What Are The Best Cameras For Photography

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The Best Digital Cameras for 2022

Want better photos than your telephone can provide? We test and rate hundreds of cameras and lenses each twelvemonth, ranging from pocket-friendly shooters to loftier-stop medium format systems. Here's everything you need to know to pick the all-time digital photographic camera for yous.

Updated Feb 17, 2022

Our Experts Have Tested 84 Products in the Cameras Category in the Past Year

Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to assistance you lot make better buying decisions. (See how we test.)

Shopping for a digital camera? We're here to help. PCMag reviews all types of photo gear, everything from pocket friendly cameras to high-terminate gear for pro photographers. It's a diverse space, one that tin can be hard to navigate if you lot don't spend all of your costless time reading photo blogs and talking well-nigh your favorite new lens on an enthusiast forum.

Nosotros're here to help you observe a camera that suits your needs, regardless of whether you're a family photographer looking for something better than a bones Android phone, or an enthusiast trying to decide between an SLR or mirrorless camera system.

If you take an thought of what type of camera you lot're looking for, you lot tin await at the list up top for a quick recommendation. Otherwise, read on as nosotros break downward each blazon of camera y'all can buy, and signal you lot toward some of your best options. PCMag reviews dozens of cameras each year, nosotros're hither to help you find one that fits your needs.

Pocket Friendly: Entry-Level Point-and-Shoot Cameras

It's no secret that smartphones have seriously injure the need for entry-level point-and-shoot cameras. The latest from Apple, the iPhone 13, is a better camera than any low-cost compact, and Android fans can net great snapshots with handsets similar the Samsung Galaxy S21 and the Hasselblad-powered OnePlus nine. Loftier-end phones price, but if you lot're already buying a fancy telephone, in that location's no reason to buy a low-end camera besides. If you've embraced smartphone photography, peruse our top photographic camera telephone picks to help detect your next phone (and bank check out tips for taking the best smartphone photos).

If y'all aren't a smartphone user, or have opted to go for a basic model without a fancy computational photographic camera, y'all can buy whatever number of sub-$100 no-name cameras at online retailers, but I'd avoid them similar the plague. If you can spend more than a $100, y'all'll get the best results past sticking to a Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, or Sony model.

Most sub-$200 cameras pack decent zoom power, setting them autonomously from smartphones, but are congenital around older CCD sensor technology. The 20MP CCD sensors used beyond the current generation has enough of resolution, but suffers in dim lite and limits video to 720p quality.

Moving up to the $200 to $400 price nets more than modern CMOS epitome sensors and very long zoom lenses—30x is the standard at this bespeak. For the most role video is even so 1080p, and yous'll also see some cameras with small electronic viewfinders, Raw shooting capability, and very quick autofocus. Pure epitome quality isn't any better than a midrange smartphone, with the existent advantage beingness the zoom lens.

Adventure-Proof: Underwater and Rugged Cameras

Olympus Tough cameras are waterproof (Photo: Paul Maljak)

A rugged, waterproof photographic 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-half-dozen is our favorite, it'due south easily the best rugged compact available today. If you lot don't want to spend that much, you can go a Ricoh WG-lxx for under $300, or the slim Panasonic Lumix TS30 for less than $200. We've broken downward our favorite waterproof cameras in a separate story.

You can also go the action cam route. You'll become better video and quality still images from the GoPro Hero10 Black or DJI Action two, but yous'll requite up zoom power to get there. Information technology'due south a trade-off you may want to make, especially if you're interested in slow-motion video. For more, click through to see our favorite action cams.

Modest Camera, Large Sensor: Premium Compacts

Y'all may scratch your head when you come across pocket cameras with fixed lenses selling for anywhere from $400 to $one,300. Afterward all, you tin become an interchangeable lens model for the same toll. Only these slim, premium shooters target a very specific marketplace—photographers who already own a mirrorless camera or SLR and a bunch of lenses, but want something modest as an alternative option.

Pocket cameras with 1-inch sensors compete with iPhones on image quality, offer some zoom power, and take sounder ergonomics for handheld photography. These are the type of models that dominate our top point-and-shoot list.

Canon PowerShot G5 X Marker II (Photo: Jim Fisher)

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

Some enthusiast-oriented models include even bigger sensors, from Micro Four Thirds up to full-frame, typically with matched with a quality prime lens. The Fujfiilm X100V is the all-time of the bunch, and ane of the few compacts out there with a big optical viewfinder.

