Best Camera For Photography 2023: Camera for Photography top Picks for Every Style and Budget

Welcome to our 2023 guide to the best cameras for photographers. There's never been a better (or more confusing) time to buy a new camera, but we're here to help you choose the best photographic companion for you. So, whether you're looking for a low-cost stills camera or the best mirrorless all-arounder, you've come to the right place. (Instead, are you looking for the best video cameras? See our separate guide for more information).

Our comprehensive guide is based on hours of testing with the most recent cameras from the industry's biggest names. Each model featured below has been thoroughly reviewed in a variety of real-world scenarios to ensure it has earned its place. We don't choose solely on price: our roundup includes entry-level mirrorless cameras, beginner DSLRs, and even a low-cost instant camera. 

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What’s the best camera for photography right now? The best option for you will be determined by what and how you want to shoot, as well as your budget. However, we believe there are two top contenders for that title right now: the Sony A7 IV for hybrid shooters and the Fujifilm X-T4 for a smaller, less expensive all-arounder. Both cameras provide an appealing combination of features and image quality, as well as video capabilities.

If speed is important to you, the EOS R6 offers a number of class-leading features, such as outstanding autofocus, in-body image stabilization, and 12-fps burst shooting. If you're a pro who can't afford to compromise, the Canon EOS R3 sets a new standard for hybrid performance, shooting raw stills at 30fps and raw 6K video at 60p internally – with a monster price tag to match.

Prefer something more compact? The Fujifilm X100V is our current favorite pocket-friendly camera. Because of its capable sensor and small size, it is the best choice for street photography. It's not the cheapest camera on the market, so if you're looking for something more affordable, consider the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV.

Not sure where to start? At the bottom of this guide, you'll find helpful hints, such as what to look for when purchasing a photography camera.

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The Best Cameras For Photography in 2023

It was never going to be easy to follow Sony's fantastic A7 III, but the A7 IV is a worthy successor. It's a compelling mirrorless option for hybrid shooters, with a new 33MP sensor that's good for both stills and video. The price increase means it's no longer an entry-level full-frame camera like its predecessor, but a Bionz XR processor powers solid performance that more than justifies the extra outlay. Sony ZV-E10

The A7 III also has Sony's class-leading autofocus capabilities, as well as upgrades like 10-bit video support and a seemingly infinite buffer depth with a CFexpress card. No hybrid comes without trade-offs: 4K footage is heavily cropped, and it's not the easiest camera to use for beginners. Furthermore, the Canon EOS R6 has faster burst speeds for a comparable price. However, due to its superior versatility and higher resolution, the Sony A7 IV earns our top spot.

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The Fujifilm X-T4 isn't a full-frame camera, but it's the best APS-C camera we've ever tested, and its combination of features, size, and value makes it an excellent choice for hobbyist photographers. The Fujifilm X-T4 expands on the X-strong T3's foundation by including in-body image stabilization (IBIS), faster burst shooting, and some successful design tweaks. A larger battery (which lasts for 500 shots per charge) and improved autofocus, which is fast and reliable in most situations, round out its all-around capabilities. 

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The X-26MP T4's APS-C sensor is still the best in its class for still photography, but it's also a fantastic video camera. The IBIS is a huge plus in this case, and the X-T4 backs it up with a plethora of tools and a fantastic shooting experience, including a fully articulating touchscreen. The X-T4 and its fine range of X-series lenses may cost the same as some full-frame cameras, but they make a great, smaller alternative for those looking for a mirrorless all-rounder.

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While the Canon EOS R5 is overkill for most people, the EOS R6 is a less expensive full-frame alternative that is simply one of the best cameras for photography available today. If you already own one of Canon's early mirrorless full-framers, such as the EOS R, or any of its DSLRs, this is an excellent upgrade. The EOS R6 features best-in-class autofocus, an excellent in-body image stabilization system, and burst shooting capabilities that distinguish it as a very good camera for wildlife or sports photography.

Despite its ability to shoot 4K/60p video, the EOS R6 lacks features such as DCI 4K and has overheating limitations when compared to video-focused competitors such as the Sony A7S III, making it better suited to stills photographers. However, for photography, it's an excellent (if pricey) option that delivers hugely impressive autofocus, handling, and features, making it one of the best options available for anyone looking for a full-frame camera.

