It’s that time of year where may people start considering new cameras. Because we love all things photography (especially tech) each year we compile a list of cameras we believe are worth your hard earned money.
Although a list seems easy enough to share, we spend the entire year researching these cameras to make the best suggestions for our community. #HumbleBrag
#TLDR - To cut to the chase, here’s our list!
..but we hope you’ll read the rest of our article to see how and why we chose these cameras, and why it matters to you!
Best Cameras for Beginners:
Nikon Z50
Sony a6100
Canon SL3
Best Cameras for Intermediate Photographers:
Canon R8
Nikon Z5
Sony A7iii
Best Cameras for Aspiring Professionals
Sony A7RV
Canon R5
Why listen to us?
The Boston Photography Workshops is a creative studio that’s been helping new and experienced photographers since 2014. Our staff is composed of photographers with years of real-world experience as both photographers and teachers.
When we recommend a camera our main goal is to suggest a camera that suits you, not the masses. Also, we don't subscribe to the “newest is best” philosophy and won't hesitate suggesting last year's model… if it’s the right fit.
And with that, let’s get started!
What makes a “good” camera?
Almost all cameras made in the last 10 years are incredible and can make not only good photos, but great photos. But not all cameras are equal, so here’s what we look for:
Value:
There’s something to be said for a good deal. Cameras are expensive and it can be confusing about why some cameras cost so darn much. We know cameras all too well and know what constitutes good value. There can be hype around newer models, certain features etc, and we like to put a spotlight on cameras that not only take great photos, but also do so without breaking the bank.
Ease of use:
This is a big one for us. Lots of big purchases come down to more than just their details on paper. A ferrari, on paper, may offer fast speeds and cool looks, but is it practical for everyday use? Do you want to drive it to the grocery store, or use it to pick up the kids? Having a camera that’s designed for you is essential.
How a camera feels in your hand and how easy the controls are to use is extremely important. Basically, if you don't enjoy holding and using your camera, it’s less likely you’ll want to bring it along and take photos, let alone make great photos.
Lens options:
Fact: a camera is only as good as the lens you put in front of it. To really up your photo-game you’ll need good lens options; ideally both affordable and high-end options. Some camera brands have great cameras, but limited lens options (especially for beginners). When we think of a great camera we also consider how many lenses it can pair with.
Features:
Learning about camera features can be overwhelming. Megapixels, IBIS, EVFs, mirrorless, DSLR… the list goes on. At the Boston Photography Workshops we pride ourselves in knowing what features you need vs what’s just advertising hype.
We’ve taught thousands of photographers so we know what’s right for the average person, and the seasoned pro. Here we include cameras with useful features that will actually help make photography easier and more fun.
Cameras Features in 2024
Truth: For 99% of beginners, when it comes to photo-quality, it doesn’t really matter what particular camera you get. All cameras today are incredible and can deliver superb photos.
But… to help keep you up-to-date and not miss key features, here are some of the essential features you should expect with any camera you buy in 2024 - especially for beginner photographers.
What to expect in 2024
Manual Exposure Settings
Interchangeable Lenses
18+ Megapixels
RAW Image options
9 -100+ Auto Focal Points
Maximum ISO of 3200 or Higher
High-Speed Shooting of 5+ FPS (frames per second)
Hot-Shoe for an external flash
Eye and Face Tracking Autofocus
Cutting-Edge Features for an Aspiring Photographer (nice, but not necessary)
Tilting or Flipping LCD Screen
Touchscreen Interface
4K Video Capabilities
In-Body Image Stabilization
Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi Syncing
All of these features are terrific and help expand your creative options and/or make photography easier and more fun. That being said, don’t expect to understand them all at once. In our online, in-person, or even 1:1 workshops, we explain how you can access these features on your camera and how they help your photography.
Cameras We Love in 2024
Best Cameras for Beginners: Nikon Z50
Our return winner from 2023, the Nikon Z50 is a travel friendly APS-C camera that packs a punch. This camera really impressed us with its compact size (but not too small), while still sporting ample control dials for changing exposure. This camera has great autofocus and superb image quality, even in dark situations.
This camera isn’t the cheapest camera on our list but we feel like it’s worth the extra money to invest in a camera that checks so many boxes.
Key Features
20.9MP APS-C Sensor
Auto Focus: 209-Point Hybrid ( Eye & Face Detection)
Large 3.2’ Tilting Touchscreen
ISO 100-51200
Fast shooting: Up to 11 fps
Built-In Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Battery life (320 shots)
Charges via USB-C
UHD 4K and Full HD Video Recording
Runner Up: Sony a6100
A close second, the Sony a6100 is also an APS-C camera that’s compact and ideal for travel. Sony has spectacular autofocus and a huge lens line-up which we love. As much as we love the a6100, it’s menus and controls are just less intuitive as the Nikon Z50’s.
Key specs:
24.2MP APS-C Sensor
Fast autofocus with 425 Phase-Detect Points
Real-Time Eye AF and Subject Tracking
3.0" Tilting Touchscreen
Up to 11-fps Shooting, ISO 100-32000
Battery life (380 shots)
UHD 4K30p and Full HD 120p Video
Built-In Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Honorable Mention: Canon SL3
Our darkhorse choice, this is the only DSLR camera on our list and for good reason. DSLRs aren’t the newest technology on the market, but they are tried and true. The SL3 has all the bells and whistles you may need with a swivel touch screen, great autofocus, and Canon’s robust EF lens line-up, making this camera a solid choice.
Where it does fall short is limited face & eye detection for autofocus, and limited speed (only 5 photos per second) - which for some is paramount.
