Using one of the best cameras for photos and videos will undeniably give photographers the best possible chance to capture fabulous shots, whether a full-frame, crop sensor or micro four-thirds, mirrorless, or DSLR camera.
1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best overall
3. Best full-frame resolution
4. Best hybrid camera
5. Best for professionals
6. Best Canon
7. Best for travel
8. Best pro-level Sony
9. Best DSLR
10. Best value mirrorless
11. Best for beginners
12. Best generalist camera
13. Best micro four-thirds
14. Best all-rounder
15. Best lightweight DSLR
16. Best beginners DSLR
17. Best compact APS-C
18. Honorable mentions
19. Camera FAQs
20. How we test
This guide showcases the best of the best from all the top trusted camera brands like Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm and Olympus. Here at Space.com, we've done the hard work for you by testing and rating each camera based on our rigorous review process and compiled this list of our favorites. We've also highlighted what type of photographer would benefit from each model the most. We've covered all budgets and experience levels, so we're certain there will be something to suit everyone.
While this guide covers multiple photography disciplines, we have other, more tailored guides too, such as the best cameras for astrophotography, the best mirrorless cameras or best DSLR cameras. If you've already purchased your camera and are now looking for accessories like one of the best camera backpacks or a travel tripod, or perhaps you're looking to pair it with one of the best lenses for astrophotography or the best zoom lenses, we have guides for all of those as well.
Best cameras for photos and videos 2023
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The quick list
Here are our top picks in a 'quick view' layout. For more information about each camera, scroll down. From there you can click through to our hands-on reviews.
The best mirrorless camera 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 full-frame resolution
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 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 for professional shooters
This is a video shooting powerhouse with superb battery life and a rugged body that's built to last, regardless of the weather conditions.
Best Canon camera
The Canon EOS R5 feels great in the hand, and the image stabilization and fast autofocus make it a pleasure to shoot with. It is quite expensive and the features are overkill for casual shooters.
Best for travel
This small and lightweight camera features excellent autofocus and tracking — it is a pleasure to shoot with. Travel vloggers will appreciate the eye tracking and autofocus, as well as the lack of recording limit.
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Best pro-level Sony
Mindblowing specs and performance but with a huge price tag to match. It is extremely versatile and boasts an impressive 50.1 megapixels as well as 8K 30P video.
Best DSLR
Despite being an old DSLR camera, 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 value mirrorless camera
Though this is an older model, it's the perfect camera for low-light shooters — this could be astrophotography, indoor sports or indoor weddings. The battery life is huge too.
Best for beginners
This lightweight camera is suited to candid street photography thanks to its super quick power-up time. Its retro design will appeal to many and it's easy to use. It boasts a great sensor (the same as the Nikon Z50) for the price point.
Best generalist camera
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 for peace of mind. It boasts impressive low-light performance.
Best Micro Four Thirds camera
This camera weighs less than 1 lb but is still packed with useful functionality, so is a great everyday or travel camera. The autofocus system is fast, there are five stops of in-body image stabilization and the large LCD screen is remarkable.
Best all-rounder
More sophisticated than its predecessor, this is an excellent all-round performer that is good in low light, features two memory card slots and a quick 14FPS burst rate. It makes a great second camera.
Best lightweight DSLR
This is a great option for beginners, thanks to the handy creative user interface assist (in-built tutorials). The 24.1MP stills and 4K video offer plenty of detail. Not to mention, this is the lightest DSLR in the world.
Best beginners DSLR
This camera is excellent value for money. It performs incredibly well but is easy on the wallet. It's small and lightweight but still produces detailed 24.5MP stills and records 1080 60p video. The guide mode is great for beginners too.
Best compact APS-C mirrorless
The Sony A6600 features flawless tracking capabilities, so ideal for sports photographers. The eye-tracking is also very impressive, even passing the 'Black Cat Test'. It's great for astrophotography too.