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If you think of the Canon EOS R5 as a pro stills camera with some impressive video features, it's one of the best cameras the photography giant has ever produced. There's no denying that it has video limitations when compared to competitors like the Sony A7S III, especially when shooting longer clips. But it's a huge achievement for anyone looking to shoot mind-blowing stills in almost any situation, whether it's wildlife or studio work.

The EOS R5's autofocus is especially noteworthy, as it provides very accurate and dependable subject detection and tracking – especially when it comes to people or animals. You also get a fantastic 5.76-million-pixel EVF, a body design that will be familiar to DSLR users, and the ability to shoot bursts at 12fps with the mechanical shutter (or 20fps with the electronic equivalent). While video performance is limited to relatively short bursts, it is still superior to the Nikon Z7 and Sony A9 II. The Canon EOS R5 is the next-generation mirrorless camera that pro photographers have been waiting for, with a growing collection of (albeit pricey) RF lenses.

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For a long time, the Nikon Z6 was the undisputed king of this list – and while the Z6 II is only a modest successor, it should be on the shortlist of anyone looking for a full-frame camera. The Z6 remains a great value, but we believe the Z6 II is just about worth the extra money if you can afford it.

Its new Expeed 6 processor brings a slew of enhancements, including a new 14fps burst mode (up from 12fps on the Z6) and some useful autofocus improvements (especially for animal eye/face detection). A new UHS-II card slot joins the existing XQD/CFexpress slot, and a firmware update has added a new 4K/60p video mode. The 24MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor excels at high ISOs, and the Z6 II has a class-leading build quality that feels more substantial in the hand than competitors.

There isn't another camera that offers the same combination of size, performance, affordability, and charm as the Fujifilm X-S10. It's an excellent option for both hobbyists and professionals looking for a small mirrorless camera that covers all the bases for both stills and video. You get a tried-and-true 26.1MP APS-C sensor (same as in the Fujifilm X-T4, see above) and, surprisingly for a camera this small, in-body image stabilization (IBIS).

This feature, which aids in image quality preservation while shooting handheld, can also be found in some small Sony and Olympus cameras, but none of them match the X-excellent S10's handling or feature set. It has a useful vari-angle screen, excellent build quality, and shoots 4K video. When paired with a prime lens, it makes an excellent travel or street camera; however, due to the X-large S10's grip, it also works well with longer lenses.

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Landscape photographers frequently demand megapixels, dynamic range, and weather resistance – and the Sony A7R IV checks all of those boxes in style. Its 61MP sensor captures incredible detail, and its Pixel Shift mode allows you to increase that resolution. Not only is it comfortable for shooting breathtaking scenery, but it also includes Sony's excellent Face and Eye AF tracking for human subjects.

The A7R IV's deep grip makes it comfortable to use during long days in the field, and the weather-sealing is a significant improvement over the A7R III. You also get a bright, sharp 5.76 million-dot electronic viewfinder, though the touchscreen controls are somewhat limited in comparison to more recent Sony cameras like the A7S III. Nonetheless, the A7R IV remains the most desirable camera in its class, and it even shoots decent video (albeit with some rolling shutter).

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The Nikon Z fc is essentially the same as the Nikon Z50 under its stunning retro skin. That's not a complaint, given the Z50's status as a mid-range mirrorless marvel. It has the same 20.9MP APS-C sensor, hybrid autofocus system, and performance stats as the Canon EOS R. That means 11 frames per second burst shooting, detailed stills, and smooth 4K footage at 30 frames per second. The physical build is what's new. The Nikon Z fc is a tribute to the Nikon FM2, with roughly the same dimensions – and an equally eye-catching shell. There are numerous throwback cues, from the dials to the typography.

The improvements aren't just cosmetic: unlike the Z50's tilting touchscreen, the Nikon Z FC has a vari-angle display. That opens up a slew of framing options, and it can be used with a tripod – or flipped away for the full eighties effect. What the Z50 lacks is a deep DSLR-like grip, so handling fans may prefer its predecessor. However, when combined with the new Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 SE prime lens, the Nikon Z FC is a compellingly creative proposition. Plus, for a camera with dedicated exposure, ISO, and shutter speed dials, it's surprisingly affordable.

