Best Cameras for Photography 2024: Picks for All Levels

By Tati Taylor 4 days ago, Cameras & Lenses

Photoshoot cameras for various conditions and budget.

top 3 cameras for photography

Photographers choose cameras that can handle high-resolution images and suit their needs. For example, a portrait photographer may need eye-detect autofocus, while a wedding photographer require a camera for photography with a high shutter speed to capture those precious moments without missing a beat. In this list you’ll find Canon, Sony, Nikon cameras for beginners, amateur and professional photographers in the price range from $450 to $5,500.

Top 11 Cameras for Photography

IMAGE
NAME
FEATURES
sony alpha 7 iv camera for photography
Sony Alpha 7 IV
OUR CHOICE
  • Mirrorless
  • 33 MP
  • 10fps

canon eos rebel t7 camera for photography
Canon EOS Rebel T7
AFFORDABLE
  • DSLR
  • 24.1 MP
  • 3fps

canon eos r10 camera for photography
Canon EOS R10
FOR BEGINNERS
  • Mirrorless
  • 24.2 MP
  • 15fps

nikon z8 camera for photography
Nikon Z8
BEST HYBRID
  • Mirrorless
  • 45.7 MP
  • 20fps

fujifilm x-t5 camera for photography
Fujifilm X-T5
BEST APS-C
  • Mirrorless
  • 40.2 MP
  • 20fps

canon eos R5 camera for photography
Canon EOS R5
FOR PROS
  • Mirrorless
  • Mirrorless
  • 20fps

nikon z9 camera for photography
Nikon Z9
FOR SPORTS
  • Mirrorless
  • 45.7 MP
  • Up to 120fps

nikon d850 camera for photography
Nikon D850
FOR ALL GENRES
  • DSLR
  • 45.7 MP
  • 9fps

nikon z50 camera for photography
Nikon Z50
COMPACT SIZE
  • Mirrorless
  • 20 MP
  • 120fps

panasonic lumix fz300 camera for photography
Panasonic LUMIX FZ300
SUPERZOOM
  • SLR
  • 12.1 MP
  • 30fps

fujifilm gfx 100s camera for photography
Fujifilm GFX 100S
MEDIUM FORMAT
  • DSLR
  • 102 MP
  • 5fps

When choosing a camera for photography, remember to consider the sensor size for optimal image quality, resolution for capturing fine details, autofocus for nailing those perfect shots, and image stabilization to keep your images steady. The compilation includes all main types of cameras, as well as options suitable for popular photography genres.

1. Sony Alpha 7 IV — Best Overall

sony alpha 7 iv photoshoot camera

Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: Full Frame | Megapixels: 33 MP | Shooting speed: 10fps | Weight: 1.5 lbs

Recommended for: all purposes
Not suitable for: beginners

  • ✚ Excellent image quality
  • ✚ Improved autofocus system
  • ✚ Ability to shoot 4K/60p video
  • ✚ Increased battery life
  • Not the best low-light performance
Rating

With 33 MP and a large back-side illuminated design, you can expect detailed and sharp images with this Sony camera. The autofocus system uses machine learning to recognize different subjects and optimize tracking. This means you're more likely to lock onto your desired subject, especially when shooting fast-moving subjects like sports.

This photoshoot camera has the HDR shooting mode. This mode captures a series of still images and combines them into a single image with greater dynamic range. This is especially useful for landscape pictures, where you want to capture all the details in both shadows and highlights.

sony alpha 7 iv camera for pictures

It now has a focus peaking mode that displays colored blocks around your subject when it's in focus. This helps ensure your images are sharp and in focus. Plus, the battery life gives you up to two hours of continuous recording, which is a significant improvement over previous models.

2. Canon EOS Rebel T7 — Affordable

canon eos rebel t7 photoshoot camera

Type: DSLR | Sensor: CMOS | Megapixels: 24.1 MP | Shooting speed: 3fps | Weight: 1.04 lbs

Recommended for: beginners and amateurs with tight budget
Not suitable for: high-speed situations

  • ✚ High-resolution sensor
  • ✚ Performs well in low-light conditions
  • ✚ Variety of shooting modes
  • ✚ Small, compact, and lightweight
  • Not as advanced as higher-end DSLR cameras
  • Battery life is not exceptional
Rating

The Canon Rebel T7 offers impressive image quality at a reasonable price point. It boasts a 24.1-megapixel sensor that captures clear and detailed shots, even in low-light situations.

This one of the best cameras for photography with a large and bright LCD screen, making it easy to compose your shots. Additionally, the built-in Wi-Fi allows you to transfer images to your mobile device or print them wirelessly, adding convenience to your workflow.

canon eos rebel t7 camera for pictures

This DSLR is perfect for traveling photographers who want to capture stunning shots on the go. It has a face-detection autofocus mode, ensuring that your portraits are sharp and clear.