Best for street photography
A fantastic example of a camera that blends classic styling with impressive functionality. It has 6.5 stops of in-body stabilization, and an admirable 15FPS stills speed. It is one of the finest APS-C cameras available.
Best first gen entry-level Nikon mirrorless
The Z6 has a superb ISO range for lowlight shooting, as well as excellent in-built image stabilization. The electronic viewfinder is wonderful. We think it's great for astro, wildlife, sports, landscape and product photography.
Best cameras we recommend for photos and videos 2023
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 don't see yourself in the photography game long term: This is a very expensive camera and overkill for most casual shooters.
❌ 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 look no further — ff 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. ★★★★★
Wow, what can we say — this is the go-to camera for professionals who earn a living from their photography and shoot a range of styles or enthusiastic casual shooters with a sizeable budget (around $5500) to play with. It is the perfect blend of 'all the good bits' of the incredible Nikon D850 DSLR and Nikon's flagship Nikon Z9.
This camera can shoot both videos and still photos equally well — it can capture high-quality video formats like N-Log, ProRes, and Raw HQ data. Additionally, it excels at handling noise, and it can take photos rapidly at 120FPS, which is great for indoor sports, concerts, weddings and similar events. Keep in mind, though, that this camera is quite big and heavy to hold.
For astrophotographers, Nikon has even included a night vision mode that dims the rear screen and electronic viewfinder and displays red pixels.
This is an incredible camera, and you can read more of our thoughts in our gushing Nikon Z8 review. It's simply the best camera body on the market right now — it performs so well across the board we can't think of another camera that matches its versatile prowess.
- 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 full-frame resolution
✅ 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 new Sony A7R V is a breath of fresh air in the photography world. We weren't sure how they could improve on the A7R IV, which used to sit in this place on this list, but we think this new model has blown it out of the water.
It features a new AI-based autofocus system that is designed to recognize human movements, poses and all sorts of different body parts to anticipate how the subject might move, and it also tracks subjects like cars, trains, planes, animals and insects.
It also has 8 stops of image stabilization, which we found completely came into its own when shooting in low light. In our Sony A7R V review, we were able to shoot handheld at ISO 100 at 1/3 second and our image was clean and sharp. For astro, though, we did find the images to be quite noisy (which we expected with a 61MP sensor). We were able to clean them up quite nicely in editing software, which is fine for the occasional astro image, but this would likely get tedious and time-consuming if you shoot a lot of astrophotography.
Another feature we loved was the 4-axis, multi-angle LCD screen. It's incredibly detailed but also combines tilt screens with fully articulating screens, meaning you can achieve quite literally any angle you want to while still keeping the screen away from the ports on the side of the camera. Finally!
It's certainly an investment, but for the amount of tech you get, we think it's worth every cent and will last for years.
- 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 hybrid camera
✅ If you shoot lots of portraits, weddings or studio work: This is one of the best cameras you can buy, it's excellent in low-light and there are many customizable buttons to get your set up 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.
❌ Large files are tricky to edit: The whopping 61-megapixel sensor creates huge file sizes that pose a big test for memory cards, local and cloud storage.
❌ 61 megapixels might be overkill: Many photographers won't need this level of detail and can save money on lower res 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
Thanks to its enormous 61-megapixel sensor, the Sony A7R IV can capture even the most minor details in poor lighting, making it an excellent camera for astrophotography, and many other types of photography, for that matter. It handles so well in low light it's also a favorite in our best cameras for low light photography guide. 61-megapixel images are a test for memory cards and hard drive storage, but thankfully, there is an option to switch the camera to a more file-handling-friendly 26-megapixel APS-C sensor with a 1.5x crop factor.
In our hands-on Sony A7R IV mirrorless camera review, we found that even though the subtle upgrades following the Sony A7R III don't look like much on paper, they made a world of difference when it came to using it in the real world. The improved hand grip makes it much nicer and more comfortable to hold; it has more prominent and, thus, more tactile buttons, which are particularly helpful when operating with cold fingers or while wearing gloves.
