowerShot SX70 HS, gets tight views for backyard birding and trips to the zoo, but its lens works best outdoors in sunlight.

You can spend a bit more on a big sensor bridge camera. The midrange Panasonic FZ1000 II and premium Sony RX10 IV feature bigger image sensors and have optics that gather more light—both advantages for use in dim conditions.

Entry-Level Interchangeable Lens: The Best SLR and Mirrorless Cameras

If you’re shopping for a starter camera with swappable lenses, you must make a choice: go the old route and get an SLR, or spend extra on a more capable mirrorless camera.

Both types of cameras use changeable lenses and have image sensors that dwarf those of pocket and bridge cameras. SLRs rely on an optical viewfinder and mirror to direct light to your eye as well as a discrete phase detection sensor to set autofocus.

Nikon D3500 SLR camera
(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)

Most mirrorless cameras drop the optical finder in favor of an OLED electronic viewfinder. The image sensor handles the autofocus operations here, which results in better subject recognition and tracking than entry SLRs.

SLRs aren’t the wonders they once were, but you can usually get started with one for less than a mirrorless camera. Nikon doesn’t have any entry-level models in production, but you can still get good results from the midrange EOS Rebel SL3; avoid the basic Rebel T7.

Fujifilm X-T30 II mirrorless camera
(Credit: Jim Fisher)

Cameras from Fujifilm and Sony, and Micro Four Thirds models from the OM System (the new name for Olympus) and Panasonic, are among the leading mirrorless brands. There are many good options under $1,000 suitable for general photography. These affordable mirrorless cameras are quicker to focus than SLRs, support high-speed burst modes, and offer 4K video.

You should make sure that whatever system you choose offers the lenses you want, though most cover the basics. Micro Four Thirds, Fujifilm, and Sony cameras have the biggest selection of lenses, while Canon EOS R and Nikon Z lag behind.

For Serious Shutterbugs: The Best Premium Mirrorless and SLR Cameras

When you spend more than $1,000 for a camera, you don’t necessarily see a big jump in image quality versus entry-level models. Camera makers like to streamline sensors across multiple models, as it allows them to develop technology that they can use across their catalog.

Fujifilm X-T4
(Credit: Jim Fisher)

Your extra money typically gets you better build quality, faster memory card slots for longer burst shooting, and higher capture rates. All of these are important for enthusiasts interested in capturing fast action and outdoor photographers who want some level of weather protection.

Shutterbugs and enthusiasts have a few good choices in the space, including our favorite APS-C Canon, the EOS R7, and the Fujifilm X-T5. Both offer sturdy construction and although Fuji’s autofocus isn’t as bleeding edge as Canon’s, Fuji has more purpose-built lenses available at this time. We also like the Sony a6600 and Panasonic Lumix GH5 Mark II.

We tend to recommend EVF cameras more highly—on-sensor autofocus leads to more in-focus shots, and models with stabilized sensors do a good job reducing the number of blurry, shaky photos you take. Mirrorless cameras dominate our list of favorite interchangeable lens cameras.

Pentax K-3 Mark III
(Credit: Jim Fisher)

If you prefer an optical viewfinder, we recommend the Canon EOS 90D, Nikon D500, or Pentax K-3 Mark III. The 90D has the fullest set of lenses behind it and the best video toolkit of the bunch. The Pentax K-3 Mark III is a bit better built and has some specialized lenses, including a fan-favorite line of compact primes, DA Limited.

A Bigger Sensor: The Best Full-Frame Cameras

Canon EOS RP
(Credit: Jim Fisher)

Full-frame cameras—those with image sensors that match the size of 35mm film—are accessible options for enthusiasts because of falling prices. Basic models start at around $1,000 and capable midrange options are available for around $2,000. You can spend more for a specialty model that costs anywhere from $3,000 all the way up to $6,500.

The Canon EOS RP is our favorite low-cost model. Its feature set covers the basics and Canon has done a fine job adding affordable lens options since its release. It is missing a stabilized image sensor, something you get with the RP’s competitors, Nikon Z 5 and Sony a7C.

One of our midrange picks is the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5, an L-mount mirrorless with a stabilized sensor, 10-bit 4K, and a $1,500 starting price. We also tested its predecessor, the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II, but weren’t as impressed. If you can spend more, the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and Sony a7 IV are also Editors’ Choice winners because of their next-level autofocus systems, among other reasons.

