The best camera for photography 2024

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

As a shooter who has tried a lot of different gear, I think the Sony A7 IV is a really powerful full-frame camera that does great work in both photos and videos. It’s high-tech Bionz XR processor makes it run faster and give images with better quality and higher resolution. The mirrorless design of the camera makes it great for both beginners and pros because it has fast autofocus and great low-light performance.

The A7 IV is great for hybrid shooters because it can record beautiful 4K video at 10 bits, and its large buffer, especially when using a CFexpress card, lets you shoot at high burst speeds without any problems. The price has gone up compared to the A7 III, but the many improvements more than make up for it.

There is a small crop in some video modes, but it’s not a big deal because it gives you so many options. Thanks to its many features, the Sony easily wins the top spot for 2024, beating out rivals like the Canon EOS R6. It is a great choice for many shooters because it is very good at taking pictures and can be used in many ways.

Buy it if:

Upgrade your Sony A7 III if it feels ancient. Almost every aspect of the A7 IV is better, including video resolution, focusing, and usability. I’ve used both cameras, and the A7 IV is better.

The camera boasts higher autofocus, speed, and quality. One of the best mirrorless cameras for stills and video is the A7 IV. Unless an expert requires more, it’s a fine stills and video camera.

Don’t buy it if:

If your goal as a specialist photographer is to optimize your budget, consider where to spend it. The Sony A7 IV is great, but if you photograph sports or action, you’ll get better results with dedicated cameras. I’ve found the A7 IV slow.

A high-quality lens may be worth more than an upgrade to the camera body. Purchase an extra lens or two to maximize your budget, especially if you have a specialized photography style.

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

During my testing, I was remarkably impressed with the Sony A7R V, which I believe is the better camera for most professionals in 2024. While it shares the same resolution of 61 MP with its predecessor, the A7R IV, this mirrorless camera‘s new Bionz XR processor teams up with advanced features to deliver an even higher level of detail. The real-time recognition AF system can detect subjects crisply, making it a joy to shoot both in the studio and handheld in the field.

The camera‘s dynamic range is exceptional, and its effective image stabilization allows for sharp images even at slower shutter stops. When paired with top-spec lenses, it produces some of the sharpest and most detailed stills I’ve ever seen.

While the A7R V comes with a high price tag, it generally delivers the best results for professionals who need a complete package. The sharper EVF and improved framing make composing shots easy, and despite the massive sensor pixels, it manages to work effectively without the typical drawbacks of high-resolution sensors. In this review, I find that the A7R V takes up the mantle from the A7R IV and solves many of its shortcomings.

Though it’s not perfect—the eight frames per second burst rate could be faster it adds heavily to your capabilities. There’s better value here than elsewhere for those who shoot landscape or studio work and require a full-frame camera that can capture images with unmatched clarity.

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

As a beginner searching for the best camera, the Canon EOS R10 is a versatile option that won’t disappoint. This mirrorless camera is the spiritual successor to Canon’s popular mid-range DSLRs, bringing impressive features at an unheard-of price. In my autofocus testing, the R10 consistently tracked subjects’ eyes, including cats, deer, and even a rapid cockapoodle, achieving a decent hit rate at 15fps burst speeds. This makes it ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects, such as speeding pets or capturing sharp portraits.

The EOS R10 is a compact camera, weighing just 429g, yet it feels well-balanced in the hand thanks to its deep grip. While it lacks in-body image stabilization, you can still be pleased with the results using native lenses—though there are only two available at the time of writing. Fortunately, you can adapt full-frame RF lenses or even older ones with the EF-EOS R adapter, making this camera a versatile sidekick for fledgling snappers. Despite some limitations, the Canon EOS R10 stands out for its standout skills in subject-tracking autofocus and 15fps burst shooting, features rarely seen at this price point.

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

In my review, I was impressed by the Canon EOS R7 during real-world tests. This crop sensor camera offers superb autofocus performance and excellent in-body image stabilization, making it a tidy all-rounder. With its 32.5MP sensor, it delivers class-leading detail that rivals its full-frame cousins. The EOS R7 produces lovely images across a range of scenarios, even giving an edge in low-light conditions. For sports and wildlife enthusiasts, the 30 fps burst speeds are a significant advantage.

In my tests, I found the EOS R7 a comfortable camera to hold and use, thanks to its decent grip and generous spread of direct-access controls. The inclusion of dual UHS-II card slots is a welcome bonus, and it can record uncropped 4K/60p video output. However, a major drawback present is the continued lack of native lenses, which might make you consider alternative APS-C cameras like the Sony A6700, Fuji X-S20, or Fujifilm X-T5. Despite this, the EOS R7 remains a tidy all-rounder for enthusiasts seeking high performance.

