Trying to choose the best camera for photography is a tough ask indeed. It's not necessarily going to be the most expensive or most powerful, especially if you're just starting out. The best step to take is to think about what kinds of photography you want to do, as this will help narrow it down.
This guide represents a broad spectrum of the types of camera available. We've included beginner-friendly cameras, simple point-and-shoots, waterproof action cameras, and sophisticated cameras for enthusiasts and professionals. Whatever your budget, whatever your skill level, there should be something here for you.
If you need a little more help deciding, scroll to the bottom of this page where we've included some advice on how to choose, as well as answers to a few commonly asked questions about cameras. For more options, check out our guides to the best cameras for beginners, or for something holiday-friendly, our lists of the best cameras for travel, and the best cameras for kids.
Chris has been writing about photography professionally for nearly 40 years and has tested hundreds of different cameras – and owned dozens of them too. He has been the editor of What Camera, N-Photo, PhotoPlus, Video Camera, and Digital Camera magazines during his long career. He loves the challenge of helping people find the right camera, to suit their photography and their budget.
Best cameras for photography: Quick list
In a hurry? Here's a quick overview of the cameras in this guide, with links that let you jump down the page directly to a review of whichever one catches your eye.
Canon has ingeniously stripped down this modern mirrorless camera to the bare basics, to make this an affordable option for anyone who wants to start doing "real" photography.
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If you want a mirrorless camera that you take to any shoot, for any genre of photography, the Fujifilm X-T5 has you covered – and it has great retro looks too! A great enthusiast option.
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The traditional DSLR is still what I'd recommend for those studying photography - with this Canon camera and compatible lenses being highly affordable
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If you want the highest resolution mirrorless camera on the market then this 61-megapixel full-frame mirrorless shooter it perfect to capture the finest of details.
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At a temptingly low price, this compact camera is an all-in-one pocketable shooting solution. Its twisting LCD means it is perfect for selfies, or recording YouTube videos.
This futuristic-looking device, provides a mini video camera with a built-in gimbal - allowing you to shoot handheld video that looks smooth and professional.
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A perfected form of the action camera, as long as you don't want to shoot at higher resolutions than 4K. DJI's offering is a GoPro beater, especially in low light.
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A 360 camera shoots you and everything around you using two 180° fisheye lenses - so you don't miss anything. You can edit the video to show the view from any direction afterwards.
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With 8K video capture, and a host of professional videomaking features this is top choice for serious filmmakers. But as a hybrid mirrorless camera it is a brilliant stills camera too.
The best cameras for photography in 2024
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Best for beginners
Mirrorless camera are the newest form of interchangeable lenses cameras for those who want to take photography seriously - and these are steadily taking over from the traditional DSLR. But up until recently, beginner models have been more expensive. We love the EOS R100 as it sets out to be the mirrorless camera that is priced so anyone can join the party.
The EOS R100 is custom-made for beginners. Sure it lacks some of the features of pricier options - most notably the LCD screen at the rear is not touch sensitive, and is fixed - so can't be swung around for selfies, say. However, thanks to the D-pad on the rear it is simple to navigate menus and settings – and there's a guided user interface to help explain things to the newbie.
That's lots tech from more professional models in Canon's EOS mirrorless range - such as the Dual Pixel autofocus that offers face tracking and eye detection to offer a huge helping hand in getting your pictures sharp.
The lens system is relatively new - so there are no secondhand bargains, and frustratingly no third-party options. However, Canon has done a good job of making affordable lens options - and the camera can be used with old-school EF-mount DSLR lenses using an adapter.
Recommended kit lens: Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM
Read my full Canon EOS R100 review
Most versatile
The Fujifilm X-T5 a state-of-the art mirrorless camera, that acts like a classically controlled SLR, making it one of the best retro cameras. This makes it ideal for serious enthusiasts and old-school shooters, with its traditional dials on the top of the camera that enable you to change ISO and shutter speed settings quickly.
