What is the best camera to get today? The choice is dazzling, but we’re here to help you decide on the right camera for you
When there are so many various types of cameras, how can you pick the best one? Don’t worry, we’re here to assist you. It’s not about getting the most costly or powerful camera; it’s about getting the proper camera for the job at hand. We’ll go over the various sorts, who they’re best for, and what to look for.
So, to begin, we’ll need to know what kind of photographer you are and what you’d like to photograph.
You might be seeking for the best point and shoot camera if you just want something basic, quick, and cheap. These are inexpensive, come with zoom lenses, and have simple settings that anyone can learn to use.
Or how about a disposable camera? Even the best instant cameras aren’t expensive, and they’re really easy to use, inexpensive, and a lot of fun. They also manufacture some of the greatest cameras for youngsters – though if you don’t limit your photographs, the print charges can rapidly add up!
If you’re new to photography but eager to learn, you’ll want a camera that’s easy to pick up and use for a beginner but strong enough to grow with you as you try out more sophisticated techniques. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses, which are among the finest cameras for beginners, is usually the best option.
What if you’re more interested in trip photography and vlogging than you are in pursuing a traditional photographic career? Although mirrorless cameras are among the best for travel, have you considered an action camera or one of the new generation of gimbal cameras, such as the DJI Pocket 2?
Action cameras are a good place to start as well. GoPro popularised adventure photography, but there are now a slew of competitors, as well as some extremely intriguing new technologies like 360 imagery and pocket-sized gimbal cameras for super-smooth action sequences. With the click of a button, the top 360 cameras can shoot VR video and stills, giving you a completely new perspective.
Why not test out one of the best camera drones while we’re on the subject of perspective? Most are very simple, even for amateurs, with automated takeoff and landing, automated flying controls, and planned flights.
There are a plethora of methods to get into photography and videography, and we’ve compiled a list of ten of the greatest cameras available right now, each with its own set of qualities and appeal for different types of photographers.
The best cameras in 2022
1:Nikon D3500
The Nikon D3500 is an excellent entry-level DSLR that is neither overly difficult nor very pricey.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: DSLR
- Sensor: APS-C
- Megapixels: 24.2MP
- Lens mount: Nikon F
- Screen: 3-inch fixed, 921,000 dots
- Viewfinder: Optical
- Max video resolution: Full HD
- User level: Beginner
REASONS TO BUY
+Great ergonomics
+Superb image quality
+Versatile and affordable
REASONS TO AVOID
-Fixed rear screen
The Nikon D3500 has long been one of our favourite cameras. It’s not the most complex DSLR on the market, but its ease of use, controls, and image quality make it our top pick for anyone just getting started with photography. The D3500 lacks a number of features, including a fixed rear screen that isn’t touch-sensitive, hybrid on-sensor autofocus, and the ability to capture 4K video. Nikon’s latest AF-P retractable kit lens is a small marvel and focuses incredibly quickly in live view, even without on-sensor phase-detection autofocus. Its 24-megapixel sensor offers super-sharp, super-high quality photographs. The D3500 is a great camera to start with since it’s easy to operate, it’s more powerful than it appears, and it’s a great way to learn about interchangeable lenses.
2:Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
This is an excellent camera for travel because it’s small and light, but it’s also powerful enough for more skilled photography.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: Micro Four Thirds
- Megapixels: 20.3
- Lens mount: MFTScreen: 3-inch 180-degree tilting touchscreen, 1,037k dots
- Viewfinder: EVF, 2,360k dots
- Max shooting speed: 8.7fps
- Max video resolution: 4K UHD
- User level: Beginner/intermediate
REASONS TO BUY
+Latest 20MP sensor+5-axis in-body stabilisation+Small body, small lenses
REASONS TO AVOID
-MFT sensor smaller than APS-C
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is great for learning about photography and video and portable enough for daily usage, with a flip-over screen for selfies and extremely good in-body image stabilisation. The E-M10 Mark IV is great as an entry-level camera that can do pretty much everything, thanks to its 4K footage and beautiful aesthetics. Its Micro Four Thirds sensor is smaller than that of other mirrorless cameras or DSLRs, but the lenses are smaller and lighter. This is a fantastic tiny camera that is far more powerful than it appears and might last you a long time.
3:Fujifilm X-S10
It’s the mirrorless camera with everything, including in-body stabilisation and 4K video, and it’s ideal for aficionados and upgraders.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: APS-C
- Megapixels: 26.1MP
- Lens mount: Fujifilm X
- Screen: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1.04m dots
- Viewfinder: EVF, 2,360k dots
- Max continuous shooting speed: 30/8fps
- Max video resolution: 4K
- User level: Intermediate/Expert
REASONS TO BUY
+Small size & excellent build quality+Vari-angle touchscreen+In-body image stabilisation
REASONS TO AVOID
-Conventional mode dial
The Fujifilm X-S10 lacks the external exposure controls found on higher-level X-series cameras, but that’s the only flaw we can identify, and it’s evident that this isn’t a ‘amateur’ camera. Its build quality and handling are immediately noticeable. The switch to a conventional mode dial may disappoint Fujifilm fans, but the camera’s excellent finish, build quality, and handling, as well as the inclusion of IBIS (in-body stabilisation), make it the best combination of performance, quality, and value in the APS-C mirrorless camera market right now, especially in this price range.