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

For enthusiasts who enjoy being outdoors and capturing moments, the OM System has built a solid reputation for offering cameras that don’t demand the bulk of a full-frame camera. The OM-1 II, a flagship MFT model, is perfect for those who seek a lightweight system without compromising performance. With its rugged build and compact design, this camera suits outdoors photographers who appreciate both size and versatility. At the core is the impressive Micro Four Thirds sensor, paired with the fast TruePix X processor. These features provide an exceptional handheld experience, making it a favorite for wildlife photography. Its advanced subject detection modes and smart autofocus system are particularly helpful for bird photography.

The OM-1 II is unique because it has a mix of computational photography settings and features that are meant to work around the camera’s smaller sensor. It has great modes, such as High Res Shot, Live ND, and Focus Stacking, that make the finished picture look much better. One feature that really stands out is the Live Grad ND, which is a graduated filter that works great for landscape photos because it lets you make smooth changes in brightness. The camera does very well in bright situations, but when compared to full-frame competitors, it struggles in low light.

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

For most people seeking the best compact camera for photography, the Fujifilm X100VI is the best choice. The viral success of its predecessor, the out-of-stock Fujifilm X100V, led to unprecedented pre-order numbers, which significantly reduced delivery wait times. The latest model is nearly identical in its retro style, fixed 23mm f/2 lens, and pocket-friendly design that photographers love. The innovative hybrid viewfinder is a joy to use—give it a spin, and you’ll see why.

Inside, there are big improvements: the camera boosts resolution to 40MP, and for the first time in the X100 series, it features in-body image stabilization, the most needed feature for a street photography camera. It also comes armed with 6.2K 10-bit video, making it a more capable filmmaking tool. Borrowed from the Fujifilm X-T5, it includes Fujifilm’s best autofocus. While the X100V’s 26MP was plenty enough, the increased pixel count offers extra resolution for greater flexibility when cropping your pictures.

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

As a photographer always seeking fantastic value, I discovered the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV to be a gem. It may not be the latest Micro Four Thirds model on the market, but it’s a travel-friendly option for shooting impressive stills. The Mark IV is the result of careful refinement over several generations, featuring a generous feature set and compatibility with hundreds of affordable lenses. In my experience, its 20MP sensor enables the capture of greater dynamic range than smartphones or compact cameras.

During testing, I was very impressed with its five-axis in-body image stabilization, giving it an edge over rivals like the Fujifilm X-T200, especially when shooting handheld. The intuitive button layout makes it an approachable camera for beginners, and the 3-inch touchscreen enhances usability. While there are video limitations—such as the lack of microphone input and a 4K/30p cap—which hold it back from competing with hybrids, the E-M10 Mark IV remains an appealingly portable, affordable photography upgrade.

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

For photographers who prefer DSLRs over mirrorless cameras, the Nikon D7500 is the best one you can find available new. As the only remaining Nikon camera of its kind with an APS-C sensor, it’s perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Its 20.9MP sensor delivers excellent low-light performance, and I’ve found its superb handling to be a real advantage. The camera features a tilt touchscreen, rugged build, and a large optical viewfinder, making it enjoyable to use in various conditions. With 8fps burst shooting and a mirrorless-camera-beat battery life, rated at just under 1,000 shots, it offers superior battery life compared to many competitors. Plus, it’s currently on sale for under $1,000/£1,000, which is great value.

One of the key benefits of the D7500 is the huge choice of Nikon F-mount lenses available, many at great value when bought second hand. If you’re starting out, I recommend buying the versatile 18-140mm lens kit, which includes handy vibration reduction for very little extra cost. While it’s not as travel-friendly camera as some mirrorless alternatives like the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV, the D7500 is a brilliant way to learn the photographic basics, start your new hobby, and up your skills.

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

While its photo quality can’t compete with more advanced cameras in the present company, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is an affordable, easy to use, and fun to shoot with instant camera that’s a real winner. Building on everything we loved about the Instax Mini 11, it’s simple for beginners to create small, vibrant, printed snaps. It benefits from parallax correction, a useful addition that ensures what you see in the framing is closer to what gets printed. Fujifilm has repositioned the exposure sensor for more accurate readings, though it may still overexposes in bright sunlight. The design can be a bit slippery to handle, but the lens controls are more intuitive than before.

To turn on the camera, simply twist its lens, and to activate the close-up mode, just pull it. This straightforward setup makes it appealing for parties, kids, and anyone looking for effortless shooting. When you factor in the affordable cost of film refills, it’s easy to see why this camera is a favorite. Personally, I’ve found it brings a lot of joy to casual photography.

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

The Nikon Z9 is a fantastic choice for discerning photographers who engage in intensive sports and wildlife action. As the first pro-grade camera without a mechanical shutter, it was a groundbreaking model at launch. Subsequent firmware releases have only made it better, enhancing its performance. With reliable Eye AF tracking, the Z9 excels at capturing crisp video in 8K/60p or 4K/120fps. Our tests confirmed its stills are fantastic, thanks to the 45.7MP stacked CMOS sensor and excellent image stabilization, which produce beautiful images.