Battery life is decent, allowing you to take approximately 600 shots before needing to recharge. However, it's always a good idea to have spare batteries on hand for longer shoots.

3. Canon EOS R10 — For Beginners

canon eos r10 photoshoot camera

Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: APS-C | Megapixels: 24.2 MP | Shooting speed: 15fps | Weight: 0.95 lbs

Recommended for: all kinds of subjects
Not suitable for: experiment with lenses

  • ✚ Sophisticated autofocus system
  • ✚ Lightweight and compact
  • ✚ Provides shallow depth of field
  • ✚ Ability to shoot in fully manual mode
  • Video mode has a 1.56x crop
  • Built-in flash is not particularly powerful
Rating

The Canon EOS R10 is a great choice for beginner photographers, especially because of its autofocus system. This mirrorless camera is powered by a 24MP sensor, which produces stunning images with plenty of detail, even at high ISO levels.

But what's really great about this camera is its APS-C sensor, which gives you a more shallow depth of field compared to full-frame models. This is perfect for shooting subjects that require a shallow focus, and it also means you can use this camera in a variety of environments without worrying about blurry shots.

canon eos r10 camera for pictures

When it comes to capturing fast action, the EOS R10 doesn't disappoint. It has an impressive burst shooting capability, able to record up to 15 frames per second with the mechanical shutter and 23 fps with an electronic shutter. And the pre-shooting mode, which records half a second before you press the shutter button, can be a huge advantage in those fast-paced shooting situations.

4. Nikon Z8 — Best Hybrid

nikon z8 photoshoot camera

Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: Full Frame | Megapixels: 45.7 MP | Shooting speed: 20fps | Weight: 1.81 lbs

Recommended for: both stills and video
Not suitable for: casual shooters

  • ✚ Familiar controls and responsive handling
  • ✚ Advanced AF system
  • ✚ Remote control app
  • ✚ 4K DCI video recording
  • High price
  • Time-consuming menu customization
Rating

If you're already familiar with Nikon photography cameras, you'll feel right at home with the Z8. The controls are in all the right places, and the camera is super responsive to your input.

One of the standout features of this photoshoot camera is its 493-point phase-detection AF system, which is the same as the flagship Z9. This advanced autofocus system benefits from the faster Z interface, resulting in quick communication and high-speed focusing performance.

nikon z8 camera for pictures

Nikon has added some new features to enhance the camera's performance. For example, there's a new Auto WB mode that improves manual white balance control, resulting in better skin tones. The camera's sensitivity to light changes can also be adjusted for more accurate exposure calculations in different lighting conditions.

5. Fujifilm X-T5 — Best APS-C

fujifilm x-t5 photoshoot camera

Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: APS-C | Megapixels: 40.2 MP | Shooting speed: 20fps | Weight: 2.38 lbs

Recommended for: traveling
Not suitable for: selfies or vlogging

  • ✚ Great high-ISO performance
  • ✚ Robust build quality
  • ✚ Easy exposure adjustments
  • ✚ Fast autofocus performance
  • Multi shot mode generates large files
  • Tilt-only screen
Rating

Fujifilm X-T5 offers a unique combination of thoughtful design, superb high-ISO performance, and effective image stabilization. The simple-labeled shutter speed and aperture dials make it a breeze for photographers who are used to manual modes. The drive mode switch and front dial for autofocus control further add to the camera's versatility.

This camera for photography also boasts a quick max mechanical burst rate and a quiet electronic shutter, allowing you to capture those perfect moments without any distractions. With a mechanical shutter, you can shoot up to 15 frames per second, and with the electronic shutter, you can achieve 20fps. The built-in image stabilization offers 7 stops, which is fantastic for those looking to capture sharp images.

fujifilm x-t5 camera for pictures

In terms of build quality, this Fujifilm camera feels robust and solid, and the weather seals make it suitable for shooting in various conditions. Connectivity options like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are also included, making it easy to transfer and share your images.

6. Canon EOS R5 — For Pros

canon eos r5 photoshoot camera

Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: Full Frame | Megapixels: 45 MP | Shooting speed: 20fps | Weight: 1.62 lbs

Recommended for: landscape, portrait and wedding photographers
Not suitable for: filmmakers

  • ✚ Top-notch image quality
  • ✚ Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system
  • ✚ High-resolution electronic viewfinder
  • ✚ User-friendly control layout
  • Expensive
  • Overheating issues
Rating

One of the standout features of the Canon EOS R5 is its 45-megapixel sensor, which delivers stunning sharpness and detail in images. Whether you're shooting landscapes or portraits, this camera will capture every nuance with impressive clarity.

