It is impossible to name the best camera today, as each photographer has his own requirements. Which is the best camera for photography? What is the best camera to buy for a beginner photographer? What is the best affordable camera? What is the best dynamic range camera? Let me answer your questions below.
What Is the Best Camera for Photographers?
When a person wants to start shooting professionally, he/she begins wondering what are the best cameras for photography.
Someone aims at shooting portraits or weddings, the other one isn't satisfied with the quality of pictures taken with a smartphone and needs a professional DSLR or mirrorless camera. Other photographers want the best camera for sports to catch fleeting moments, But everyone is looking for a top-grade camera that will meet each demand. The present-day photography market is full of various mirrorless, point and shoot or DSLR camera models.
Best Camera in 2023
If you don’t know what camera is that best and for what purposes, check out my review of 15 top cameras that might help you make the right choice.
1. Nikon D850
.jpg)
You won't find a better well-rounded camera than the D850 on the market. If you compare it with the D810, you will notice the improvement of color rendering and details. In addition, the ISO 64 became clearer. Using the D850, you don't need to worry about the camera's battery life, as it can take approximately 1,800 shots on a single charge. What is more, you will surely be amazed by a 45.4 MP sensor which enables you to take high-quality pictures. My favorite feature of this model is its tilt screen with fascinating shooting capabilities. With the D850, you don’t need to lie down or bend in order to capture a scene.
Recommended camera lens:
Nikon 105mm f/1.4E ED AF-S Nikkor
This lens has decent color rendering, contrast, halftones and wonderful background blur. Besides, it lets you take really sharp images with the open aperture. You won't come across another lens with such a powerful combination of focal length and aperture.
Image taken by Nikon D850 2. Canon 5D Mark IV
.jpg)
I'm a big fan of Canon's design, controls and automatic ISO setup in comparison to Nikon cameras. Unless you look closely, it might be hard to distinguish between the 5D Mark IV and Mark III. The most striking difference is the rougher cap of Mark IV on top of the body. This particular model is admired by the majority of portrait photographers, as its full-frame sensor produces pictures of incredible clarity and high-quality color rendering. It is the best camera for shooting in poor lighting conditions since it features an ISO range from 100 to 25,600. Moreover, the 5D Mark IV has a 30MP sensor with an updated dynamic range. On the whole, this model leaves only a positive impression.
Recommended camera lens:
Canon EF 40mm F/2.8 STM
The distinguishable features of this lens are lightweight design and compact dimensions. You might be pleasantly surprised by the sharpness in the center of the frame. Thanks to the flat design, the model may be conveniently placed in a pocket.
Image taken by Canon 5D Mark IV
- View more about the best full-frame cameras from various camera brands to choose a good camera with necessary characteristics for affordable price.
3. Fujifilm GFX 50S
.jpg)
The GFX 50S is primarily known for producing a stunning quality of shots thanks to the 51.4 MP resolution. This weatherproof model is praised for a lightweight design, premium optics and multifunctional features when it comes to the LCD screen and viewfinder. It also efficiently renders colors and tones. I have never encountered such a swift medium format autofocus system. What is more, I believe that the lenses combined with a flash provide wonderful sharpness for portrait shots. Landscape and portrait photographers may certainly call it a good camera. Those who buy it to photograph in photojournalistic or documentary style won't be able to use it as a main camera body, only as an additional one.
Recommended camera lens:
Fujinon GF120mm F4 R LM OIS WR Lens
This lens features integrated optical picture stabilization along with 1: 2 magnifications. This mid-telephoto model will be ideal for macro shooting via the modern G Mount sensor.
Image taken by Fujifilm GFX 50S
- View more to find out what is the best Fujifilm camera for professional photographers. If you are going to take street and travel photos, I recommend you choosing a camera from my list of the best compact cameras.
4. Leica TL2
Leica cameras cannot be evaluated according to the same criteria as other cameras on the market. Leica imposes its own photography style, forming a different set of subjects and a refreshing look compared to other models. The C-LUX 3 is the best camera supporting face priority technology. This compact camera can independently determine if people are in the frame, and set focus and exposure values in order to capture their faces in the best way.
If the camera is held still, the focus is adjusted automatically and will be faster when the shutter button is pressed. This is useful when you need to capture a specific frame in a quick way. When photographing high-contrast subjects, an intelligent exposure refinement mode will come in handy. It gently illuminates the shadow areas of the image and increases the overall detail of the shots. The camera is easy to control, so it is deservedly called the best camera for photography beginners.