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The Fujifilm X100V shouldn't make sense on paper: a compact camera designed to look like something from the 1950s, with a fixed 23mm f/2 lens and a high price tag. Nonetheless, the model's forefathers have become iconic among street photographers – and the X100V follows in their footsteps. There's something very special about that compact retro body, which is understated and timeless.

The X100V keeps what works while improving what needs to be improved: there's now a tilting touchscreen and a weather-resistant body (although you need to add a filter to the lens to get full weather-sealing). The fixed aperture lens setup of the series has always been fantastic for street and portrait photography, and the results are only getting better now that Fujifilm has added a new 26.1MP APS-C sensor paired with the latest X-Processor 4. The autofocus is faster, the noise control is better, and the image quality has improved. Sure, it's a niche product, and it's not cheap, but there's nothing else like it.

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The A1, Sony's undisputed flagship, is likely the most versatile professional camera ever created. It's as capable in the studio as it is on safari, in a stadium, or shooting on the street, with a heady combination of high-resolution stills, 8K video, and blistering speed. It even outperforms Canon's photography powerhouse, the EOS R5, with a continuous frame rate of 30fps and sensor resolution of 50.1MP.

When shooting, it's whispered quiet, but it's capable of capturing incredible detail thanks to extremely fast and powerful hybrid autofocus. While the screen is only average, the 9.44-million dot OLED EVF more than makes up for it (particularly with its 240fps refresh rate). So, what's the snag? Price. The Sony A1 is an extremely expensive camera, starting at $6,500 / £6,500 / AU$10,499 for the body only. There are less expensive options if you only need a camera to fill a single niche. But if money isn't an issue and you're looking for the best all-arounder on the market right now, look no further.

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When shooting, it is whispered quiet and capable of capturing incredible detail, aided by extremely fast and incredibly powerful hybrid autofocus. And, while the screen is only average, the 9.44-million dot OLED EVF more than makes up for it (particularly with its 240fps refresh rate). So, what's the catch? Price. The Sony A1 is an extremely expensive camera, starting at $6,500 / £6,500 / AU$10,499 for the body-only. There are less expensive options if you only need a camera to fill one specific niche. But if money is no object and you want the best all-arounder on the planet right now, look no further.

On the downside, it lacks a microphone and USB-C ports, and its autofocus lags behind competitors such as the Sony A6100 (see below). While the latter is a better bet for sports or action photography, the E-M10 Mark IV is a more enjoyable camera to use and one of the few at this price point to include in-body image stabilization, which is a very useful feature for handheld shooting.

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This list is dominated by mirrorless cameras, but if you prefer the advantages of DSLRs – namely, their handling, longer battery life, and value – the Nikon D3500 is the best option for beginners. Taking over from the hugely successful Nikon D3400, it features a 24MP APS-C sensor and an incredible 1,550-shot battery life that outlasts most mirrorless cameras by about three times.

The helpful Guide mode walks beginners through creating effects like a blurred background, and the Nikon DX system includes a wide range of lenses. If you're just starting out, we recommend getting the D3500 with the AF-P DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens, which provides useful vibration reduction at a low cost. Those looking for a travel-friendly camera should consider mirrorless alternatives like the Fujifilm X-T200 and Canon EOS M50 Mark II, but otherwise, this is a fantastic way to learn the fundamentals of photography and begin your new hobby.

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Looking for a small full-frame camera that will allow you to shoot a balanced mix of high-quality video and still photos? The Panasonic Lumix S5 is one of the best choices available. Smaller than the Panasonic Lumix GH5, which has a much smaller Four-Thirds sensor, the S5 excels at video, with an uncropped 4K/30p mode and other high-end features such as V-log recording and Dual Native ISO.

Its 7fps burst shooting rate isn't ideal for sports or action photography, but its 6K photo mode (which allows you to extract 18MP stills from video) compensates to some extent, and it otherwise offers impressive image quality and much-improved autofocus performance. This feels like the camera Panasonic should have introduced with its S series, and there are few competitors at this price point that offer its combination of size, performance, and video features.