Its competitors vary profoundly in concept and form. The Ricoh GR III and IIIx are congenital for urban documentary imaging, with ergonomics titled for one-handed operation and a snapshot focus manner for focus-costless imaging. Going the other direction, the boutique Zeiss ZX1 includes Adobe Lightroom born, along with a big touch screen.

Fujifilm X100V (Photo: Jim Fisher)

And we tin't forget to mention the Leica Q2 Monochrom, one of the few digitals out there with a sensor made just for black-and-white imaging. These aren't big tent cameras, but it can be rewarding to devious from the beaten path.

Zoom in Close: Bridge Cameras

Y'all can opt for a stock-still-lens camera that's sized and shaped a lot like an SLR—a span camera. These models tend to accept really long lenses—the Nikon P1000 has the nigh optical zoom power, 125x. Long lenses require some extra intendance to use, and so these cameras usually include an eye-level EVF, a hot shoe to mountain accessories, and an articulating display.

Canon PowerShot SX70 HS (Photograph: Zlata Ivleva)

Bridge models may look like interchangeable lens cameras, but typically don't do well in dim lite. Our favorite consumer model, the 65x zoom power Catechism PowerShot SX70 HS, gets tight views for backyard birding and trips to the zoo, only its lens is best used outdoors nether the sun.

You can spend a fleck more than for a big sensor bridge camera. The midrange Panasonic FZ1000 II and premium Sony RX10 IV are built around bigger epitome sensors and have eyes that assemble more than low-cal—both advantages for utilise in tough light.

Entry-Level Interchangeable Lens: SLR and Mirrorless

If yous're shopping for a starter camera with swappable lenses you've got a choice to make: go the old route and become an SLR, or spend a footling scrap more than on a more capable mirrorless camera.

Both types of cameras use changeable lenses, backed by image sensors that dwarf those used past in pocket and bridge cameras. SLRs utilize an optical viewfinder and mirror to directly low-cal to your centre, and a discrete stage detection sensor to set up autofocus.

Nikon D3500 (Photograph: Zlata Ivleva)

Mirrorless cameras drib the optical finder, most have an OLED electronic viewfinder in its identify. Autofocus is performed from the image sensor, for better subject recognition and tracking than entry SLRs.

SLRs aren't the wonders they once were, just you can unremarkably get started with one for less than a mirrorless camera. The NIkon D3500 is our favorite, priced around $600 with a lens. If you prefer a Catechism model we recommend stepping up to the midrange EOS Rebel SL3, the basic Rebel T7 is one to avoid.

Fujifilm 10-T30 (Photo: Zlata Ivleva)

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

Y'all'll desire to take some care selecting a camera if yous expect to purchase some extra lenses, but all take the basic options covered. Micro Four Thirds, Fujifilm, and Sony cameras take the biggest selection of lenses, while Canon EOS Yard and Nikon Z lag backside.

For Serious Shutterbugs: Premium Mirrorless and SLR

When you lot spend more $1,000 for a camera, you don't necessarily meet a large jump in epitome quality versus entry-level models. Camera makers like to streamline sensors beyond an unabridged line of models, as it allows them to develop technology once that can be used across their catalog.

Fujifilm 10-T4 (Photo: Jim Fisher)

Your extra money typically gets you better build quality, faster retention bill of fare slots for longer burst shooting, and higher capture rates. All of these are important for enthusiasts interested in capturing fast activeness, and outdoor photographers who desire some level of atmospheric condition protection.

The Fujifilm Ten-T4 is our favorite mirrorless camera for shutterbugs and enthusiasts. Nosotros dear its sturdy construction, quick autofocus, and stabilized prototype sensor. Information technology's a existent do-it-all camera, with a potent arrangement of lenses backside it. We also like the Sony a6600 and Panasonic Lumix GH5 Mark 2.

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

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

If you prefer an optical viewfinder nosotros recommend y'all have a look at the Catechism EOS 90D, Nikon D500, or Pentax Thousand-iii Mark Three. The 90D has the fullest ready of lenses behind it, and the best video toolkit of the agglomeration. The Pentax One thousand-three Mark Three is a bit better congenital, and has some very specialized lenses, including a fan favorite line of compact primes, DA Limited.