However, the price is a major drawback, as the Z9’s form factor makes it a big, heavyweight beast. The two-way tilting touchscreen adds welcome versatility along with the vertical grip and weather-sealing, reflecting Nikon’s trademark build quality. For those seeking smaller, more affordable options, alternatives like the Nikon’s own Z7 II offer the same level of detail in a tidier package. Despite its size, the Z9’s flagship features make it a top choice for serious photographers.

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

For photography purists looking for the very best image quality, the Hasselblad X2D 100C stands out in 2024. This camera is all about focusing purely on taking pictures without any distractions like video features. With a 100MP medium format sensor, the images you get are rich in detail and offer exceptional color rendition. The simplistic design and thoughtful ergonomics make it a joy to use, while the in-body image stabilization allows you to shoot without a tripod. Plus, the built-in 1TB SSD storage means you won’t be scrambling for extra memory cards. The Hasselblad truly provides an unmatched experience for those who value quality over features.

Of course, there are some drawbacks to consider. The burst shooting maxes out at 3.3fps, which isn’t great if you’re after action shots. Even with speed enhancements, the autofocus feels a bit behind compared to the latest mirrorless models. The native lens range also lacks a proper telephoto option, which limits versatility. However, for those with a winning lottery ticket, the X2D is one of our favorite medium format cameras. It may occupy a narrow niche, but for pure image lovers, it’s worth every penny.

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a great choice for dedicated shooters trying to improve their photography. Though it yields great results, this DSLR model is a real investment. The 30.4MP full-frame sensor, which records outstanding degrees of detail, is one of its strongest suit. You’ll value the dynamic range that improves colors and contrast whether you’re photographing landscapes or portraits. The Mark IV is better in high ISO performance than the Canon EOS 5D Mark III, hence it is perfect for low-light conditions. The AF tracking, which guarantees clear shots every time by focusing consistently—especially at the center of the frame—also catches attention.

The touchscreen interface gives a modern touch even without a vari-angle display, which facilitates mobile setting navigation. For those who would like create images the conventional manner, the camera also features a huge viewfinder—a dream. If you enjoy videography, nevertheless, you should be aware that the 1.64x crop on 4K footage could be restricting. Still, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a flexible DSLR ideal for experts mostly concerned in photography.

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

Choosing the best camera for taking pictures in 2024 is easier with the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and Sony α7 IV. The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is a hybrid model ideal for enthusiasts and pros alike. It is a well-rounded camera that handles a wide range of photography styles, from portraits to action shots. This camera is sturdy and weather-sealed, ensuring it withstands different environments. With excellent ergonomics and a built full-frame sensor, it offers great dynamic range and low-light noise handling. The in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system provides steadier handheld shots at slower shutter speeds, while the autofocus tracking system keeps your subjects sharp.

The Sony α7 IV stands neck and neck with the Canon, offering a higher-resolution sensor and a strong established lens ecosystem with many native lens options and third-party lens options. It supports up to 40 fps with burst shooting using the electronic shutter, though the max burst rate decreases to 6 fps when shooting uncompressed RAW files. Both cameras are top-of-their-class cameras, suitable for hobbyists and professionals who need a versatile all-arounder. Despite the Sony α7 IV having slightly less ergonomics, it remains a favorite for those who value a wide range of features and high performance.

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

In 2024, the Sony α6700 is the best mid-range camera for shooters. The 26-megapixel APS-C sensor in this combination model makes the pictures look great. It’s easy to carry around and has a long battery life, so it’s great for long days on the go. The autofocus system is very modern and uses AI to find and track subjects, so every picture is clear. The IBIS also makes it stable to take pictures while holding the camera, even at slower frame speeds. The Sony α6700 is very flexible and can be used for a wide range of photography styles thanks to its many compatible lenses and affordable third-party choices.

The Fujifilm X-S20 is a great option for people who don’t want to work with RAW files. It has JPEG processing and film simulation settings, which let people share photos straight from the camera. The IBIS system and high-resolution APS-C sensor help you take beautiful pictures in a range of lighting situations. Its focusing isn’t as good as Sony’s, but it’s good for taking pictures of sports and wildlife. The Sony α6700 and the Fujifilm X-S20 are both top-of-the-line cameras that are great for both amateurs and professionals because they are both high-performing and affordable.

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

The Canon EOS R50 is a great budget option for beginner photographers looking to experiment with different photography styles. Its simple and intuitive controls make it easy-to-use, allowing novices to start learning the ropes quickly. Equipped with a reliable autofocus system and creative shooting modes, this versatile camera is perfect for street photography, travel, and more. Its portable design ensures you can carry it comfortably, while the comprehensive features cater to various photography styles. Additionally, the AF on the R50 is accurate, providing sharp images every time.

For those interested in expanding their gear, the Canon EOS R50 uses the same lens mount as full-frame Canons, such as the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, making it easy to upgrade to a full-frame body down the line. Another excellent choice is the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV, especially if you prefer the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system. This portable camera boasts a well-established lineup of lenses, though its autofocus system is much less reliable than the AF on the R50. Despite its cramped ergonomics, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV remains a decent camera for novice photographers who value a creative, ergonomic design and a comprehensive set of features.