12 Best Cameras in 2024 (For Photography Beginners to Pros)

The photography market might be booming again, but that doesn’t mean finding the best camera is easy. Of course, you want a camera with excellent image quality. But modern cameras offer so much more than that.

You want advanced features like subject-tracking autofocus and image stabilization. And you want a camera that produces high-quality video. That’s why we’ve selected the crème de la crème of the latest cameras. We list the best cameras for beginners to professionals.

The Olympus OM System OM-1 is our top choice. It’s a compact Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera bursting with features. It has a high-resolution shot mode for intense image quality. And there’s image stabilization, 4K video recording, and a 120 fps burst mode. It’s a truly impressive camera.

What Is the Best Camera?

What is the best camera? That’s a big question no one can truly answer. But we can help you answer which is the best camera for you.

Amateurs and professionals aren’t looking for the same things in their cameras. And users might want to produce different types of media.

We’ve chosen a diverse range of cameras for this article. We list different types of cameras, including DSLR and mirrorless cameras. And we have hybrid cameras with fantastic stills and video production features.

We also have cameras for users at all levels. There are cameras for beginners learning the basics. We have enthusiast-level cameras for those looking to upgrade. And you’ll find cameras that produce photos and videos at a professional level.

Here’s a glance at the best cameras. We review each camera in more detail afterward. And there’s a buyer’s guide at the end if you need more information to help you find the best camera.

12 Best Cameras

Let’s jump into the best camera list. We give you all the need-to-know information on each camera. You can see all their key features. And we’ll tell you where each camera excels.

There are cameras for all skill levels and all budgets. So every photographer can find the best camera that suits their needs.

The Olympus OM System OM-1 is compact, lightweight, and packed with features. It has incredible tools for photography. And it’s a top camera for moviemakers.

It has a Micro Four Thirds (MFT) sensor. And the 20 MP resolution might not sound like much on its own. But the detail and true-to-life colors are exceptional.

The image quality is far beyond anything a smartphone can produce. And the dynamic range is better than many cameras with larger sensors. The OM-1 also gives you a more-power option with the high-resolution shot mode.

The hi-res mode creates one high-res image by compositing several images together. The results are stunning 50 MP still photos with outstanding detail. And you don’t even need a photography tripod to do this.

The AF system is also the best of any MFT camera. It uses 1,053 focus points. And it gives you near full frame coverage. It’s quick to respond and find focus. And it has sophisticated and reliable subject tracking.

The burst mode is ahead of the game. You have a 10 fps burst rate with full AF tracking. But you can boost the burst to an incredible 120 fps. That’s why the OM-1 also tops our list of the best cameras for sports photography.

The OM-1‘s video features are excellent by any standards. There’s 4K video resolution and 10-bit 4:2:0 sampling. You can record at 60 fps in full resolution. And the video is uncropped.

You also have faster frame rates in Full HD. This includes 120 and 240 fps for fabulous slow-mo videos.

Its five-axis image stabilization is a handy tool for photographers and videographers. It lets you use slower shutter speeds in low light. And it gives you smoother footage when recording without a video tripod.

It is a tough camera with IP53 weather-sealing. And it has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for fast media sharing. Plus, there’s an excellent range of Olympus lenses to go with it.

This is the most complete camera from Olympus. And we rate it as the best camera right now. Olympus rebranded itself as OM Systems. But if OM System OM-1 is anything to go by, we can be confident plenty of great cameras are on the way.

The Canon EOS R10 is an easy-to-use mirrorless camera. The results for photography and video are excellent. It gives you the tools you need to grow as a photographer. And it’s also very reasonably priced.

The APS-C sensor gives you excellent 24.2 MP resolution for an entry-level camera. And the impressive results will only drive your enthusiasm to improve.

The native ISO range has a top setting of 32,000. But this can be expanded to 51,200. So you have plenty of wiggle room for low-light photography.