The Sony A7R IV is not cheap, but if you want to make 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.
This camera used to sit at the top of this guide, but after the release of the Sony A7R V and its impressive new features and improvements, we'd now recommend this as a good option if you can't quite stretch your budget to the A7R V but still want a fantastic, high-resolution hybrid camera.
- 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 for professionals
✅ If you're going to shoot lots of fast action: The 'People AF' mode is eerily good at picking out eyes and faces, making capturing human motion easy and accurate.
✅ If you also shoot video: Its video capabilities are just as good as stills. The two CF card slots mean you can shoot hours of footage at 8K 60FPS.
❌ You are an astro shooter restricted by budget: You could buy a cheaper camera such as the Nikon Z7 II, pair it with a specialized lens and get similar results.
🔎 Nikon Z9: An absolute monster for stills and video, the Nikon Z9 is a brilliant astro camera. However, it comes at a high price and with features more suited to other photo styles like weddings and wildlife, it may be overkill for night sky photographers. ★★★★½
The Nikon Z9 is one of the best-performing digital cameras ever made, and in our Nikon Z9 review, we gave it a highly respectable four and a half out of five stars. Because of the price of this camera, it's realistic to say it's really only for professionals who earn their living taking photos or videos, as it is excellent at doing both.
It's perfect for capturing quick-action moments in sports, wildlife, weddings and events, thanks to its exceptional burst shooting capabilities. It can shoot at an impressive 20FPS in RAW format and an astonishing 120FPS in lower-quality JPEG. With this camera, you won't miss any important shots. Additionally, it's excellent at recognizing and tracking faces and eyes.
Although this camera is fantastic, we don't think it would be a good choice for astrophotographers who only shoot astro. Nonetheless, it would be fabulous for the occasional astro shoot combined with the photography styles we've discussed above.
The hefty battery on the Z9 is incredibly long-lasting. Even when we tested it while shooting over three hours of astrophotos, it lost less than 20 percent.
The range of connectivity options is also impressive. There's Snapbridge file transfer, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, ethernet connection and USB-C. What more could you need?
- Read our full Nikon Z9 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Heavy, solidly built body |
| Performance | Excellent astro performance |
| Functionality | As capable at video as it is at stills |
Best Canon
✅ 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 are 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
The Canon EOS R5 has outstanding features for multiple photography styles and needs. It boasts a 45MP CMOS full-frame image sensor and, as mentioned in our Canon EOS R5 review, we think it has one of the best autofocus systems we have ever used.
This camera excels in tracking faces, eyes and even head movements, making it one of the top choices for sports and action photographers. Portrait photographers will also love it, especially at events like weddings where capturing every moment matters.
It's excellent at revealing details even in low-light situations, thanks to its impressive 15-stop dynamic range and great noise control. For astrophotographers, it captures plenty of data that you can enhance during editing. Additionally, it can record high-quality 8K RAW videos.
The large flip-around screen is ideal for vloggers and content creators since it eliminates the need for any additional monitors while recording. 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 for travel
✅ 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 have 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.
❌ You primarily shoot astro: For the same reason as above, there likely won't be any focal lengths that are wide enough after the crop.
🔎 Canon EOS R5: 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
During our Canon EOS R7 review, we were pleasantly surprised with the handling and image quality of this APS-C mirrorless camera in several different scenarios — it was an absolute pleasure to shoot with.
Although it's marketed primarily as a camera for wildlife photographers, you can use it across many disciplines. Its low light performance impressed us; even at an ISO of roughly 6000, there was barely any noticeable noise, and the pictures were vivid and accurate to color.
This camera is small and easy to carry, making it a great choice for travelers and vloggers. Vloggers will particularly appreciate its reliable eye tracking and autofocus, as well as the fact that it can record without time limits and produce top-notch footage.