Another reason we like this new camera to our previous pick, the X-T30, is that it sports a vari-angle back screen. For photographers wishing to upgrade from an older DSLR or mirrorless camera, this is a fantastic option.
4:Canon EOS 90D
Canon’s flagship APS-C format DSLR is strong and versatile, and ideal for DSLR fans.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: DSLR
- Sensor: APS-C
- Megapixels: 32.5MP
- Lens mount: Canon EF-S
- Screen: 3.0in touch, pivot 1,040,000 dots
- Viewfinder: PentaprismMax burst speed: 10fps
- Max video resolution: 4K
- User level: Enthusiast
REASONS TO BUY
+Tremendous value+Fully articulated touchscreen
REASONS TO AVOID
-Pixel count causes noise issues-Unimpressive buffer capacity
We realise that mirrorless cameras are all the rage these days, but we’ve included the Canon EOS 90D for all the DSLR aficionados out there – and for those who have drawers full of Canon lenses! The Canon EOS 90D is an incredible APS-C workhorse camera, with the highest resolution ever seen in an APS-C sensor of 32.5MP, a high-speed frame rate of 10fps, and stunning uncropped 4K video, without the annoyance of cropping that has plagued Canon cameras in the past.
Its handling and ergonomics are excellent, reminding us why shooting with a DSLR is such a pleasurable tactile experience, and it’s accessible at a reasonable enthusiast price – not to mention the optical viewfinder, which many people still prefer to mirrorless cameras’ electronic viewfinders. If Canon continues to produce models as amazing as this, rumours of the DSLR’s demise will be grossly overblown.
5:Sony ZV-1
Do you want to try your hand at vlogging? That’s exactly what the Sony ZV-1 is made for!
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Compact
- Sensor: 1inch CMOS
- Megapixels: 20.1MP
- Lens mount: N/A
- Screen: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 921k dots
- Viewfinder: No
- Max continuous shooting speed: 24fps
- Max video resolution: 4K
- User level: IntermediateTODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+Vari-angle rear screen+Clip on wind shield+Brilliantly fast AF
REASONS TO AVOID
-No viewfinder
We normally advocate interchangeable lens cameras for any serious photography or filmmaking, but the Sony ZV-1 is an exception. It has a fixed 3x zoom lens and a 1-inch sensor, which is smaller than its Micro Four Thirds and APS-C competitors, but it makes up for it with a super-compact body small enough to slip into a jacket or even a trouser pocket, as well as a body, controls, audio system, and rear that are all designed specifically for vlogging.
The woolly hat you see in the photographs is a wind muffler that comes with the camera, and the autofocus on this camera is lightning fast – it handles holding objects up to show the camera perfectly.
6:DJI Pocket 2
The Pocket 2 may not seem like any other camera, but it has its own gimbal stabiliser for super-smooth footage.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Gimbal camera
- Sensor: 1/1.7-inch
- Megapixels: 64/16MP
- Lens mount: N/A
- Screen: 1-inch touchscreen
- Viewfinder: No
- Max continuous shooting speed: N/A
- Max video resolution: 4K
- User level: Beginner/Intermediate
REASONS TO BUY
+Excellent stabilization+Panoramas, timelapse, more+Simple forward/selfie switching
REASONS TO AVOID
-Tiny on-camera screen-Accessories add to the cost
With this recommendation, we’ve gone completely off the beaten path, but the DJI Pocket 2 could make an excellent travel/vlogging camera. It isn’t the best camera for stills, but its 16MP stills (which can be increased to 64MP) are likely to be superior to those of a smartphone, and it can also snap programmable multi-row panoramas stitched in-camera. There’s also a wide-angle lens available as an add-on for stunning interiors and architecture. Its video, though, is the star of the show, with an in-built gimbal that gives it a smoothness that larger cameras can only dream of. It includes a small controller for motorised pan and tilt movements, as well as three ‘follow’ modes.
This one, on the other hand, will fit in a shirt pocket. The built-in touchscreen is modest, but you can connect the Pocket 2 to your smartphone and use the DJI app to control it on a larger screen.