The R10 has one of the best AF systems of any entry-level camera. It has a Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system with 651 focus points. And that gives you nearly 100% coverage of the frame.

It also has advanced eye-detection capabilities and reliable subject tracking. And it gives you a respectable 15 fps burst speed with the mechanical shutter.

You can switch to the electronic shutter if you need a quicker burst. It gives you 23 fps of continuous shooting. And you get the RAW Burst Mode if you want more possibilities with photo editing software.

The video features are great for beginners. You can shoot sharp 4K videos. And subject detection and tracking are just as good as still shooting.

The camera also has digital video stabilization. So you can work without a camera stabilizer and still get smooth footage.

The Canon EOS R10 is the best mirrorless camera for beginners. It has everything a beginner needs. And you can learn on the job and improve with each shot. It has set a new standard for beginner cameras. But it still has an entry-level price tag.

It hasn’t been on the market long. But it has already taken the top spot as the best camera for beginners.

The Canon EOS Rebel T8i is the perfect camera for anyone getting into photography. And it has many features to keep all enthusiastic youngsters entertained.

DSLR cameras may be out of favor at the moment, but they are still a great place for beginners to start. And that’s certainly true of this camera.

It has an APS-C sensor in a compact and lightweight body for a DSLR. And it gives you a 24.1 MP image resolution. That’s fantastic image quality for a camera at this level.

The Rebel T8i has a 45-point cross-type autofocus system. It doesn’t give you 100% coverage. But it has eye detection and subject tracking. And you also get a decent 7 fps burst mode with full AF tracking.

There’s also an ISO range that’s expandable to 51,200. So it’s a versatile camera that works well in darker situations.

The video features don’t match the Canon EOS R10. But you can record videos with a fabulous 4K resolution. The max frame rate is only 24 fps. But you have vertical video mode for optimized social media content.

And you can use the Rebel T8i as a webcam. So it’s one of the best streaming cameras. Wi-Fi connectivity is another bonus. And the rotating touchscreen makes your life a lot easier.

The EOS Rebel T8i is a great place for any photographer to start. The photo features are perfect for beginners. And you even get an introduction to video media and streaming.

the Fujifilm XT-5 has incredible image processing power. You can produce pro-level videos. And all the tech is housed in a stylish and rugged camera body.

The image sensor is the place to start. It’s an APS-C BSI-CMOS sensor with a whopping 40 MP resolution. That’s a big step up from previous X-T cameras. And it’s more powerful than many full frame cameras.

But you’re not even limited to 40 MP images. You can push image quality even further using the Pixel Shift Multi Shot mode.

Using the stabilization system, the camera takes five separate images and puts them together. And the result is a breathtaking 160 MP image!

The AF subject detection and tracking are excellent. And the tilting LCD screen helps you get those tricky shots. The X-T5 also has built-in film simulation modes for photographers wanting that retro photo style.

The video specs are fantastic for a mid-range camera. It gives you a maximum resolution of 6.2K. And you can record this quality with a 30 fps frame rate.

It records with quality 4:2:2 10-bit color. And there’s F-log2 recording that expands the dynamic range by 13 stops.

As mentioned, this mirrorless camera has a built-in image stabilization system. This gives you more control over your exposure settings. And it helps give you smooth video footage without using a camera gimbal.

It’s also fully weather-sealed for outdoor photography. And it’s Wi-Fi enabled. So the camera is packed with the most advanced technology. But you still get the classic Fujifilm body design.

Fujifilm has produced some of the finest mid-range mirrorless cameras over the last decade. But the Fujifilm XT-5 takes the APS-C mirrorless to a whole new level. It’s an incredible mirrorless camera if you’re looking for an upgrade.

Check out our full list of the best Fujifilm cameras.

The Canon EOS R7 might be the best all-around mirrorless camera. It has a powerful sensor for still photography. And it has advanced features for movie making. It ticks all the boxes for a modern mirrorless camera for enthusiasts.