The only downside is that it takes a bit of time to clear the buffer when shooting quickly. However, if you're using this camera for astrophotography or capturing landscapes, you usually don't need to shoot at the full 30FPS it's capable of. But if you're planning to photograph fast-paced events like motorsports or wildlife, you might want to consider other options.
This camera has almost everything a full-frame camera has but at a reasonable price and in a compact body — we think it more than holds its own in comparison. 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 pro-level Sony
✅ You can afford to: If you are fortunate to have the budget for this bit of kit, we can 100% recommend you go for it. It does everything.
❌ You are on a budget: The price point of this camera is realistically out of reach for many photographers. There are alternative cameras on the market that still produce exceptional images but cost a fraction of the price.
🔎 Sony A1: This camera can do everything. But it is only really accessible to full-time professional photographers or amateurs with deep pockets. If you are fortunate enough to have the budget for it, then run, don't walk. ★★★★½
This is possibly the one camera to rule them all — albeit with a price to match. At over $6000, this is realistically reserved for serious professionals who can earn money back from working in the business (or enthusiasts with incredibly deep pockets!).
The massive 50.1MP stills resolution, 8K 30p video, a generous 5.5 stops of image stabilization and a class-leading electronic viewfinder can all be used to create amazing photographs in any setting. This thing can do everything you'd ever need.
If your computer struggles with the 50.1MP resolution, you have the option to use Lossless compressed files. These files maintain nearly the same image quality as uncompressed raw files but significantly reduce the file size by intelligently removing unnecessary data from the image. This also speeds up the process of clearing the camera's buffer when you're out shooting.
In our Sony A1 review, we especially liked the impressive dynamic range. It can happily handle different contrasts within an image, even if the foreground is shaded and the background is in sunlight. This lends itself well to astrophotography too.
Additionally, the Sony A1 has a bird mode AF that performs with the same level of accuracy as the human and animal modes, regardless of how little the bird is, making it a fantastic camera for wildlife photography.
- Read our full Sony A1 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Tilt only screen is disappointing for the price |
| Performance | Fantastic tracking and autofocus |
| Functionality | Can handle anything you throw at it |
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), but we've taken it to colder temperatures, and it worked just fine.
❌ 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
If you need a camera that can do absolutely anything, then, as we discussed in our Nikon D850 review, don't hesitate to get yourself this model. Even though it is already five years old, it can still compete with the top mirrorless cameras on the market. We like it so much we've featured it in our Best cameras for astrophotography, Best Nikon cameras for 2022 and Best DSLR camera guides.
When you pair this camera with one of Nikon's many F-mount lenses, it performs exceptionally well in various scenarios. You can use it for wildlife or sports photography, achieving a respectable 9 frames per second (FPS) with an additional battery grip, or you can capture incredibly clear portraits.
For those who prefer more traditional photography, the camera features a sizable optical viewfinder, providing a real-time view of the scene, unlike a small screen. When it comes to video, the camera offers impressive 4K UHD recording at 30FPS. You can also create captivating slow-motion videos with 1080p at 120FPS, allowing you to slow down fast-moving action for a stunning cinematic effect.
This camera is built for professional use and has a price tag to match. It's weather-sealed and tough enough to withstand some rough and tough without compromising on performance. It even has backlit buttons to practice astrophotography without impacting 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 value mirrorless
✅ You're looking for something compact: This is compact and affordable and versatile — great news for those who like to travel light.
✅ You're an astrophotographer: This is one of the best cameras on the market for low-light performance. The high dynamic range is very impressive.
❌ You'd prefer to have the newer model: This one has been superseded by the Sony A7 IV, which supersedes the A7 III in every way — but that includes price.
🔎 Sony A7 III: While the Sony A7 III gives advanced enthusiasts and even professionals a lot of camera for their money, it does have a few annoying handling niggles. ★★★★½
The Sony A7 III is the perfect camera for low-light shooters since it has a full-frame 35mm sensor, an autofocus range of -3EV and an expanded ISO range of up to 204,800. We don't solely mean the night sky here but indoor sports, portraits and generally unfavorable lighting conditions. Even though it only shoots 24.5MP stills, which seems low for this price point, this is the key to its ability to keep image noise incredibly low in comparison to other models.
