2023 is upon us and for many photographers that means a fresh start, a new camera, or maybe an upgrade. To help sort things out, we’ve tested a dozen cameras this winter to help determine the right camera for you.
As we mentioned in our article, “7 Features to Consider..” determining the best camera for you will always require some reflection and consideration.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the answer to “what camera should I buy?” isn’t as straightforward as picking your next take-out order. That’s why we compiled a list of our favorite cameras based on specific preferences and price points.
Bonus: While taking our in-person classes, you can always rent our favorite cameras and get hands on experience!
Best Cameras For Beginners
To get started in photography it’s important to begin with a camera you can easily learn with, fits your hands well, and (of course) make brilliant pictures with.
These cameras are a smart balance between beneficial features and a practical price point for budding photographers. With real world testing we can vouch for their performance and value for beginner photographers.
Best for Beginners: Nikon Z50
Our overall winner is the Nikon Z50. This compact mirrorless camera is wonderfully easy to use, and can make stellar images with comfortable controls. Featuring high performance autofocus that can handle sports, pets, and portraits, it’s simply a camera that stays out of the way and lets you make great photos.
Pros: Versatile, easy user-experience, excellent button layout, great autofocus for people and sports.
Cons: Not as many third-party lenses available as competitors such as Sony and Fuji.
Best Camera for Travel: Sony a6100
This camera has been on our list for several years running, and for good reason. Pocketable but powerful, this little fella is amazing. If you need to keep things portable, the Sony a6100 is the clear winner. 4K video options, tilting LCD and top notch auto focus performance make this a close-runner up to the Nikon.
Pros: Image quality for it’s size is unmatched, versatile and lightweight. Tons of additional lens options available.
Cons: The buttons and menus are less friendly then most other brands, and controls are a little cramped compared to the Nikon Z50.
Best Budget Camera: Canon T7
For those who are on a budget this DSLR is an excellent choice. With superb image quality, HD video capabilities, and easy to use layout, this camera is a steal at prices often found under $425. Lagging behind it’s peers for autofocus performance, this camera isn’t ideal for sports and action, but well suited for landscapes and still-life photos.
Pros: Excellent image quality, wonderful color rendition, handling and menus are best in industry, and near endless lens options.
Cons: No tilting screen, fewer autofocus points, and lower frames per second (FPS) shooting, this camera isn’t for action shots.
Best Cameras for Aspiring Professionals
Some photographers simply need more out of their cameras. With faster and more accurate autofocus, weather sealing for harsh conditions, or more megapixels for extreme cropping and printing, these cameras put performance before price.
Sony A7R V
Sony makes darn good cameras. The Sony a7RV but is a kick ass camera for serious photographers. While Sony’s menus aren’t necessarily user-friendly, their image quality and lens selection is top level.
This whopper of a sensor has 61 megapixels (great for heavy cropping), class leading AF system with over 600 AF points, and ISO range of 100- 102,400 (no, thats not a typo).
This camera is no joke and requires a dedication to learning it’s features, and is also not cheap, often starting at $3,800 (with no lens) but for the committed photographer, it’s hard to top the Sony A7RV.
Canon R5
Canon’s strong suit has always been it’s usability and impeccable colors. The Canon R5 builds on that legacy and adds fast and accurate autofocus, a robust sensor with 45 megapixels, offering eye popping detail and cropping options.
However, Canon’s dynamic range makes it less impressive in low light if you need to use high ISOs. Additionally the new RF line offers limited lens options and nearly zero third party lens options.
For these select reasons we couldn’t crown the Canon and instead the R5 get’s the runner-up award.