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When it comes to pure photo quality, the Instax Mini 11 cannot compete with its more prestigious competitor. Is it, however, one of the most cost-effective and enjoyable ways to get started with instant photography? Definitely. It lacks the more advanced controls and modes found in more expensive instant cameras, but that's part of its allure – thanks to its auto-exposure system, you can simply point-and-shoot to get lovely, credit card-sized prints.

Naturally, it's a great choice for kids and parties, and the film's low cost means you won't be sorry to see it passed around among family and friends. The pop-out lens barrel and small mirror built into the front of the camera make it ideal for selfies, and it comes in a variety of fun colours. Look no further for a gift for a photography enthusiast.

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If you want to go beyond full-frame, at least in terms of sensor size, the medium format Fujifilm GFX50S II may be the camera for you. Its massive sensor, which is approximately 1.7x larger than the full-frame, produces impressive detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance, making it ideal for photographers who specialize in landscapes, architecture, and even portraits.

Naturally, there are drawbacks, and the GFX50S II isn't an all-rounder – burst shooting speeds top out at 3fps, and there's no 4K video, so it's primarily a photography camera. However, due to these constraints, Fujifilm has been able to keep the price of its medium-format cameras at a level previously unheard of for medium-format cameras. Combine it with Fujifilm's excellent (if pricey) GF lenses, and you've got a camera that's surprisingly good at handheld shooting – and certainly one of the best for overall image quality. 

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What Should I Look For When Buying a Camera For Photography?

When purchasing a camera, the most important factor to consider is sensor size. Larger isn't always better, but it's a good indicator of the type of camera, how expensive the lenses will be, and who it's aimed at. In general, Micro Four Thirds and APS-C cameras are aimed at both amateurs and professionals, whereas full-frame models are primarily aimed at advanced photographers with larger budgets. Compact cameras with 1-inch sensors are ideal for travel zooms and daily photography. 

Viewfinders (electronic or optical), which are considered essential by most photographers, and handling are also important considerations. If you're going to use longer lenses, a good grip is essential. Consider which lenses you'll need for your favorite types of photography – for example, bright prime lenses are better for portraits and street photography, whereas wide-angle zooms are better for landscapes. Choosing the best camera system for you, including lenses, is often preferable to selecting a camera in isolation.

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How We Test Cameras

Because purchasing a camera is such a large investment these days, every camera in this guide has been thoroughly tested by us. Real-world tests are the most revealing way to understand a camera's performance and character these days, so we place a strong emphasis on them, along with standardized tests for factors like ISO performance.

To begin, we examine the camera's design, handling, and controls to determine the type of photographer it is aimed at and who would most enjoy shooting with it. When we take it out on a shoot, we'll use it both handheld and on a tripod to determine its strengths and test its startup speed.

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In terms of performance, we use a formatted UHS-1 card and shoot in both raw and JPEG formats (if available). For burst shooting tests, we use our standard test settings (1/250 sec, ISO 200, continuous AF) and shoot a series of frames in front of a stopwatch to see if it matches the advertised speeds. We'll also look at how quickly the buffers clear, and we'll run the test again with both raw and JPEG files. Google Nest Hub deal drops price down

We also test the camera's different autofocus modes (including Face and Eye AF) in a single point, area, and continuous mode in a variety of lighting conditions. We also shoot a variety of photos in raw and JPEG in various styles (portrait, landscape, low light, macro/close-up) to get a sense of metering and the sensor's ability to handle noise and resolve fine detail.

If the raw files from the camera are supported by Adobe Camera Raw, we'll process some test images to see how far we can push areas like shadow recovery. In addition, we'll test its ISO performance across the entire ISO range to get a sense of the levels we'd be willing to push the camera to. Best Samsung washer dryer 2023, for all budgets

The battery life is tested in a real-world setting by using the camera throughout the day with the screen set to the default settings. When the battery runs out, we'll count the number of shots to see how they compare to the camera's CIPA rating. Finally, we put the camera's video capabilities to the test by shooting some test footage at various frame rates and resolutions with its companion app. 

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Before reaching our final decision, we consider everything we've learned about the camera as well as its price to get a sense of the value for the money it provides.