The APS-C CMOS sensor has an impressive 32.5 MP resolution. The color rendition and detail are fabulous. And you get very little digital noise, even at the expanded ISO setting of 51,200.

The DIGIC X processor pulls every drop of info from each pixel. And you get a 15 fps continuous shooting speed with the mechanical shutter.

Or you can opt for the electronic shutter for an even faster burst. You don’t get the same level of AF tracking. But you do get a rapid 30 fps burst. That’s why it is popular with sports photographers.

The R7‘s autofocus system is super-fast and responsive. It’s a Dual Pixel CMOS system with 651 focus points. So it gives you 100% frame coverage.

It also has precise subject detection and tracking even with fast action. And wildlife photographers will be happy to know that subject detection also works with animals.

Aspiring videographers will also appreciate the R7. You get high-quality 4K video recording at 60 fps. It’s a perfect camera for music videos, short films, or pro vlogs.

There’s no 30-minute time limit or video cropping. And you also get slow-motion frame rates when you reduce the resolution.

The EOS R7 is a great all-around performer. It has features for sports and wildlife photography. And you can use it for high-level video production. It has a stylish camera body. And it’s compatible with all the best Canon RF lenses.

The Fujifilm X-S10 is a fabulous camera for casual photographers. It’s a great option for beginners looking for an upgrade. And it makes a fantastic casual camera for more experienced shooters.

It comes at a reasonable price. And it has that retro style we love about Fujifilm cameras.

With a 26 MP CMOS sensor, you get gorgeous image quality. It doesn’t reach the heights of the X-T5. But the photos look fantastic and are enough for enlargement or print media. You can also use an 80 ISO setting for even better quality.

The X-S10‘s AF system has face detection and subject tracking. And there’s a five-axis image stabilization system built in. It gives you more exposure control and better low-light performance. And it improves the smoothness of your video footage.

You can record 4K videos with a 30 fps frame rate. And it’s recorded with quality 4:2:2 10-bit color.

You even have a super-fast 240 fps option when recording in Full HD. That gives you outstanding slow-motion videos. And the camera is also equipped with ports for external recording devices.

You get Wi-Fi connectivity. There’s a vari-angle touchscreen for convenience. And it has built-in film simulation modes for that film photography aesthetic.

The X-S10 is a great camera to get the creative juices flowing. It’s a fun and innovative camera anyone can enjoy.

The Canon EOS R50 is the best camera for vloggers and content creators. It has a compact camera body, even for a mirrorless. And it has excellent features for social media photography, vlogging, and live streaming.

The image quality is excellent if you still need photos. The APS-C sensor has a 24.2 MP resolution, far better than any smartphone camera. Your images will stand out online. And you get more exposure control for better results.

The video features are a big draw for the R50. You can record 4K uncropped videos with a 30 fps frame rate. And there’s a vertical video mode for optimized social media content. That’s the perfect quality for professional-looking vlogs.

Plus, you have a 120 fps option in Full HD. That’s ideal for adding slow-motion videos to your timeline.

The face-detection AF is perfect for vlogging. It identifies your face. And it keeps you focused even if you’re moving around the frame.

The rotating screen allows you to see yourself while you record. It has ports for external microphones for pro audio recording. And the camera doubles as a webcam when connected to a computer. That’s why it’s a top streaming or YouTube camera.

There’s also a 12 fps burst mode for action photography. And the built-in flash allows you to shoot in the dark.

The EOS R50 can be a big part of building your social media presence. It has everything a content creator or vlogger needs to succeed online. And it’s also one of the most affordable Canon cameras to buy.

The Panasonic Lumix GH6 is the ultimate hybrid camera. It has incredible features for photography. But the video specs make it one of the best cameras for videographers. So it’s the total package when it comes to multimedia production.

