The best camera for photography might not come across as a life necessity until you sign up for a wildlife exploration or a sports match where every minute counts. How do you plan to capture extraordinary shots of your surroundings when a true photographically capable tool isn’t there?
Living in the current digital age gives all the more reason to invest in good cameras. They have taken a whole different shape compared to what they once were, with newer and more advanced functionality to document your journey in various real-world settings. Check out these top-tested models we have worked hard to rate and see for yourself!
The Best Camera For Photography
1. Nikon intl D3500 DSLR Camera – Best Overall
Nikon intl D3500 DSLR Camera
- DSLR Camera
- 4.9 x 2.7 x 3.8 inches
- 5.99 pounds
- Native ISO: 100-25600 for color accuracy and dynamic details
- 4.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor
The first thing to love about the camera is the EXPEED 4 Image Processor and 24.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor, Nikon’s exclusive digital technology that precisely reproduces each part of your subjects. The consistency of your shot’s sharpness is in for a massive boost, yet the hues and tonal gradation won’t show the slightest difference.
Its incredible native ISO settings also help achieve this greatness. At 100-25600, shooting photos in the perfect or the poorest lighting conditions won’t differ much. This alone speaks volumes about the camera’s performance, considering 1600 ISO is more than enough for a good shot where the only thing that shines is a flickering lamp.
One thing for sure is that Nikon intl D3500 is among the best cameras in the DSLR line. But this also translates to it being the opposite of user-friendly and thereby ill-fitting for hobbyists or photography amateurs.
Pros
- Produce excellent photos in all light conditions
- Weather-sealed
- Accessories included in the package
- Editing effects provided
Con
- Learning curve ahead
2. Olympus OM-D E-M10 – Best Hi-Tech Camera
Olympus OM-D E-M10
- 4.8 x 1.9 x 3.3 inches
- 0.83 pounds
- Strong, stable Bluetooth support
- 20 MP Live MOS Sensor
Built with advanced Bluetooth technology for seamless connection with your smartphone, Olympus OM-D E-M10 brings the chance to switch back and forth between the pair in case you aren’t used to operating a full-fledged camera. It’s also possible to access its system via your smart device and proceed with the photo transfer when it isn’t in sight.
Knowing that you’d probably favor Instagram-worthy photos above all else, the camera packs a full collection of 28 scene modes within itself. Decide on one, then move your eyes to the display screen and behold the fascinating high resolution that the 20MP sensor brings at 15 fps.
For a point-and-click digital camera, Olympus OM-D E-M10 amazes us to no end. It’s a shame that it can’t withstand harsh weather well.
Pros
- User-intuitive interface
- Filters and scene modes available
- Flippable monitor for selfie
Con
- Not weather-proof
3. Fujifilm X-S10 – Best For Shooting Speed
Fujifilm X-S10
- 4.96 x 3.35 x 2.56 inches
- 1.03 pounds
- Mirrorless camera
- Touch operation
Fujifilm X-S10 redefines everything you know about shooting speed with 0.02-autofocus and 20-fps frame rate. It’s the safest bet for those who haven’t fully trained their timing and can’t shake the fear of missing that brief money shot. Simply lift the camera to eye level, press down on the shutter button, and those precious moments are always within grasp.
If this has yet to bring you peace of mind, Fujifilm X-S10 also uses X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor (26.1 MP in resolution) and five-axis in-body image stabilization. It’s these features that enable the making of your super-speed shot at the finest sharpness while reducing the blur caused by unwanted camera shake.
We can’t say that this camera is a winner despite how it makes photography easier, mostly because of the problematic design. It’s ergonomic enough, but the control might take a while to learn.
Pros
- Superfast autofocus for all scenarios
- Broad coverage with vari-angle LCD screen
- Accurate tonality, depth, and saturation
Con
- Difficult to operate
4. Canon DSLR Camera – Best For Moving Objects
Canon DSLR Camera
- 3 x 5.5 x 4.1 inches
- 1.32 pounds
- DSLR camera
- 32.5 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor
The Canon DSLR Camera is powered by over 30 megapixels and 45 in-body autofocus points. You might have to take the shot from a distance (sitting in the stadium watching a game, for example), and the subjects might never drop their speed, but there will always be a good amount of details in your full-page print.