The X-T5 takes the much-loved Fujifilm X-T4 further in terms of resolution but is still ideal for shooters who want a lightweight camera. Its specs are ferocious, with 40.2MP photographs, 10-bit 4:2:2 video at 6.2K 30p, and a 3-way tilting touchscreen for flexible image composition. In terms of the way that it looks, feels, and handles, the X-T5 is in a class of its own.
For more see our full Fujifilm X-T5 review
Best for students
The DSLR is the traditional camera for those learning about photography - those who are new to the hobby, or studying photography at college, making this one of the best cameras for students. The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is a long-standing favorite of ours in this category (and is sold as the Canon EOS 250D in Europe). It's by no means the most advanced DSLR you can get, but its simplicity, its controls, and the quality of the images it can create make it our top recommendation for anyone just starting out, and has limited budget to spend.
What we like about the Canon, is that there is a huge range of affordable lenses for this interchangeable lens system. So you can find others that you can borrow different options from - and find bargain secondhand options.
What’s more, there isn't a lot the SL3/250D doesn’t do – unlike other budget DSLRs, it offers 4K video, and boasts a fold-out rotating LCD screen
Its 24-megapixel Dual Pixel sensor delivers super-sharp, super-high-quality images. Do make sure you buy a kit that includes an 'IS' zoom lens - which gives you image stabilization that will help ensure your handheld shots are that bit sharper.
The downside is that DSLRs are on their way out - and Canon even has stopped producing new models or new lenses for the system.
Read our full Canon EOS Rebel SL3 review / Canon EOS 250D review
Best for resolution
The 'R' models in Sony's A7 series cameras are designed first and foremost for resolution – and the Sony A7R Mark V is the highest resolution camera yet with a full-frame sensor.
It's not just the detail rendition that's stellar, but this camera's 4K video capability and 10fps continuous shooting speed – all combined with in-body 5-axis image stabilization and one of the most powerful autofocus systems the world has seen, complete with the world's best (so far) eye AF.
One of the most compelling reasons for picking the Sony system, however, is the extensive lens range now available, both from Sony itself and third-parties, and the momentum the Sony brand has built up in the photographic community.
Read our full Sony A7R V review
Best point-and-shoot
Serious photographers may look down their noses at point-and-shoot cameras, but these all-in-one models have a lot going for them, particularly if you're a relative newcomer to serious picture-taking. The Sony ZV-1f, for instance, offers a 1-inch sensor that's a demonstrable step-up in quality from a smartphone, but it's still user-friendly enough that practically anyone can pick it up and figure it out.
While it's primarily designed for vlogging, the ZV-1F offers plenty to tempt stills shooters as well, especially considering its extremely attractive price. It can burst shoot at a maximum rate of 24fps, and it also benefits from Sony's autofocus, which is exceptionally good. The Eye-detect and Face-detect modes work brilliantly well, with pin-sharp focusing zeroing in on your subject's eye time and time again. There are also new processing algorithms designed to help capture accurate skin tones, making this a potent budget camera for portraits.
Unlike the more expensive ZV-1 and ZV-1 II cameras, the ZV-1F uses a prime lens, with a fixed focal length of 20mm. While this can be limiting in some respects, it's great for learning the ropes of photography by forcing you not to rely on the convenience of a zoom, and the wide 20mm angle means you can always get plenty into the frame. There is a digital zoom for emergencies, though it necessitates a drop in image quality.
Cheap and capable, the Sony ZV-1F is everything a point-and-shoot camera should be.
Read our full Sony ZV-1F review
Check out the best cameras for vlogging
Best for vlogging
Is the DJI Pocket 3 an action camera? Well, it's not rugged and waterproof, but given a lot of action cameras are used in the hand on selfie sticks, this is a sensible option to consider. It is easy to use, and has a usably big touchscreen with the third iteration. There is no questioning the superb stabilization, clever 'follow' modes, and flip-around selfie shooting.