In our Sony A7 III review, we found that the remarkable images this camera can produce pack quite a punch despite its small form factor. It's a flexible shooter, and to give it an in-depth review, we tested it in various environments, including a week-long photo tour of London and a commercial portrait gig. We loved its versatility and thought the eye autofocus was impeccable, but the AF tracking couldn't quite keep up with our hyperactive puppy.
The A7 III is great at recording high-quality video in 4K UHD at 30FPS. However, for video, it reaches its highest sensitivity at ISO 51200 and can't go further using the expanded options available for photos. Nonetheless, it performs exceptionally well in low-light conditions, so we can overlook this limitation. On a single full charge, it can take around 710 still photos, which is quite impressive.
Thanks to the wide selection of E-mount lenses you can use with this camera, it's incredibly versatile and suitable for various types of photography.
The Sony A7 IV is the upgrade of this model. However, the A7 III is still a fantastic camera and a cult favorite among many photographers, and because it has been replaced, you could snatch a bargain.
- Read our full Sony A7 III review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Compact and lightweight for travel |
| Performance | Excellent in low light |
| Functionality | Features Sony's impeccable tracking |
Best for beginners
✅ 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. Pro's 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 improve the continuous shooting option mode, so professionals looking to shoot sports or action may want to choose a different model. The noise reduction performance, however, is excellent for other types of shooting, so you can bump the ISO up in low lighting and still get stunning pictures. We tested this in our hands-on Nikon Z fc review and were pleased to find that we could push the ISO to ISO 12,800 and still achieve acceptable images with minimal unwanted noise.
The autofocus settings are geared towards prioritizing people, and the camera is exceptional at keeping faces in focus. This is ideal for capturing candid street photos, portraits or events where you need to quickly capture emotional moments, such as weddings. The responsive touchscreen with minimal delay ensures you won't miss any spontaneous moments. The camera as a whole operates fast, being ready to take a shot 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 generalist camera
✅ 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're a traditionalist: The look, feel and operation of this camera make you feel like a 'traditional' photographer. Don't buy this camera if you want a camera that looks modern.
❌ 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. ★★★★
The Fujifilm X-T5 is perfect for photographers who value ease and adaptability. It's compact and provides excellent image stabilization with a wide dynamic range of seven stops. It excels in low-light conditions and has a speedy processor, making it great for capturing action or sports events.
The stylish and retro-looking body is ergonomic, and the manual control dials delight traditionalists. As we discussed in our real-life Fujifilm X-T5 review, these dials do take some getting used to, especially in the dark. If you're used to a DSLR style of handling, adjusting the aperture on the lens barrel will feel completely alien.
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 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, if you're a vlogger needing clarity in the sound or looking to expand on your videography skills, you'll 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. ★★★★
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV sets the bar high for users looking to upgrade from smartphones or bridge cameras. You can achieve impressive results simply by staying in 'auto' mode, although you have all the manual dials and settings at your disposal when you want to venture into manual shooting.
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.
This camera is incredibly small and can easily fit in your pocket, but that doesn't mean it skimps on its features. Despite its compact size, it's loaded with functionality. While some smaller cameras can be challenging to handle due to their size, this one is an exception. It feels sturdy, and the ergonomic design of the right-hand grip allows for comfortable one-handed operation.
The surprisingly large LCD screen is remarkable, with excellent clarity and resolution with over 1 million dots. All of the dials and menus are really easy to navigate and feel intuitive, even during the first use.
- 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: This camera is good at everything and offers good value for money, more so than other brand competitors.
✅ You shoot video as well as stills: The Nikon Z6 II shoots 60fps at 4K. The dual processor also helps to make the camera a formidable filmmaker's companion.