These factors justify the title of this sleek-looking camera, even though its fps rate is far from remarkable – only 10 fps in viewfinder shooting mode and goes up to 11 fps in Live shooting mode. In case you wonder, this range still suffices in typical fast-paced scenarios, as Canon backs it up with a Tracking system for facial traits and a 1st curtain shutter to prevent the subjects from slipping out of focus.
Despite looking like a real winner, this digital camera will be a source of frustration for amateurs. It’s feature-rich to the point of overwhelming, and the confusing menu hardly helps.
Pros
- Suitable for fast-moving subjects
- Capture clear photos in low-lighting scenarios
- Wide-angle view for videos
Con
- Not for learners
5. Panasonic LUMIX G100 4k Mirrorless Camera – Best For Selfie
Panasonic LUMIX G100 4k Mirrorless Camera
- 4.57 x 3.27 x 2.13 inches
- 0.66 pounds
- Mirrorless camera
- Crystal-clear 4k+ videos/ high-resolution stills
With 20.3 MP for the resolution, plus a whole filter set fitted into its system, this camera falls behind no-pocket devices if you love to have precision and clarity in your selfie gallery. One snap of the shutter button returns to you exactly what the photo editor on your phone does, the special effects like slimming and skin smoothing in full display.
As taking selfies itself isn’t restricted to the walls of your home, the photographic styles it allows know no limit either.
The main reason lies in the 3680-k Live viewfinder, a clear index of superb visibility wherever you choose to do the shooting. That said, a part of the credits should go to its compatibility with multiple LUMIX lenses from Panasonic. The possibility of having you and your backgrounds in focus is now expanded to all indoor and outdoor settings.
However, you might feel disappointed when intending to use this digital camera for professional purposes. It’s more of a hobbyists’ choice to have some fun than anything else.
Pros
- Intuitive and lightweight
- Suitable for both photography and videography
- Maintain the stability of the shot to reduce shake
Con
- Not for serious photographers
6. Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera – Best For Vlogger
Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera
- 4.15 x 2.36 x 1.7 inches
- 10.4 ounces
- Flip-out, tiltable 3-inch screen
- Support microphone and audio
Do you happen to run a vlogging channel as a side hustle next to your photography career? It’d be unwise to thin your budget over camera sets specialized in both, making a crossover like Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera a worthwhile option.
The tiltable LCD screen for a 180-degree view and the 20.1-megapixel resolution makes it clear that you won’t be confined during your creative process. They are as powerful for live streaming and filming as they are practical for your average photo shoot. You know full well the need for the right angles in each frame, and these features will capture them in detail.
To limit do-over after the first shot, the camera provides great versatility in its main settings. You may choose to keep either you, the background or a certain object in your hand in sole focus. There are also modes to track your facial features and add brilliant effects to the final pieces.
One thing to keep in mind: Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera is recommended when, and only when, you need videos as much as still photos. It doesn’t pack sufficient features to handle advanced photoshoot techniques.
Pros
- 4k HDR videos for Vlogging
- Special modes to shift focus on different elements
- Groundbreaking features for editing, sharing, and easier posting
Con
- Not for professional shooting
7. DJI Pocket 2 – Best Pocket-Sized Camera
DJI Pocket 2
- 4.91 x 1.5 x 1.18 inches
- 4.13 ounces
- Support high-resolution photos and videos
- Fast activation
This travel-size camera might raise concerns about its performance as a pocket studio at 4.13 ounces – unbelievably lightweight for a well-made photography tool. But the 64MP quality found in the photos, alongside the 4K videos, pretty much proves the other way around.
Performance-wise, the already enhanced image quality is supported by the ActiveTrack 3.0 (tracking technology) and 3-axis gimbal stabilization. Many agree that they compensate for the relatively confined screen, delivering shots at high clarity and intense focus.
What we find to be a letdown is that the piece’s prone to overheating. But this is foreseeable considering its small size.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Provide effects for editing, including audio
- Compatible with many smartphone lines
Con
- Easily heat up
8. PANASONIC LUMIX ZS200 – Best For Built-in Image Processor
PANASONIC LUMIX ZS200
- 4.38 x 1.78 x 2.61 inches
- 1.17 pounds
- Point-and-shoot camera
- 20.1 MP sensor for high photo quality
When Panasonic LUMIX ZS200’s 20.1 MP sensor has done its part getting the shots ready, the in-camera processor will go over them for that final finishing touch. Whatever effects bring out the highlight in your work, from Color Space Settings, Exposure Compensation, Contrast, to Noise Elimination, the camera has a list for you to decide on.