There’s also a handy ultrawide lens attachment that, admittedly, definitely drops quality, but adds a field of view. There is also the option of buying in a combo with a DJI Mic 2 that adds a Bluetooth microphone making this an ideal tool for vlogging (the 3 built-in mics can also help cancel the ambient noise). The 1-inch sensor handled mixed and low light well in our tests too.
That aside, the convenience, versatility, and stabilization offered by the DJI Pocket 3 can’t be overstated. After all, nothing much can do all the things it can and still slip into a jacket pocket. You can even connect wirelessly to your smartphone and get big-screen control and playback via the DJI app.
Read our full DJI Pocket 3 review for more details
Best action camera
Action cameras are not really cameras for photographing sports from the sideline. Instead they are for shooting video where you are the star of the show. Loved by adrenaline junkies, they can be great for recording leisurely bike rides as well as snowboarding down black runs. They have very wide-angle lenses – so need to be close to whatever you are shooting, hence why they are best turned to face you.
GoPro may be the name that has bcome synonymous with action cameras. However, we think the DJI Osmo Action series, and in particular the latest DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, is the leader of the pack and the most deserving of your attention. Its larger imaging sensor knocks the stuffing out of any GoPro Hero camera, especially once light levels get low. Its image stabilization is faultless, its dual touchscreens make it easy to use, and it offers waterproofing down to depths of 20m, which is great for snorkelling and diving alike.
Granted, you don't get the swappable lenses of the latest GoPro Hero13 Black. (which a cynic might point out are basically another opportunity to spend yet more money). However, you do get a brilliantly capable all-in-one action camera that's perfectly pitched for capturing extreme images.
Read our full DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro review for more depth.
Best 360 camera
There are times when handling even an action camera's wide-angle lens becomes a problem, and that's where a 360-degree action camera can step in. With two back-to-back lenses and enough smarts to eliminate a selfie stick from the footage, this almost magic camera can capture an image from a point within reach looking any direction you see fit.
I tried it with the bike attachment – which holds the camera a little way in front of the bike, over the front wheel – and was amazed at the footage which makes it look like I'm cycling toward a perfectly controlled drone. Better still, by syncing with my phone I could add GPS data and have it overlaid, in the form of a speedometer, by the Insta360 app.
The only real worry is how exposed those glass fisheye lenses are when the camera is in use; the joy of re-positioning the camera angle after the fact can be hours of fun. 5.7K is good enough for sharing, but more resolution would help pro work.
Read our full Insta 360 X3 review for more details
Best for filmmakers
The EOS R5 is Canon's most powerful all-round camera, and seems to be trying to corner every segment of the market at once. It's got a superb 45MP image sensor that produces images of incredible detail, and can even shoot 400MP photos (under strict conditions). It also boasts the best autofocus system I've ever used, which feels like cheating whether you're photographing people, animals or vehicles - and making this a great camera for those serious about shooting sports or wildlife.
The video specs are equally exceptional making this our pick for serious filmmakers. It can capture uncropped 8K RAW video internally at up to 30fps in 4:2:2 12-bit Canon Log, or HDR PQ (both H.265) in both UHD and DCI. On top of that, Frame Grab enables you to extract 35.4MP stills from your 8K footage, ensuring you never miss a moment and 4K can be captured at up to 120fps.
With weather-sealing, up to 8 stops of in-body image stabilization, dual memory card slots (including support for the high-performance CFexpress card format), a fully articulating screen and plenty of other tricks, this really is one camera to rule them all. Though perhaps not for much longer, as we are just completing our final lab tests of the awesome, incredible Canon EOS R5 Mark II...
Read our full Canon EOS R5 review
See more of the best professional cameras
Best cameras for photography: How we test cameras
We test cameras both in real-world shooting scenarios and in carefully controlled lab conditions. We use our lab tests measure resolution, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio on DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Resolution is measured using ISO resolution charts, dynamic range is measured using DxO Analyzer test equipment and DxO Analyzer is also used for noise analysis across the camera's ISO range. For action cameras, 360 cameras, and compact cameras we rely solely on using cameras in the field - and comparing results and handling with hundreds of other models our testers have evaluated in the past. Our rigorous testing informs our choices as recommendations in our buying guides.