7:DJI Mini SE
How about using a drone? It doesn’t get much easier than this to fly – both take-off and landing are automatic.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Weight: 249g
- Dimensions (folded): 180×97×84mm
- Dimensions (unfolded): 159 x 203 x 56mm
- Controller: Yes
- Video resolution: 4K 30fps ([email protected])
- Camera resolution: 12MPBattery life: 30 minutes
- Max Range: 3.5km / 2.17mi
- Max Speed: 72kph / 44.7mph
REASONS TO BUY
+Side-steps registration fees+GPS and Altitude Hold+Slightly better in wind than the old Mini
REASONS TO AVOID
-JPEG stills only-No forward collision sensors
In terms of quality, the DJI Mini SE is best compared to a flying smartphone camera from a mid-range handset. That is, however, a high bar these days, much above toy drones and their shaky footage, because this drone can hover flawlessly thanks to onboard sensors and has a 3-axis mechanical stabiliser for its camera. Although drone specialists may find the 2.7K video resolution insufficient, most new users will be blown away by the steadiness and video clarity.
The Mini SE also comes in under the legal 250g registration limit and has a considerably lower entry price than anything else DJI has to offer, making it an ideal present. The app’s software is simple to use and contains features such as auto land, return to home, and some spectacular orbital effects that are guaranteed to garner attention.
8:GoPro Hero10 Black
The Hero10 Black is about as excellent as it gets when it comes to recording life’s adventures.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Weight: 153g
- Waterproof: 10m
- 5K video: up to 60fps
- 4K video: up to 120fps
- 1080P: up to 240fps
- Stills resolution: 23MP
- Battery life: 1-32hrs estimate
REASONS TO BUY
+ Faster user interface+Increased frame rates+Hydrophobic lens coating
REASONS TO AVOID
-Incremental upgrade on Hero9 Black-Bigger than the Hero8 Black and Hero7 Black-Not compatible with older batteries
If you’re searching for your first action camera, the GoPro Hero 10 might be a little too much, but if you’re looking for a camera that can record super-smooth, high-quality footage, it can’t be beat. Although it appears to be quite similar to the previous GoPro Hero 9, which is still available, it is a considerable upgrade. It has a new G2 processor that improves the responsiveness of the interface, doubles frame rates, and powers the greatest image stabilisation technology available in action cameras. The ability to record 5.3K 60p using GoPro’s new HyperSmooth 4.0 video stabilisation is a standout feature.
It can also snap photos at 23 megapixels and has the best low-light performance of any GoPro to yet. You can buy a variety of accessories separately, so you may attach it to your chest, head, or even one of the finest selfie sticks in addition to installing it on your helmet.
9:Canon EOS R5
Canon’s professional mirrorless camera includes 8K video (! ), 45 million pixels, and a wide choice of pro lenses.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: Full frame CMOS
- Megapixels: 45MP
- Monitor: 3.15-inch fully articulating touchscreen, 2,100k dots
- Continuous shooting speed: 12fps mechanical shutter, 20fps electronic shutter
- Viewfinder: 0.5-inch OLED EVF, 5,690k dots, 100% coverage
- Max video resolution: 8K DCI or UHD at 30p
- User level: Professional
REASONS TO BUY
+Incredible image quality+Exceptional 8K video+20fps shooting!
REASONS TO AVOID
-8K recording limits
Canon’s latest flagship mirrorless camera, the EOS R5, appears to be attempting to corner every market area at once. It has a brand-new 45MP sensor with a new low-pass filter that creates images with remarkable detail, as well as the EOS-1D X Mark III’s class-leading autofocus system with 5,940 AF points for photography and 4,500 for video.
The video specs on the EOS R5 are nothing short of cutting-edge. Internally, it can record uncropped 8K Raw footage at up to 29.97 frames per second in 4:2:2 12-bit Canon Log or HDR PQ (both H.265) in both UHD and DCI –Canon understands that this is movie-quality material. 4K capture at up to 119.88 frames per second is also available, and the new Frame Grab function allows you to grab high-resolution 35.4MP stills from your 8K film, guaranteeing you never miss a moment.
10:Sony A7R Mark IV
Another excellent mirrorless camera for professionals, featuring high quality and 10fps shooting.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: Full frame CMOS
- Megapixels: 61MP
- Lens mount: Sony FE
- Screen: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1,440,000 dots
- Viewfinder: Electronic, 5.76m dots
- Continuous shooting speed: 10fps
- Max video resolution: 4K
- User level: Professional
REASONS TO BUY
+61 megapixel resolution+10fps continuous shooting+Advanced Eye AF
REASONS TO AVOID
-Quite expensive – of course!
The ‘R’ versions in Sony’s A7 series cameras are built for resolution first and foremost, and the Sony A7R Mark IV offers the best resolution of any full frame camera to date. This camera’s 4K video capacity and 10fps continuous shooting speed – all combined with in-body 5-axis image stabilisation and one of the world’s most powerful focusing systems, along with the world’s best (so far) eye AF – make it one of the greatest cameras on the market. The vast lens range now available, both from Sony and third-party lens makers, is one of the most compelling arguments for choosing the Sony system, as is the momentum.