As the basics are over, you can move on to the photographic effects requiring more skills, like composition or the video-to-photo sequence. This camera uses plenty of cutting-edge features for you to give them all a try.
Your job is to have the frames to your preference isolated in their HD quality, then separately print them out. Or, you can turn to the automatic marker for a trajectory to link the frames containing the interesting actions into one bigger photograph.
Unfortunately, it appears that the disclaimer about tilt barely affecting the detection isn’t all that reliable, as the lock on your subjects sometimes fails to stay where it needs to be.
Pros
- Producing high-resolution photos and videos
- Built-in processor to create multiple effects
- Work in low-light conditions
Con
- Mediocre autofocus
9. GoPro HERO9 Black – Best Slow-Motion Camera
GoPro HERO9 Black
- 9.08 x 5.42 x 3.25 inches
- 0.7 pounds
- 20MP clarity
- 1080p Live Streaming plus Webcam
There is ample reason to invest in a slow-mo camera like GoPro HERO9, the most solid one being how it manages to capture up to 240 frames per second.
Since the imaging is processed in the 20MP sensor beforehand, it’s safe to say that this pro-quality frame rate increases how accurate your subjects are reproduced in the photographs. Each photo in the sequences will hold the necessary number of pixels for whatever project of yours.
The camera supports you in more ways than just the high fps rate to keep the perfect yet fleeting moments within view. BurstMode is a typical example. It solves your fear of missing out on the important bit by capturing what happens 1.5 seconds before and after the main shot.
We have one warning in advance. The camera’s built-in touch screen seems to lack sensitivity, making any setup a pain.
Pros
- Capture high-res photos and 5K videos
- Compact design
- Waterproof up to 33 feet
Con
- Low-quality touch screen
10. DJI Osmo Action – Best For Underwater Shooting
DJI Osmo Action
- 2.6 x 1.7 x 1.4 inches
- 4.4 ounces
- Hollow handle to reduce the weight underwater
- 1/2.3″ CMOS Sensor, 12MP
Made to survive a deep dive under 36 feet of saltwater, DJI Osmo Action should be high on the list if you’re after the beauty beneath the waves.
As the pressure and the pushes of your limbs to keep yourself in place during a photoshoot in such a high-complex environment might affect the end result’s sharpness, the camera comes with RockSteady technology for true shake-free photographs.
The imaging is then enhanced by the rich, dynamic range and the 240fps rate, resulting in jaw-dropping clarity without fail. You don’t have to scratch your head for a way to handle the low light in the deeper water anymore.
It’s a shame that the camera has a hard time achieving details in all corners and angles since it offers 12MP image quality only.
Pros
- Withstand harsh weather and cold temperature
- Vivid screen for all scenarios
- Stable, shake-free photos
Con
- Low megapixels
11. Insta360 ONE R 4K Edition – Best Value For Money
Insta360 ONE R 4K Edition
- 9.15 x 4.45 x 2.3 inches
- 4.27 ounces
- 4K Wide Angle (slow-mo allowed)
- IPX8 waterproof
Thanks to a 4K wide-angle screen and ColorPlus technology, the obtained visuals in Insta360 ONE R 4K Edition have no problem surpassing what you normally expect in a budget pick.
All the highlights, shadows, or the things that make your subjects pop will be reflected well, which also applies when actions are involved. You can have the FlowState Stabilization function on during such times to eliminate unintended camera shake and have yourself close to an effortless shooting experience.
But if you’re on the search for a photography option that integrates with your phone seamlessly, this might not be it. The app is far from user-intuitive and would take forever to understand.
