The 7 Best Digital Cameras - Fall 2024

Nikon has been knocking it out of the park lately, and their latest enthusiast model, the Nikon Z 6III, is one of the best all-around hybrid cameras we've tested. With a unique partially stacked sensor, an excellent autofocus system, and some of the most advanced internal video recording specs of its class, this is a seriously well-rounded camera for both photography and video work. We're talking quick burst rates, minimal rolling shutter distortion, and 6k internal RAW recording. On top of that, it's well-built and weather-sealed, with effective in-body image stabilization (IBIS) and a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF).

Of course, all that power comes with an expensive price tag. Plus, Nikon's Z series is relatively new, so it doesn't have the widest lens selection, especially compared to competitors like Sony. If you want more lens options for your camera, consider the Sony α7 IV. It falls behind the Nikon in a few areas, with a slower max burst rate and no 6k or RAW video support. However, it has a more seamless autofocus system and a more established lens ecosystem with more third-party options. You can't really go wrong at this level, but if you're looking for the best at this price point, the Nikon Z 6III takes the crown.

The Panasonic LUMIX GH7 is a powerhouse option for advanced video work. It's one of the most advanced Micro Four Thirds cameras on the market, and it's largely designed with videographers in mind. Nice touches include a built-in fan to reduce overheating, a tilting and fully articulating screen, full-sized HDMI and a wide range of ports, along with a CFexpress card slot for more demanding video formats. But while the exterior is nice, it's what's inside that really sets this camera apart: internal ProRes formats, including ProRes RAW, 5.8k open gate recording, 4k at up to 120 fps, external SSD support, class-leading in-body image stabilization, 32-bit float audio capability—you get the idea. This is a videographer's camera through and through.

Now, if all of the above sounds like gibberish to you, this camera is likely overkill for your needs. Thankfully, most modern cameras today have rock-solid video capabilities, so you might be better served by one of our picks below. If you're willing to compromise on some of the above features, the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II offers incredible value for its price when it comes to video work. You'll have to give up features like internal ProRes support and RAW video output, to name a few, but it's cheaper than the GH7, and its full-frame sensor has a slight low-light advantage.

If you prefer the portability of smaller sensor formats, consider the Fujifilm X-T5. At 40.2 megapixels, its sensor has the highest resolution of any APS-C sensor on the market, capturing images with a ton of fine detail and plenty of leeway to crop if needed. With its portable design, dedicated exposure dials, and three-way tilting screen, the X-T5's photography-first design is also great for street or travel photos.

Though it's aimed primarily at photographers, the camera has some surprisingly impressive video specs, with internal 10-bit capture, Log recording, and 4k video at up to 60 fps without a crop. The Fujifilm X-H2 uses the exact same sensor as the X-T5 and is tailored even more towards pros and hybrid shooters, with a CFexpress card slot and 8k video capture. The Fujifilm X-H2S, meanwhile, uses a lower-resolution stacked sensor, which reduces rolling shutter distortion and makes it a better fit for fast subjects and action. Still, both X-H2 models are bulkier and pricier, so we recommend the X-T5 for most people. If you want to save even more money, you can buy older used models in the X-T series, like the Fujifilm X-T4, which still holds up very well despite having a lower-resolution sensor and lacking some of the latest video features.

A long-awaited update to Sony's APS-C lineup, the Sony α6700 is one of the best mid-range cameras on the market. With advanced video specs that bring it up to today's standards—including 4k 120 fps capture, internal 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, and IBIS—it's a great choice for hybrid and video shooters. It's no slouch for photography, either, with a 26-megapixel backside-illuminated APS-C sensor that captures stunning images with plenty of detail and dynamic range, along with best-in-class autofocus.

That said, the camera does have some limitations. If, for example, you need RAW video output, the Fujifilm X-S20 is a great alternative and also supports 6.2k open gate recording. 4k recording, however, is capped at 60 fps on the Fuji, and its autofocus system is less reliable. Sports and wildlife shooters may also prefer the Canon EOS R7, which has better ergonomics and faster burst shooting, though lens selection is more limited for the RF mount.

Canon is king when it comes to entry-level models, with a range of affordable, easy-to-use bodies at different price points. The best of these is the Canon EOS R10, which marries the familiar ergonomics and intuitive interface Canon is known for with a great APS-C sensor, some surprisingly advanced video specs, and one of the best autofocus systems you can find at this price point. The biggest drawback is that lens selection for Canon's RF mount is still quite limited, but if that isn't a dealbreaker, there's plenty to love here.

The Sony α6400 is a great alternative with a more established lens ecosystem. It's a bit behind the times for video features, and its user interface and ergonomics leave a lot to be desired, but you'll have a much wider range of native and third-party lenses to choose from for Sony's E mount. The camera's autofocus holds up quite well, too, and it's a little cheaper than the Canon overall.

If you're on a tighter budget, the Canon EOS R50 is one of the best budget cameras you can get, short of buying a camera secondhand. Like the Canon EOS R10, it features a simple interface and intuitive controls that are ideal for beginners, but it has a more compact body. On top of that, it has a good autofocus system, though it's a simpler version of the AF found on the R10, and good video features for the price, including 4k recording at up to 30 fps.

As part of Canon's RF system, it's compatible with both APS-C and full-frame lenses. Though overall lens options are still relatively limited, that makes it a great choice if you see yourself upgrading to a full-frame body down the line. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a good alternative if you want something even more compact. It's part of the Micro Four Thirds system, so it makes for a more portable overall kit and even includes IBIS, a rarity at this price point, but its autofocus isn't nearly as reliable.

You could argue smartphones have replaced truly "cheap" interchangeable-lens cameras, but the Canon EOS Rebel T7/2000D is one of the most affordable DSLR cameras that we recommend. At this price point, you won't find top-notch build quality or too many extra features—the T7 doesn't even have a flip-out touchscreen. But if you want to get a feel for photography beyond pointing your phone and tapping a screen, this camera will get you there without spending a fortune.

While this is a very pared-down camera, it still features a great APS-C sensor capable of capturing excellent photos, especially when paired with a good lens. On that front, if you outgrow the kit lens, you'll have plenty of options within Canon's well-established EF/EF-S ecosystem, which includes quite a few high-value lenses that won't break the bank. For a mirrorless alternative, the Canon EOS R100 is a solid, cheap option with a similarly pared-down design. There are fewer lens options, so we prefer the Rebel T7, but the R100 may be an attractive alternative if you want something more portable.