A Bigger Sensor: Full-Frame

Canon EOS RP (Photo: Jim Fisher)

Total-frame cameras—those with image sensors that match the size of 35mm picture—are accessible options for enthusiasts thanks to falling prices. Basic models showtime around $1,000, capable midrange options can be had for around $2,000. You lot can spend more for a specialty model, they range anywhere from $3,000 all the fashion 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 epitome sensor, something you tin can become with the RP'southward competitors, Nikon Z v and Sony a7C.

Our midrange choice is the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5, and L-mount mirrorless with a stabilized sensor and 10-bit video. We also continue to recommend the older Sony a7 III, it's still i of the improve midrange picks years into its lifespan. We've not still reviewed its successor, the a7 Four, it has some significant upgrades, but comes with a price increase besides—$2,500 versus $ii,000 for the a7 III.

Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 (Photograph: Jim Fisher)

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

Bigger Than Full-Frame: Medium Format

Hasselblad 907X (Photo: Jim Fisher)

Medium format digital cameras used to be the tools reserved for the most successful (or well-funded) photographers. You can yet drop $50,000 on a Stage Ane IQ4 150MP if you'd like, only for almost of us the prospect is rather silly. Medium format doesn't take 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 $vi,000 for the 100MP GFX 100S. That'due south all the same quite a bit of money, but loads less than in years past, especially when you lot consider both of these cameras have a stabilized image sensor.

Fujfiilm isn't the only game in boondocks. Hasselblad has its own mirrorless medium format arrangement, i that includes the analog throwback 907X. Pentax yet sells its medium format SLR, the 645Z, too, if yous prefer an optical viewfinder.

What Is the All-time Photographic camera to Buy for a Beginner Photographer?

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

I'd recommend getting a good mirrorless photographic camera to starting time. The Sony a6400 or Fujifilm X-T30 can be used in fully automatic style, but besides offer total manual control over exposure. Because they utilize electronic viewfinders, y'all tin can see a preview of your last exposure before you take the shot. If you lot're thinking about starting with a total-frame model—the blazon of camera nearly pros use—retrieve nigh the Catechism EOS RP or Nikon Z 5 as a starter model.

Nikon Z five (Photo: Jim Fisher)

When shopping for a starter camera, ask yourself some questions most what yous desire. Take a look at the size, as a camera isn't any good if yous're non going to bear and use it. Simply also think nearly connectivity—you probably want to copy images to your smartphone easily—and price. Ease of utilize isn't a huge hurdle these days—everything has an auto mode—only models with guided interfaces will allow you accept some sort of control over how your photos turn out, without having to know too much technical jargon.

Kicking It Old School: Film Cameras

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

You lot don't accept to get a digital camera to get a photographic camera. Moving-picture show is all the same an option, with instant cameras beingness extremely pop. Instant formats take away the hassle of getting film developed, and make information technology easy to share physical images with friends and family unit immediately after they've been captured. You can become an entry-level model for around $65, and pic packs by and large cost around $7.50. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is our favorite bones model, and the SQ1 is there if you prefer square prints.

You tin can too buy a new 35mm or medium format camera. You don't take every bit many options for getting film developed equally yous used to—if you're in a major city it'll be piece of cake to find a lab, but you may have to resort to mail order if y'all're non close to a urban center. You lot tin can discover old moving picture SLRs and compacts in thrift shops and online stores pretty easily. If you're intent on buying a new model, Lomography still makes a agglomeration of different ones, from toy models like the Sprocket Rocket, which captures panoramic shots with exposed sprockets, to premium options like the medium format LC-A 120.

The All-time Cameras for Travelers

Not surprisingly, we discover span models to be simply about perfect for globetrotters. They pack a wide zoom range, then y'all don't have to bollix with lens changes. And if you opt for a premium one-inch model you tin shoot in varying types of light. But yous may want a different kind of camera to take with y'all on your journeys.

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

If you want something more pocket-friendly, a betoken-and-shoot can do the play tricks. Merely exist prepared to become a little spendy for a camera worthy of your exotic destinations. For the rough-and-tumble oversupply, I recommend the Olympus TG-six due to its brilliant lens and tough build. (If you're more of a video person, don't forget almost the GoPro Hero10 Black.)

For more leisurely vacations, attain for a premium meaty like a Sony RX100 model or Canon G7 X Marking III and savor the comfy 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) will fit easily into a small bag and net images and videos worthy of sharing with friends and family dorsum home. The Canon EOS M50 Mark Ii is a practiced affordable option, and there are alternatives like the Fujifilm Ten-E4 that are a bit more stylish.

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