Best cameras for photography: FAQs
Do I need a camera with interchangeable lenses?
Mirrorless cameras and DSLRs are the most popular type of camera amongst enthusiast and pro photographers - because they allow you to switch lenses to suit what you are shooting. They are often sold 'body only' without a lens, but are also available in kits with a budget standard zoom lens. But you can then buy long telephoto lenses to shoot birds, or ultra-wide-angle lenses for architectural interiors, or macro lenses for extreme close-ups. Most of these cameras will give you dozens of lens options.
A camera with a fixed, built-in lens - as found on compact cameras and action cameras - means that you buy something that doesn't mean investing extra in a lens. Many point-and-shoot cameras have zooms that can cater for most subjects - and bridge cameras in particular can feature super-telephoto settings for close-ups of the moon or distant wildlife.
Should I buy a DSLR or a mirrorless camera?
DSLRs use a traditional interchangeable lens design, where you actually view the subject through the lens - via a mirror that swings out of the way as you take the picture. Mirrorless cameras do away with this optical path - and you instead view your subject as you take the picture via a video screen (often built into the eyelevel finder).
Most manufacturers are now concentrating on mirrorless models, and we are seeing far fewer new cameras and lenses for DSLR systems nowadays. However, the cheapest DSLRs are less expensive than the cheapest equivalent mirrorless models - and the lenses are cheaper too - so are still be a viable budget choice for beginners.
See more in our DSLR vs mirrorless camera guide.
Best cameras for photography: How we test cameras
We test cameras both in real-world shooting scenarios and in carefully controlled lab conditions - but the actual testing regimen varies widely depending on the type of camera being evaluated.
For mirrorless and DSLR system cameras, we use laboratory tests to measure resolution, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio on DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Resolution is measured using ISO resolution charts, dynamic range is measured using DxO Analyzer test equipment and DxO Analyzer is also used for noise analysis across the camera's ISO range.
For action cameras, 360 cameras, and compact cameras, we rely solely on using cameras in the field - and comparing results and handling with hundreds of other models our testers have evaluated in the past. Our rigorous testing informs our choices as recommendations in our buying guides.
FAQs
What is best for beginners, DSLRs or mirrorless cameras?
In general, we'd say a mirrorless camera is best for beginners. They tend to be smaller, and so easy to take everywhere – which is still the best and most reliable way to improve your photography. There's also an element of future-proofing in picking a mirrorless camera for a beginner. Most manufacturers are only developing their mirrorless lines, so by investing in that direction early, you lessen the likelihood of having to change systems years down the line as DSLRs become increasingly obsolete.
But let's not overstate the case. Many, many great photographers cut their teeth on DSLRs, and many more will yet. We've listed DSLRs in this guide, including a beginner option, because they're still brilliant cameras to learn on, and you won't go wrong if you pick one up.
Which camera is most widely used in professional photography?
Pro photographers use all sorts of different cameras, depending on their specialism and discipline – a studio portrait photographer has different needs to an outdoor motorsport photographer, after all.
In general, however, most professional photographers are moving to full-frame mirrorless cameras, having previously used full-frame DSLRs. These provide the balance of quality, speed and portability that most pros need. Brand-wise, the main players are Canon, Nikon and Sony, all of whom have full-frame mirrorless lines.
However, like anything, the world of professional photography is a rich and varied place, and you will absolutely find pro photographers out there using APS-C Fujifilm cameras. Micro Four Thirds Panasonic cameras, or whatever else.
Want to drill down even more? Take a look at the best compact cameras, the best bridge cameras, the best cameras for vlogging, the best cameras under $500 and the best cameras under $100.