Pros
- Good budget camera
- Work in low light well
- Clear and steady images
Con
- Difficult-to-use app
12. Canon EOS R5 – Best For Detailed Shots
Canon EOS R5
- 9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1 inches
- 1.62 pounds
- 45 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS Sensor
- 12 fps (Mechanical shutter) 20 fps (Silent Shutter)
Canon EOS R5’s 45 MP sensor serves well in a wide range of real-world settings, including those where the lights refuse to be on your side. We can tell for a fact that your photographic output will embrace the highlights and hues of the subjects seamlessly, and the 20fps in Silent Shutter Mode means this is a shared benefit for both stills and non-static shoot.
For true 8K footage in your videos, the camera offers 1053 autofocus points, more than enough to cover the sight ahead of you to bring back speed and precision. You also have a DIGIC X processor to test your skill on high-speed objects.
Like any other items on the list, this camera, too, has its own weakness. It tends to get warmer and warmer to the touch with every passing minute.
Pros
- Allow continuous shooting
- Outstanding clarity in image and footage
- Keep animals and humans in focus
Con
- Heating issues
13. Sony Alpha a7R IV – Best For High Megapixels
Sony Alpha a7R IV
- 25.6 x 19.1 x 8.2 inches
- 11 pounds
- 61MP Full-frame Mirrorless Camera
- 2000mhA battery
Sony Alpha a7R IV is a wise option for those struggling with noises and blur in larger physical print.
Blowing your mind with 61 megapixels in each shot captured, it allows for something we would call ‘super expansion’ and ‘super zoom.’ Look as close as you want; there’s only sufficient quality and no trace of distortion in the screen.
The superb ISO setting (32000) and 15-stop dynamic range get you close to achieving this without wasting any shot in darker scenarios.
The one weakness that upset us is its lack of capability for high-speed objects (especially vehicles) with no more than 10fps.
Pros
- Support large prints
- Work in dimly lit settings well
- Precise color reproduction
Con
- Not for continuous shooting
14. Nikon Z 7II – Best For Portraits
Nikon Z 7II
- 8.78 x 2.74 x 3.96 inches
- 3 pounds
- 45.7MP. Powerful AF performance
- Two EXPEED 6 processing engines
Capturing portraits is an important sub-field of photography, and the ultra-high 45.7 MP of this camera lets you handle the job professionally. The subjects through the lens will be processed into mesmerizing masterpieces with sharp details and vibrant reproduction of hues.
For imaging capability that never disappoints, its tracking and detecting function is built upon the Wide-Area (L) Mode, which holds the eyes in focus.
This quality alone adds a unique sharpness to your portrait shots, creating a more realistic quality as Nikon has enhanced the camera’s dynamic range to highlight each special color.
However, this model might not work out when you spend most time shooting in darker settings. Despite being advertised to shoot at ISO 26500, it won’t completely get the noise away.
Pros
- Take brilliant portraits with high accuracy
- Allow composition mode
- Stabilize and track your subjects
Con
- Poor performance in the dark
15. Canon EOS R6 – Best For Still Images
Canon EOS R6
- 3.48 x 5.45 x 3.84 inches
- 4.41 pounds
- 1,053 Automatic AF Zones
- 20 MP sensor
Canon EOS R6 has everything you ever want in a camera specially made for stills. The first feature to love is the advanced 5-axis image stabilization that offers 8 stops of correction for unintended camera shake, helping to deliver steady detail per shot.
Combined with the Shutter Mode and Silent Mode (identical to what you see in Canon EOS R5), this camera is ideal for continuous shooting as it is during your everyday shoot.
The input is processed by a highly functional 20 MP sensor before any other thing takes place, so trust that you will get outstanding quality after all the shooting.
As amazing as it sounds, Canon EOS R6 is far from a perfect option when you prioritize the overall design. Its exterior may look cheap, and the button arrangement may take time to get used to.
Pros
- Superb autofocus for human and non-human subjects
- Rich and accurate colors
- Support 4K footage
Con
- Not solidly built
Conclusion
There’s nothing wrong with saving up money for compact, stylish and sleek, or Bluetooth cameras as long as they make a high-return investment. But you should know better than to add to your photography toolkit something that lacks professional features, as it’ll doom your shot for good.
The best camera for photography you find in today’s list is well-built enough to maintain peak performance through years of heavy use. You can have the one recommended for all types of shooting, Nikon intl D3500 DSLR Camera, or the modest DJI Pocket 2 if you travel a lot, and there’s hardly a big jump between their image quality.