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The 7 Best Cameras - Winter 2024 Reviews

Updated
Best Cameras

Narrowing down the best cameras in the world is no easy task when there are so many different models to choose from. There are interchangeable-lens mirrorless cameras and DSLRs used by pros and hobbyists alike. You've also got your fixed-lens compact cameras and superzoom bridge cameras, not to mention rugged action cams to capture high-octane action footage. The good news is that whether you're a beginner looking to buy your first mirrorless or DSLR camera or a seasoned photographer looking to upgrade to a newer body, there's most certainly a camera out there for you.

We've done some of the work of narrowing those options down for you. We've bought and tested over 100 cameras in our lab, and below, you'll find our best-tested cameras for people of different budgets and experience levels. If you're looking for a camera to shoot videos with, you can also try our recommendations for the best vlogging cameras or the best 4k cameras. If you want more affordable entry-level options, check out our picks for the best beginner cameras instead.


  1. Best Camera

    The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is the best full-frame mirrorless camera that we've tested. This enthusiast-level model can do pretty much everything you need, whether it's high-quality stills or advanced video work. It improves upon the original Canon EOS R6 with a higher-resolution sensor, faster burst shooting, better heat management, and improved video features, like uncropped 4k recording at up to 60 fps. All that is in a highly ergonomic, weather-sealed body with an intuitive user interface and controls.

    The one downside of the R6 Mark II is that Canon is still building out its RF lens lineup, so there are fewer native and third-party options to choose from, but that's slowly changing, and you can also adapt older EF lenses without issue if you get an adapter. Still, if you are looking for a camera with a more established lens ecosystem, the Sony α7 IV is right up there with the Canon for image quality and hybrid versatility. However, it has a slower max burst rate when shooting uncompressed RAW files, and it only shoots 4k 60 fps video in crop mode. You can't go wrong with either of these cameras, but we prefer the Canon for those reasons.

    See our review

  2. Best Camera For Video

    If you'd like a more capable videography and filmmaking camera, the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II is an excellent full-frame option with some seriously impressive video specs. That includes a wide array of recording formats and resolutions, with oversampled 4k recording at up to 60 fps and open gate 6k recording at up to 30 fps. It also supports V-Log recording and internal 10-bit 4:2:2 color—all at a remarkably competitive price for what you get. Unlike the original Panasonic LUMIX S5, the S5 II also has phase-detection autofocus, making it that much better for those who need AF.

    If you need even more advanced features, like external RAW video output and Apple ProRes support, you can opt for the Panasonic LUMIX S5 IIX variant. Alternatively, the Fujifilm X-H2S is a hybrid/video beast, with internal ProRes codecs, RAW video output, and a stacked sensor that keeps rolling shutter effect to a minimum. That said, it's significantly pricier than the LUMIX S5 II.

    See our review

  3. Best Upper Mid-Range Camera

    If the above cameras sound like overkill for your needs, but you're still a photography enthusiast, the Fujifilm X-T5 could be the perfect fit. Its dedicated exposure dials evoke the feel and handling of classic SLR cameras and make it easy to adjust settings on the go, which is great for street photography. The camera's also weather-sealed, with in-body image stabilization to help you shoot more stable handheld shots at slower shutter speeds and a versatile three-way tilting screen.

    However, the real selling point of this camera is its 40 MP APS-C sensor, which captures incredibly detailed images with plenty of leeway to crop and edit. Film simulation profiles also make it easy to change the look of your images in-camera, and the camera boasts some impressive video specs, to boot. Overall, if you're looking for something a bit cheaper and more portable than the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, this is an excellent choice.

    See our review

  4. Best Mid-Range Camera

    The Sony α6700 is one of the best all-around mid-range cameras. This hybrid model uses the same lens mount as the Sony α7 IV, offering a wide range of native and third-party lens options. Its relatively portable body makes it easy to take wherever you go, and its built-in stabilization makes it a good option for video work and handheld shooting. Plus, it has one of the best autofocus systems on the market, great for fast subjects like wildlife and sports, and it's one of the few cameras in its class that can capture 4k video at 120 fps.

    The Fujifilm X-S20 is another great option at this price point. It has a few features that the Sony lacks, like 6.2k recording and RAW video output, but its AF system isn't quite as reliable, and 4k recording maxes out at 60 fps. Ergonomically, some people may prefer its centered viewfinder over the offset rangefinder EVF on the α6700, but that comes down to personal preference.

    See our review

  5. Best Entry-Level Camera

    The Canon EOS R10 is one of the best entry-level cameras we've tested, offering a ton of value for its price. Though it lacks some of the high-end features found on the Sony α6700, like in-body image stabilization and weather-sealing, it's a very well-rounded camera. Its APS-C sensor captures excellent image quality for its class, and the camera has a highly effective autofocus system and quick burst shooting. All that, plus a highly accessible user interface and controls, make it one of the best mirrorless cameras for beginners.