❌ You already own the Nikon Z6: The upgrades, although welcome, such as a second card slot, don't warrant switching from one to the other.
🔎 Nikon Z6 II: A minor if not unwelcome upgrade to a fantastic camera, the Z6 II is a great middle ground, although if you're already bought into the mirrorless system, we'd wait for inevitable more considerable improvements. ★★★★
The Nikon Z6 (featured in our 'honorable mentions' below) is an excellent camera for astrophotography. However, the newer and slightly more sophisticated Nikon Z6 II is a perfect all-arounder if you plan to shoot multiple different photographic styles.
One of the upgrades in this newer model is a second memory card slot, offering an instant backup for peace of mind when on a shoot (or just additional storage). There's also the faster burst rate of 14FPS for high-speed shooting, a better buffer capacity, and more immediate and snappier autofocus, thanks to the dual processing engines.
The Z6 II brings an upgrade in video quality with a higher frame rate of 60FPS at 4K UHD resolution compared to the Z6's 30FPS. This improvement results in sharper footage, particularly in slow-motion videos.
For those interested in astrophotography, the Z6 II offers a much wider range of shutter speeds. You can now take exposures of up to 900 seconds, which is equivalent to 15 minutes. It even includes a countdown timer on the top LCD screen, so you don't need to touch the camera and risk disrupting your long exposures.
As we stated in our Nikon Z6 II review, if you already own the Z6, the updates don't warrant upgrading to this model, but considering that the Z6 is now an aging first generation of Nikon's mirrorless foray, the Z6 II is a serious contender to consider.
- Read our full Nikon Z6 II review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Small improvements from the Z6 |
| Performance | Shutter speed settings have been widened and improved |
| Functionality | It strikes a fine line between the perfect amateur and pro setup |
Best lightweight DSLR
✅ You're not fussed about having a mirrorless: The Rebel SL3 is the world's lightest DSLR, but as we've seen, DSLRs are being phased out in favor of mirrorless models
❌ You aren't a beginner: This camera definitely has beginner users in mind — if you're a more advanced user and want to push your photography further than casual and travel snaps, you'll want a more sophisticated model.
🔎Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / 250D: A winner for beginners with in-built guides to show users around the camera and image effects reachable from within the camera itself. Decent stills resolution and 4K video make it suited for photography newcomers that want to shoot a bit of everything.
The Canon EOS Rebel SL3, also known as the EOS 250D, is ideal for any photographer who wants to reduce the weight of their kit bag. Coined (and from our in-depth Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / 250D review, it feels like) the lightest DSLR in the world. Weighing in at only 0.99 lbs (459g), which is barely heavier than many mirrorless cameras, and featuring an articulating screen, this camera is perfect for travel photographers who have strict luggage limits or for those who find themselves burdened by a heavy camera bag due to their gear collection.
The fully articulating touchscreen makes it straightforward to compose images at any angle to provide fresh vantage points without contorting yourself into uncomfortable positions — also valuable for shooting selfies or vlogging.
With only 9 AF points when shooting through the viewfinder and support for only UHS-I SD cards, this camera would suit beginners or hobbyists who don't want to spend a fortune. It also features in our best beginner cameras guide.
There's a helpful Guided UI mode that transforms the camera into a guide, making it easier for beginners in photography to choose their settings correctly. Additionally, the Creative Assist mode allows you to apply filters and adjust colors to achieve your desired effect while shooting or edit them directly in the camera after taking the photo. The fact you can do this is advantageous if you don't want to experiment with third-party image editing apps right away or like to share your images quickly without post-processing.
- Read our full Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / 250D review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Feels comfortable and chunky in the hand |
| Performance | Dynamic range is good but struggles in areas |
| Functionality | The vari-angle screen is helpful for awkward shooting positions |
Best beginners DSLR
✅ You seek out good-value-for-money products: This is one of them; you get a lot of camera for the price; in fact, we've seen the price creeping over the past few years — it is still a highly desirable camera.