Panasonic Lumix DC-S5
(Credit: Jim Fisher)

For more specialized recommendations and models, as well as an overview of what each full-frame camera system offers, be sure to read our full-frame camera buying guide.

Bigger Than Full-Frame: The Best Medium Format Cameras

Hasselblad 907X
(Credit: Jim Fisher)

Medium format digital cameras used to be the tools reserved for the most successful (or well-funded) photographers. You can still drop $50,000 on a Phase One IQ4 150MP if you want to, but, for most of us, the prospect is rather silly. Medium format doesn’t have to cost that much.

Fujifilm’s GFX line has dropped the price of entry to medium format to its lowest point, $4,000 for a 50MP GFX 50S II or $6,000 for the 100MP GFX 100S. That’s still quite a bit of money, but loads less than in years past, especially when you consider both of these cameras have a stabilized image sensor.

Fujifilm isn’t the only game in town. Hasselblad offers a mirrorless medium format system, one that includes the analog throwback 907X. Pentax still sells its medium format SLR, the 645Z, too, if you prefer an optical viewfinder.

What Is the Best Camera for a Beginner Photographer?

Smartphones and basic point-and-shoots are designed for automatic operation. If you want to take up photography as a hobby, or aspire to be a photojournalist or wedding pro, get a camera that gives you room to grow and learn the craft.

How PCMag Tests Digital Cameras

How PCMag Tests Digital Cameras

I recommend getting a good mirrorless camera to start. You can use the Sony a6400 or Fujifilm X-T30 II in a fully automatic mode, but also take over exposure manually. Because these cameras use electronic viewfinders, you can see a preview of your final exposure before you take the shot. If you’re thinking about starting with a full-frame model—the type of camera most pros use—the Canon EOS RP or Nikon Z 5 are good starter models.

Nikon Z 5
(Credit: Jim Fisher)

When shopping for a starter camera, ask yourself some questions about what you want. Take a look at the size, as a camera isn’t any good if you’re not going to carry and use it. But also think about connectivity—you probably want to copy images to your smartphone easily—and price. Ease of use isn’t a huge hurdle these days—everything has an auto mode—but models with guided interfaces let you take some measure of control over how your photos turn out, without having to know too much technical jargon.

Kicking It Old School: What Is the Best 35mm Film Camera to Buy?

The Lomography Sprocket Rocket captures panoramic images with exposed sprocket holes
(Credit: Jim Fisher)

You don’t have to go digital. Film is still an option and instant cameras are extremely popular. Instant formats take away the hassle of getting film developed and make it easy to share physical images with friends and family immediately. You can get an entry-level model for around $65 and film packs generally cost around $7.50. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is our favorite basic model and the SQ1 is there if you prefer square prints.

You can also buy a new 35mm or medium format camera. You don’t have as many options for getting film developed as you used to—if you’re in a major city it’s easy to find a lab, but you may have to resort to mail order if you’re not close to a metropolis. You can find old film SLRs and compacts in thrift shops and online stores pretty easily. If you’re intent on buying a new model, Lomography still makes a bunch of different ones, from experimental models like the Sprocket Rocket, which captures panoramic shots with exposed sprockets, to premium options like the full-frame Lomo LC-Wide.

Which Camera Is Best for Travel Photography?

Not surprisingly, we find bridge models to be just about perfect for globetrotters. They pack a wide zoom range, so you don’t have to fumble with lens changes. And if you opt for a premium 1-inch model you can shoot in varying types of light. But you might want a different kind of camera to take with you on your journeys.

The Sony RX100 series is sized for travel
(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)

If you want something more pocket-friendly, a point-and-shoot can do the trick. But be prepared to get a little spendy for a camera worthy of your exotic destinations. For the rough-and-tumble crowd, I recommend the Olympus TG-6 due to its bright lens and tough build. (If you’re more of a video person, don’t forget about the GoPro Hero11 Black.)

For more leisurely vacations, reach for a premium compact like a Sony RX100 model or Canon G7 X Mark III and enjoy the comfortable form factor of a camera and image quality that’s a tad better than your smartphone.

If you don’t mind carrying something larger, a good mirrorless camera and a couple of lenses easily fit into a small bag, plus net images and videos worthy of sharing with friends and family back home. The Sony ZV-E10 is a good affordable option; alternatives like the Fujifilm X-E4 are a bit more stylish.