It’s a Micro Four Thirds camera. So you get a compact camera body that easily fits in your camera backpack. And you get a more-than-reasonable 25 MP resolution with standard shooting.

But you can also turn things up a notch with its high-resolution shot mode. It gives you staggering 100 MP images. And you don’t need a tripod to use this mode.

The video recording is uncropped, and there’s no time limit. And you can power the camera with a USB-C cable for extended shoots.

The footage is excellent 4:2:2 10-bit 4K quality with a super-smooth 60 fps frame rate. You can also shoot 5.7K 4:2:0 10-bit quality videos. Or you can switch to 5.8K at 30 fps.

The GH6 has built-in five-axis image stabilization for sharper images. And when paired with the best Panasonic lenses with optical stabilization, it gives you 7.5 stops of shake compensation.

The stabilization gives you better exposure control. And it allows you to shoot handheld video.

There’s a hot shoe for XLR microphones. And you have other ports for external mics, headphones, and camera monitors. The rotating touchscreen is helpful when shooting tricky angles. And the dual memory card slot is a feature everyone can appreciate.

The Lumix GH6 is a powerful camera for multimedia production. It’s compact and weather-sealed. And it’s loaded with the best technology for high-level media making. It’s one of the best Panasonic Lumix cameras of all time.

The Nikon Z6 II is one of the best all-around cameras if you want a full frame mirrorless. It’s a high-performance machine that delivers quality photos and videos. And it’s an accessible camera that’s ideal for photographers making the jump to full frame. 

The full frame sensor gives you a 24.5 MP resolution. That isn’t record-breaking for a full frame camera. But the image quality is impressive. The larger pixels give you better low-light performance. And you have an improved dynamic range.

It is also armed with dual EXPEED 6 image processors. The additional power pulls more information from each pixel. And that’s why the camera over-performs when it comes to image quality.

The Z6 II has one of Nikon’s best AF systems. It’s a hybrid system with contrast and phase detection focus points. And there’s a total of 273-focus points that give you near full-frame coverage.

Autofocus remains accurate in low light. It has eye-detection AF features. And there are practical features like the vari-angle touchscreen and dual card slots.

With 4K video at 60 fps, the Z6 II is one of Nikon’s best video cameras. The 60 fps footage is cropped. But the quality and detail are fantastic. You also have your choice of frame rate options in 4K. And you have a 120 fps slow-mo option with Full HD quality.

Creative photographers will enjoy the multiple exposure mode. You can composite up to 10 exposures for creative image-making. And you can also use the time-lapse mode that stitches the videos together in-camera.

The Z6 II doesn’t turn heads like it used to. But it remains one of the best cameras for enthusiasts and professional photographers. It was a statement mirrorless from Nikon when released in 2020. And it continues to impress today.

The Panasonic Lumix S5 II is another fantastic example of why Panasonic is hybrid camera royalty. It’s a full frame mirrorless camera that produces exquisite photographs. But it also has all the features to create cinematic videos.

You can record 6K video at 30 fps. The resolution is stunning. And you can see the improvement from the standard 4K camera definition.

You can also shoot in 4K with a 60 fps resolution for smoother videos. And there’s a 120 fps option for Full HD slow-motion footage.

The 6K footage is cropped. But there’s none on the 4K footage. And it’s all recorded with quality 4:2:2 10-bit color. There’s a V-Log/V-Gamut feature that gives you an improved dynamic range in your videos.

Unlike other high-performance video cameras, the S5 II doesn’t overheat. It has a heat management system. So you can shoot for long periods without overheating. 

You can also use the S5 II for professional photography. The full frame sensor has a 24.2 MP resolution. That’s more than enough for most.

But you also have a high-resolution shot mode that gives you more power. It produces stunning 96 MP images in RAW or JPEG.

The AF system is great for photography and videography. It’s a phase-detection system with 779 focus points across the frame. It’s fast and reliable when locking on to your subject. And it keeps them locked even when they move in busy environments. 