    Though its video features are somewhat limited, with heavily cropped 4k 60 fps recording and significant rolling shutter distortion, it still offers a wide range of frame rate options and can even record 10-bit 4:2:2 video internally. That puts it a step above the similarly-priced Fujifilm X-S10. Still, if you need IBIS, the X-S10 is a great alternative that still holds up. It also has the benefit of a more established lens lineup to choose from. However, its autofocus is much less reliable than that of the Canon camera.

    See our review

  6. Best Budget Camera

    If you're on a tighter budget, the Canon EOS R50 is the best budget mirrorless camera you can buy brand new. Canon's most affordable camera, this small but mighty APS-C option is a great choice for beginners thanks to highly intuitive controls and a comprehensive auto-shooting mode that'll help you get a feel for the basics of photography. And since it's part of the same RF-mount system as high-end full-frame Canons like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, there's an easy upgrade path if you eventually outgrow it.

    This portable, lightweight camera is suitable for travel and day-to-day photography. With 4k video recording at up to 30 fps, it's a solid vlogging cam too. If, however, you're looking for an even more compact system with more lens options, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a great alternative and even includes IBIS for steadier handheld shooting. Its autofocus is less reliable than the R50's.

    See our review

  7. Best Cheap Camera

    "Cheap cameras" is almost an oxymoron. It's hard to come by a good camera for truly cheap unless you start looking at used models, which is a great way to go for those on a tight budget. Still, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D is one of the best options among cheap and budget cameras. This no-frills DSLR is as basic as interchangeable-lens cameras come, but it has a high-resolution sensor and a well-established lens ecosystem with a wide range of good options.

    While you won't be able to record 4k video and don't even get a tilting screen, the camera feels good in the hand and has a long battery life, allowing you to get out and practice shooting throughout the day. Its autofocus is much more limited than mirrorless models like the Canon EOS R50, but it's serviceable for anyone who's just getting started. Ultimately, if you're on a very tight budget, this is a solid starter camera.

    See our review

Notable Mentions

  • Fujifilm X-H2: The Fujifilm X-H2 is the sister model to the Fujifilm X-H2S and uses a higher-resolution sensor than the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, making it a great fit for portraits and landscapes. However, its APS-C sensor isn't as well-suited to low-light situations as the Canon, and it's less versatile for faster subjects. See our review
  • Nikon D780: The Nikon D780 is among the best DSLRs we've tested, with an excellent hybrid autofocus system. You'll get a longer battery life than the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and fantastic noise performance. However, it's bulkier and isn't as well-suited for video work, with no in-body image stabilization. See our review
  • Nikon Z 6II: The Nikon Z 6II is a great upper mid-range camera with excellent ergonomics. Unlike the Fujifilm X-T5, it uses a full-frame sensor but lags behind in video features, and its lens options are more expensive. See our review
  • Sony α7 III: The Sony α7 III is the predecessor to the Sony α7 IV. While it lags in video features compared to cameras like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and the α7 IV, it's still a great option for photography, with incredible image quality and excellent autofocus performance. See our review

Recent Updates

  1. Mar 14, 2024: We've replaced the Sony α7 IV with the Canon EOS R6 Mark II because the R6 II is on sale and performs slightly better. We've also added the Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D as the 'Best Cheap Camera' to round out the list.

  2. Feb 15, 2024: Replaced the Fujifilm X-H2S with the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II as the 'Best Camera For Video' because of the better value it offers for most non-professional video shooters.

  3. Jan 19, 2024: Replaced the Fujifilm X-S10 with the Canon EOS R10 because of its more accessible user interface and slightly better video specs. Added the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II to Notable Mentions as a highly capable video/hybrid option.

  4. Dec 20, 2023: Added extra links to other use-based articles throughout, and added mention of the Canon EOS R10 as a cheaper alternative to the Fujifilm X-S10.

  5. Nov 21, 2023: Replaced the Nikon Z 6II with the Fujifilm X-T5 as the upper mid-range pick and moved the Z 6II to Notable Mentions; replaced the Fujifilm X-S20 with the Sony α6700 as the mid-range pick; replaced the Nikon Z 50 with the Fujifilm X-S10 and renamed it from 'Best Lower Mid-Range Camera' to 'Best Entry-Level Camera'.

All Reviews

Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best-performing cameras for most people to buy, according to their needs. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability (no cameras that are difficult to find or almost out of stock in the U.S.).

If you would like to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our camera reviews, ordered by price. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There is no single perfect camera. Personal taste, preference, and shooting habits will matter more in your selection.