Image taken by Leica TL2
- Is Leica the best camera for photography? Read more to find out what is the best camera for portraits and studio photography.
5. Canon EOS R
.jpg)
This particular model is a pioneer among the newest generation of Canon cameras. The Canon EOS R is a state-of-the-art full-frame mirrorless camera that surpasses many competitors. It boasts the Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology and high ISO sensitivity. The full-frame 30.3MP sensor ensures that you get perfectly detailed images and bright videos. A great bonus – it is compatible with RF lenses. This feature provides me with the opportunity to bring my photography to a completely different level.
An integrated Wi-Fi module speeds up the process of uploading pictures to cloud storage. Bluetooth doesn't consume a lot of power and connects to a smartphone in a matter of seconds. Undoubtedly, this is the best professional camera that can cope with any imaginable task. The device can impress you with its performance and the ability to take truly clear and detailed shots.
Recommended camera lens:
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM
This water and dustproof lens is aimed at shooting events, reportage, travel and celebrities. You might surely like the model's efficient optics and lightweight design.
.png)
Image taken by Canon EOS R 6. Nikon D5
.jpg)
First and foremost, it is a perfect camera for a photojournalist. Everything in this model, every detail is set to ensure an effortless and great result when shooting fast in low light. It is not afraid of dust and moisture and is the best camera for work in bad light. The fastness and stability of autofocus make you forget about the possible focusing problems. The speed of burst shooting and a large volume of series in RAW enable you to take event photos fast. Its battery life makes it possible to shoot all day long.
Recommended camera lens:
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR
Constant f2.8 aperture over the entire focal range and incredible image sharpness make it a suitable lens for the best digital cameras from Nikon. Its optical stabilization assists you in taking fast-action pictures. Experts suggest purchasing this model for portraiture and travel photography.
Image taken by Nikon D5
- Want to take incredible and sharp night photography? Check out these best low light cameras you can use for creative night images in high-resolution.
7. Olympus E-M10 III
.jpg)
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III managed to blow me away with its impressive set of functions and, at the same time, an affordable cost. The top-grade camera is capable of capturing 8.6 fps in burst shooting. This indicator was improved, in comparison with its forerunner's 8.5 fps. The OM-D E-M10 Mark III may boast a Four Thirds-format Live MOS image sensor and 16MP resolution. The ability to span the sensitivity gamut up to ISO 25,600 is also worth mentioning. Being a professional photographer, an effective touch-screen display and viewfinder fully satisfied me and made me think of this model as the best camera for photography for $500. One more important strong side is wireless phone connectivity which enables you to send shots to your smartphone.
Recommended camera lens:
Olympus 45mm f/1.8 ED M.Zuiko Digital
Even though this swift prime telephoto model was the first one in the Micro 4/3 system, it is still very popular among portrait and street photographers. It is the most frequently used lens for good cameras from Panasonic and Olympus. Originally manufactured for the PEN series of digital devices, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.8 lets you shoot portraiture with extremely narrow depth of field.
.png)
Image taken by Olympus E-M10 III
- View more about the best mirrorless cameras and why they are so popular among professional studio and beginning travel photographers.
8. Canon 1DX Mark II
.jpg)
I agree that the Canon 1DX Mark II is bulky and rather expensive, but it is an ideal DSLR device for filming and night photography. It enables you to record Cinema 4K video at a maximum speed of 60 fps. This is a remarkable parameter for quality shooting of sports, action, highly dynamic subjects, etc. For each frame rate, Motion JPEG format is used for recording 4K video. A regular selection of slower frame rates provides users with a Full HD video option. If video recording is a priority for you when seeking the best camera, undoubtedly choose this model.
Recommended camera lens:
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
This zoom lens belongs to the EF-S line. Its upgraded Image Stabilization system produces up to four equivalent stops of shake correction over the zoom range. The model meets the requirements of videographers and fashion photographers.
Image taken by Canon 1DX Mark II 9. Nikon Z7
.jpg)
This model stands out for its incredible performance. It is perfect for new S-Line Z-mount lenses. If you are a professional photographer, you will certainly appreciate the 45.7 MP CMOS backlit sensor. This full-frame mirrorless camera has an ISO range of 64-25,600 points. This is the best professional camera for fashion and studio photography where you use many pieces of photo lighting equipment.
Image quality is also at a decent level. I would also like to note that you have the ability to customize many functions to suit your ideas. For instance, you can use the focus ring to select the desired aperture on the Z-mount lenses. You will surely enjoy manual focusing that allows you to get great shots. The camera has a shooting touch screen that works perfectly.