Key specs:
24.1MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
3.0" Swivel Touchscreen
9-Point AF System; Dual Pixel CMOS AF
ISO 100-25600,
Up to 5 fps Shooting
Built-In Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Battery life: 500 shots per charge
UHD 4K24p Video and 4K Time-Lapse Movie
Best Camera for Intermediate Photographers
Fuji X-S10
Fuji is known for its retro styled cameras, however the X-S10 is a departure from design philosophy and proudly boasts practical controls which anyone can use and enjoy. With a nod to content creators, this camera masterfully straddles the line between photography and videography needs.
Aside from the video capabilities, this camera is a joy to use for photographers and Fuji’s acclaimed lenses are some of the best in the industry. Not a cheap camera for APC-S but a joy to shoot offering beautiful colors and tack sharp photos.
Key specs:
26.1MP APS-C X-Trans Sensor
5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization
425-Point Hybrid AF System
Battery life: 500 shots per charge
3.0" Swivel Touchscreen
ISO 160-12800, up to 8 fps Shooting
Battery life: 500 shots per charge
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Connectivity
DCI/UHD 4K at 30 fps, Full HD at 240 fps
Runner Up: Canon R10
The Canon R10 is a great camera for those ready to upgrade and invest. This mirrorless camera offers a tilting touchscreen, compact size, 4K video capabilities, and a beginner-friendly interface.
It’s easy to use controls, incredible autofocus, and clean ISO performance will help ensure sharp shots, even for those new to photography. One of our only concerns is the limited number of lenses available for Canon’s new R-mount mirrorless cameras.
Key specs:
24.2MP APS-C Sensor
ISO 100-25600
651-Point Hybrid AF System
Up to 15 fps
3” Swivel Touchscreen LCD
Battery life: 450 shots per charge
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
4K30 Video, 4K60 with Crop
Honorable mention: Nikon Z5
The Nikon Z5 is an excellent value for those entering full-frame photography. Although it’s not the newest camera, it still boasts an impressive sensor with great low-light performance, and in-body stabilization. Simply put the Z5 delivers superb image quality for one of the most affordable full frame cameras on the market.
Where we have pause: This camera benefits from using full frame lenses, which currently are limited for Nikon’s Z lineup. Also the size and weight of a full frame camera aren't practical for everyone.
Key specs:
24.3MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor
EXPEED 6 Image Processor
UHD 4K and Full HD Video Recording
3.6m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
3.2" 1.04m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
5-Axis Sensor-Shift Vibration Reduction
ISO 100-51200, Up to 4.5 fps Shooting
Built-In Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Dual SD UHS-II Card Slots
Best Camera for Aspiring Professionals
Sony A7RV
Once again Sony take the crown for this years “best camera for aspiring professionals”. As we’ve said in the past, Sony makes darn good cameras. The Sony a7RV is a very powerful camera for serious photographers (and even videographers). While Sony’s menus aren’t necessarily user-friendly, their image quality and lens selection is top level with dozens of lens available at various price points.
This full frame whopper of a sensor has 61 megapixels (great for heavy cropping), a impressive AF system with over 600 AF points, and ISO range of 100- 102,400 (no, that's not a typo).
This camera is no joke and requires a dedication to learning its features, it’s also not cheap, often starting at $3,800 (with no lens) But for the committed photographer, it’s hard to top the Sony A7RV.
Key specs:
61MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
AI-Based Real-Time Tracking AF System
8K 24p, 4K 60p, FHD 120p 10-Bit Video
9.44m-Dot EVF with 120 fps Refresh Rate
3.2" 4-Axis Multi-Angle Touchscreen LCD
10 fps Shooting with AF/AE Tracking
8-Stop 5-Axis Image Stabilization
Dual CFexpress Type A/SD Card Slots
Runner Up: Canon R5
Always a bridesmaid… Canon’s strong suit has always been its usability and impeccable colors. The Canon R5 builds on that legacy and adds insanely fast and accurate autofocus, a robust sensor with 45 megapixels, offering eye popping detail and significant cropping options.
However, Canon’s dynamic range makes it less impressive in low light if you need to use high ISOs. Additionally after 5 years the RF lens line-up still offers limited budget friendly options and nearly no third-party lens options.
For these select reasons we couldn’t crown the Canon this year and instead get’s the runner-up award.
Key specs:
45MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
Sensor-Shift 5-Axis Image Stabilization
12 fps Mech. Shutter, 20 fps E. Shutter
Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with 1053 Points
3.2" Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
Subject Tracking with Deep Learning
CFexpress & SD UHS-II Memory Card Slots
8K30 Raw and 4K120 10-Bit Internal Video
The “Best” Camera is Personal
The question we often hear: “What’s the best camera to buy?” or more specifically, “What’s the best camera for a beginner photographer?” The answer depends on you..
Because photography encompasses a diverse range of subjects: people, places, wildlife, products, sports, and more, the “best camera" can vary depending on your goals.
Some cameras are made for speed or action, while others are made more for portrait photography, landscape photography, or any other genre of photography. What it boils down to is, the “best” camera often varies depending on what sort of photos you want to make.
When we suggest cameras, we stick to those that are able to photograph the widest range of subject matter possible.
Next Steps: Get More Out Of Your Camera
Regardless of the camera you choose, taking great photos is easier than you think. At the BPW we strive to help everyday people start their photo-journey with easy and straightforward instruction. Youtube and Pinterest are helpful tools for some, but we think nothing can beat personalized instruction.
If you’re ready to learn the in’s and out’s of your camera, we hope you’ll join us for one of our many offerings such as: one-day workshops, online classes, or 1:1 private lessons.