❌ You want the newest tech: As with the above Rebel SL3, this is a good DSLR, but DSLRs are being phased out in favor of Mirrorless models.
❌ You're a videographer: There is no 3.5mm jack for an external microphone, and there is no 4K. If you want to shoot lots of videos or think you might in the future, you'll want to look elsewhere.
🔎Nikon D3500: The Nikon D3500 is lacking in features found higher up in Nikon’s range, but for the price, it’s hard to argue. ★★★½
In our hands-on Nikon D3500 review, we considered it a versatile entry-level camera designed primarily for anyone wanting to get started in more advanced photography without spending big bucks. Due to the D3500's crop sensor, all lenses will have an additional 1.5x crop, extending their reach and allowing distant subjects to seem larger in the frame. Especially useful for astrophotography, wildlife, and sports photography.
The Nikon D3500 comes with 11 autofocus points concentrated in the center of the frame. While this might seem somewhat restrictive, it's not a major issue because you can focus on your subject and then adjust the composition of your shot afterward. It's worth noting that when using fast telephoto lenses, there's a possibility of slight focus inaccuracies because the act of focusing and then taking the picture can change the lens-to-subject distance.
The 24.5MP stills deliver more than enough detail in images for online and print use, matching that of many flagship DSLR cameras across different brands.
The D3500 records 1080 60p video footage which is surprising for a camera that sits at this reasonable price point. It means smooth, professional-looking video, perfect for YouTube and other social media. This is an ideal, affordable camera that beginners will love.
- Read our full Nikon D3500 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Buttons and menu items a little fiddly due to size |
| Performance | Autofocus feels old-fashioned and is threatened to be outmoded |
| Functionality | Excellent and leading battery life and performance |
Best compact APS-C mirrorless
✅ You will track and photo fast motion: The autofocus and tracking outclass the similarly priced competition. It is lightning fast and incredibly accurate.
✅ You shoot astro: You can push the ISO very high before seeing the unwanted effects of noise on your images. The tilting screen also aids in composing skyward pointing shots. The battery is high-performance for long skywatching sessions too.
❌ If lightning speed tracking isn't required: Though this is the stand-out feature of this camera, if you don't need it, you can get models that perform better in other areas for a lower price.
🔎Sony A6600: This lightweight camera punches well above its weight — exhibiting incredible image quality for still images and video. The A6600 would be ideal for almost any photographer, although you can get the same specs for a more competitive price from other manufacturers. ★★★½
Though we don't consider the Sony A6600 to be anything groundbreaking, it is an excellent camera that punches well above its weight. It captures vibrant colored images and it is also very user-friendly, making it fantastic for beginners. There is the bonus functionality of in-body stabilization, which is rare for an APS-C camera but can be very handy — especially if you're traveling without a tripod.
The tracking capabilities are flawless, so this camera is excellent for photographing sports (including motorsports). The eye tracking is also impressive, even when we performed the 'Black Cat Test' during our Sony A6600 review.
We found this camera to be excellent for astrophotography. Even after increasing the ISO significantly, you can capture incredible detail in the darkest shadows and get sharp points of light (such as stars), as unfavorable noise is kept to a minimum thanks to its smaller sensor and is easily removed in post-processing.
The camera's video features are decent, but they're not outstanding. It does have built-in cinematic modes and works well for making casual travel videos or vlogs. However, if your primary goal for buying a new camera is to create professional-looking movies, it may not be the best choice because it doesn't offer the fastest frame rates.
- Read our full Sony A6600 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Great build quality |
| Performance | Nothing revolutionary, but it performs very well |
| Functionality | Has IBIS, which is unusual for an APS-C camera |
Honorable mentions: Previously featured models
The cameras below are models that once sat in the best cameras for photos and videos guide but ones that have now been either superseded or discontinued and are therefore becoming increasingly difficult to get your hands on. That said, they are still available, even if you have to hunt a little harder to find them, and you might be able to pick up high-quality used models from retailers like B&H Photo and Adorama.