Recommended camera lens:
Nikkor Z 35mm F/1.8 S
This lens is perfect for the mirrorless camera with Z-mount. It provides an excellent viewing angle that corresponds to the way people perceive objects around.
Image taken by Nikon Z7 10. Fujifilm X-T3
.jpg)
This camera impresses with its excellent build quality. Experts note its unforgettable color rendition in low light. This model has a remarkable object tracking system that is useful for wedding and event photography. Incredibly fast focusing is achieved thanks to the 26.1MP sensor. Autofocus sensitivity is just great. Video shooting is the thing that makes this good digital camera stand out among its competitors. You can record video in 4K using a resolution up to 60p with a 4:2:0 color sampling.
Recommended camera lens:
Fujinon XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS
This lens has many fans among professional photographers. They appreciate many features including excellent image quality and aperture. You will get a pleasant bokeh and cool details at a very reasonable price. If large dimensions and weight are not important for you, then this is an excellent option.
.png)
Image taken by Fujifilm X-T3 11. Sony A7III
.jpg)
Among the advantages of this model, I can mention the excellent autofocus, reliable operation, solid build and amazing picture quality. The camera capabilities are fantastic. The 24.2MP full-frame sensor is undoubtedly one of the strong points of this best camera for photography. It helps get images of the highest quality.
You can get detailed and impressive photos, even with high ISO up to 12,800. In general, the range of ISO 50-204,800 is at your disposal. Fast burst shooting is also impressive. You can use autofocus, adjust the exposure, and the shooting speed will be 10 frames per second. The camera provides virtually silent operation as it is equipped with a fully electronic shutter. Summing up, all these characteristics put this mirrorless camera at the top of the best photography cameras list.
Recommended camera lens:
Sony 85mm f/1.8 GM
This is an incredible lens for portrait photographers. Everyone knows that 85mm lenses provide a wonderful focal length and this model adds a beautiful bokeh to the background of the image. You can get rich and deep colors. In addition, the lens is suitable for work in various conditions due to the high level of protection against dust, moisture and other weather conditions.
Image taken by Sony A7III 12. Canon EOS 5DSr
.jpg)
The Canon EOS 5DSr is definitely one of the best DSLR cameras for photographers. High resolution and an incredible color depth are the undoubted advantages of this camera. In addition, you can perform fast burst shooting and use a good viewfinder. You may not need a cropping factor if you prefer to use wide coverage with your lenses, but this model has this feature too. The autofocus is ideal for portrait photography. A 50.6-megapixel sensor allows you to get stunning images. I would like to draw attention to an optical viewfinder, a large 3.2-inch display, and a face recognition function that is useful for portrait photoshoots. You also have a fairly diverse selection of suitable lenses and can easily find something that meets your needs.
Recommended camera lens:
Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM
It is suitable for those who need a small sharp lens with optical stabilization. You can take wonderful pictures with a shallow depth of field even in low light thanks to its bright f/2 maximum aperture.
Image taken by Canon EOS 5DSr 13. Nikon D500
This is one of the best digital cameras that has a new 20 MP sensor and a deep buffer. In addition, it provides you with continuous shooting at a speed of 10fps. An excellent autofocus system with 153 points provides impressive performance. This camera focuses on the object with amazing accuracy and stability. The manufacturer added a large viewfinder as well as double memory card slots. You can easily use it in the darkness as the buttons have an additional backlight. The build quality is beyond question. The touchscreen is big enough and can easily bend over. You can record videos in both 1080p and 4K UHD format. SnapBridge technology allows you to tag and transfer files quickly and easily without a wired connection.
Recommended camera lens:
NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED
This lens allows you to get great photos and provides a wide viewing angle. Updated technologies from Nikon, VR image stabilization, and fast aperture are its undoubted advantages. It is suitable for various types of photos including daily snapshots, blog content, etc. The NIKKOR 16-80mm also demonstrates the best quality in video recording.
Image taken by Nikon D500 14. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH5s
.jpg)
This is the best camera from Panasonic that is ideal for professional studio photography. Excellent output with high ISO allows you to get photos of decent quality. You will also appreciate the opportunity to choose among diverse lenses. In addition, the camera has an impressive build quality and reliable weather sealing. I would also like to emphasize its comfortable grip. If you compare this mirrorless camera with similar Canons, it will be far ahead. You will also like its dynamic range and incredible color reproduction.
