Buying a camera can be a daunting experience. Whether you’re buying your first camera or upgrading your gear, there are a plethora of options available at a variety of price points. That doesn’t even begin to address the various types of cameras available. We’ve compiled a list of the best cameras available right now, ranging from DSLRs and mirrorless cameras to action cams and compact devices.
Our selection of cameras spans a wide range of skill levels and price points. So, whether you’re a professional photographer, a hobbyist, or a beginner looking to learn a new skill, this easy-to-follow guide will teach you more about our favorite devices.
Each camera on this list has been thoroughly tested in both the real world and the lab. We consider usability, picture and video quality, and battery life, among other factors, to determine the best photographers in the world in 2022.
You can see our best cameras at a glance below, or you can scroll down to see pros and cons, why we like each camera, and links to our in-depth, comprehensive reviews with image samples.
Best Cameras for Photography in 2022
1. Canon EOS R6
The Canon EOS R6 ticks pretty much all the boxes for any working professional or enthusiast photographer, with twin card slots and some of the best in-body stabilization in the business. It lacks the EOS R5’s 8K video and 45MP resolution, but it is significantly less expensive for those who do not require such features. One could argue that 20.1MP is a tad low, but as long as you aren’t planning on making huge prints of all of your images, this should suffice for most purposes.
The Canon EOS R6 is a lightweight, snappy, and sophisticated camera that is at the cutting edge of photo technology. We’re excited to see what happens next!
2. Nikon D850
$2,796.95
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This camera’s solid core allows for limitless creativity, with time-lapse shooting, slow-motion video output in Full HD, in-camera Raw processing, and a slew of other post-capture adjustments all at your disposal. Do you want to shoot at night? Many of the camera’s controls light up, and the ISO range extends to 102,400, which is unusual for a camera with such a populated sensor. Do you need to shoot quietly? This is not possible with many other DSLRs, but you can fire 30fps bursts in complete silence with this one.
The Nikon D850 body is usually sold separately, as it is aimed at photography professionals and is equally at home in the studio as it is in the field. If you don’t already have a lens, you’ll be better off pairing it with the excellent AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR for general use.
3. Fujifilm X-T4
It’s difficult to think of a box that this camera doesn’t check. A 26.1MP X-Trans sensor combined with the X Processor Pro 4 results in a camera that produces stunning images at enviable speeds. While you can shoot in JPEG or RAW, Fuji cameras are famous for how good their JPEGs look straight out of the camera, making this camera ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to spend a lot of time in Photoshop. In-body stabilization also improves the camera’s low-light performance by removing blur caused by camera shake at slow shutter speeds.
What’s not to like about that? It’s not much! Okay, it’s a reasonable price for an APS-C camera, and you could probably spend a similar amount on a full-frame camera. However, Fujifilm has put so much effort into creating this mirrorless camera that it more than justifies its price tag with its extensive feature set, and we believe it’s still one of the best buys you can make right now.
4. Nikon Z7 II
Overall, the Nikon Z7 II is an excellent all-around camera. It moves like a dream and produces images that are truly stunning. Any professional or serious enthusiast photographer will find that this camera does everything they could want and more and that it comes with useful extras like an upgraded battery that lasts longer than the original Z7. There are also two card slots. That’s fantastic.
Are there any drawbacks? With an LCD screen that only tilts and isn’t fully articulated and an EVF that’s lower resolution than some rival cameras, the monitoring situation is a little disappointing. However, none of this is a deal-breaker, and if you’re looking for a full-frame mirrorless system to get started with, Nikon’s Z series is definitely worth considering.
5. Canon EOS Rebel SL3
Another big plus is the Live View functionality – composing and focusing on the rear screen rather than the viewfinder – which has been radically improved over the previous model, with whip-fast Dual Pixel autofocus that is actually much better than the 9-point system available in the viewfinder. Composing in Live View can be useful in a variety of creative situations; for example, if you’re photographing human subjects, it’s much easier to give directions without having a camera pressed up against your face. The Rebel SL3 is also extremely small and light for a DSLR, weighing only 451g and taking up little room in your bag.
The Rebel SL3 combines many of the benefits of DSLR cameras with those of mirrorless models, resulting in a fantastic DSLR that is suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced shooters – and at an affordable price.
It’s available as a body-only option, but most people starting out will undoubtedly want to spend a little more to pair it with the EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens. If you’re feeling daring, you can also get a kit with the all-encompassing EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens instead, and if you want something similar but a little more powerful, check out the Canon EOS 90D, which has a more solid construction and is better suited to experienced photographers.