8 Best Dynamic Range Cameras in 2023

By Tati Taylor 10 days ago, Cameras & Lenses

Top highest dynamic range cameras on the market.

top dynamic range camera

If you want to buy a good full-frame dynamic range camera, you will find a lot of different options on the market. Such cameras are special because they provide amazing quality of the image and convenient packaging. Even though full-frame cameras are usually quite pricey, today they are more accessible than ever.

Why are full-frame cameras so unique? Their sensors are larger than in APS-C, MFT and compact cameras, which makes possible using sensor area for 35mm film. In this way, there is space for larger pixels, which are more efficient at collecting light and provide a better quality of the image, especially at higher ISO sensitivities.

Top 8 Best Dynamic Range Cameras

  1. Leica Q2 - Our Choice
  2. Canon EOS 90D - Bluetooth support
  3. Nikon D850 - Refined AF system
  4. Hasselblad X1D II 50c - Top-rated picture quality
  5. Fujifilm GFX 100 - Responsive 5fps recording
  6. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III - Stylish
  7. Sony α7R IV - Mirrorless
  8. Nikon D3500 - Budget

You can find a lot of dynamic range cameras and select one according to your budget and needs. Check this list of the best cameras to find the most suitable for you.

1. Leica Q2

Our Choice
dynamic range camera leica q2

Type: Digital Camera | Sensor size: 1.3" | Resolution: 47.3MP | Lens: F1.7 Summilux | Viewfinder: Electronic| Screen type: LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 30fps

  • ✚ Has a bright and clear lens
  • ✚ Optical stabilization feature
  • ✚ Provides IP52 weather protection
  • ✚ Large and sharp EVF
  • Pricey
  • Doesn’t have flash
Rating

The main advantage of this dynamic range camera is its sensor. Even the JPEG files created by this sensor have a high-class dynamic range. Also, I managed to adjust exposure up or down and didn’t lose much detail in Adobe Lightroom. This sensor is amazing. I wish I had more lens options.

All full-frame mirrorless cameras on this list are absolutely worth your money. Unfortunately, none of them has a sensor like in the Leica camera. That’s why I still like the Q2 even though it doesn’t have an interchangeable lens.

2. Canon EOS 90D

Bluetooth support
dynamic range camera canon eos

Type: Digital Camera Body | Sensor size: 1/1.8"| Resolution: 32.5MP | Lens:none | Viewfinder: Optical | Screen type: Touchscreen | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 7fps

  • ✚ Offers high-resolution image sensor
  • ✚ Uncropped 4K/30p videos
  • ✚ Has an ergonomic grip
  • ✚ Offers joystick control
  • Tight rear dial
  • Lacks a sync socket
Rating

The Canon 90D is the best dynamic range camera as it records stunning videos. It provides the sharp 4K video with many details, just like 1080p. This camera also boasts clear HDMI out up to 4K, HDR video at 1080p, in-camera 4K time-lapse and movie filter effects. Also, due to Dual Pixel CMOS AF, the camera offers excellent video autofocus.

Photographers started actively talk about mirrorless cameras after the first Micro Four Thirds cameras came off the production line, and now more and more people are switching to mirrorless cameras. If you want to buy the EOS 90D because it’s similar to your previous cameras, then I recommend you test a newer mirrorless camera with a good EVF. Check out the EOS M6 Mark II, Sony a6400 and Fujifilm X-T30.

3. Nikon D850

Refined AF system
dynamic range camera nicon d850

Type: Digital Camera Body | Sensor size: 1/1.8" | Resolution: 45.7MP | Lens: none | Viewfinder: Optical | Screen type: Touchscreen | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 9fps

  • ✚ Provides detailed images
  • ✚ Refined AF system
  • ✚ A big and bright viewfinder
  • ✚ Offers 19.4MP DX crop mode
  • Not durable battery
  • Doesn’t have a built-in flash
  • SnapBridge system requires enhancement
Rating

This dynamic range DSLR camera has a different sensor, not only regarding resolution (45.7 MP vs 36.3 MP) but also sensor technology. The D850 model has Nikon’s first back-illuminated BSI CMOS sensor that provides a great quality of the image compared to standard CMOS sensors.

This camera has Nikon’s SnapBridge connectivity for wireless image transfer, which provides a low-energy Bluetooth connection between the camera and your device.

You can transfer images from camera to a device either when you shoot at 2MP or full resolution (although we wouldn’t do it with 45.4MP files), or individually if you choose on-camera images. For faster Wi-Fi transfers, you can use the app for viewing and choosing the needed images.