Recommended camera lens:
Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35 mm f/2.8 II
This lens is equally suitable for amateurs and professionals. It belongs to the interchangeable lens type and has an F2.8 zoom. High build quality is another important advantage. I recommend this lens for nature and street photography.
Image taken by Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH5s 15. Pentax K-1 Mark II
.jpg)
This is the best camera for beginners that is compatible with FF and APS-C lenses. Shooting in 1: 1 mode is also available. This camera has fast and accurate autofocus, which gives you amazing results. If you want to photograph a swallow during flight, then this camera will help you cope with it easily, providing you an awesome result. This model is perfect for those who lack experience working with SLR cameras. The camera is very durable and has reliable protection against various weather conditions. With the K-1 Mark II in your hands, you will be able to create a true masterpiece of digital art.
Recommended camera lens:
Pentax D FA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6ED DC WR
This lens is small and surprisingly controllable. Modern well-developed optics and high-power optical elements provide the ability to use a large full-frame image sensor beneficially. Together with Pentax DSLR cameras, it allows you to take high-resolution pictures and is an excellent choice for everyday photography.
Image taken by Pentax K-1 Mark II List of 15 Best Cameras for Professional and Beginning Photographers
| Image | Camera | Characteristics | |
|---|---|---|---|
.png) |
Nikon D850
OUR CHOICE |
Check PRICE → | |
.png) |
Canon 5D Mark IV Camera
FOR PORTRAITS |
Check PRICE → | |
 |
Nikon D5
BEST NIKON |
Check PRICE → | |
 |
Fujifilm GFX 50S
PROFESSIONAL |
Check PRICE → | |
.png) |
Canon EOS R
|
Check PRICE → | |
 |
Olympus E-M10 III Camera
FOR TRAVEL |
Check PRICE → | |
.png) |
Canon 1DX Mark II Camera
BEST CANON |
Check PRICE → | |
 |
Nikon Z7
|
Check PRICE → | |
 |
Leica TL2
|
Check PRICE → | |
.png) |
Fujifilm X-T3
|
Check PRICE → | |
.png) |
Sony A7III
BEST SONY |
Check PRICE → | |
.png) |
Canon EOS 5DSr
HIGHEST RESOLUTIONS |
Check PRICE → | |
.png) |
Nikon D500
|
Check PRICE → | |
 |
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH5s
FOR VIDEO |
Check PRICE → | |
 |
Pentax K-1 Mark II
|
Check PRICE → |
How to Choose the Best Camera?
Choosing a good camera can be a rather complicated issue, even if we have many offers from various manufacturers. Surely you want to get the highest megapixel camera with excellent performance without spending extra money.. However, how do you avoid making a mistake when buying the best camera and satisfy all your needs? First of all, there are a number of important things that you must take into account when buying your first camera or updating your old equipment.
1. General Features
The quality of your photos greatly depends on the technical characteristics of your gear. Let's start with megapixels. Choose models with a value of 16 MP or more. The level of sensitivity of your camera to the available light (ISO) and the type of sensor and processor are also important. The best are those cameras that can process the light data received by the sensor with greater speed. Also, pay attention to the type of autofocus: give preference to top cameras with more focus points.
2. Image Stabilization
This feature is designed to avoid blurred imagesm when you use a camera for macro photography or similar genres. Elements of the lens are shifted during shooting to get a clearer picture. Optical stabilization is especially important if you use long-zoom lenses because they are quite difficult to keep still.
3. Viewfinders: Optical or Electronic
This parameter matters a lot. Optical viewfinders are more battery-friendly and provide clearer photos. At the same time, electronic viewfinders on a video camera for sports also have a number of undoubted advantages. First, they allow you to evaluate the effect of the color and exposure settings when you take a picture. Zooming to check your focus and the ability to display additional information are available if you have an electronic viewfinder.
4. Video
The video recording function is inherent in almost all modern good cameras. Many of them support 4K Ultra HD resolution shooting. If we talk about really cool SLR and mirrorless cameras, they can record video at the level of cinema production. An incredible variety of lenses is also at your disposal.
5. Size and Dimensions of a Camera
Size and weight play a more important role when you choose a good camera than it seems at first sight. If you shot action scenes or take photos while traveling, consider Leica or some Sony models, e.g. the Sony A7III.
If you're a studio photographer, and your camera for product photography is fixed on a tripod most of the time, try models like the Nikon D850 or the Canon 5D Mark IV.
Ann Young
Hi there, I'm Ann Young - a professional blogger, read more