Image stabilization is another handy feature. And you have flexible framing options for your videos. This allows you to customize your videos for different media platforms. The camera also has video filters and effects you can add in-camera.

The Lumix S5 II is a multimedia machine optimized to meet the demands of modern productions. It delivers both photos and videos. And it has everything you need for professional media making.

Sony has been making waves with their mirrorless cameras for some time. But the a7R V is breathtaking, even by their standards. It’s a mirrorless monster for photography and videography. And it has some of the most advanced tech in any digital camera.

The camera has a full frame sensor with an incredible 61 MP resolution. That’s an eye-watering, but not just an abstract, number. The image results are sensational. And it’s more powerful than some medium format cameras.

Sony’s BIONZ XR processor gives the camera sharp processing speeds. So there are no lagging or performance issues, even when working with 61 MP RAW files.

The large file size does mean you only get a burst rate of 10 fps. But that’s at full resolution and with AF support.

The AF system is the most advanced of any camera. It uses AI for faster and more accurate subject recognition. So focusing time is reduced to a tiny fraction of a second. And the tracking is reliable with any subject in any environment.

Thea7R V also hits the top of the videography charts. We’re used to seeing 4K resolution in modern cameras. But the a7R V gives you a truly cinematic 8K video resolution.

You’re limited to a 25 fps frame rate at 8K resolution. But you can drop to 4K for a 60 fps rate if you need a faster frame rate.

The rotating touchscreen is a handy feature. And the dual card slots are a must-have. In fact, you’ll need your SD card case with you at all times with this camera. It also has an anti-dust system that keeps the sensor clean.

The Sony a7R V has set a new standard for mirrorless cameras. The processing power may be too much for most people—just like its price! But professionals are raving about this camera. It is a worthy investment if you have the finances.

The Pentax K-1 Mark II is a powerful full frame camera. It has a 36 MP resolution that gives you incredible image quality. And photo quality is enhanced by its excellent low-noise performance in low light. Plus, the dynamic range is superb.

The camera has an engine accelerometer. This gives better performance, reducing noise and increasing image sharpness. That means you get even more out of the 36 MP sensor. You can also use the Pixel Shift Mode for more definition and quality.

The five-axis image stabilization gives you five stops of shutter speed compensation. That gives you more flexibility in low light. And you get consistently sharper images.

Cameras don’t come much more durable than the Pentax K-1 Mark II. It has a magnesium alloy skeleton. And the outer body is completely weather-sealed. So the camera is still very popular for nature, wildlife, and landscape photography.

It also has an APS-C Crop mode. This allows you to use crop-sensor and full frame lenses. That means you have your pick of the best Pentax lenses.

Pentax is the only brand still dedicated to DSLR cameras. While their selection is small, their cameras are some of the best and most durable on the market.

They don’t have the hybrid features of Sony or Pentax cameras. But cameras are well respected by photography specialists, especially those who shoot outdoors. And you can’t go wrong with the Pentax K-1 Mark II.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Find the Best Camera

Finding the best camera isn’t easy. Modern digital cameras have tons of impressive features. But buying a camera with features that help you produce the media you want is best.

The information below will help you navigate the technical jargon and find the best camera for your needs.

So here’s a quick look at some of the main features you need to know when buying a camera. They give you a good understanding of a camera’s strengths. And understanding them will help you find a camera to meet your needs.

Camera Type

You need to know the two main camera types—DSLR and mirrorless. The DSLR is a more traditional type of camera that uses a mechanical shutter system. They dominated the camera market over the last 20 years.

But their popularity is now on the wane. You can read more about this in our “Are DSLRs Dead” article.

Mirrorless cameras now rule the roost. Most big camera brands are now putting all their energy into producing mirrorless machines. That’s because they have better video features. And they have more advanced burst modes and autofocus systems.