4. Hasselblad X1D II 50c

Top-rated picture quality
hasselblad x1d ii 50c dynamic range camera

Type: Digital Camera Body | Sensor size: 1/1.8" | Resolution: 50MP | Lens: None | Viewfinder: Electronic | Screen type: LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 14fps

  • ✚ Sharp OLED electronic viewfinder
  • ✚ Comes with two UHS-II card slots
  • ✚ GPS and Wi-Fi support
  • ✚ Powerful iPad application
  • Short battery life
  • Sluggish sensor readout deteriorates electronic shutter performance
  • Mechanical FPS is omitted
Rating

Hasselblad X1D II 50c attracts users with exquisite design. The camera’s body is similar to its predecessor but is finished in gun metal grey. The texture of leatherette upholstery also changed from rectangular grid mottling to a more classic pebble.

This model is packed with a 43.8 x 32.9mm CMOS sensor capable of 50 MP photos, which provides high-resolution photography with a wide 14-stop dynamic Range and 16-bit color depth. On top of that, the camera’s support for Natural Color Solution, tonal transitions, and skin tones allow you to take vivid, detailed, and crisp natural-looking pictures, even in poorly lit or extremely bright environments.

A sensitivity range of ISO 100-25600 also ensures excellent performance of Hasselblad X1D II 50c in various lighting scenarios. Besides, it enables photographers to capture images in 3FR raw or JPEG formats.

5. Fujifilm GFX 100

Responsive 5fps recording
dynamic range camera fujifilm gfx

Type: Mirrorless Camera Body | Sensor size: 1/2.3" | Resolution: 102MP | Lens: none | Viewfinder: EVF | Screen type: LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 5fps

  • ✚ Great resolving power
  • ✚ Supports full-frame 4K video
  • ✚ Speedy phase-detection AF
  • ✚ Responsive 5fps recording
  • In-body stabilization is unreliable
  • Tiring after long handheld use
Rating

This is the best dynamic range camera as it combines the amazing quality of the image, resolution, dynamic range, autofocus, performance on the whole and ergonomics. It’s not an ideal camera but it’s really great.

Medium format has always had quite a vague definition since the film days. The 35mm format was rather strict, a 24-by-36mm frame for the most part, despite the panoramic models. However, medium format is anything larger than 35mm and smaller than a 4x5-inch negative; the majority of professionals use 120 film format.

6. Olympus OM-D E-M1

Stylish
dynamic range camera olympus mark III

Type: Mirrorless Camera Body | Sensor size: 2/3" | Resolution: 20MP | Lens: none | Viewfinder: EVF| Screen type: LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 18fps

  • ✚ Excellent build quality
  • ✚ Great image stabilization
  • ✚ Extremely fast burst shooting
  • ✚ A lot of shooting modes
  • Poor EVF
Rating

In comparison to larger cameras, using E-M1 Mark III is very convenient. While the majority of mirrorless cameras are easy to move around, the E-M1 can leave tripods and the ND filters behind due to a 7-stop stabilization system.

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is the third version of the Micro Four Thirds model, which is sports and action-oriented. It has a 20MP Four Thirds sensor and a lot of features of a larger E-M1X, including the multi-shot handheld High Res mode.

7. Sony α7R IV

Mirrorless
dynamic range camera sony a7r

Type: Full-frame Mirrorless Camera Body | Sensor size: 1/3” | Resolution: 26.2MP | Lens:none | Viewfinder: Electronic | Screen type: LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 10fps

  • ✚ Excellent performance
  • ✚ Speedy and intelligent AF system
  • ✚ Great viewfinder
  • ✚ Great 4K video quality
  • AWB and focus problems
Rating

Sony a7R IV is Sony’s fourth-generation mirrorless high dynamic range camera that has a BSI-CMOS sensor that produces 60.2MP images. Similarly to previous generations, this camera boasts a better build quality, refined controls, the latest autofocus, etc.

A7R IV shows that Sony is still engaged with its Alpha line. While there are still some disadvantages from previous models, the top-quality pixel count, revamped Pixel Shift Multi Shooting mode and autofocusing enhancements prove that the company keeps innovating. Even though it’s quite pricey, it is well worth its money if you compare it to earlier Alpha models.

8. Nikon D3500

Budget
dynamic range camera nikon d3500

Type: DSLR Camera | Sensor size: 1/3” | Resolution: 24MP | Lens: NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G | Viewfinder: Optical | Screen type: LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 5fps

  • ✚ Small size
  • ✚ Inexpensive
  • ✚ Offers 24MP resolution
  • ✚ 5fps uninterrupted shooting
  • Fixed LCD doesn’t have touch support
  • Lack of mic input
Rating

This camera has a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor. Even though this camera is more suitable for beginners, it’s as high as most APS-C cameras go. It provides a very good 5fps uninterrupted shooting speed, compared to other cameras with a similar price, which can shoot at 3fps only.