The compact design of the X-T4 from Fujifilm has been packed with plenty of features and capabilities, making it ideal as a backup camera for professionals and more than capable for semi-professionals. It can take still pictures at a rapid 15FPS or 30FPS using an electronic shutter and a 1.25x crop setting right out of the box. This makes it ideal for photographing sports, wildlife, or any other fast-paced activity (and even tracking solar or lunar events).
In our Fujifilm X-T4 review, we especially liked how it handled low-light shooting. The ISO goes up to a staggering 51,200 using the 'command' setting, making it a great option for astrophotography.
The X-T4's hybrid contrast and phase-detection autofocusing technology uses a huge 425 AF points for dependable focus in every shot. This camera comes with two SD card slots that are both UHS-II compatible, so you won't have to worry about losing a shot with its fast burst mode and 60FPS video.
The Fujifilm X-T4 gives you all the advantages of a cutting-edge camera without any limitations by combining a vintage SLR appearance with contemporary mirrorless features. Boasting top-of-the-line specs, it is one of the finest APS-C cameras available. Now that the Fujifilm X-T5 is available, you might be able to grab this older model as a bargain.
- Read our full Fujifilm X-T4 review
The Nikon Z6 is more financially accessible than its chunkier Z7 sibling. The Z6 has a lower 24.5MP stills resolution than the Z7 but the same five-axis in-body image stabilization. It also has far less image noise because of its lower resolution, making it ideal for photographing the night sky when paired with an astro lens. We put the camera to the test in our Nikon Z6 review and loved its superb ISO range, excellent handling and easily navigable menu.
Thanks to its sharp Z-mount lenses, five stops of in-body image stabilization, and compatibility with older Nikon lenses via the FTZ adapter, the Z6 is a fantastic option for practically any type of photography. Wildlife, sports, portraits, landscapes, product photography — you name it, the Z6 can do it.
Our favorite thing about this camera was the backlit sensor, which we thought was impressive and afforded us remarkable low-light image quality. We'd even go so far as to say this is one of the best cameras for astrophotography around and have placed it in our best cameras for astrophotography top eight.
For sports and wildlife photography, where you're likely to encounter fast-paced motion, the Z6 shoots at a generous 12FPS. It also has eye/animal eye autofocus (once you've updated to the most recent firmware) to ensure you stay locked on target. If you need the professional video capture of ProRes RAW, then the Z6 outputs 12K raw video to an external recorder, but do note that you might need to have this set up at a Nikon service center first.
- Read our full Nikon Z6 review
Best cameras for photos and videos 2023: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best camera I can buy?
The Sony A7R IV is the best camera overall. Based on our extensive testing, we've rated the Sony four and a half out of five stars and it sits at the top of this buying guide for best cameras for photos and videos because of its outstanding image quality and excellent all-round features.
Its astronomy variant model the Sony A7R IVA ranks third in the best cameras for astrophotography and is the highest overall ranking mirrorless camera.
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 Sony A7R IV 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 destined 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 Sony A7R IV, Nikon Z9, Canon EOS R7, Canon EOS R5 and Sony A1 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.
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. Each camera is reviewed based on many aspects, from its construction and design, to how well it functions as an optical instrument and its performance in the field.
Each camera is carefully tested by either our expert staff or knowledgeable freelance contributors who know their subject areas in depth. This ensures fair reviewing is backed by personal, hands-on experience with each camera and is judged based on its price point, class and destined use. For example, comparing a 60MP full-frame mirrorless camera to a sleek little crop-sensor DSLR wouldn’t be appropriate, though each camera might be the best-performing product in its own class.
We look at how easy each camera is to operate, whether it contains the latest up-to-date imaging technology, whether the cameras can shoot high-quality stills photos and high-resolution video, and also suggest if a particular camera would benefit from any additional kit to give you the best viewing experience possible.
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.