Due to the lack of hardware, mirrorless cameras tend to be more compact and lightweight. And DSLR cameras are bulky and heavy compared to their nifty mirrorless rivals. This is another reason mirrorless dominates our list of the best cameras.

Sensor Size

APS-C and full frame are the two most common sensor sizes in digital cameras. The APS-C is the smaller of the two.

And the APS-C sensor size is more associated with beginner and intermediate camera models. But the Fujifilm XT-5 and Canon EOS 90D buck that trend.

A full frame sensor is the same size as a negative cell in a 35mm roll of film. That’s why they are often called 35mm sensors. They are larger than APS-C sensors. And that means they have space for more megapixels.

Full frame cameras are usually more powerful. They are marketed to more advanced photographers. And they are usually more expensive.

You should also know about Micro Four Thirds (MFT) sensors. These are smaller than APS-C and full frame sensors. And Olympus and Panasonic Lumix are the only brands to produce cameras with this type of sensor.

The small sensor size means Micro Four Thirds cameras are compact and lightweight. They don’t have the raw imaging power of APS-C or full frame sensors. But the cameras are packed with advanced features for high-quality media production.

You also have medium format cameras. These have a larger sensor than full frame cameras. But as they are more specialist machines, we haven’t included them in this list. You can look at our choices for the best medium format cameras.

Sensor and Image Resolution

The camera’s sensor resolution is the best way to determine its image quality. The resolution is defined by the number of megapixels (MP) a sensor has. And as a general rule, the more MP it has, the better the image quality.

Larger sensors have space for more megapixels. That’s why full frame cameras tend to be more powerful than APS-C or MFT cameras. But it is a bit more complicated than that.

Having a large number of pixels squeezed onto a sensor can cause problems. You might experience more digital noise when working in low-light situations. And having fewer pixels spread over a large sensor can improve dynamic range.

ISO Range

ISO is one of the key elements in photography. It’s a camera setting that determines the sensor’s sensitivity to light. The higher the ISO setting, the more sensitive the sensor is. That allows you to work in lower light.

But you also lose image quality when working with higher ISO settings. Colors become less vibrant, detail is lost, and you get more digital noise. Working with a low ISO setting gives you better image quality.

Autofocus

Looking at the number of focus points is a good way to judge a camera’s AF system. More focus points tell us the system has more coverage over the frame. And it tells us it’s more accurate and sensitive. 

But you also need to look for other AF features. Face and eye detection abilities have become essential in a good AF system. And good subject tracking is essential for sports and wildlife photography. In fact, it’s important whenever you have a moving subject. 

Video Resolution

Video production has become just as important as photography when looking for cameras. And the first spec to look at has to be video resolution.

If you are interested in filmmaking, 4K video resolution is a must-have feature. Full HD was good enough for social media content. But now you need 4K quality to stand a chance online. And you can’t go lower if you’re recording other types of video media.

Anything better than 4K is a bonus. And serious filmmakers should jump at the chance to record with higher resolution capabilities. We even see cameras with 8K video now.

Frame Rate

A camera’s frame rate also plays a big part in video quality. A faster frame rate gives you smoother footage. It eliminates jerkiness and lagging. And a fast frame rate is better for recording fast-moving subjects.

For most types of videos, 30 fps is fast enough. But you can now get 60 fps paired with 4K recording, which looks fantastic. You can also get faster frame rates for slow-motion recording.

But there’s often a trade-off with quality. And you have to drop down to Full HD.

Conclusion: The Best Camera

Finding the best camera is all about finding one that meets your needs as a photographer. The best camera for the Joneses next door might not suit you. That’s why we wanted to give you a broad selection of cameras in this article. 

Our pick as the best camera is the Olympus OM System OM-1. It’s a compact and rugged MFT camera packed with the latest technology. You can shoot high-resolution stills. There’s pro 4K video recording. And it has some of the most advanced features of any camera. It’s a top camera for anyone from beginner to professional.