This camera has a 1,550-shot battery life, though constant use of SnapBridge will cut into that. The D3500 uses the same EN-EL14a as other latest models in this series. You can charge the battery in the supplied external wall charger since in-camera charging isn’t provided. This camera has one memory card slot and supports SD, SDHC and SDXC cards.

IMAGE NAME FEATURES
dynamic range camera leica q 2
Leica Q2
Our Choice
  • Type: Digital Camera
  • Sensor size: 1.3"
  • Resolution: 47.3MP
  • Lens: F1.7 Summilux
CHECK PRICE
dynamic range camera canon eos 90d
Canon EOS 90D
Budget
  • Type: Digital Camera Body
  • Sensor size: 1/1.8"
  • Resolution: 32.5MP
  • Len: none
CHECK PRICE
dynamic range camera nicon d850
Nikon D850
Professional
  • Type: Digital Camera Body
  • Sensor size: 1/1.8"
  • Resolution: 45.7MP
  • Len: none
CHECK PRICE

How to Choose the Best Dynamic Range Cameras?

highest dynamic range camera

What is Dynamic Range Cameras for Professionals

Choosing the best dynamic range camera depends on your purposes. If you’re a commercial, travel, landscape or fashion photographer, you will like high resolution more than high continuous shooting speeds. If you are into sports photography, shooting speed and autofocus will be the most important aspects. If you’re a photographer and videographer, mirrorless cameras will be the best for you.

Anyway, 2023 is going to be a busy year for professional photographers, due to the Olympics to come and some other events. No matter if you want a camera with the fastest frame rate, highest resolution or weatherproofing, buying an expensive camera is worth it.

Are You Switching from a Different Systems?

If so, it’s worth checking if there is potential for compatibility between your current and new system (using lens mount adapters). Using a current system is easier and cheaper than buying a fully new setup.

What Lenses Will You Need?

Cameras can change and be updated all the time but a good lens can become your best helper. Think about your purposes and what lenses you need for them. Then figure out if the system you’re thinking about can suit those needs.

DSLR or Mirrorless and Video vs Stills?

Even though sometimes it looks like there are more and more mirrorless cameras on the market, the best DSLR cameras still have their pros and some of them, such as the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III, are opening new horizons. Check our guide to DSLR vs mirrorless cameras if you’re still doubting.

Do you shoot both video and stills? Even though both DSLR and mirrorless cameras shoot stunning video, mirrorless cameras have more advantages today, so if you are into shooting video, then you should consider this option.

Large Sensor or Small?

Bigger sensors are better as they provide more dynamic range and perform better in low light, but how big should a sensor be for you? A medium format camera will create top-quality images due to its huge sensor, but it will also greatly increase its price and reduce the number of compatible lenses. A full-frame sensor may be more beneficial for you. Don’t cross out Micro Four Thirds either. Micro Four Thirds setups based around cameras, such as the OM-D E-M1 X or Panasonic Lumix G9, are small, fast and affordable, and the cropping factor greatly extends your reach.

Landscape Photography

highest dynamic range camera

Landscape photographers have special needs and requirements for their equipment. In terms of image quality, a good landscape camera should have high resolution and dynamic range; from a physical point of view, it must be sealed and well-constructed. Such features as internal stabilization, touch-sensitivity, tiltable LCD and durable battery are also beneficial. I’ve checked the cameras that, in my opinion, are good for landscape photography and selected the best ones.

FAQ

  • • Which cameras have the best dynamic range?

Nikon and Samsung cameras with an APS-C sensor and the Sony A7r with 36 megapixels on a full-format sensor are cameras with the best dynamic range.

  • • Which camera is the most suitable for low-light photography?

If you’re going to have a big photoshoot and have quite a large budget, the Canon 5D Mark IV or Nikon D850 will be perfect for you. However, you can also use the Canon 6D Mark II and Nikon D750.

  • • Do professional photographers use mirrorless cameras?

Professionals don’t use mirrorless cameras, they are still using DSLR cameras.

  • • What cameras are better, mirrorless or DSLR?

Mirrorless cameras are usually lighter, more compact, faster and shoot better videos. However, because of this, they have fewer lenses and accessories. DSLR cameras have more lenses and an optical viewfinder that performs better in low light. However, they are heavier and more complex.

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