The colors produced by this camera for pictures are vibrant, accurate, and pleasing to the eye. Moreover, the camera's dynamic range is impressive, allowing you to capture a wide range of tones and details in both highlights and shadows.

canon eos r5 camera for pictures

One need to mention feature of this Canon camera for landscape photographers is the combination of in-body and lens-based image stabilization. This allows you to capture handheld shots with up to 8 stops of stabilization, even in challenging conditions. It's a game-changer for those situations where carrying a tripod may be impractical or impossible.

7. Nikon Z9 — For Sports

nikon z9 photoshoot camera

Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: Full Frame | Megapixels: 45.7 MP | Shooting speed: Up to 120fps | Weight: 2.95 lbs

Recommended for: fast action
Not suitable for: astro shooters

  • ✚ Improved AF speed
  • ✚ Excellent dynamic range
  • ✚ Low viewfinder lag
  • ✚ Advanced tracking modes
  • Can overheat quickly
  • Not suitable for all uses
Rating

Nikon Z9 offers impressive performance, high resolution, and excellent video capabilities. Its next-generation EXPEED 7 image processor significantly improves autofocus speed and burst shooting capacity compared to Nikon's previous mirrorless models.

It also introduces a back-in-time buffer for shooting 30 or 120 frames per second JPEGs, allowing you to save up to one second of images prior to releasing the shutter. This camera for photography is primarily designed to appeal to fast-action sports and broadcast photographers.

nikon z9 camera for pictures

This camera for sports comes with some notable improvements, such as an updated 3.2-inch LCD display that tilts in four-axis, making it easier to shoot from awkward angles, especially in landscape photography.

8. Nikon D850 — For All Genres

nikon d850 photoshoot camera

Type: DSLR | Sensor: CMOS | Megapixels: 45.7 MP | Shooting speed: 9fps | Weight: 2.02 lbs

Recommended for: astrophotography and shooting in cold environments
Not suitable for: traveling

  • ✚ Live view feature
  • ✚ In-camera RAW processing
  • ✚ Retouch function
  • ✚ Advanced autofocus system
  • Complicated focus shift mode
  • Larger and heavier than mirrorless
Rating

With its whopping 45.7 megapixel sensor, the Nikon D850 captures stunningly detailed images that are perfect for large prints and offer exceptional flexibility when it comes to cropping and resizing. The camera's image quality is truly outstanding, thanks to its back-side illuminated full-frame CMOS sensor and the absence of an optical low pass filter, which allows for capturing fine details in your photos.

With 153 autofocus points, this photoshoot camera is capable of tracking moving subjects with precision, making it ideal for capturing action shots. It even performs exceptionally well as a camera for macro photography, thanks to its focus shift mode that enables the creation of composite images of distant objects.

nikon d850 camera for pictures

Additionally, the camera's in-camera retouch function is handy for removing dust and scratches from your images and making color and contrast adjustments.

9. Nikon Z50 — Compact Size

nikon z50 photoshoot camera

Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: APS-C | Megapixels: 20 MP | Shooting speed: 120fps | Weight: 1 lbs

Recommended for: landscapes, wildlife, action sports and travel photographers
Not suitable for: long shooting

  • ✚ Compact design
  • ✚ Good image and video quality
  • ✚ Fast burst shooting
  • ✚ Durable build quality
  • Limited storage capacity
  • Not really durable battery
Rating

One thing that really stands out about the Nikon Z50 is its lightweight design. If you're someone who loves capturing Instagram-worthy photos on the go, this camera for taking pictures is perfect for you.

The sensor on the Z50 is impressive, offering a fantastic dynamic range. Besides that, this camera for landscapes has a sturdy build quality, with metal components on most of its body. The 3.2-inch touchscreen display is bright and clear, allowing you to control almost everything on the camera. Plus, it tilts upward and downward, perfect for selfies or vlogging.

nikon z50 camera for pictures

Connectivity-wise, the Z50 has Wi-Fi capabilities, making it easy to transfer images to your smart device with the app. You can also upload photos directly to social media sites like Instagram or Snapchat. And if you want wireless remote control, just pair it with a compatible phone or tablet via Bluetooth.

10. Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 — Superzoom

panasonic lumix fz300 photoshoot camera

Type: SLR | Sensor: MOS | Megapixels: 12.1 MP | Shooting speed: 30fps | Weight: 1.52 lbs

Recommended for: photographers who want the versatility of a very long zoom range
Not suitable for: night photo session

  • ✚ Viewfinder for detailed scene viewing
  • ✚ Has buttons for customization
  • ✚ RAW format shooting
  • ✚ Advanced noise reduction
  • Requires a large capacity SD card
  • Some features may require customization
Rating

The Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 features a 12.1-megapixel sensor and a Leica-branded lens, which produces high-quality images. This cheap camera also has a good viewfinder, allowing you to see the scene in detail and making it easier to compose your shots.

The camera's zoom lens is another plus point. With a range of 25-600mm, it allows you to capture even the most distant subjects. The optical image stabilization feature helps reduce blurring in both still images and videos.

panasonic lumix fz300 camera for pictures

The camera's HDR function is worth mentioning as well. It takes three pictures at different exposures and automatically combines them into a single high-resolution image. This feature is great for capturing scenes with a wide dynamic range.

11. Fujifilm GFX 100S — Medium Format

fujifilm gfx 100s photoshoot camera

Type: DSLR | Sensor: Medium Format | Megapixels: 102 MP | Shooting speed: 5fps | Weight: 1.98 lbs

Recommended for: landscapes, portraiture, studio work
Not suitable for: scenarios that require rapid responses

  • ✚ High-resolution imaging
  • ✚ Impressive in-body image stabilization
  • ✚ Weather-sealed construction
  • ✚ Access to Fujifilm's film simulation mode
  • Autofocus may struggles with tracking moving subjects
  • Large size
Rating

The standout feature of Fujifilm GFX 100S is its impressive 102-megapixel resolution, which is perfect for capturing stunning landscape and portrait shots. Additionally, the gigapixel upscaling adds even more detail to your images. The sensor on this camera delivers exceptionally clean and high-quality images, especially at lower ISOs.

In terms of design, the GFX 100S is a large medium format camera, but it's surprisingly comfortable to hold thanks to its excellent grip and ergonomic design. The weather-sealed body ensures durability even in harsh environments.

fujifilm gfx 100s camera for pictures

Additionally, the camera for photography offers a film simulation mode, reminiscent of traditional film photography. It also features Fujifilm's renowned digital color processing engines and 19 exclusive Film Simulations, including the new Nostalgic Negative.

How to Choose a Camera for Photography?

When choosing the best camera for photography, consider the photography type. If you're into low-light photography, look for a camera with a high ISO range and image stabilization. For sports and fast-moving action, a high frame rate is essential to capture those detailed shots in quick bursts. Additionally, look for cameras with user-friendly interfaces, good battery life, and durability.

camera for photography types

Type of camera. The choice of camera depends on the area where the photographer will use it. DSLR and mirrorless cameras are considered to be the most universal, as they have both low-cost and professional models. So, they allow you to change optics and have good characteristics.

Compact cameras are most often used on trips. They are easily placed in the pocket of your jacket and do not weigh very much. Medium format cameras are used by professionals, as these cameras allow you to take pictures with high resolution. On the other hand, they are quite pricey.

camera for photography sensor size

Sensor size. If you want to print large images or capture fine details, go for a photoshoot camera with a larger sensor. But if you're into action photography or want to keep file sizes down, a camera with a smaller sensor might be more suitable.

Advanced APS-C sensors or full-frame camerasare popular among professional shooters. Of course, a full-frame camera is pretty expensive.

camera for photography megapixels

Number of megapixels. Looking for a large number of megapixels isn’t worth it if the camera has a small matrix. You will need 18-20 MP for convenient photo shooting. If you want to print out pictures in large formats, then look at the models from 30MP.

Shooting speed. Choose cameras for photography with a speed of 5 frames per second (fps) or higher.

Viewfinder. You can choose between optical and electronic viewfinders. Optical viewfinders offer high-resolution images, but they can be a bit tricky to use in bright sunlight. On the other hand, electronic viewfinders are more modern and versatile.

F.A.Q

  • • What is the best camera for photography?

The best camera for photography depends on your specific needs and preferences. For higher image quality, consider models with larger camera sensors like APS C or full frame. It's important to think about what you intend to shoot as this will help narrow down your choices and focus your search.

Mirrorless models are compact, speedy, lightweight, and deliver high-quality video. The downside is a poor choice of lenses and accessories for these cameras. Better optical viewfinders, a greater selection of lenses, and longer battery life are arguments in favor of DSLRs.

  • • What file format is better for a beginner photographer?

RAW files retain all the data from your camera's sensor, allowing for maximum control and high-quality post-processing. They are perfect for photographers who want to fine-tune their images. On the other hand, JPEG file is one of the best image formats for printing. They are smaller and easier to share but lack the same level of detail and tonal range.

SAVE UP TO 60% OFF SAVE UP TO 60% OFF