Best Professional Cameras 2019
“The best camera is the one that you have with you.” This saying is a favorite at the BPW, and one that every photographer can live by.
However, there are times when a photographer wants to invest in a camera that offers more robust features than entry-level cameras do. We discuss some of these cameras’ features in our Digital Cameras 2 class, but this article will cut to the chase and let you know which cameras are worth the extra $$.
Our Top picks:
Sony a7 III
~$2000 w/lens
With Sony rolling out great cameras, one after another, each iteration improves upon the last. Our first mirrorless camera on the list, the a7 III is loaded with features. WIth one of the best sensors available, the 24.2 megapixel images are packed with detail and dynamic range.
Featuring quick, precise auto-focus, eye tracking, and 8-frames per second burst shooting, this camera is ready for anything. Like its big brother (the a7R III, which in on our Honorable Mentions list below) and unlike the rest of this list, Sony cameras have IBIS (in body image stabilization), which helps prevent camera shake/blurry images.
Video enthusiasts will appreciate the 4K ability and improved battery life. The A7 III is an impressive camera at a bargain price for what it offers, and is a great way to get into the Sony line-up.
Good for: Professionals and enthusiasts looking to photograph sports/action, portraits, landscapes, and astrophotography, as well as those who love to customize their camera buttons.
Not ideal for: Photographers who want to grab and go right out of the box. The menus (albeit improved) are still frustrating and hard to navigate. Also, budget-concerned photographers. Sony lenses are great but get expensive quickly; compatible third-party lenses are available, but not as numerous as Canon/Nikon.
Canon 6D Mark II
~$1600 w/lens
Canon has been around for a long time, and there’s a reason for that: They know how to make cameras that simply work well. Comfortable in your hand, well-placed buttons, and a substantial grip.
Tried and true, the 6D series is the affordable full frame model with high-end features. The 6D Mark II features 26.2 megapixels, swivel LCD screen, dual-pixel autofocus (with face detection), and a menu system that makes sense and is easy to use (side eye pointed at you, Sony...).
When investing in a camera system, lens options matter. Canon has one of the widest lens offerings in the industry, with both dozens of Canon and third party options available for almost any budget.
Good for: Professionals and enthusiasts looking for a durable, easy-to-use camera for portraits, events, studio work, landscapes, photojournalism, and simple video needs, as well as photographers who enjoy live-view shooting.
Not ideal for: The fastest of sports/action photography, and those who require heavy video shooting as 4K is not available.
Nikon D750
~$1700 w/lens
Nikon set the bar pretty high when they released the D750, checking off almost all the wish list items a photographer could ask for.
The D750 features a full frame, 24 megapixel sensor, an impressive 51-point autofocus system, wifi connectivity, and class-leading dynamic range. With good ergonomics, dual card slots, and an impressive 6.5 frames/sec burst rate, this “budget” version full frame camera is loaded with features found in higher-end models.
Nested between the D610 and the D810, this camera is a steal at the price point. With the newer D850 recently released, the D750 is discounted even further, so save a good chunk of change and grab the D750 while you can.
Good for: Professionals and enthusiasts looking to photograph landscapes, sports/action, photojournalism, and portraits.
Not ideal for: Those looking for 4K video, or smartphone connectivity. (Nikon’s Snapbridge is notoriously finicky and is unreliable.)
Honorable mentions:
Canon EOS R : A new mirrorless system from Canon that offers a full frame sensor, with Canon’s tried and true buttons, menus, and image quality. Why it missed the cut: The new lens system is in its infancy, so available native lenses are limited.
Nikon Z6 : The Z6 is Nikon’s answer to Canon’s EOS R. This full frame mirrorless camera performs very well in low light and offers IBIS (in body image stabilization) Why it missed the cut: As with Canon’s new camera system, the Z6 has few native lenses available.
Sony A7R II : Although this sibling to the A7 III is an amazing camera, we feel the additional megapixels aren't necessary for most photographers and are overkill unless you’re making billboards. Save the $ (and the hard drive space) and invest in a good lens instead.